The Young Endeavour docked in Hobart today, with Aboriginal woman Deanna Kennedy, from Katherine in the Northern Territory, among the crew who sailed from Melbourne to Hobart.

Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Senator Nigel Scullion and Liberal Senator for Tasmania and Deputy President of the Senate, Stephen Parry were among the crowd to greet the crew, and congratulated Deanna for taking part.

“I personally sponsored Deanna to assist with the cost of the voyage I think this is an investment in the future as she takes the leadership skills she learnt on the voyage back to Katherine and I hope she encourages people in Katherine to take this wonderful opportunity on the Young Endeavour.  My practice, where I can, is to assist Territorians taking part in a variety of sporting, cultural, educational and other activities,” Senator Scullion said.

“I participated on a full voyage of the Young Endeavour as part of the Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program and I understand the challenges and the values of the voyage. I thank the Young Endeavour for the invite to welcome her to Hobart today,” Senator Scullion said.

Senator Parry said he was delighted to welcome the Young Endeavour to Tasmania as part of the International Tall Ship Festival being held today.

“The Tall Ship Festival is a wonderful event for Tasmania,” Senator Parry said.

“I commend Nigel Scullion for his financial support of Deanna’s voyage experience.  I know how valuable the Young Endeavour experience is as one of my sons, James, has also been a participant in the past.

“The involvement of the Young Endeavour provides another opportunity to showcase its role in teaching teamwork, leadership and responsibility  to our young people, Deanna among them who will take her leadership skills back  to her home town” Senator Parry said.