The Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation emerges from voluntary administration with strong community backing

26 Mar 2024 – The community of Western Australia has united in support for the State’s iconic tall ship, STS Leeuwin II (Leeuwin).

The largest sail-training ship of its kind in Australia, the Leeuwin is owned and operated by the registered charity, Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation (LOAF), which today announced it had come out of voluntary administration.

Minderoo Foundation, through a $3.5 million grant, along with partners the Department of Communities, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Fremantle Ports will support the Leeuwin to stay afloat.

Minderoo Foundation Chair and Co-Founder, Dr Andrew Forrest AO, said: “It is wonderful to see the Leeuwin set free and sailing into the future. We want to see this incredible organisation continue to provide benefits to all West Australians including young people.

“The Leeuwin not only provides young West Australians with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate leadership, courage and resilience, it forges a deep appreciation of the ocean. That’s why we are providing support to stabilise operations and calling on others to lean in and do the same.”

The Leeuwin is a working ship and since 1986 has provided sailing adventures for more than 40,000 people. All participants become part of the ship’s team, including sailing, steering, navigating, cleaning the ship and even climbing the mast.

“Young Western Australians, and indeed people from around the world, have enjoyed a life-changing stint on the Leeuwin and we feel it’s important that experience remains accessible for future generations,” Minderoo Foundation Co-Founder Nicola Forrest AO said.

“It is a State treasure which needs the continued support of the corporate and philanthropic community to continue to make a difference.”

To support the LOAF moving forward, a new board of directors will be appointed, led by new Chairperson Jay Weatherill AO, the former Premier of South Australia.

LOAF chief executive Annette Harwood thanked her staff, volunteers and partners for continuing to support LOAF.

“I would like to acknowledge our dedicated team at Leeuwin for their hard work and commitment to successfully relaunching the voyages we offer,” Ms Harwood said. “Our incredible volunteers serve as fantastic role models for the community and selflessly give up their time to provide young people with this incredible experience.

“Thanks to our partners, we now have an opportunity to explore new ways to engage young people and provide them with memorable experiences that they can carry into the future, and do this in a sustainable manner.”

Fremantle Ports manager of communications and community Neil Stanbury said his organisation had been a proud major sponsor of the LOAF for many years.

“We recognise and value how the organisation supports and provides a life-changing experience for young people, building resilience and boosting their employability and opportunities for the future,” he said. “As part of our sponsorship commitment, STS Leeuwin II is proudly berthed on Victoria Quay and is a wonderful tourist attraction.”