Landbridge Australia is pleased to support Clontarf Foundation student Bundharra (Bundy) Wightman who successfully completed his Young Endeavour voyage. Hailing from Wilsonton State High in Toowoomba, Bundy began the 10-day journey in Gladstone, arriving at the Bulimba Naval Base on Friday 19 July.
Bundy said he was extremely grateful for the opportunity to sail with The Young Endeavour.
“This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, that provided me with experiences, I never thought were possible,” he said.
“I was the only Aboriginal person aboard the vessel, which combined with the first hours of trying to find my sea legs, proved that this journey was sure to challenge me and push me to find new strengths within myself.
“This experience taught me knowledge about nautical navigation and the importance of teamwork and how to deal with situations outside of my comfort zone.”
Bundy said the journey went quickly and command day was soon upon them. Command day sees the ship’s head crew completely abandoning ship, leaving the youthful crew of 27, to rely on their newly built nautical skills to safely steer the vessel to its next anchorage point.
“The responsibilities of each crew member were selected at random and mine was to be the chef. Cooking for a large group of hungry and ravenous sailors, all with dietary needs was complex but let’s just say, the chicken pesto reigned supreme and all went to bed satisfied with full bellies,” he said.
Landbridge Australia’s Managing Director, Mike Hughes, said this is the third time the company has offered a student the life changing opportunity to sail on the Young Endeavour.
“This year, we are delighted to again give the opportunity to a Clontarf Foundation student,” he said.
“Landbridge has a long-standing relationship with the Clontarf Foundation and our sponsorship of Bundharra’s Young Endeavour journey is just one of the many activities that takes place during the year.
“The Clontarf Foundation is making a significant contribution to the lives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men through their program, which does a fantastic job to help build the confidence and self-esteem of these young men.”
Bundharra said the experience will stay with him for the rest of his life.
“I may have left the Young Endeavour, but the Young Endeavour will never leave me. I have left with new skills, improved persistence, resilience and adaptability and generally knowing that I am more capable than I ever thought.”
The Clontarf Foundation exists to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and by doing so equips them to participate meaningfully in society.