TAFE NSW, the Sea Heritage Foundation, Tribal Warrior and Prince’s Trust Australia have just launched a first-of-its-kind Get Into Maritime course in Sydney for First Nations students.

After a two-day 'taster' programme led by Prince's Trust Australia, the eight-week TAFE NSW course will provide First Nations students with job-ready training and pathways for a career on the sea. The hands-on course is taking place in North Sydney on the historic lighthouse keepership, the MV Cape Don.

Auntie Donna and Dave Barnett from Tribal Warrior greatly honoured students and guests with a welcome to beautiful Cammeraygal country, and a smoking ceremony. The programme is being delivered by TAFE NSW, the Sea Heritage Foundation, Tribal Warrior and Prince’s Trust Australia.

On the first day, Prince’s Trust Australia’s Director for Young People, Dean Delia guided students through self-discovery, 'enterprise skill' development and purposeful careers education -all grounded in our Achieve framework.

The second day was full of action, with students jumping on board the 75-metre ship and engaging in a tour, briefings, knot lessons and other practical activities.

“I had no idea what I was going to do with my life but after two days, I can see myself doing this in the future. It was amazing.”
– Get Into Maritime participant (Archie, 17)

CJ Manjarres-Wahlberg, Chairman and codirector of the Sea Heritage Foundation said,

"I pursued this project because I wanted to be part of something positive to create a meaningful future for Indigenous Australians on board the MV Cape Don. Where living history becomes the future and we create social and economic change within an inclusive supportive community engagement space for all Australians regardless of race, religion, colour or sexual orientation."

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Prince's Trust Australia's Dean Delia said,

"Through this initiative, we were able to take Prince's Trust Australia's home grown Achieve Framework beyond the classroom and apply it to support the needs of young people from a range of backgrounds and walks of life. The highlight for me was having the opportunity to meet and learn from the participants. It was an absolute privilege to spend two days sharing stories, developing skills and building connections with this incredible group of aspiring leaders."

We look forward to following the students on their maritime journey! Meanwhile, the Sea Heritage Foundation is working hard at restoring the ship to its former glory.

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SPECIAL THANKS

Thank you Auntie Donna and Dave Barnett from Tribal Warrior; to Carol-Ann Flanagan, Fiona Frail, Karen Davies and Mario Murzello from TAFE NSW for their dedication to this programme and to CJ Manjarres-Wahlberg, Chairman and co-director of the Sea Heritage Foundation.

Thanks to the welcoming and professional MV Cape Don crew Rick, Daniel, Tanya and Jesse; to Chris Duckett who mentored the students throughout the introductory days of the course. As an Aboriginal man and merchant seamen/Integrated Rating currently working for NSW's Maritime Environmental Services Division, his knowledge and experiences were an asset to the 'taster' programme.  And to the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability for their support and hospitality.  

Dr Haruhisa Handa’s Worldwide Support for Development is a proud supporter of the Get Into Maritime project. Prince’s Trust Australia thanks our patron Dr Handa for his ongoing support.