In a first for the Fremantle district, ninety, Year 11 students are developing their leadership skills and volunteering to assist in refit work currently underway on Sail Training Ship Leeuwin.

The students are taking part in the City of Fremantle Youth Leadership Program, a partnership between the City of Fremantle, Fremantle Ports, the Department of Education Fremantle District and Challenger TAFE.

The 12 month program involves the students undertaking leadership training at Challenger TAFE, volunteering for refit work on the STS Leeuwin and participating in a youth leadership day-sail, sponsored by Fremantle Ports.

Fremantle Mayor, Peter Tagliaferri, said the program brought together a range of organisations with an interest in developing strong leadership qualities in the community and particularly in young people.

Young people are the community leaders of tomorrow and this program endeavours to provide students with leadership skills and practical ways to use them, Mayor Tagliaferri said.

This program exposes students to new and challenging situations, such as volunteering to work on the Sail Training Ship Leeuwin refit, where they can test their new skills while developing a strong community spirit.

The program has attracted a Federal government grant which is administered by the City of Fremantle. The grant is being used to fund a part-time program coordinator.

Fremantle Ports Chief Executive, Kerry Sanderson, said Fremantle Ports suggested the partnership as a way to develop youth leadership skills in the community and to encourage an interest in the maritime industry.

We believe that the community benefits from leadership at all levels and the Leeuwins sail training develops young people through the experiences life on-board ship can offer, Kerry Sanderson said.

In working on the refit, the students are learning real skills, the value of volunteering and gaining working experience which will make for a smoother transition between school and working life. Leeuwin benefits also as many hands make light work.

Fremantle Ports involvement in the City of Fremantle Youth Leadership Program is a continuation of our support for STS Leeuwin and for education initiatives.

Willetton Senior High School Students are currently working on STS Leeuwin as part of the program and other schools will be volunteering to work on future refit work.

Media contact:  Tim Walton  9430 3459