On 25 January 2008, a celebration was held to mark the twentieth anniversary of the handover of the ship from the British Government to the people of Australia.
Held at the Royal Australian Heritage Centre, Garden Island, Sydney, the occasion was attended by the Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Nigel Coates AM, RAN, past executives of the Scheme Mrs Julie Molloy and Ms Margie Powell, and past Young Endeavour youth crew who sailed in Young Endeavour on one of the many voyages over the past 20 years.
During the ceremony a letter was presented to the Deputy Consul General, British Consulate, Paul Noon, by current youth crew, informing the British Government of the great success this inspirational gift has been for the youth of Australia.
In marking the occassion, Mr Achim Drescher, Chairman of the Young Endeavour Advisory Board, noted that the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme had equipped a generation of young people to realise their potential and their ability to make a positive contributino to their community:
This celebration focuses our attention on the past while also turning our thoughts to the future.
To the participants, organisers, mentors, planners and financiers, the courageous commanding officers, the seafarers, the parents and the young adventurers…
I acknowledge you all — in your own connection with the Young Endeavour where you have provided your time, expertise and enthusiasm and gained so much in return.
Because in essence, what we all share is a commitment to the development of the youth of Australia.
The development program conducted onboard Young Endeavour is about providing the skills to our young people who will go on to make valuable contributions to their family, their employer, their community and their country. Investing in our youth in this way is an investment in the future of Australia.
Your ongoing support of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme contributes to the development of young Australians who have the potential to become outstanding citizens and our future leaders.
Achim Drescher
Chairman
Young Endeavour Advisory Board