Alma Doepel bunk sponsorship program off to a good start

By Bill Reid

Down in Docklands under the Bolte Bridge, there is an exciting project under way – the restoration of the “last of her kind” Australian-built, three-masted tall ship.

The Alma Doepel was built in Bellingen NSW in 1903 by Frederik Doepel and named after his youngest daughter Alma.

The Alma Doepel restoration is asking for sponsors to help with the restoration of bunks that provide accommodation to young trainees participating in future youth development voyage programs.

Melbourne Rotary Clubs are stepping forward to sponsor bunks along with community banks.

On Saturday, March 11, Alma Doepel volunteers held an open day with a barbecue to host the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians, during which Bill Chapman presented a cheque to restoration director Dr Peter Harris OAM.

This is the third bunk sponsorship by Rotary Clubs. Rotary Clubs of Moorabbin and Hawthorn have each sponsored a bunk along with community banks – Valley Community Financial Services (two bunks) and Community Bank Murrumbeena (one bunk). A huge thank you to those organisations for their support.

The bunk sponsorship program invites organisations and individuals with an interest in youth to sponsor the restoration and installation of 36 bunks and eight bathrooms below deck to accommodate young people from a diverse range of backgrounds to participate in development voyages onboard the Alma Doepel.

These voyages provide a unique opportunity for young people to emerge from their comfort zones to challenge themselves in a way that enables them to grow as a person raising their self-esteem as they realise their full potential.

If you want to know more about the bunk sponsorship program, please contact [email protected]

If you are interested in a tour of the Alma Doepel restoration, bookings can be made any day of the week (except Sunday). Please contact [email protected].

On Sunday, May 7 Alma Doepel restoration opens her doors to the public as part of the Australian Heritage Festival. Everyone is welcome. Bookings via TryBooking: trybooking.com/CGAEQ •