$40K raised for Alma

Docklands’ beloved tall ship Alma Doepel is $40,000 closer to returning to water.

The project’s annual fundraising gala luncheon on Friday, August 16 helped the restoration team draw closer to its dream of returning the ship to the water as a youth training vessel.

With channel Nine’s Brett McLeod filling in as MC for his colleague and long-time Alma supporter Peter Hitchener, a full house gathered for lunch at the Hotel Windsor as part of the event, which featured guest speakers, a raffle and silent and live auctions.

Guests heard from former Alma voyager Matt McDonald and former Young Endeavour (a tall ship based in Sydney) youth sail training voyager Shae White, who both shared inspiring stories of their experiences, giving insight into what a restored Alma could offer the next generation.

“As a youth living in the country, I find that there are few opportunities to have experiences like this [Young Endeavour] that help us develop as who we are,” Ms White said. “However, the Young Endeavour and future similar programs upon the Alma Doepel provide life-changing opportunities, which enable a diverse group of youth to collaborate.”

Former chief of the Australian Navy vice admiral Tim Barrett featured as the event’s main guest speaker on the day, providing an interesting and inspiring overview of how the navy’s work impacts our everyday lives. From security and major operations to trade and communications, his speech was another stark reminder of just how important youth sail training vessels like Alma were for the future.

“Leadership at sea is resilience, teamwork and self-confidence. That’s it,” he said.

The lunch took the funds raised within $300,000 of returning to water. To donate and find out more information visit almadoepel.com.au