THEY were all worthy nominees, but six young people in particular wore beaming smiles at the end of a special ceremony on Thursday night.
Conor Edwards, Ethan Hansia, Jake Speck, Paige Haydon, Brianna Denley and Elizabeth Croaker have been picked to embark on an amazing sailing journey in 2017 as part of Upper Hunter Shire Council’s Young Endeavour Scheme.
A crowd of more than 50 people gathered at Scone Race Club to acknowledge all of the 22 nominees for their efforts.
The six winners will go on an 11-day day voyage with other young Australians, learning how to sail a 44-metre tall ship and how to work together as a team.
Scone High School’s Jake Speck said he was looking forward to the experience.
“From what I've heard, it’s going to be something that will stick with me for a long time,” he said.
“Just seeing new places and meeting new people will be great.
“It’s something different, especially coming from the country, so I’m really keen to get out on the water.”
Council has supported this program, with the help of the Upper Hunter community, since 1998.
Over this time, nearly 80 Upper Hunter residents have been able to take the Young Endeavour voyage.
Local organisations that support the program include: Gold Sponsors – Scone RSL Club, Scone Race Club, Scone Lions Club, AGL Macquarie and Riversdale Farm; Silver Sponsors - Melanie’s Matthews Family Jewellers, Scone and District CWA, the Lions Club of Aberdeen, the Bedggood family, Errol and Beryl Bates, Scone Motor Inn; and Bronze Sponsors - the St Luke’s Women’s Guild, the Merriwa District Progress Association and Murrurundi Rotary Club.
