COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY 

Local Employment

Our dedicated team of passionate local staff proudly provide an authentic, local insight into the areas we explore.  Pennicott Wilderness Journeys endeavours to deliver a work/life balance for its staff and the business provides training and development opportunities. The company's workforce continues to grow each year, with very low staff turnover.

Local Purchases

We purchase goods and services from local suppliers where possible.  Last year 78% of all purchases were through local suppliers, a $3.2 Million direct injection into the regional economy.  We showcase and promote local cafes, providores and tourist attractions as part of our tours.  Our retail outlets in Adventure Bay, Port Arthur and Hobart showcase local jewellery, books, clothing, cards, photography, artwork, woodwork and produce.

Supporting Schools

Discounted Cruises - Each year we host a considerable number of primary, secondary, TAFE and university groups on our cruises.  Pennicott Wilderness Journeys provides at or below-cost rates for school groups.  We deliver an interpretation customised to the age of the students, deepening the understanding and connection with the environment, inspiring students to ensure a sustainable future for the environment and the community.

Work Experience Students - Each year we also host many work experience students from over 20 schools including local high school, college, TAFE and university.  Over a week's placement they spend time on our tour buses, boats, the office and restaurant.  This gives a greater understanding of the different aspects involved in a tourism business.

Bruny Island Learn to Swim Program - for over a decade, Bruny Island Cruises has provided an annual donation to cover the cost of the Bruny Island District School's learn to swim program.  We provide heavily discounted cruises to local schools and sponsor an annual leadership award at the Woodbridge School.  

CanTeen

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is a long-standing contributor towards the important work of CanTeen. Each year we provide a free boat to allow groups of 40 young Tasmanians got a much needed break from the daily stresses of cancer at the CanTeen Spring Program. Last year Pennicott Wilderness Journeys donated a 2.5 hour adventure cruise from the Hobart waterfront to the campsite jetty. The 12-24 year-olds had the opportunity to meet and support other young people in similar situations, share their cancer experiences, take part in psychosocial focused discussions and workshops and, importantly, have fun together. 

"CanTeen programs give young people the chance to make new friends, develop skills to cope with their cancer experience and have some much needed fun.  Our Spring Program is the biggest we deliver and we're incredibly grateful to Pennicott Wilderness Journeys who have been donating their amazing adventure cruises to us for more than seven years."  Nathan Chapman, Manager CanTeen Tasmania

Diabetes Tasmania & Schools Triathlon Challenge

The Pennicott Foundation is a major sponsor of Diabetes Tasmania through the support of a variety of projects that encourage students to live healthy. This culminates in the Schools Triathlon Challenge event that gives an opportunity for 5,000 Tasmanian school students to participate in a social triathlon. It is totally focused on participation, fun, enjoyment, getting students active and providing an individual challenge in a safe environment.  The event is suitable for all fitness levels and everyone from grades 3 to 12 are encouraged to give it a go!  There are plans to replicate this successful event in other states across Australia, which is very exciting.

More information at www.schoolstriathlonchallenge.com

Follow the Yellow Boat Road

In 2011, Robert Pennicott circumnavigated Australia in a 5.4m inflatable dinghy with his Operations Manager Mick and cameraman Zorro Gamarnik.  It was a gruelling 12,000 mile journey that took the trio 101 days to complete. They became the first to circumnavigate Australia (including Tasmania) in an outboard driven vessel.

The journey raised $300,000 for conservation and to assist Rotary's global campaign to eradicate polio from the world. The cost of the trip was funded entirely by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys and sponsors, so every cent donated went directly to the cause.

In port towns across the country the team spoke at media events, Rotary clubs and public forums to raise funds and awareness.  Their journey brought considerable media attention to Rotary's long-standing campaign to eradicate Polio, reaching a global audience of over 20 million. One month after the trio completed their circumnavigation, the Australian Prime Minister pledged $50 million to Global Polio Eradication.  

More about the journey online at www.FollowTheYellowBoatRoad.com

Bookend Trust

The Bookend Trust is a not-for-profit educational initiative that seeks to inspire students and their communities with the positive environmental careers they can build by making the world a better place. Bookend operates a variety of programs that deliver real environmental outcomes and educational benefits for students in primary, secondary and tertiary education.

Menzies Institute for Medical Research

The Pennicott Foundation also supports the important work of the Menzies Institute for Medical Research by providing a research scholarship for a PhD student.  

The current recipient is working on identifying genetic risk factors for keratoconus which is an eye disease that affects the cornea at the front of the eye.  They are using genome sequencing technologies to identify new genes that cause keratoconus in large families, as well as conducting detailed genetic analysis of several genes already thought to be involved.  This work is contributing to increased understanding of the genetics of keratoconus and the molecular causes of this blinding disease.

Rescues

Every year Pennicott Wilderness Journeys assists with a considerable number of rescues.  Over the years this has included rescuing individuals from overturned boats, towing vessels in distress, rescuing kayakers, medical evacuations  and many more.  

"During the Maria Island Yacht Race on Saturday morning a crew member on our yacht suffered an injury that required immediate medical attention.  I take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge the assistance given by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, who made one of their boats available to get our crew member to shore."

One poignant example was during the devastating bushfire emergency which left the Tasman Peninsula isolated for days.  Pennicott Wilderness Journeys evacuated 380 tourists, residents, their pets and possessions. 

Donations & Sponsorships

The Company provides donations and sponsorships to a wide range of community groups. Last year Pennicott Wilderness Journeys supported more than 300 festivals, events, charities, schools, sports clubs and community groups.

Rotary Club of Kingston

“The Rotary Club of Kingston Recently conducted a very enjoyable Quiz Night. This event rose well over $3,000 to use towards local Kingston Rotary projects.”

Glenorchy Community Fund

‘This year’s dinner was attended by just over 200 people who contributed to us raising over $15,000.”

Colony 47

“Your fantastic donation was a much sought after raffle item and a wonderful contribution to the success of the evening. Colony 47 is very grateful for the ongoing support we receive from Pennicott Wilderness Journeys.”

Sorell RSL

“On behalf of the Sorell RSL Social committee and in conjunction with Give Me 5 for Kids and Heart 107.3, we would like to thank you for your generous donation, which went towards our fundraising throughout the month of June, to support sick children at the Royal Hobart Hospital”

View Clubs of Australia

“We raised nearly $7000 in this year’s annual event and all the proceeds will be used to provide scholarships to help disadvantaged students remain at school.”

Lifeline

“This money will be used to continue and further develop our crisis support for suicide prevention services. These services are vital to our community and we couldn’t maintain them without your support.” 

Cancer Council Tasmania  

“On behalf of the Cancer Council Tasmania, thank you for generously donating to our fundraising efforts for the Tuxedo Junction Gala Ball. This event was a celebration of 20 years of Cancer Council Tasmania growing hope in the state and we couldn’t have done it without you.”

Huon Anglican Church

“Your Donation was one of many that helped us to raise funds and prepare a delicious and joyful Christmas lunch. All members of the community were invited, particularly those who, for a variety of reasons, would have struggled to have their own celebrations.

St Cuthbert’s Catholic School

“I express our sincere gratitude for your generous donation towards our recent Quiz Night and Auction Fundraiser or Alexander Harris. This event was an overwhelming success, raising more than 23,000. The proceeds of this fundraiser have assisted the Harris family to access the medical treatment for Alexander.” 

Amnesty International Tasmania

At the end of last year, you donated prizes to the Amnesty International Branch Committee of Tasmania’s annual Quiz Night, and we are writing to extend our thanks to you! With your help, the night was a success, all those involved had fun and learned a thing or two about human rights, and we raised just over $2000.