Two Nudgee Old Boys were chosen to represent Australia as cultural ambassadors in the 19th Ship of the World international exchange program organized and funded by the Japanese government. Adam Woods and Scott Buchannan left for Japan in early February. This year marks Australia’s 11th participation in this program.
This program brings together 250 young people from around the world to learn and share ideas about cooperation and understanding. Adam and Scott represented Queensland as part of a group of 11 Australians who travelled on board the Cruise Ship, ‘Nippon Maru’. On this voyage they were involved in a range of activities aimed at fostering cultural sensitivity. On February 5th the ship docked in Brisbane where it remained until February 8th thus affording all those aboard an opportunity to experience something of the atmosphere and culture of Brisbane.
Students of Nudgee as well as a number of Old Boys and friends greeted the ship. A party from the ship was taken on a tour of Nudgee. The Principal, Daryl Hanly and the then President of the NCOBA attended official functions on the ‘Nippon Maru’. Our association presented the two with gifts to be presented to Japanese government officials. Adam and Scott have a varied but equally comprehensive background as is illustrated by the following summary.
Adam born in 1980 lives in Brisbane where he works as ‘Youth Support Coordinator’ with young people at risk, with an organization called ‘Community Connections’. He is currently completing his Masters of Social Work at University of Queensland and has been involved with young people not only through his professional role but also as a volunteer. He was a member of a ‘Young Endeavour Group’s’ sailing voyage in 2003 and worked as a volunteer member of a Philippines Youth Initiative run by Australian Volunteer International.
Adam spent three months working as a part of a ten-person team of Australian volunteers with an Indigenous community in the Philippines, helping the locals in areas such as health promotion and youth development.
Also passionate about issues facing young indigenous Australians, he has participated in an Indigenous Reconciliation learning circle. Currently working with young indigenous people, communities and schools, he helps them maintain their connection with education and training.
Scott born in 1986, grew up on a cattle station in rural Queensland is now completing a dual Bachelor Degree in Economics and Arts at the University of Queensland.
He has been actively involved in a range of youth and other organizations and events such as:
United Nations Youth Association as the Queensland President and an Australian Ambassador, National Youth Week Campaign, Queensland Student Leadership Forum and many other university related and international programs such as the London International Youth Science Forum.
Through his involvement in those organizations, travels and studies, he has been exposed to various cultural experiences and developed serious interest in Japan and its culture.
We look forward to publishing reports from both of these Old Boys regarding their trip and the rich experiences they have shared with all involved.

Adam and Scott arrive in Brisbane.





The ‘Nippon Maru’, the Japanese government cruise ship on which two Nudgee Old Boys have taken part in the Ships of the World Program.





Nudgee student welcome ‘Nippon Maru.





Nippon Maru docks in Brisbane.