Tribal Warrior facts for kids
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| Type | Non Government Organisation |
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| Location | |
| Services | Aboriginal support programs and Cruise Company |
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Chairman & CEO
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Shane Phillips |
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Founding member
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Uncle Max Eulo |
The Tribal Warrior is an Aboriginal company located in Redfern, New South Wales, Australia. It works to support Indigenous communities and share their culture.
What Tribal Warrior Does
Tribal Warrior runs several important programs. They help young people and offer special cultural cruises. They also have a history of sailing in big races.
Helping Young People
Tribal Warrior has a program called "Clean Slate Without Prejudice." It works with the Redfern Police. This program helps young Aboriginal Australians stay out of trouble. It teaches them discipline through boxing and fitness classes. This helps keep young people from getting involved in crime. In 2016, the program won a gold award for preventing crime and violence. It started for young men and later added a program for young women too.
Cultural Cruises
The organization also offers an Aboriginal Cultural Cruise in Sydney. Visitors can see the famous Sydney Harbour. During the cruise, they learn stories about the traditional owners of the land. These include the Eora, Cadigal, and Guringai peoples.
Sailing in the Sydney to Hobart Race
Tribal Warrior was partly founded to create an all-Indigenous sailing team. Their goal was to compete in the famous Sydney to Hobart race. In 2016, after raising money, they sailed their boat, the Southern Excellence Two. They missed the official entry deadline but still took part in the event.
Key People at Tribal Warrior
Shane Phillips: Leader and Community Hero
Shane Phillips is the CEO and Chairman of Tribal Warrior. In 2013, he received the Australian of the Year Local Hero Award. This award recognized his amazing work in the Redfern community. Shane Phillips also used to play for and now coaches the reserve team for the Redfern All Blacks. He is also part of an Indigenous Advisory Committee for Westpac bank. He helps the bank understand and address Indigenous issues in their work.
Tribal Warrior's Boats
Tribal Warrior uses several boats for its programs and cruises. Each boat has its own unique story.
The Tribal Warrior Sailboat
The organization operates a 15.4-meter gaff-rigged ketch named "Tribal Warrior." This sailboat is over 100 years old. It was built in the Torres Strait. The boat is used to train Indigenous skippers and maritime workers.
Tribal Warrior in 2003
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| Namesake | Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation |
| Launched | 1899 as Mina |
| Status | Preserved by the Australian National Maritime Museum. Currently undergoing maintenance to operate once again. |
The Tribal Warrior was built in 1899 on Thursday Island. It was first called "Mina" and used for pearl diving. It sank in 1933 but was later fixed. During World War 2, it was used by the United States Military. Over the years, it had different names like San Nicola and Wutuku. In 1999, Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation bought it and gave it its current name. From 2001 to 2003, the boat sailed all around Australia. As of 2025, it is being maintained to sail again.
The Mari Nawi Cruise Vessel
The "Mari Nawi" means 'big canoe' in the Eora language. This vessel is used for cultural cruises. It can hold up to 150 guests. It also offers food and entertainment on board.
Mari Nawi in 2024
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| Namesake | 'big canoe' in the Eora language |
| Launched | 1981 as MV Katika |
| Status | Operational in service |
The Mari Nawi was built in 1981 as MV Katika. It was a cruise vessel for other companies. In 2010, it had a mechanical problem and crashed into a sea wall and a marina. After this, Tribal Warrior bought the damaged boat. They renamed it Mari Nawi and fixed it up. They changed it into a cultural cruise and charter boat. The boat now takes people on tours of Sydney Harbour. Passengers learn about Indigenous culture and visit Goat Island (Me-Mel). The Mari Nawi is also used for special events like New Year's Eve and Vivid Sydney.
The Lady Northcott / Wirawi Ferry
In 2020, the NSW Government gave Tribal Warrior a retired ferry called Lady Northcott. This ferry was built in 1974. It used to carry passengers on the Manly ferry service for over 40 years.
Lady Wirawi Northcott on Australia Day 2024
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| Namesake | 'Woman' in Dharug language (Wirawi) John Northcott (Lady Northcott) |
| Launched | 26th of September 1974 as MV Lady Northcott |
| Status | Operational in service |
The Lady Northcott was taken to Newcastle for repairs. On September 26, 2022, it returned to Sydney Harbour. It had an Indigenous flag painted on its funnel. Work was done to turn it into a cruise vessel. Its original green and cream paint was replaced with black and Indigenous artwork. Its first cruise was for New Year's Eve 2022. On January 25, 2023, the ferry was given a second name, "Wirawi." This means 'Woman' in the Dharug language. It is now often called "Lady Wirawi Northcott." The inside of the boat was completely updated with a new kitchen and seating. It is mainly used for private charters and public events like Vivid.
The Deerubbun (Former Vessel)
Deerubbun at an unknown date.
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| Namesake | Darug people's name for the Hawkesbury River |
| Launched | Unknown (likely 1944 - 1945) as TRV 2 |
| Status | Landlocked and converted into a granny flat |
The Deerubbun was a former World War 2 Torpedo Recovery Vessel. It was Tribal Warrior's main boat before they got the Mari Nawi. In 2011, the boat sank partly at its dock. It was later sold and turned into a small living space on land.
The Wandilla Tugboat
Wandilla berthed in White bay in November 2024
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| Namesake | HMAT Wandilla |
| Launched | 1970 |
| Status | Inactive |
The MV Wandilla was a tugboat. It was given to Tribal Warrior in 2013. The boat was meant for training. However, it was not in good condition. It is currently stored and may be taken apart in the future.
See also
