The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Australia

Great to see over 80 students from Year 9 at Hobart City High School complete their Bronze Level, recognised by Andrew Wilkie MP - Independent Member for Clark, following his visit to the school last week. (Watch from 0:49)

This is the first school in Tasmania to make the Duke of Ed available to an entire Year 9 cohort; an amazing achievement.

Along the way, these young people have developed valuable life skills, resilience, confidence and capabilities highly regarded by employers. Each student has also earned 12 points towards their Tasmanian Certificate of Education.

Congratulations to the students, staff and wider school community on this outstanding achievement.

🎥: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHOXlhPpuSs



Department for Education, Children and Young People, Jo Palmer MLC, Senator Carol Brown, Senator Tammy Tyrrell, Rebecca White, The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

🏡 We’re excited to welcome Habitat for Humanity Australia as our newest Duke 4Volunteering partner.

In Australia, Habitat for Humanity supports low-income families and people experiencing housing insecurity to access safe and decent housing. Together, we’re creating more opportunities for young Australians to develop skills, contribute to their communities and make a real impact through volunteering.

“At Habitat for Humanity, we are incredibly proud to have supported the creation of more than 62 million homes worldwide and to mobilise millions of volunteers each year. That global movement of service and impact is why there is such a natural alignment with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, particularly the Gold Residential Project. Together, we are giving young people access to truly life-changing opportunities, empowering them to learn from, contribute to, and help shape communities across the Asia-Pacific region. We are excited to see where this partnership leads and to continue working with the inspiring Duke of Ed youth around the world." (Habitat for Humanity CEO, Penny Kaleta)

💙 Building stronger communities and empowering young Australians through service.



The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

We are delighted to congratulate members of the Duke of Ed community who have been recognised in The King's Birthday 2026 Honours List.

These honours reflect decades of service, leadership and commitment to helping others - values that sit at the heart of the Duke of Ed.

Congratulations to:

🏅 Geoffrey Fader AM, recognised for significant service to business development, vocational training and the community. Geoffrey also contributed to the Duke of Ed as a former member of the Duke of Ed Tasmania Committee.

🏅 Neil McWhannell OAM GAICD JP, recognised for service to the community and the not-for-profit sector. Neil served as Chair of the Duke of Ed in NSW and was a member of the National Board, helping guide and strengthen the Duke of Ed’s impact across Australia.

🏅 Graham "Jono" Johnston, recognised for his long-standing service to the community. Graham initiated the Duke of Ed at his local surf club in NSW, playing a pivotal role in delivering and assessing Adventurous Journeys.

🏅 Doug Alexander OAM, recognised for service to the arts and the community. Doug has generously supported young people as an Activity Assessor at Ormiston College, helping students progress through their Duke of Ed Levels.

🏅 Brigadier David McCammon AM, DSM and Bar, recognised for exceptional performance of duties as Commander 3rd Brigade and Commander Australian Army Cadets. Through his leadership, Australian Army Cadets strengthened opportunities for young people to undertake and achieve their Duke of Ed as part of their cadet experience.

🏅 Dr Richard Morgan OAM, recognised for service to youth and the community. As Honorary Advisor to Navy and Army Cadets, Richard was instrumental in establishing our tri-services agreement with Cadets, creating stronger pathways for young people to receive Duke of Ed accreditation for their cadet activities.

We are proud to celebrate these remarkable individuals whose contributions have strengthened communities and supported young people.



Governor-General of Australia The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

💫 We were delighted to welcome more than 150 guests to our Gold Level Reception at Government House Victoria, kindly hosted by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria.

Held for the first time in a couple of years, the reception was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Gold Level achievers, recognise our Long Service Medal recipients and; bring together members of our VIC team, national office and Duke of Ed community.

Thank you to Her Excellency for hosting this memorable occasion and for supporting the recognition of young people and volunteers who continue to make a positive impact in their communities.

📸 These photos capture just some of the special moments from today. We'll be sharing more in the coming days!

⭐️ Meet Christopher...

Christopher completed his Duke of Ed Voluntary Service Section in Darwin with our new Duke 4Volunteering partner, Ronald McDonald House North Australia.

Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald Hospitality Cart at Royal Darwin Hospital, Christopher supported families by providing refreshments, snacks and small comforts during difficult times.

While the practical support was invaluable, it's Christopher's approach that truly stood out. Through his kindness, empathy and willingness to help wherever needed, Christopher made a meaningful difference to families when they needed it most.

We're proud to celebrate young people like Christopher, who are making a real difference in their communities through volunteering with the Duke of Ed 🙌



Volunteering Australia The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

📣 We're excited to welcome Ronald McDonald House North Australia as the latest Duke 4Volunteering partner.

This new partnership gives young people in North Australia who are completing their Duke of Ed Bronze Silver or Gold, the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to RMHC programs - developing confidence, compassion and practical life skills along the way.

By completing their Voluntary Service with RMHC, young people will gain hands-on experience, build resilience and connect deeply with their community, all while making a tangible impact on families with seriously ill or injured children.

Through opportunities like this, Duke of Ed achievers don’t just volunteer... they grow into confident, community-minded individuals.

“At Ronald McDonald House Charities, we’re proud to partner with Duke 4Volunteering, giving young people the chance to make a real difference for seriously ill children and their families while experiencing the power of community and compassion in action. Together, we’re strengthening our programs and shaping the next generation of community leaders.” (Tamara South - CEO, RMHC North Australia)



The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

Congratulations to these 4 x Australian Air Force Cadets who have recently been promoted within cadets while two of them are on their way to completing the Duke of Ed Silver Level and the other two are working towards Gold! Amazing effort all round! 👏

PROMOTIONS
No 604 Squadron, AAFC

The Commanding Officer has recently announced a number of promotions for those who have met the criteria. Congratulations to our newest Cadet Sergeants – CSGT Adiga, CSGT Panchal, CSGT Nanavati and CSGT Naidu (and also CSGT Kaur, not pictured). They are taking on roles such as Flight Commander or Subject Matter Experts in the Squadron Training Team. Of note, all four are Bronze Award recipients in the The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Australia, two are Silver Level participants, and two are Silver Award recipients who are current Gold Level participants.

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Know someone passionate about basketball? 🏀

Basketball NSW has has officially become a Duke 4Sport Partner, creating more opportunities for young people across NSW to get involved in basketball while working towards their Duke of Ed Bronze, Silver or Gold.

Whether they’re already playing, interested in coaching, or keen to give back through volunteering, basketball can help young people build confidence, teamwork and resilience both on and off the court.

Basketball NSW Interim CEO, David Simpson said the organisation is pleased to partner with the Duke of Ed and support the development of young people across New South Wales...

“Basketball provides a platform for young people to develop important life skills, while also contributing to their physical and mental wellbeing. This partnership not only supports young people in completing their Duke of Ed, but also strengthens our basketball community by welcoming new players, coaches and most importantly volunteers into the game.”

Learn more: https://www.bnsw.com.au/the-duke-of-edinburghs-international-award/



Office of Sport The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

Today in Hobart, Senator Carol Brown joined Duke of Ed CEO, Helen White, for a visit to Calvin Christian School where all Year 9 and 10 students work together towards achieving their Duke of Ed.

Students shared how the Duke of Ed has helped them build resilience and confidence, while discovering new skills and experiences along the way. For some, that’s been learning activities like kayaking, while for others, the standout has been giving back through community service.

Many students also value the opportunity to earn TCE credit points towards their Certificate of Education across Bronze, Silver and Gold Levels.

🙏 Thank you to Principal Scott Ambrose for welcoming us today.

Demand for the Duke of Ed in Tasmania continues to grow as more schools, young people and parents recognise the value and positive outcomes of non-formal education, with registrations surpassing a record 1,000 young people so far this year.



The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

Three Adventurous Journeys over four days! 🏕️ 🥾 🛶

"Students carried everything they needed on their backs, planned and cooked their own meals, navigated unfamiliar terrain and worked together through bushwalking, kayaking, canoeing and campcraft challenges."

Well done to all students involved and many thanks to the brilliant Leaders that support and encourage them along the way.

Through challenge, teamwork and stepping outside their comfort zones, young people build resilience, independence and human skills that stay with them long after the journey ends. 💫