“To qualify for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award young people had to undertake challenges which included walking the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, caving on the North Island of New Zealand and participating in an International Air Cadet Exchange in the United Kingdom,” Mr Provest said.
“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award challenges young individuals to improve themselves whilst at the same time add value to their community,” he added.
Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of NSW presented the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards at a ceremony held at Government House Sydney.
The Gold Award recipients completed five key endeavours:
nundertaking an adventurous journey, such as bush walking, kayaking or sailing through difficult terrain;
nlearning personal skills, in fields as diverse as sewing, car maintenance, and non-English languages;
nbuilding fitness through physical recreation, such as indoor, outdoor and endurance sports;
nvolunteering for community service, including for organisations such as Surf Life Saving, Riding for the Disabled, and Army Cadets; and
nundertaking a residential project away from home, such as attending a music or sporting camp or even working on a humanitarian project overseas.
“The Gold Award certificate is the highest level of the internationally recognised Duke of Edinburgh’s personal development program for young people.
“I commend Max Whiticker on this outstanding achievement and for the 12 months he has spent volunteering for community organisations,” Mr Provest said.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is open to anyone between the ages of 14 and 25. For more information visit www.theaward.com.au
