THE Duke of Edinburgh Award is a leading structured (non-formal education) youth development program, empowering all young Australians aged 14-24 to explore their full potential and find their purpose, passion and place in the world, regardless of their location or circumstance. The Award is a fully inclusive program and has no social, political, or religious affiliations.
Named after Prince Philip, the program has been the catalyst to more than 700,000 young Australians participating in the Awards and enriching their lives.
The impact on these Australians is immeasurable. The Awards support the disadvantaged and marginalised youth right here in the Goulburn Valley via Shepparton Access. The Awards helps build self-confidence, resilience, self-worth, leadership skills and goal setting.
Representing his father and the Awards, Prince Edward made a visit to Melbourne in 2018 to recognise 70 Gold Award recipients and to award Long Service Medals and Distinguished Service Medals. It is fitting The Adviser recognises the extraordinary effort and achievement of Prince Philip as the Duke of Edinburgh with his death on April 9 2021.
To achieve an Award, each young person must learn a skill, improve their physical well-being, volunteer in their community and experience a team adventure in a new environment.
All participants are supported by a network of adult award leaders, assessors, and supervisors.
Over many years, participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award initiative at Shepparton Access has provided service users a positive and rewarding challenge.
Each participant’s program is of individual challenge, with a range of voluntary activities which encourage personal discovery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility and service to the community.
“As the Duke of Edinburgh program celebrates the life and the contribution of Prince Philip, we are able to reflect on the impact the award has had on the individual lives of the participants,” said Shepparton Access CEO, Wendy Shanks.
“They have embarked on a journey of self- discovery that has empowered them to achieve their personal best, take ownership of their own goals, life choices and become actively engaged with their community,” said Wendy.
Later this year, participants will receive their silver awards, a certificate and Award badge as a token of recognition and acknowledgment of their achievements. They will again be able to reflect on the positive impact the initiative has had on their lives.
“I love meeting people who have previously completed the program, it’s a great feeling when someone approaches you who has achieved great things and it’s lovely to hear how it has positively impacted their life,” said participant, Ivan Estebeth.
