Ministerial media release: Duke of Edinburgh's International Award for NSW volunteers

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres, awarded medals to 31 Duke of Edinburgh volunteers from NSW in a Long Service Recognition Ceremony at Parliament House on Wednesday 3rd May 2017.

The Ceremony recognised the volunteers who have dedicated a minimum 10 years’ service to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award with a long service medal.

Minister Ayres said there is an estimated 30,000 people across NSW volunteering their time each year supporting young people in their Duke of Edinburgh Award endeavours.

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award would not be able to operate without these volunteers who work tirelessly.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities and these long service medals acknowledge the work of people who donate their time to ensure all young people can explore their full potential, regardless of their location or circumstance.

“Those who take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award learn life skills, improve their physical wellbeing, volunteer in their community and experience a team adventure in a new environment.

“These young Australians are supported by an army of volunteers who mentor and assist with their assessment and supervision.

“These awards are designed to ensure volunteers who do hours of behind the scenes tasks to support participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards receive the recognition they deserve,” Mr Ayres said.

In NSW there are more than 400 active Award Units with 12,000 participants registering annually.

Nationally, more than 37,000 young Australians are actively undertaking either a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award with over 23,000 commencing annually.

The Award is delivered in nearly 2000 locations and requires more than 60,000 volunteers, mainly as activity assessors for one of the four sections that each Award participant needs to complete over 6 to 18 months.

More information about the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award