The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Gold Award Presentation Ceremony

Representing the Lord Mayor, Cr Wines; Chairperson of the Queensland Award Committee, Mrs Elizabeth Gilchrist; Deputy Director General; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; remarkable young Queenslanders. 

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders.

It is an honour and a great pleasure, as Governor and Patron, to present the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards.

This year we pause specially to remember the generosity, wisdom and kindness of the great man after whom this Award is named.  

His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, earned the enduring admiration of all Queenslanders as long-standing consort to Her Majesty, and on his frequent visits to our State.

Indeed, it is fitting we gather today at this impressive venue, City Hall, where Her Majesty and His Royal Highness attended

several civic receptions on their frequent visits to our Capital. 

Of all his remarkable achievements, perhaps the Duke’s greatest legacy to the world was the youth movement he founded 65 years ago with educationalist Kurt Hahn and leader of the first successful ascent of Mount Everest, Lord Hunt.

Through Prince Philip’s vision and dedication, the Duke of Edinburgh Award has prospered into a global phenomenon, now bestowed in more than 130 countries.

Today I have the great privilege of presenting exceptional young Queenslanders with their Gold Awards – the top accolade for those participating in the scheme.

A Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award signifies you are a person who is considerate, diligent and determined. 

These are tremendous qualities which benefit you, as an individual, and our community.   

It is not easy to achieve a Gold Award, and this past year, this challenge was made even harder by the limitations imposed by COVID-19. 

The persistence and adaptability needed to complete the Award, denotes this year’s recipients as truly remarkable.

While this is your day to celebrate, I also wish to thank all of those who supported our Awardees. Without your families, friends, supporters and mentors – and Award volunteers – your accomplishments could never shine so brightly.

I commend all of you being awarded today – including the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal – and thank you all for the contribution you have made to our great State through your commitment and service to The Duke of Edinburgh International Award.

I encourage you to maintain a focus on community pursuits throughout your lives. 

Not only will you find serving others endlessly rewarding, but you will also ensure that Prince Philip’s legacy will live on through your service. Thank you, and congratulations.