Duke of Edinburgh’s 2024 Gold Award Presentation Ceremony

Representing the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor for Central Ward, Councillor Vicki Howard; The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia, CEO, Mr Peter Kaye AM ESM and Chair of the State Award Committee, Ms Lynne Foley OAM; Gold Award holders; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we gather, and their connection to land and community. I pay my deepest respects to Elders past, present and emerging – especially during NAIDOC Week – a week that celebrates our rich Indigenous heritage and honours the resilience, pride, and vibrant culture of our First Nations communities.

As Governor and Patron of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award here in Queensland, I am absolutely delighted to be here today to present Gold awards to some of our State’s finest young men and women.

Each one of you has put in a determined, focused effort to qualify for the Gold award and, at the outset, I congratulate you and thank your families and mentors for supporting you in this endeavour.

In completing the Gold Duke of Ed you have joined literally millions of other award alumni in more than 120 countries and territories. Like you, all of them have been empowered through participating in this unique youth development program.

You can, and should, be very proud of your achievement.

As Patron, I also congratulate the Long Service Medal recipients – between you, you have given more than 140 years’ service to these awards.

An important aspect of the Duke of Ed awards for both awardees and their families is the integrity and transparency of the program. It is a modern, relevant and future-focused program and the outcomes and impact every year are thoroughly assessed.

So, when the Duke of Ed says that the awards result in increased community engagement; greater social cohesion; improved environmental impact; reduced offending; and improved employability, physical fitness, and wellbeing – you can believe it.

I also take this opportunity to thank the Award Operating Authority and the Award Centres, partner organisations, donors, and volunteers throughout Queensland for their ongoing commitment.

This important international program has now been making young Queenslanders ‘World Ready’ for more than 60 years and it is only through your dedicated support that so many of them are able to pursue the challenges that enable them not just to grow, but to thrive as they build valuable life skills, give back to the community, and improve their health and wellbeing.

His Royal Highness Prince Edward was bestowed the title of the Duke of Edinburgh on his 59th birthday in March last year and has become a passionate advocate for the program established by his late father.

Among his initiatives has been a campaign to raise 25 million pounds globally to enable more than two million more young people internationally to be fully supported in undertaking the awards. The decision to launch that campaign was bold and visionary and stands as a fine example to all Duke of Ed awardees to continue to get out of their comfort zones and not be afraid to dream big dreams.

Congratulations again to you all.