Speeches
Tuesday, 17 June 2025
Reception for Duke of Edinburgh International Award volunteers, teachers and supporters
I warmly welcome the Duke of Edinburgh International Award community to Government House.
It’s my pleasure to be patron of Duke of Ed, to have hosted award presentations here at Government House, and to meet participants during visits to secondary schools across South Australia.
From the perspective of my engagement with a wide range of patronage organisations, it is clear to me that young people thrive when they are given an opportunity to challenge themselves in the framework of a clear and supportive structure, which provides pathways for growth.
The Duke of Edinburgh provides this successfully, which may be why more than 770,000 young Australians have completed the award over the past 69 years.
In London for Coronation celebrations in 2023, it was my pleasure to share with the Duke of Edinburgh himself the large numbers of South Australian students taking up the award.
As Governor, leadership and civics education are two of my priority areas.
I am pleased to see how the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award advances both of these priorities.
At the heart of leadership, in my experience at least, is the ability to actively to listen to others, share expertise, encourage others and embrace diversity – all of which the award promotes.
When I ask students what participation in Duke of Ed has given them, well-rounded leadership skills is a common answer.
Being a leader in our community is also about exercising civic rights and responsibilities.
I am pleased to see the framework help students to grow their knowledge of local and global issues of concern, while playing an active role in building strong societies.
I am also pleased to see the award promote active volunteering in the students’ schools and broader communities.
Friends,
The longevity of the Duke of Edinburgh Award rests on the passion and commitment of many people, who steward award participants towards success.
I thank the SA Friends Committee and staff for their hard work, as well as ambassadors for their financial support, and efforts to raise the profile of the framework in South Australia.
Your generosity has made a major contribution to enabling disadvantaged young people to take part in the program, and for this I thank you.
I also thank the teachers and principals who encourage students to participate in Duke of Ed, and support their journey through the award, from the challenges to the excitement of completion.
I also thank the award’s sporting, tertiary and education partners, as well as donors for their generous contributions.
I look forward to continuing my involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh award as it supports young South Australians to uncover their purpose, passion and place in the world and become, as your motto says, #WORLDREADY[1].