Volunteer testimonials

Melinda Bradford

South Burnett CTC Youth Support Coordinator, Melinda Bradford, was awarded a Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award at the Brisbane Gold Award Ceremony held at Parliament House on 1 August 2010.

The prestigious Award recognises the excellent work carried out by recipients who undertake a number of learning and development activities over a minium of 12 months.

As part of the Award, Melinda completed a three-day Archookoora training camp organised by Kingaroy State High School. She also volunteered with Relay for Life, an organisation which raises funds for the Cancer Council Queensland.

By completing the Gold Award Melinda was inspired to support other young people to complete their Awards.

She has been an Award volunteer for the past four years and has found it hugely rewarding to see so many young people with disabilities or from small rural schools achieve their Award.

Melinda encourages all young people to give the Duke of Edinburgh's Award a go.

"Completing the Gold Award challenged me to have a go at something new and helped me to develop valuable relationships with key community members," she said.

"The Gold Award reaffirmed my belief that although it is not always recognised, there are young people out there doing great things," she said.

In three words, Melinda describes the Duke of Ed award as, " so worth it. "