Keeping our beaches safe are, from left, Abdullah, who came to Australia from Afghanistan, Almiro (Mozambique), Alvin (Liberia), Nat (Thailand) and Walter (Mozambique). They are pictured with Wesley Mission Brisbane program coordinator Glen Wallwork.
More than half a century ago the Duke of Edinburgh's Award was established with the sole purpose of helping young men through adolescence.
Today, a broader awards program is helping change the lives of at-risk young people, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
In the past 18 months, a 'Duke of Ed' Bronze Award program at the Gold Coast has been tackled by people of more than 15 nationalities and has given participants confidence, skills and fitness.
Wesley Mission Brisbane is supporting these young people, who include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Wesley Mission Brisbane program coordinator Glen Wallwork says the Award challenges young people to become more aware, set goals and work to achieve them individually and through teamwork.
“We support the participants through activities and experiences that foster their personal and social skills and self-esteem,” says Glen.
“The Duke of Ed Award strengthens their decision-making capacity and gives them the confidence and drive they need to make a place for themselves in society.”
Participants undertake various physical challenges, volunteer with local community organisations, tackle adventure/camping activities and participate in sand dune care.
There is also opportunity for these vulnerable young people to be involved in sport and recreation through Wesley Mission's Active Inclusion program.
Since last year, the Department of Communities funded Duke of Ed Award has enabled nearly 50 young Gold Coasters, considered at risk, to develop swimming and beach safety skills. Seven of them have taken it a step further — joining the Southport Surf Lifesaving Club as lifesavers.
“We’ve also supported participants to join sports clubs like basketball, table tennis and cricket clubs, and others are keeping healthy by regularly swimming at their local pool,” says Glen.
Glen hopes more young people connected with Wesley Mission will register for the Duke of Ed Award, which is facilitated in Queensland through the Office for Youth.
For more information visit www.communityservices.qld.gov.au/youth.
Many put hands up for ‘Duke of Ed’
There’s been a steady increase in participants in the Duke of Ed Award over the past five years, with more than 7000 young people actively involved in the past year, about one in 10 undertaking the Bridge Award for the younger age group.
Originally developed in 1956 to help young men through adolescence, the Award has been expanded to encourage young males and females — aged between 11½ and 25 —
to achieve their potential, showcase their skills and learn new ones.
The Duke of Ed Award is for young people aged 14 to 25. For younger people aged 11½ to 14, the Bridge Award has been developed.
Organisers say secondary students undertaking the Duke of Ed Award can earn credits towards their certificate of education.
The internationally-recognised Award continues to have strong appeal right across Queensland.
For more information go to www.dukesaward.qld.gov.au or phone Freecall 1800 177 338.
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