HRH Prince Edward welcomed to NSW Parliament to commemorate Duke of Edinburgh Award in Australia

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Sport and Recreation Stuart Ayres have today hosted a reception for His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG, GCVO at NSW Parliament House.

His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex is the Trustee and Chair of the International Council of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and is in Sydney to commemorate over 50 years of Award in Australia.

Mr Baird said it was an honour to host His Royal Highness at NSW Parliament to mark the NSW Government’s contribution to The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

“Generations of young Australians have taken part in the Award, which has had the support of the NSW Government since it began in Australia in 1962,” Mr Baird said.

“Many Australians have fond memories of completing stages of the three-tiered Award, which encourages personal and social development in more than 140 countries.

“I’m proud NSW has the seventh-highest global participation rate and has consistently been the biggest operator of the Award in Australia, with participants contributing about 180,000 hours of service to our communities each year.

“I’m sure the visit by His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex to Australia will encourage many school students and young adults to undertake the challenge in future.”

Mr Ayres said more than 400,000 people have participated in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in NSW since the program commenced in 1962.

“This year, we expect 11,000 of our young people to register at NSW Sport and Recreation to attempt the Award challenge, which includes participation in physical activity, community service and an outdoor adventure,” he said.

“The challenge has the support of almost 450 organisations in the community, including schools, community groups, youth and disability organisations.

“There’s a great sense of community and belonging that comes with undertaking and completing the Award, and I encourage all young Australians to take part.”

For more information visit www.dsr.nsw.gov.au or www.dukeofed.com.au