A Special Duke of Edinburgh Award

Both schemes offer young people challenges, the opportunity to contribute to their communities as well as the chance for developing leadership and teamwork skills. In 2017 Scouts Australia and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Australia officially recognised each other in a Memorandum of Understanding. Both organisations are now working to put measures in place to make it easier for Scouts Australia members to earn the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The Chief Commissioner of Australia (Elect), Phil Harrison has a long history with the Duke of Edinburgh Award, having earned the Gold Award in 1994. In early April 2018, he was awarded the Long Service Medal + 10 Year Long Service Clasp by HRH The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG GCVO. This Award recognised Phil’s contribution of 20 years association with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Phil is keen to see Scouts take advantage of the opportunity to earn both Scouting and Duke of Edinburgh Awards. “Earning both the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and our top Scouting awards are a testament to a young person’s perseverance, desire to help their communities and chance to grow their skills base”  he said. “I fully encourage all Scouts to investigate how they can add to their Scouting and also earn the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. I am excited about the work we are doing now which will result in an easier process for Scouts to also earn Duke of Edinburgh Awards as well.”