In 1963, the Director of the Ballarat YMCA, Mr Max Ekins was one of the first in Australia to introduce The Duke of Edinburgh's Award to young boys.
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The legacy that HRH Prince Philip leaves is one of the most effective and relevant programs that challenges and develops young people worldwide.
It is a program that supports, enhances and recognises the skills, abilities and community contribution of young people 14 to 25 years of age.
Ballarat YMCA led the country with many participants seeking to achieve, Bronze, Silver and Gold (with a small group of young men being some of the first in the country to receive their Gold levels of the Award).
Since the early days, young people from most of Ballarat's Secondary schools, Scouts, Guides and community groups have had the opportunity to set their own goals, seek an mentor to guide them and in-turn commit themselves to meeting the Award requirements.
I know that many participants have gained employment, developed careers and continued their interests, following their involvement in The Award.
On behalf of Award participants, we thank Prince Philip for his commitment to help develop a program that is still relevant to young people today as when it was when founded in 1956.
May his legacy continue to enable young people to take the personal challenge and be valued contributors to their communities.
I was awarded my Gold Award by HRH in 1968
I was the CEO of the Award in Victoria from 1996 - 2011
Graeme Kent, Buninyong
