We are delighted to congratulate members of the Duke of Ed community who have been recognised in The King's Birthday 2026 Honours List. These honours reflect decades of service, leadership and commitment to helping others - values that sit at the heart of the Duke of Ed.
Congratulations to:
🏅 Geoffrey Fader AM, recognised for significant service to business development, vocational training and the community. Geoffrey also contributed to the Duke of Ed as a former member of the Duke of Ed Tasmania Committee.
🏅 Neil McWhannell OAM GAICD JP, recognised for service to the community and the not-for-profit sector. Neil served as Chair of the Duke of Ed in NSW and was a member of the National Board, helping guide and strengthen the Duke of Ed’s impact across Australia.
🏅 Graham "Jono" Johnston, recognised for his long-standing service to the community. Graham initiated the Duke of Ed at his local surf club in NSW, playing a pivotal role in delivering and assessing Adventurous Journeys.
🏅 Doug Alexander OAM, recognised for service to the arts and the community. Doug has generously supported young people as an Activity Assessor at Ormiston College, helping students progress through their Duke of Ed Levels.
🏅 Brigadier David McCammon AM, DSM and Bar, recognised for exceptional performance of duties as Commander 3rd Brigade and Commander Australian Army Cadets. Through his leadership, Australian Army Cadets strengthened opportunities for young people to undertake and achieve their Duke of Ed as part of their cadet experience.
🏅 Dr Richard Morgan OAM, recognised for service to youth and the community. As Honorary Advisor to Navy and Army Cadets, Richard was instrumental in establishing our tri-services agreement with Cadets, creating stronger pathways for young people to receive Duke of Ed accreditation for their cadet activities.
We are proud to celebrate these remarkable individuals whose contributions have strengthened communities and supported young people.
Former NT Chief Minister and youth advocate joins as an Independent Director. Natasha Fyles has joined the Board of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Australia as an Independent Director, bringing extensive leadership, governance and community sector experience to the organisation. A lifelong Territorian, Natasha is currently Chief Executive Officer of Somerville Community Services, […]
Developing human skills, confidence and community impact through emergency service volunteering Improving the lives and skills of young Australians to make a positive difference in their communities is the focus of a new partnership between the Duke of Ed and NSW State Emergency Service (SES). The newly announced partnership enables the NSW SES to encourage students completing their Duke of Ed […]
Students use makeshift stretcher to rescue hiker in Warrumbungle National Park A group of students from Presbyterian Ladies’ College Armidale have demonstrated the power of human skills in action, assisting an injured hiker in Warrumbungle National Park. As reported by ABC News Australia, the students were undertaking a multi-day hike when they came across a man who had sustained a serious leg injury […]
