Bringing deep leadership experience across youth and the not-for-profit sector.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Helen White as its new Chief Executive Officer, commencing Monday, 23 February.

Helen brings extensive leadership experience across not-for-profit peak bodies, youth organisations (including Girl Guides) and in health, most recently as CEO of Australian College of Midwives, where she focused on organisational growth and innovation, advocacy, education, governance and culture.  Her work has consistently centred on supporting leaders, teams, and organisations to navigate complexity, foster growth and deliver impact for the communities they serve. 

“I am honoured to be appointed the CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Australia, championing the Duke of Ed Framework delivery across Australia for all young people. Its purpose, to empower young people to discover their potential, build life skills, develop their self-confidence and be “World Ready”,  is more important today than ever before. I am very much looking forward to growing the organisation in Australia.

In announcing Helen’s Appointment, National Chair Tom Mould AO said, “We welcome Helen to the Australian Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award organisation. Her leadership will be pivotal to ensuring young people throughout Australia have access to the Duke of Ed Framework so that they may both strive to find their potential and have their efforts recognised.

"In welcoming Helen, we also acknowledge the unrivalled contribution of our outgoing CEO Peter Kaye AM LVO ESM. Peter’s leadership and dedication to enhancing the lives of young people, spanning an incredible 50 years, will be honoured as he undertakes a significant project role with the International Award Foundation in London.”

We look forward to welcoming Helen in February.