During the Royal Visit it was absolute pleasure to have His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex KG KGCVO hand out numerous recognition awards and Service Medals to well deserving recipients. One Medal, is the prestigious Gold Distinguished Service Medal.
To be eligible one must have done the following: "20 years* of eminent, exceptional service and achievement in volunteer capacity, and/or for an employee who has consistently extended and distinguished amongst within their peers in Award community well beyond the expectations of their remunerated role."
There have only been 13 Gold Distinguished Service Medals awarded, and that is why it is with great excitement that we announce that The Hon Shane Stone AC PGDK QC is the 14th person to have received a Gold Distinguished Service Medal for his service and extraordinary commitment and contributions to the Award.
Shane became Chair of the Award following a very accomplished career as a primary school teacher, barrister, political leader and company director and serving on many charities and community bodies.
From 1969 Shane has been an active reservist, serving in the Army Reserves and The Royal Australian Navy, continuing on to become a recipient of the Reserve Force Medal, The Australian Defence Medal and Centenary Medal.
From 1986-1989 Shane was President of the Australia’s Northern Territory Country Liberal Party, member of the Northern Territory parliament Cabinet Minister and Chief Minister from 1990-2000. Shane maintained his interest in politics and government when he became Assistant Chairman of the International Democratic Union. In 1999, he was accorded the title the Honourable for life by HM Queen Elizabeth II of Australia on his retirement as Chief Minister.
In 2006, Shane was conferred a Companion of the Order of Australia in The Queen’s Birthday Honours – awarded for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree of service to Australia or humanity at large.
Over the years, Shane’s interest and passion in not-for-profit activities has been revealed through his work with Australian Children’s Television Foundation, The Defence Reserve Support council and of course The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Australia.
During his time as Chairman Shane Stone implemented many notable initiatives for the Award in Australia including:
The result of Shane’s actions for the Award has seen record numbers in regards to Participants, disadvantaged youth Participants and financial security.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia would like to place on public record a deep thanks to The Hon Shane Stone AC PGDK QC for his tremendous leadership, governance guidance and ongoing tireless work for the Award.
To find out more about the Gold Distinguished Service Medal or see the full list of recipients click here: https://dukeofed.com.au/about-us-2/honour-roll/distinguished-medal-recipients/
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