What are you looking for?

Cancel search

News / Media

← Back to all News

Vale Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE KStJ

February 13, 2018

nicholas shehadieDistinguished Australian, Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE KStJ passed away Sunday February 11th 2018.

Sir Nicholas was a passionate advocate for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Australia, living out its values.

Between 1992- 1994, Sir Nicholas served as Chair of the National Board for the Award.

Later, his wife, Professor The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO served as Patron of the Award in NSW during her tenure as Governor from 2001 - 2014. As Governor, Dame Marie Bashir presented over 4,000 Awards. A strong supporter of the Award, Sir Nicholas accompanied his wife, and participated in countless Gold Award Ceremonies.

Sir Nicholas’s endeavours embodied the comprehensive framework of the Award. A former Captain of the Australian Rugby Union Team, former Sydney Lord Major, former Director and Chair of numerous public and private organisations. Sir Nicholas contributed vastly to the Australian business, charitable and sporting community.

National Award CEO Peter Kaye AM who served with Sir Nicholas when he was Chair recalls his leadership as being one of “inclusion in seeking to extend the Award to being used well beyond the schools. He also sought to better recognise the efforts of the tens of thousands of volunteers needed to deliver the Award”

Sir Nicholas, Dame Marie and HRH The Earl of Wessex at the Award Forum in Sydney 2009 

 

 

 

 

May 27, 2026
Welcoming Natasha Fyles to the National Board

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, […]

May 12, 2026
NSW SES partners with the Duke of Ed to support young Australians

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 […]

May 5, 2026
Duke of Ed students rescue hiker

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 […]

crossmenu