What is the Open Award Centre?
The Open Award Centre (OAC) is run through the National Award Authority, offering young people an alternative pathway into participating in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The OAC enables those with no access to a Licensed Operator (found in schools, clubs or Duke of Ed State/Territory Offices) to undertake their Award as an Independent Participant.
Using electronic media and virtual spaces, participants are able to complete their Award using the Online Record Book (ORB) and with the support of the OAC Coordinator. OAC Participants can be based anywhere in Australia and even overseas if they are travelling during their Award.
The following eligibility criteria apply for all potential OAC participants:
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Aged between 14 – 25 years*
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Unable to undertake The Award through a Licensed Operator in your State/Territory (please refer to our Information Pack below for more details)
* Please note, it takes a minimum of 6 months to complete the Bronze Award, therefore potential applicants within 6 months of their 25th birthday will be unable to participate.
Pricing
Please see the Pricing page for details on the cost of doing The Duke of Ed through the Open Award Centre
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The relevant fee for your Award level and Parental Consent (for those under 18 years of age) must be received prior to commencing your Award. Please note that your registration will not be approved by the Coordinator until both of these requirements are met.
More Information
Looking for some reading material?
Read our Handbook.
Ready to sign up? Go to our registration section and follow the instructions there. Please make sure you have read our Information Pack and Duke of Ed Handbook BEFORE registering. Once registered we will contact you to arrange fee payment. For those under 18 years of age, make sure the Parental Consent section is complete to avoid delays with your registration.
Prefer to speak to someone on the phone or via email? Contact the OAC Coordinator:
Phil Kaye
Email: oac@dukeofed.com.au
Phone: +61 2 8280 8600 (prompt 3)
You can also contact your State/Territory Office to ensure that the OAC is appropriate for you.
Please feel free to download the OAC Information Pack and The OAC Award Plan Template.
Open_Award_Centre_Information_Pack_2011 (240.88kB)
OAC_Award_Plan_Template (195.13kB)
