Our Key Supporters

The Duke of Ed is the most successful youth self-development program in Australia and its formula is simple. However, the simplicity of the program is not why the Duke of Ed is so successful, but rather it is all the large number of supportive people behind the program who ensure our success and keep us thriving.

Our ability to ensure growth of The Duke of Ed and to offer access to The Award program to disadvantaged young people across the country is only made possible through the financial support of our Ambassadors, corporate sponsors, and community partners, together with that of individual benefactors.

We take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge the extraordinary support from the following:

	OUR NATIONAL BENEFACTOR Professor Clive Palmer Professor Palmer said he chose to invest in The Duke of Ed because of our “significant track record in making a difference to young people’s lives.” With a major focus on disadvantaged youth in remote and regional Australia, particularly through greater development of the Online Record Book (ORB), Professor Palmer’s support will assist the delivery of The Duke of Ed to more and more young Australians. Professor Palmer is a self made successful businessman and long time supporter of community initiatives. Through his privately owned company, Mineralogy Pty Ltd, he owns one of the world’s largest magnetite iron ore deposits. He has been a Professor at Deakin University in Victoria and is currently a Professor at Bond University on the Gold Coast in Queensland.
	OUR MAJOR SPONSOR Zip Industries We owe a great deal not only to Zip Industries but the man behind it, Mr Michael Crouch AO, CEO of Zip Industries the Major Sponsor of The Award in Australia, World Fellow, National Board Member and Benefactor. The Duke of Ed is extremely grateful to have not only Zip Industries as our Principal Sponsor but to have the commitment of Michael personally. In the last three years he has generously given his time, business knowledge and management skills to us. Not only is he a dedicated National Board Director, Michael also supports The Duke of Ed Ambassador’s Program across Australia, championing leaders in the community to support The Award both financially and professionally. “Zip Industries has become a sponsor of The Award in Australia because we see it as a growing force for good in Australia. The Award affords all young Australians an opportunity to undertake a challenging personal journey which empowers them to discover their potential. The Award draws strength from its international connections - literally thousands of men and women around the globe working in harmony to further this cause...... Growing the company [Zip Industries] has been an exciting journey .But I feel very fortunate that we've been able to contribute to the community and I think today that gives us the biggest kick of all. ... I am delighted to do what we can for the Award, as it is one of the few organisations doing something for the youth of Australia.” Mr Michael Crouch AO, CEO of Zip Industries
	OUR FOUNDATIONS
	The Tony and Gwenyth Lennon Family Foundation “The Lennon Family has always sought to be an active part of their community by personal endeavour and financial giving. The opportunity to support The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is seen by the Lennon Family as a major step in their goal of providing support to young members of the community via their involvement and especially by enabling the 'Remote Access' program. the Lennon family looks forward to continuing their support of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Australia." Mr Tony Lennon, Chairman of Peet Limited
	Bruce and Joy Reid Foundation In 1983, the Bruce & Joy Reid Foundation was established and for more than 10 years it has made substantial contributions to The Duke of Ed, supporting the growth of the program.
	The Coca-Cola Australia Foundation The Coca-Cola Foundation recognises that in order to assist marginalised youth, focus needs to be directed toward social infrastructure in the community, especially in relation to skill and capacity building and leadership development. The growth of these skills allows young people to become equipped and empowered to handle future challenges.
	OUR GOLD SPONSORS
	Mr Bill James Bill James is a founding Director of Flight Centre Limited, Australia’s largest travel retailer and a listed company with 12,000 staff worldwide. Travel Associates, also a major supporter of The Duke of Ed in Australia, is part of the Flight Centre group. Bill has published several books, the latest being a Field Guide to the Kokoda Track, a comprehensive historical guide for trekkers to this significant WW2 battlefield in Papua New Guinea. Bill has a strong belief that the Kokoda Trek is a wonderful, life-changing experience for young Australians and in 2012, has generously provided funding to allow an incredible opportunity for 45 young people from around the country – the opportunity to complete their Bronze Award, culminating in a guided Kokoda Trek as the Adventurous Journey component.
	Heritage Treks Heritage Treks specialise in historically-focused Kokoda Track expeditions and is generously ensuring that 45 young disadvantaged people in 2012 will have the ability to take part in the Award program and also understand what really took place on that remote jungle pathway during WWII by actually trekking over Kokoda’s arduous course. Walking the Kokoda track has become an important experience for every Australian. The physical and mental challenges of the Track, including an understanding of the courage and sacrifice shown by Australia's diggers, offer a life-changing experience for every trekker and we are thrilled that a group of our young Awardee’s will have this opportunity and experience of a lifetime.
	Travel Associates Travel Associates opens the world to our Awardees, and has been involved with The Award for over 4 years now. Their support is invaluable in connecting our Participants and staff with over 126 countries.
	Student Flights Passionate about specialised travel for young people, Student Flights have the widest choice of exclusive airfares and adventure travel, from the world’s leading travel brands. As Australia's leading youth travel retailer, Student Flights have over 60 stores across Australia plus stores in New Zealand and South Africa. Customers are supported by 24/7 global emergency assistance.
	OUR CHARTER FOR BUSINESS MEMBERS
	AXA Australia
	Killarnee
	Ross/Julia Ross
	GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
	Department of Communities, NSW Sport and Recreation, New South Wales Government
	Office for Youth, South Australian Government
	Office for Youth, Department of Communities Services, Queensland Government
	OTHER SUPPORTERS
	uniDap In partnership with Unidap, The Duke of Ed has invested in a digital platform - the Online Record (ORB) - which allows all stakeholders involved in The Award program to communicate effortlessly. Integrating online, email and mobile technology, the ORB gives participants greater connection with each other and their adult mentors regardless of geographical location and life circumstance.
	Freehills Freehills has provided pro bono guidance and support to the Duke of Ed for many years, ensuring we have had access to superior legal advice and representation.
	BlueArc The BlueArc Group power our website through their content management system, IgnitionSuite, allowing access for all participants, adult volunteers and staff to the world of The Award. They also manage all our hosting needs.