As a teen I was offered the opportunity to complete a Duke of Edinburgh Award through my school. I went on to complete and be awarded my Bronze, Silver And Gold Duke of a Edinburgh Awards. My Gold Award was presented by Gov. General Sir Ninian Stephens at Admiralty House in Sydney in May 1986. My expeditions were organised by the late amazing Margaret Huenerbein (Nepal Trek Leader, Antarctic explorer and my teacher). There would not be a better leader ever. My classmate and friend Catherine Caldwell and I were the only recipients of all three awards at our school for a very long time.

Later in life I got my second job in retail because I had the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and my employer had never met anyone with all three awards. When I finished my teaching degree the Duke of Edinburgh Awards featured again at my interview.

Today I teach English in my local primary school. I feel DofE prepared me well for the demands of my job and the ability to help and teach others.

I am still in contact with my fellow award recipient and saw her last holidays. We were saddened to hear of the passing of Margaret but her ways and teachings will always be a part of us. We still count ourselves incredibly lucky to have been able to complete the Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards and continue our friendship for life.