Troy Hudson uses the Duke of Edinburgh Award as an opportunity to improve his art skills with Aunty Marsha Hall. Photo: Supplied.
The experiences of two young leaders in Napranum and Aurukun have been chosen to represent the Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) International Award program in Brisbane this week.
Troy Hudson and Chantelle Walmbeng will speak about their journey towards earning the Bronze DoE Award at the Duke of Edinburgh Ambassador Gala on 6 November.
Troy, from Napranum, started the award program in February this year to take on new challenges – and the benefits have been noticeable.
“I feel my confidence has grown and my skills have improved,” he said.
“I have learned more about goal setting and planning, and how to overcome challenges when I am facing them.
“I would recommend this award to people. I think it has really helped me and I’m glad I did it.”
The 15-year-old is something of a boxing champion in his community, crediting support from Cape York Boxing Weipa, the Clontarf Foundation and PCYC Napranum.
“I really liked being able to do things I already enjoyed and put them towards the award,” he said.
“It was good being able to do my boxing training as part of it.
“This training helped when I competed at the King of the Cape boxing match in Weipa in July. I was very happy when I won my match and that my training had been worth it.”
The DoE aims to provide young Australians aged 14-24 years with the opportunity to uncover their purpose, passion and place in the world.
The three levels, bronze, silver and gold, each consist of four components: physical recreation, skills, voluntary service and adventurous journey. Gold award participants are also required to take on the Gold Residential Project.
Troy recently completed the award when he finished the adventurous journey component, in which participants are encouraged to explore the outdoors and learn about the environment through an expedition, exploration or adventurous project.
Despite finding it the most challenging, it became his favourite stage – once he completed it.
Chantelle, an Aurukun Police liaison officer, also completed her Bronze DoE Award with the adventurous journey component when she and fellow participant Jacqueline Keppel hiked and camped in Yeppoon.
A well-respected young leader in her community, Chantelle said she was happy to have the opportunity to share and inspire.
“The other youth are asking us questions, and now, they want to achieve the Duke of Edinburgh Award as well,” she said.
Chantelle Walmbeng is inspiring youth in Aurukun to take on the Duke of Ed challenge. Photo: Supplied.
