The Governor of Tasmania has presented five OAK participants with the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh International Award. Run by OAK Training and Development, the award program is the first of its kind, as we are the first Tasmanian disability services provider to be licensed for the award.
The first ever group to graduate through the program were ecstatic to receive their awards at the presentaion ceremony on 5 December. OAK Possability CEO, Drew Beswick, says the awards and OAK’s programs share the common goal of developing skills, wellbeing and personal growth.
“The Duke Edinburgh’s International Award is an internationally recognised program for young people, building their skills to equip them for life and work. “The award program is inclusive of people with disabilities because the challenges are set based on individual goals and interests. The tailored program helps motivate and inspire participants to challenge themselves and reach their goals.”
Five OAK participants signed up for the program in January 2016 and completed four different challenges during the year.
Service – Challenge yourself to be a responsible, caring member of the community.
Physical Recreation – Challenge yourself to improve your, health, fitness and performance.
Skills – Challenge yourself to improve your skills and widen your interests.
Adventurous Journey – Challenge yourself to journey and explore with your eyes open.
The award leaders worked with participants to develop their own individual set of goals that were challenging but achievable. Mr Beswick said that each award participant deserves to be proud of their achievements.
“Each of the participants pushed themselves outside their comfort zone, whether it was performing before a live audience, undertaking volunteering work or camping in the wilderness.”
Mr Beswick said the young people enjoyed the experience greatly and a number have already expressed interest in working towards the silver award in 2017.
Below is a brief summary of the achievements of each recipient:
Aidan Chick
Skills – Performed on stage as part of the Second Echo Ensemble (Dance and Drama).
Service – volunteered for Meals on Wheels
Physical Recreation – participated in fitness activities at the YMCA
Adventurous Journey – participated in a two night camp at the Far South Wilderness Camp.
Georgia Coppleman
Skills – completed a Jewellery Making Course
Service – Volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Foodbank
Physical Recreation – participated in fitness activities at the YMCA
Adventurous Journey – participated in a two night camp at the Far South Wilderness Camp.
Callum Grundy
Skills – Learnt the guitar and performed in front of a crowd at the Waratah Hotel
Service – volunteered at the Lenah Valley RSL, where he runs the weekly fundraising raffle
Physical Recreation – participated in the Brightstars Dance Troupe
Adventurous Journey – participated in a two night camp at the Far South Wilderness Camp.
Adam Knowles
Skills – Learnt photography and was commissioned to take photographs for a live band (Moonshine Whiskey and the Ragged Pony)
Service – volunteered for Meals on Wheels
Physical Recreation – participated in fitness activities at the YMCA
Adventurous Journey – participated in a two night camp at the Far South Wilderness Camp.
Hayley Lyne
Skills – completed a Jewellery Making Course
Service – volunteered for Meals on Wheels
Physical Recreation – participated in a Bocce Competition at the YMCA
Adventurous Journey – participated in a two night camp at the Far South Wilderness Camp.
Recipients all completed the ‘Adventurous Journey’ together. This team expedition provided opportunities to learn about the wider environment, as well as to develop self-confidence, team work and health. They cooked meals, set up and packed up their own gear and other equipment, went bush walking, explored Hastings Cave and made a campfire.
The ceremony was an opportunity for award leaders and families to come together and celebrate the achievements of participants in the program. Congratulations to our award recipients!
