The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards & Agricultural Shows
Becoming involved with the Duke of Ed program at a local level is a low-cost, high-impact way to:
- Engage young people in the agricultural show movement.
- Build future volunteers and competitors.
- Strengthen relationships with schools and the wider community
What is Duke of Ed?
The Duke of Ed encourages personal growth through four main areas:
- Voluntary Service
- Skills
- Physical Recreation
- Adventurous Journey (Gold level also includes a Residential Project)
Participants set goals and complete activities with the support of local Award Leaders and Assessors.
Partnering with the Award
Agricultural shows across NSW are uniquely placed to support the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (Duke of Ed) — a globally recognised youth development program for young people aged 14–24.
By getting involved, Shows can:
- Welcome young volunteers.
- Support skills development.
- Build the future leaders of the agricultural show movement.
Why Involve Your Show?
Many students, particularly from local high schools, are already working toward their Duke of Ed Award. Agricultural Shows can:
- Offer meaningful, structured volunteering roles.
- Recognise and develop skills such as judging, stewarding, or leadership.
- Create pathways for ongoing engagement in agriculture and community service.
How Your Show Can Get Involved
You don’t need to become an Award Centre. Instead, follow these steps:
1. Reach out to local schools
- Identify schools in your area that offer the Duke of Ed.
- Contact their Award Coordinator to introduce your Show and explore partnership opportunities.
2. Identify suitable activities
Activities must be regular and sustained over time (usually 1 hour per week for 3+ months).
Examples include:
- Volunteering: assisting with show setup, stewarding, admin, event support
- Skills: Junior Judging, parading, ring announcing, photography, show journalism, Gold Residential Project: regional/state show camps or ag-related workshops
3. Appoint suitable supervisors / assessors
- Supervisors must be over 18, experienced in the activity, and not an immediate family member.
- Shows may need to provide a brief reference or progress report.
4. Promote your involvement
- Let schools and students know your Show welcomes Duke of Ed participants.
- Add a section on your website or social media to promote Award opportunities.
Students - How to Earn Duke of Ed Hours at Shows
If you’re a participant, some NSW Shows already offer opportunities to:
- Volunteer in stewarding, announcing, or event setup.
- Develop new skills through junior judging, photography, and more.
- Have your hours officially recognised.
It’s a fun way to gain experience, meet new people, and keep an Aussie tradition alive.
Check with your local Show Society to see if they are offering Duke of Ed opportunities near you.