When Outward Bound has a function, it’s always a little bit different.
Outward Bound Australia celebrated becoming a The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia Open Award Centre in typical style last week… by inviting our distinguished guests to abseil down the 10m tower before the Award ceremony.
Their Excellencies the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, joint patrons of OBA, The Hon Gary Nairn AO, National Chair of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Australia, Brig (Rtd) Bill Sowry AM CSC, ACT Chair of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Kathleen Hewitt and Curtis Hibberson also of The Award, former Chair of OBA John Atkin, past CEOs of Outward Bound Ben Farinazzo and Karim Haddad and our amazing Board Members, co-Chairs Dr Loren Miller and Jessica Bulger, Deputy Chair Campbell Hudson, Simon Lewis and Dr Simon Crisp and Robin Moustaka GAICD (in WA and unable to attend) were in great form.
Outward Bound Australia are a Duke of Ed Open Award Centre
The Honourable Gary Nairn AO, National Chair of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Australia and Dr Loren Miller, Chair and Executive Director of Outward Bound Australia ‘tied the knot’ to formalise our partnership. Outward Bound Australia are now an Open Award Centre for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in ACT, NSW and Victoria and on the way to becoming the National Delivery Partner for The Award across Australia.
Community Partnership Awards to:
John and Anna Hyles from Booroomba Station, Kevin Heyhoe (Buchan, VIC) and Thomas and Elizabeth Gerner (Walpole, WA) who graciously allow us to have thousands of young Australians use their properties during Outward Bound programs.
Claire Burden from Cranbrook School and Derek Lange from Geraldton Grammar School also received gongs for the longstanding relationships and true partnerships between our organisations.
Tim Booth is an all-round legend. He’s had two daughters come through the ranks of OBA as instructors, planted 1000’s of trees along the Murrumbidgee River corridor already and will help us plant as many more as we can find volunteers to assist.
Speaking of OBA legends, Josh Cooper was a Whiskey trainee and Group Leader for a number of years and is now an IT Guru. He still donates his time to keep OBA online. A true OBA servant.
2021 Staff Awards:
Mentor Award: Forrest Perrin de Graaf
Innovation Award: Yu Mao
To Serve, To Strive and Not to Yield Award: Helen de Lagillardaie
Chair’s Award: Sam Hodder
