History of Dukes

1956: Dukes started in the UK to encourage and motivate young people over 14 years of age to become involved in self-development activities. The program was adopted across the UK and spread to other countries.
1957: Sir John Hunt, an Award founder, wrote to the Australian Fitness Council proposing that the program be started in Australia.
1958: In June, the first Australian participants commenced their Award. Originally, the program was only offered to boys, but a girls program soon followed.
1962: The first Australian Coordinating Council meeting was held in July. Queensland was the first state in Australia to establish their State Award Committee on 9 August 1962.
1963: The first Gold Award presentation was held in Australia.
1969:: One program to include all young people from 14 to 21 was introduced covering service, expedition and interest sections for all levels. For Bronze and Silver, girls took Design for Living and the boys, Physical Activity.
1978: The same program was introduced for both female and males and the age limit was lifted to 25 years.
1988: Representatives from Award programs all over the world convened in Brisbane in May for a meeting, establishing The Duke of Edinburgh's International Association. This association acts as a forum for discussion and communication between national award authorities and upholds the principles and standards of the Award.
Today: The Award operates in over 120 countries under a variety of names.