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The Tasmanian Award has experienced fluctuating fortunes since its beginning in 1963. Its first decade was one of rising popularity with a focus on schools. Between 1975 and 1998 growth slowed and although some founding groups remained, there has been little broadening of the participant base.

Happily, since early 1999, several important events have resulted in the Award attracting widespread and growing support:

• Tasmanian brochure "Youth Challenge"
  The yearly publication and wide distribution of the Tasmanian brochure
  "Youth Challenge"
• Presentation Evenings
  Yearly Presentation Evenings are attended by participants, helpers,
  operators, sponsors, friends and distinguished guests.
• Award Committee
  The revitalisation and expansion of the State Award Committee
• Development and Administration Officers
  The appointment of part-time Development and Administration Officers.
• Award Administration
  The return of the Award Administration to Tasmania
• Tasmanian Award Website
  The creation of the Tasmanian Award Website
• Funding Support

The Friends of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Australia have generously provided development funds for a 3 year period effective from 1 July 2000. This money is being used to support the Development and Administration Officers and to expand the Award programme state wide.

The State Award Committee is representative of a wide cross section of community and industry bodies. It also includes many former Award participants. It firmly believes that young people deserve all possible encouragement and support to achieve their goals in a tough world. These aims are shared by the Tasmanian State Government which provides funding support.

Tasmania's Vision Statement

"That the State of Tasmania is able to offer to all its young people the opportunity to realise their potential through involvement in a quality Duke of Edinburgh's Award experience."

Aims:

• to improve the quality of the Award experience for all
• to raise the profile of the Award
• to increase participation by young people and adults
• to strengthen the level of support to established groups
• to manage Award delivery more effectively
• to increase Award resources
• to establish an annual Award presentation ceremony for all qualifying participants statewide