Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Courage and Commitment: Coco’s Journey to Gold
The official photographs from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Ceremony at Government House have arrived, capturing the occasion when Coco Espie, Avalon Korda, Regan Madison, Bridget Murray and Jess Weatherall were formally recognised for achieving their Gold Award.
We were especially proud to see Coco make SCEGGS shine in her role as Guest Speaker at the ceremony, where she spoke with warmth, honesty and humour about her journey through the Duke of Ed and the many people who walked alongside her. Coco’s address, which is included below in full for you to read, is both inspiring and grounded: she reflects on resilience, community and stepping outside your comfort zone, and encourages younger students to see challenge as an opportunity rather than a barrier.
Her words are a reminder of what the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is really about – not just a badge or a certificate, but the growth that comes from consistent effort, service to others and the courage to try something new.
Speech: My Gold Duke of Edinburgh Journey
“Your Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, fellow gold recipients, friends and family”
My name is Coco and I go to SCEGGS Darlinghurst.
I am incredibly proud to be here today with all of you, receiving our Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Congratulations to you all! As we all know, this achievement takes a lot of commitment, planning, and the support of many others. I’d like to extend our gratitude and thanks to everyone who made it possible for us to be here.
When I signed up to begin my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh journey at 14, I remember working out the four different skill areas I’d need to complete, and I realised my disability didn’t allow for many options of the Adventurous Journey component. That’s when my parents began several discussions with both the Duke of Edinburgh organisation and my school about how I could take part in the Adventurous Journey in a way that would be both fulfilling and challenging – just like it is for everyone else.
At first, it didn’t seem possible with my cerebral palsy as we soon discovered there are very few accessible campgrounds in New South Wales – but that didn’t stop us. I am extremely grateful to our amazing school leaders, Doric Swain and Joanne Bower, who went far above and beyond. They trialled different campgrounds and locations, spent hours planning, and explored trails to find options that were accessible for me. Their support and dedication has made this whole journey possible.
One of my favourite highlights was catching the train with my peers to start our first hike. This might seem like a small thing, but for me, it was a huge moment: my first time travelling on a train without an adult. It gave me a taste of independence and freedom, something we all value so much. Doing the Gold Award has really made a difference in my sense of independence. It helped me understand what I need, how to manage those needs myself, and when to ask for help – on my own terms. That kind of independence has truly changed me.
Another unforgettable highlight was completing my final Gold Adventurous Journey. Doing this in a wheelchair came with challenges, but it was made possible thanks to the incredible group of girls who supported – and literally pushed – me along the way. One amusing incident was when I kept tipping over backwards as my bag on my wheelchair was so heavy, but it led to exactly the sort of problem solving and resilience that the award is all about: together we came up with the idea to put water bottles under my chair to balance it out. The result was that I collected everyone’s water bottles helping me to not be a turtle and making everyone’s packs lighter. Finishing that Gold Adventurous Journey gave us all an amazing sense of achievement – one that will stay with me forever – and reminded me that anything is possible.
Completing all the components of the Award has meant so many things to me: resilience, determination, leadership, perseverance, inclusion, independence, friendship – and most importantly, the belief that “Yes, I can.” It has helped me feel more confident about becoming an independent young adult and about facing new challenges. None of this would have been possible without the village of girls who helped me achieve my goals, and the inspiring teachers who encouraged us to think outside the box and find accessible ways to make the impossible possible.
I hope my story inspires others to look outside the box too – and to see that when you do, the world opens up to so many amazing possibilities.
Gold Upcoming Adventurous Journey
This year, our Gold participants have an exciting opportunity ahead: a 6-day Pack and Paddle Adventurous Journey planned for the next school holidays, 7–12 April 2026.
We will be travelling south to the Kangaroo Valley area to explore the magnificent beauty of the meandering Lake Yarrunga and the escarpment country. We will be exploring on foot, for the first two days and then by canoe for the last four days – an adventure of teamwork, endurance, and discovery.
For students in Years 11 or 12 interested in pursuing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the program offers a rich blend of personal growth and service. Participants must commit to:
- Volunteering, Physical Recreation, and Skills for at least 12 months, with consistent weekly participation.
- Completing a 6-day Adventurous Journey.
- Taking part in a Residential Project, which involves staying away from home for 5 days and 4 nights while connecting with new people in an unfamiliar environment.
Residential Project ideas are wonderfully varied — from environmental conservation and charity work to youth camp volunteering, learning new skills at a surf or sailing camp, or joining immersive trips such as the school’s Cape York or Cambodia.
To quote Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales:
Achievers of today, leaders of tomorrow… You have put yourself outside your comfort zone, learned new skills, and refined old.
Interested students can register for the Gold Adventurous Journey Pack and Paddle via Cognito.
Ms Jo Bower
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Leader
