ALMOST 80 people joined district chairman Graeme Legge and district commissioner Olive Elston to review the Scouting year in the Uniting Church Hall, Pakenham, recently.
The annual report, with a cover designed by Lachlan Spargo, was tabled at the meeting on Wednesday 14 September. It contained information on each of the areas of Scouting in Cardinia and specifically showed that numbers had increased, with 466 youth and 102 leaders involved.
After breaking the flag, Christine Butt, Cub leader from Kooweerup, led the singing of the national anthem.
Chairman Graeme spoke of the links in the Scouting chain which provide support for individual groups.
“We are only as strong as our weakest link and must work together to make sure Scouting continues to grow.
David Brown presented the treasurer’s report in John Gillespie’s absence. He made sure that people were aware that their contribution to Bell Park Scout Camp was continuing as it was a valuable facility for their youth to work in. He also introduced the new treasurer, Pam Hamilton, to the audience and moved a motion to accept her appointment for the forthcoming year.
District leader reports from Helen Borland showed the depth of the training the leaders have been involved in. District Joey leader Andy Butt supported two Joeys Ashlyn and Layla who recounted the highlights of their year including Kangaree. (A video on the activities was shown.)
District Cub leader Courtney Baker, along with Cubs Ben and Abbey, spoke of the 100th Year of Cubs and the zoo visit when the King of Sweden visited. A promotional clip of the 2017 Cuboree was shown to encourage everyone to attend. Tim Mc Climont along with Holly and Josie presented information on the year for Scouts, especially the very wet Jamboree in Sydney at the start of the year. Congratulations to Josie who has been elected to the State Youth Forum – helping make decisions about future Scouting.
Venturer leader Colin Ritchie was presented with his district scarf. He spoke of the two Queen Scout presentations to Lachlan Spargo and Calvin Finch, the highest award in the youth section.
He also spoke briefly of Armstrong 500. Rover Sam Bennett had spent his night behind the sound and video desk. A big thank you to him for his expertise. He spoke of the service Rovers do in the community and the fact that a number of Rovers are helping as leaders. A presentation on the upcoming 20th Australian Rover Moot advertised the fun Rovers have.
Lyn Stephenson, presented the information on Cardinia Scout Fellowship, a section available for those who have finished working in Scouting on a weekly basis, but still contribute by helping with functions throughout the District.
Olive Elston, as district commissioner, spoke of the growth of the district and how Cardinia District came about in 1995 when Toomuc District, Westernport District and part of Baw Baw District became Cardinia and the badge worn by all was designed under torch light (as the power went out). The growth has continued, and members need to continue to take Scouting into the community by looking outside the square.
Region commissioner Frank Moore spoke of the awards across the age groups with the Joey Scout Promise Badge being equal to a Queen Scout Badge in Venturers. He congratulated all those who received awards and those who had taken part in activities across the district. Frank presented Olive with her 30 year service certificate and Adult appointment as Cardinia District Commissioner.
A number of awards were presented including 10 year certificate to Ian Woff; Janet Wilcox Granger, 15 years; Brian Lewis, 15 years; Jeff Crowley, 20 years and Kaye Norman, 25 years. Many years of service to the community.
Ron Ingram, Cardinia 2016 Citizen of the Year spoke to the group about his background, his conscription to the armed forces for the Vietnam War and service in the tank corps. He married locally and played footy and cricket. He had a growing awareness of responsibility to his family and community. He joined the RSL reorganising and revamping it. They wanted to preserve the history in the area and develop a list of projects to keep members active and interested. Ron spoke of the groups in the Kooweerup community working together and the building of the War Memorial and the Avenue of Honour. The next step is a museum by 2018. He said he was impressed with the Scout Association and its growth and said the RSL was there to help. Thank you Ron for your words of wisdom.
Madi Rupell a Venturer and Adele Mepstead a troop leader spoke about their trip to Kanderstag.
Following the lowering of the flag, supper was served by Kooweerup Scout Group.
