By Jessica Anstice
Beaconsfield Officer Scout Group received $200,000 funding from the Federal Government.
The funding will extend the small hall at Officer Recreation Reserve to make it a usable space that meets the needs of the growing group and the local community.
The hall space will double in size and include improved bathroom facilities and access for everyone.
“A bigger space will allow more families to be involved in scouting,” group leader Leanne Fraser said.
“An improved space allows other community groups and clubs as well as local schools to have a place for them to meet and use.
“It will be a place for the community that fosters and improves the need to connect to the place you live.”
Member for Latrobe Jason Wood made the announcement at the scout family night on Wednesday, March 6.
“I’m delighted that my lobbying for funding has been heard by the Prime Minister’s office,” Mr Wood said.
“Being a queen scout myself, I encourage parents to have their children to join the scouting movement, as it will teach them valuable skills and importantly to become leaders.”
The group has nearly 100 youth and young adults involved from the ages of five to 25, who are in Joeys, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers, together with nearly 30 adult volunteers.
“Everyone had a great night at the family night, enjoying sausages and onions from the barbecue as well as baked potatoes,” Ms Fraser said.
“Mr Wood commented ‘we cooked a great sausage – some of the best around’.”
In 2017, the group secured $10,000 funding support through the Stronger Communities Program.
Working with Bunnings, a new kitchen was installed, floorboards were replaced and repaired, inside of the hall was painted and hot water was connected to the bathrooms.
