Scouting Community - Scouts Victoria

Scouting
in the
Community
SCOUTS
VICTORIA
ANNUAL REPORT
NOVEMBER 2012

Scouting
in the
Community
5th MILDURA
The Cubs made more than 80
lanterns for the Christmas tree at
the Alfred Deakin Centre.
NORTH-WEST REGION
1st EAGLEHAWK
Venturer Breanna Tivendale was
Eaglehawk Young Citizen 2012.
She showed her leadership when
she worked to start a local Unit.
1st BRIGHT
The local Group is active in Anzac
Day, the town's Gala Day, and many
other events. The Group is strong
after re-forming in 2007.
Some stories of the
142 Scout Groups in
country Victoria
NORTHERN REGION
WESTERN REGION
1st RAINBOW
When Joeys converged on
Melbourne Zoo, 1st Rainbow had
their own party at Halls Gap Zoo.
WEST COAST REGION
GEELONG REGION
PLENTY VALLEY REGION
EASTERN REGION
GILWELL PARK
BEC Chairman John de Wijn
tackles the new high ropes course,
built with State Government
assistance.
1st WARRACKNABEAL
Venturer Brock Sturrock is
Warracknabeal's 2012 Young
Achiever of the Year.
GLENELG RIVER DISTRICT
Portland Scouts ran a week-long
activity program for local children.
Two Groups gained new members.
1st COBDEN
“The morale boost from the repainted
Hall has spurred our Scouts
into going to Jamboree, and we are
now busy fundraising to support the
next stage of renovations.”
1st TRARALGON
Group Leader Lorrel Samson was
LaTrobe City's Citizen of the Year.
1st KANIVA
The hall is boosted by a $45,000
State Government grant and Cub
Scout Oskar McFarlane shares his
Grey Wolf award with a visit from
local MP Hugh Delahunty.
1st COLERAINE
The Our School Raffl e is a
fundraiser organised by Scouts to
support local schools. 1st Coleraine
was involved with Coleraine PS and
St Joseph's, Coleraine.
1st INVERLEIGH
Leader training is complete and 1st
Inverleigh is back in operation after
a break of many years.
TIMBOON
“Scouting has become an important
part of the local community now we
are able to offer a facility for community
activities. We are fi nalising
all sorts of plans on how the Hall
can be used for the local community
and bringing more people to events
in Timboon.”
1st TOOTGAROOK
Thanks to Rosebud-Rye Rotary
Club, the Group has fi ve new
canoes and two new kayaks.
1st YARRAM
After a six-year absence, 1st
Yarram - which began in 1910 - is
back in business!

Scouting
in the
Community
Andy Phan
1st FITZROY
Some stories of the
277 Scout Groups in
Melbourne
1st DOREEN
A "Try Scouting" Day led to the
formation of the new Group.
6th MELBOURNE
The historic Kensington Hall - parts
of which date back to 1853, and occupied
by Scouts since 1926 - has
had a makeover, and membership
is soaring.
6th CAMBERWELL NORTH
The Scouts visited Thailand en
route to Japan for the Agoonoree, a
special needs Jamboree.
PLENTY VALLEY REGION
CARDINIA DISTRICT
Cardinia's District Leader for
Scouts, Bronwyn Mepstead, was
Cardinia Shire's Citizen of the Year.
LERDERDEG REGION
MT DANDENONG REGION
in the
Community
2nd GLENROY
The new Group has 12 children with
severe physical disabilities. They
meet every second week at school
at lunchtime.
MELBOURNE REGION
BAYS REGION
SCOUTS
VICTORIA
ANNUAL REPORT
NOVEMBER 2012
SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
A new Scout Group has begun at
the Victorian School for the Deaf.
OUTREACH INTO THE WIDER COMMUNITY
COVER: Youth Affairs Minister Ryan
Smith with members of the new 1st
Fitzroy, one of the Groups to benefi t
from Victorian Government funding
for multicultural Scouting.
A Strategic Partnership Forum held at the global head offi ce of BHP Billiton in August
produced some ground breaking ideas. Already partnerships are being developed with
the Foundation for Young Australians, Chisholm Institute, the Migrant Information Centre,
Youth Affairs Council of Victoria and several departments of the State Government.
A number of special focus Groups have started this year including 1st Hartwell, a reformed
Group with a Chinese focus, and Mina St, Hallam, which complement the other
culturally focussed Groups we already have. We look forward to them sharing their
unique backgrounds with the rest of Scouting.
MELBOURNE REGION
480 Scouts donned skates to
tackle the world record for the
longest conga line on ice. They got
the numbers but couldn't hold it
together long enough.
1st ALPHINGTON
“We now have a Hall the wider
community can use, which is giving
us contact with a broader range of
people and hopefully increasing our
membership."
1st DROMANA
The Venturers and AB Balcombe
Rovers helped with the 34th ESGAV
-- annual gathering of Ethnic Scouts
and Guides of Victoria.
BADEN POWELL PARK GROUP
Scouts at South Frankston were
part of the BBC series "Wanted
Down Under", hosting a UK family
deciding whether to move south.
In developing an outer urban growth plan Scouts Victoria has strong endorsement from
State Government and has initiated projects in Laurimar, Cardinia, Atherstone and
several rural communities. A key requirement is to fi nd experienced Leaders to help
new Groups get started. We have begun a pilot project to recruit Group Leaders from
outside normal channels for the Geelong Region.
The State Government has provided funding for training volunteers over the next four years
so Scouting is better prepared to handle mental health issues facing young people.

CHIEF COMMISSIONER
Bob Taylor
We began 2012 by reviewing the Victorian Strategic
Plan of 2009-2011 and refreshing it for the 2012-2014
triennium while retaining all the existing key priorities to
achieve our vision of All Victorian enjoying Scouting.
Six years of growth
The five Youth Sections: 2006-2012
We have continued to strive for:
2012 Silver
Kangaroos
Marge Currie
DLD Boroondara
Lindsay Fry
AL Patrol Activity
Camps
Jon Peart
RC Western
Peter Rutley OAM
RC Plenty Valley
Andrew Taylor
GL 1 st Fitzroy
Doug Wright
ASL 1 st Maroondah
2012 National
President's Award
Stephen Chew
VSC Corporate
Services
John Evans
DPC Convenor
Bayside
Don Leeson
Australian
Scout magazine
contributor
Kel McMeekin
Chairman, Scout
Heritage
Jo Rutley
Secretary, Warrigal
Camp
Rod Savage
BL Vic Scout Band
Margaret Turner
Treasurer, Cardinia
• Youth membership growth through promotion
of high quality program delivery
• Effective, trained, passionate and supported
Leaders and Adults to deliver the program
•
Community recognition as relevant and
contemporary by developing new partnerships
•
Clear internal and external communications
using all forms of modern media
•
Contemporary and effective management
and governance within all of our formations
•
Robust and sustainable financial support to
our Groups to implement these priorities
Youth membership has continued to grow since
2006 with 2909 more members registered by 2012,
a growth of 22.8% in six years. Participation in major
events is one of key drivers of growth such as the
Australian Venture in Tasmania in January where
Victorian Venturers and their Leaders were major
participants as well as the 2nd Victorian Kangaree for
Joeys in April at Lardner Park in Gippsland resulting
in a 9% increase in Joey membership this year.
Leader membership has risen 4.6% in the last 12
months along with a 19% increase in Adult Helpers
and 10% in the Australian Scout Fellowship as well
as increases in lay Offi ce Bearers and members registered
in our renamed Group Support Committees.
The passion and commitment of our Leaders and
Supporters are refl ected by the 233 members who
received the peer-nominated Adult Recognition
Awards in August 2012 with a record six Silver Kangaroos
to Leaders and seven National President’s
Awards to Supporters for their Eminent Achievement
and Meritorious Service in their respective roles
since their last award.
Signifi cant Long Service Awards for 50, 55 and 60
years of Adult and membership have been presented
to 23 members since October 1 2011, a tribute to
their long commitment to the Movement in various
roles, all of whom have received major Adult Recognition
Awards in their Leader and or Supporter roles.
In the last 12 months the Branch Team has met
many community, business, local and State Government
leaders as we seek to build partnerships to
continue to grow Scouting with a particular focus on
the new growth corridors of outer Melbourne where
there are lots of young people but limited accommodation
to deliver our week-night programs.
These partnerships have been initiated and monitored
by the Strategic Development Advisory Committee
composed of community members drawn
from business, education and the not-for-profi t youth
sector chaired by our President John Ralph and
facilitated by Rob Charlesworth. It has completed its
objectives and the implementation of the identifi ed
strategies will now be the responsibility of the Branch
Team in conjunction with the identifi ed community
partners.
Our MyScout initiative to develop a members-only
component of the Victorian website is being complemented
by the National Scoutcentral members-only
repository of programs, resources and guidelines for
Australia-wide use. We are conscious of the use of
new social media such as Facebook and Twitter by
some of our members and we plan to blend these
into our communication with our own members and
the wider community.
Australian Scout magazine continues to give a high
quality monthly insight into Scouting for Leaders and
Supporters with special editions in February, May and
November going to all Victorian Scouting families.
Group Committees have been renamed Group Support
Committees all over Australia to ensure that the
members who are appointed by the Group Leader
clearly understand their role in the governance of
Scout Groups.
Region Commissioners have agreed to end the experimental
Region Advisory Councils which replaced
Region Executives when we reshaped the Metropolitan
regions two years ago. The functions and
personnel of the Advisory Councils will be integrated
into the Region Councils chaired by Region Commissioner
s with lay members appointed to serve along
with Assistant Region Commissioners in roles that
are locally determined.
Thank you to the 4186 voluntary Leaders and Supporters
who have helped to deliver the Scout youth
program to our 15,654 youth members, and to the
spouses and families who gave them the time to participate.
It has been a signifi cant community service
to Victorian youth.
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Trend 2006-12
Joey 861 996 1010 1053 1215 1199 1308 51.92%
Cub 4842 5195 5558 5584 6039 6047 6028 24.49%
Scout 4843 4866 5015 5498 5274 5499 5686 17.41%
Venturer 1306 1384 1456 1477 1516 1590 1602 22.66%
Youth Helper 15 15 8 12 12 14 27 80%
Rover 878 937 911 947 931 1038 1003 14.24%
Sub-total YOUTH 12745 13393 13958 14571 14987 15387 15654 22.82%
Leader not Rover 3155 3145 3087 3144 3109 3076 3217 1.97%
Hon Commissioner 33 31 30 39 45 49 53 60.61%
Fellowship 342 407 332 349 481 479 528 54.39%
Adult Helper 193 174 169 141 252 326 388 101.04%
Sub-total ADULT 568 612 531 529 778 854 969 70.60%
TOTAL 16468 17150 17576 18244 18874 19317 19840 20.48%
Participation in
major events is a
key driver of growth
60 Years Long
Service
Alwyn Blackwell
Vice Chairman,
Geelong Region
Barry Tatham
Scout Heritage
Trevor Dagley
Hon. Commissioner
Graham Farley
Hon. Commissioner
Harold Gardiner
Hon. Commissioner
Max Grubb
Hon. Commissioner
Neil Westaway
Vice President,
Victorian Branch
David Jefferson
Hon. Commissioner
55 Years Long
Service
Margaret Turner
Treasurer, Cardinia
Janice Danaher
OAM, GL 1 st
Hastings
Brian Jones
Treasurer,
Djerriwarrh
John Douglas
OAM, Hon.
Commissioner
Tom Hartley
immediate past
Chairman BEC
Albert Mattingley
ASF Geelong Rivers
Jack Maver OAM,
Hon Commissioner
50 Years Long
Service
Sally Steward
Badge Secretary,
Frankston
Beryl Bradshaw
Chairman,
Djerriwarrh
John Dowdle
GL 3rd Templestowe
George Todeschini
OAM, Hon.
Commissioner
Ray Beebe
Treasurer, Strzelecki
Graeme Cumbrae-
Stewart OAM,
Vice Chair BEC
Shirley Harding
Hon. Commissioner
Aline Thomson
BC Scout Heritage

CHAIRMAN OF THE BRANCH
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
John de Wijn QC
The new high ropes
course at Gilwell Park
Having succeeded Tom Hartley as Chairman of
Scouts Victoria in December last year I would like to
acknowledge and thank Tom for his dedicated and
visionary leadership of the Branch Executive Committee.
Tom continues to remind us about the basics
of Scouting and in particular the Patrol system upon
which it is based. Tom, you have been a great leader!
One of the responsibilities of the BEC is to
provide the resources, both fi nancial and human, to
support the volunteer Leaders on whom the success
of Scouting relies. To that end we recognise the need
for a dedicated and well-trained administrative staff
to support the work we do. In the short time Martin
Thomas has been our Executive Manager he has
addressed many challenges, provided invaluable
support to the Movement, and demonstrated great
leadership of the staff at the Victorian Scout Centre.
Part of our Branch strategic plan is to ensure
that our volunteers have the appropriate physical
resources to support the Scout program. While the
maintenance of halls and campsites is essentially the
responsibility of Groups and campsite committees we
recognise that in some cases the necessary improvements
are beyond the present capacity of some
Groups. This year we have continued to implement
our Critical Infrastructure Refurbishment Program
whereby we assist viable and dynamic Groups to
upgrade their facilities. We are also undertaking a
strategic review of all our facilities and campsites to
see if they are required for Scouting purposes in the
near- to mid-term. Our focus is to ensure that Groups
and Districts are not burdened with maintaining properties
not required for Scout purposes. In the course
Operating Budget 2011 -2012
Income
$5 million
Membership Fees $2,758,018 Scout Foundation $605,548
Fundraising $427,888 Activities & Training $118,050
Expenditure
$5.3 million
of this program we have endeavoured to enhance
relationships with State Government, local councils,
and other community groups.
This year we have signifi cantly improved
the infrastructure at selected Scout camps. With
State Government assistance we have installed a
state-of-the-art high ropes course, new toilets and
showers, as well as other activity facilities at Gilwell
Park, Gembrook. Funding has also been provided
to upgrade facilities at Clifford Park (at Wonga Park)
and Treetops (Riddells Creek). We will continue to
make strategic investments in selected campsites to
support program delivery.
With the assistance of funding from the State
Government and the Victorian Scout Foundation,
we have and are continuing to improve about 65
halls. In the last 16 months we have spent more than
$1.9 million in improving our campsites and halls. To
this can be added the considerable amount spent
by Groups and campsites in cash and kind. This
Salaries etc $2,021,464 Activities & Training $623,684
Corporate Administration $713,348 Affi liation Fees $233,689
investment will continue as we complete
the fi rst round of upgrades and move into
the second round of State Government
funding.
Local and State Governments
continue to recognise the valuable role
we play in developing resilient youth. As a
result of the close relationship developed
by Scouting, Manningham Council has
recently spent more than $1 million in
developing a new Scout hall at the Ajani
Reserve, Templestowe. We should not
lose sight of the high regard with which
we and our program are held by State
and local governments and the valuable
contribution they can and do make to the
6th Melbourne
Movement. Developing these relationships
is something we must all do. We
must also blow our own trumpet to reinforce
the value of our program in developing
resilient youth to take a constructive
place in society.
Work in reviewing the constitution
of the Branch is almost complete. It is
anticipated that proposed amendments to
the constitution will be put to a meeting of
the Branch Council early next year.
Finally I would like to recognise the
dedication and work of all our Leaders
who play such a critical role in developing
our youth to take a constructive role in
society.
1st Templestowe
The following Groups were successful in
receiving a share of State Government
round 1 funding of $1,635,000 and will
receive further financial support from
Branch to bring their Hall refurbishment
projects to completion.
2011-2012
1st Mount Clear
7th Ballarat
1st Greenhills
1st West Heidelberg
1st Alphington
Donald Scouts
1st Timboon
5th Northcote
Baden Powell Park
9th Caulfi eld
1st Altona
5th Footscray
10th Footscray
Dingley Scouts
Mentone Scouts
Yet Kieu Sea Scouts
2nd Wantirna
Treetops Campsite,
Riddells Creek
1st Mansfi eld
2nd Carlton
Dromana Sea Scouts
1st Mirboo North
1st Nagambie
1st Allansford
Warrnambool
Lyndoch
Warrnambool Tooram
3rd Wodonga
1st Healesville
1st Monbulk
1st Cobden
2nd Kangaroo Flat
2012-2013
1st Churchill -
1st Emerald
Eumemmerring
Scouts
1st Noorat
4th Preston
1st Cohuna
1st Portland
1st Eaglehawk
1st Dimboola
4th Mordialloc
1st Kyneton
1st Woodend
2nd Mildura
1st Broadford
1st Cobram
1st Mooroopna
1st Nth Shepparton
5th Brunswick
1st Hawkesdale
1st Koroit
1st Kaniva
1st Hopetoun
Scouts Victoria has also provided
additional funding to the following:
1st Mont Albert Clifford Park
11th Box Hill
Campsite
1st Vermont
Frankston District –
1/8 Blackburn Keast Park
1st Mitcham
Whitehorse District
Caringal Scout
2nd Blackburn
Camp
1st Moe
2nd Malvern
1st Newborough
Gilwell Park
1st Lower
Campsite
Templestowe Marysville Project
6th Melbourne Koonung Scout
1st Tally Ho
Resource Centre
Govt Grant - Gilwell $400,000
Business Revenue (incl Gilwell) $771,534
Operating Expenses $1,350,015
Loss on Investment Porfolio $358,403
A new kitchen at Treetops
Enjoying Gilwell's fl ying fox
• Further funding is to be made available
under Round 2.

JOEY
SCOUTS
aged 6-7
CUB
SCOUTS
aged 8-10
SCOUTS
aged 10-14
VENTURERS
aged 14-17
ROVERS
aged 18-25
LEADERS
aged 18+
The SECTIONS
For the fi ve Sections of Scouting, it has been another year of
action and achievement.
JOEY SCOUTS: Our youngest Section continues to grow:
membership is up 9% over the past year, and 52% over the
past six years. In late 2011 Victorian Joeys celebrated their
21st birthday. Chloe Higgins of 1st Paynesville designed the
badge, and her fellow Joeys across the State celebrated with
birthday parties, cake and candles. In November 2011, despite
heavy rain and strong winds, Joey Scout Mobs from far and
wide converged on Melbourne Zoo for their 10th bi-annual Zoo
Day. And in April 2012 Joey Scouts held their second Kangaree,
this time at Lardner Park, near Warragul. More than 1000
attended, including 494 Joey Scouts who enjoyed exciting
activities, a traditional campfi re, and the chance to earn the Try
Cub Scouts badge. A year of achievement too, with 194 Joey
Scouts earning their Promise Challenge
badge, their fi rst badge in Scouting.
CUB SCOUTS: One measure of
success in the Cub Scout Section is the
number of Grey Wolf awards presented.
Over the past year there were 471 Grey
Wolves in Victoria, an increase of 22%
on 2011. Some Regions and Districts
celebrate this with local annual recogni-
tion days. The Cub Scout Section itself continues to grow: up
24% over six years. But while recruiting is great, the Branch
Cub Scout Council is addressing the issue of retention. In April
2013 all Cub Scout Leaders will share the Cub Scout Section
conference with its theme “Let’s Grow”. Further ahead, the
teams are already forming for Cuboree 8 in 2014.
SCOUTS: Once again the Scout Section has been active in
putting the OUT in Scouting. Major events such as Stradbroke,
Cohen Shield, Fantastic Race, Scout Hike, Gilweroo, to name
a few, see most Troops honing their camping and leadership
skills. Many Troops are enthusiastic about badgework, with
152 Scouts receiving the Australian Scout Medallion during this
reporting period as well as the many other awards attained by
our youth members. A major event on the Scout section calendar
is the Branch Youth Forum, where invited youth members
are given the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics
to improve the Scout section, we had 73 representatives this
year. The Branch Scout Council is presently working through
the Scouts' recommendations.
VENTURERS have had a great time over the last year, with a
multitude of experiences available to them. While we have only
had a small percentage increase in overall members this year,
over the past six years the section has grown 22%. Venturer
events have had excellent attendance, Hoadley Hide had one
quarter of all Venturers, an increase over the 2011 Service
project we have great plans afoot for Hoadley Hide in 2013.
Vic Gathering’s had over 900 attend while numbers were up at
Anything Goes with 1208 attendees: nearly three quarters of all
Venturers. The National Venture (Wilddayz) held in Tasmania
in January had a 454 strong Victorian Contingent. Venturers
helped with activities at Kangaree, Cuboree and Corroboree
where they were popular with Leaders and members of the
younger sections. It has been a successful year and a contingent
of 264 heading to the NZ Venture in January 2013.
ROVERS: Victorian Rovers manage a diverse and challenging
set of events and assets. A particular highlight was the 40th anniversary
of Mudbash, while another was the outstanding work
of Rovers on stage and behind the scenes supporting Scouts
Victoria's performing arts activities.
The Branch Rover Council met in Bendigo to consider its strategic
direction and is fi nalising a new two- to three-year plan.
This is expected to fi t well into the revamped
Victorian Branch plan and build
on the outcomes of the Rover Review
which were released earlier in the year.
Four Rovers achieved the Baden Powell
Scout Award, and nine Rovers were
awarded the WF Waters Rover Service
Award for outstanding service to the
Section.
40XYEARSX-
OFXMUDBASH
In 1972 the Endeavour Rover Crew decided to expand their
activities into motorsport. The fi rst Mudbash included a night
rally in which some cars got lost, a motorkhana with slalom
and fl ag courses, hill climb, tug of war, and an obstacle
course with a water hole, through which only three cars made
it without help. Crews were allowed to spend a maximum of
$50 on their cars, and the winner won the rights to organise
the next year’s event. This event was won by Endeavour Rovers
in their car “Snoopy”.
In the 40 years since then, the venue has included Big River
and Ballan, before Victorian Rovers purchased Mafeking
Rover Park at Yea.
Restrictions on the buggies
have also changed
signifi cantly. Early rules
included “some form of
brake is recommended”.
But since 2005 all buggies
have been required
to conform to far stricter
CAMS regulations.
Some things of course
have not changed. The
great work put in by
Crews to prepare their
cars remains, as does
the mud – on some
tracks especially. Then
once the racing for the
day is done, there are
always big celebrations
by the competing Crews.
Venturers at work and play

A D V E N T U R O U S
S P E C I A L I S E D
ACTIVITIES
Leaders and their members are well supported by the Victorian
Branch’s Adventurous and Specialised Activities teams who
provide a range of activities to boost local programs.
Adventurous activities
In 2012 members over the age of 14.5 now have the opportunity
to be trained and receive qualifi cations in Certifi cates 2,3
& 4 in Outdoor Recreation. This enables our youth and adult
members to formalise the training and activities they undertake
60 YEARS OF
GANG SHOW
Melbourne Gang Show celebrated its 60th year with a
performance season that drew record audiences from
throughout Victoria and beyond. It was also a year that
brought back hundreds of former members and even more
wonderful memories.
A month before the season at the Besen Theatre in Burwood,
250 current and past members gathered at the Ivanhoe
Centre for a night of fi ne food, reminiscing and entertainment.
Video clips and performances by their peers from past
generations brought back many memories.
They gathered once more at the Besen in June where they
enjoyed “The Cry of the Forest”, a spectacular and original
one-act musical set in a living forest, plus “Once Upon
Another Time” - a spoof on many fairytales - and a third act
montage of highlights from the past 60 years.
A cast of 110 Scouting and 30 Guiding youth members, were
supported by a crew of 85 youth and Leaders.
As the fi nal curtain prepared to fall, audiences joined in with
the cast on-stage in singing Ralph Reader’s “Wonderful
life” at record volume. Melbourne Gang Show is in a strong
position as it enters its seventh decade.
in Scouting and receive career relevant, nationally recognised,
qualifi cations.
The opening of the High Ropes Course at Gilwell Park has
not only added to the activities we can offer, it has provide us
the opportunity to have 15 members trained to Conduct High
Ropes and 12 members trained to Supervise High Ropes.
Our Sailing Team has three members fully qualifi ed to train and
assess members in all Sailing Levels. Other highlights during
the year include the Scout Scuba Team who have clocked up
more than 500 Discover Scuba Dives since their inception, and
the continued effort of the Caving Team who, since 1982, has
given more than 7500 members of Scouting access to caves
across Victoria.
Specialised activities
A further broad range of activities is provided by specialised
teams in Scouts Victoria.
The Environment Team, for example, runs the Regent Honeyeater
Day at Lurg, near Benalla, and provides activities at the
Gilwell Park environment centre, which now has a new weather
station.
The International Team helps organise for Victorian Scouts to
go to major overseas events, as well as organising exchanges
between local Venturers and families overseas.
The dedicated Scout Heritage team manages more than 100
years of Scouting history, with highlights of their collection on
display at “Sithen Brownsea”, near Como House.
Multicultural Scouting is strong. One popular annual activity is
the children’s festival organised by the Tran Van Khac Rover
Crew.
The Scout Band continues to brighten major events, while
Victoria’s six Scout-Guide shows attract thousands of audience
members each year.
Patrol Activity camps at Gilwell Park and Clifford Park allow
Scout Patrols to enjoy great activities and camp without their
own Leaders.
Faith awareness, Geocaching, and Radio & Electronics are just
a few of the many other specialised activities available.
Total
Participants
Internal
Scouting
Competencies
Abseiling 6171 16
Air Activities 431 NA
Bushwalking 10 4
Canoeing 2741 324
Caving 326 48
Rock Climbing 181 0
Sailing & Power Boating 521 76
Scuba Diving 135 NA
Ski Touring 66 0
Water Skiing 300 NA

T R A I N I N G
VICTORIAN
BRANCH
The introduction of eLearning in January 2011 has delivered
a signifi cant reduction in the time taken on average from 12
months to 7 months, for a Leader to complete the training
required for a Certifi cate of Adult Leadership (CAL). During
the 2011 -2012 reporting period 315 CAL’s were issued.
Additionally, members invested a combined 17,000 hours
completing 11,163 e-Learning modules.
For 90 years the attainment of the Wood Badge for Leaders in
Scouting has represented the highest level of training for the
respective role. Leaders awarded a Wood Badge also attain
a Certifi cate IV in Frontline Management and, in many cases,
a Certifi cate IV in Leadership. The completion rates for these
qualifi cations exceeds the National average in the VET sector.
This year our Leaders have invested over 23,448 face to face
hours, a signifi cant amount of time, in developing the skills
necessary to fulfi l the roles for which they have volunteered.
The time dedicated by existing leaders in delivering training
courses and providing training support at a local level is not
easily quantifi ed, their role is vital to the success of the training
program across the State.
In the coming year training will continue to evolve and will
see a focus placed on demand driven training and increased
support for leaders undertaking training. The outcome we seek
is passionate, trained leaders delivering vibrant, fun, and active
programs to our youth & adult members alike.
Dougal Mayor
Assistant Chief Commissioner, Adult Training & Development
VICTORIAN SCOUT FOUNDATION
Certificates of Adult Leadership, 2011-2012
Wood Badges awarded, 2011-2012
Joey Scout
Venturer
Group Leader
Cub Scout
In the 2011-2012 year the Victorian Scout Foundation made an operating profi t of $480,125 which is down on the previous year
due to less dividends and the drop in the share market values. As at June 30 2012, the Accumulated Funds of the Foundation
totalled $8,069,458. Grants for the year exceeded the profi t and the additional funds were drawn from the Accumulated
Reserves. The following grants were made:
Property Restoration Grant $ 201,347
Public Relations & Marketing 146,535
Region Operations 92,000
Leader Training 77,290
Monster Raffl e 56,112
New Scout Group Start-up Grant 17,164
Heritage Centre 15,000
Total $ 605,448
The grants listed above helped to improve Scouting properties within Victoria, train our Leaders to Wood Badge standard, helped
to start new Groups, and sponsor the Monster Raffl e, which in turn produced income of more than $600,000 for the Groups that
took part. What a great result.
You can be a part of the Foundation by becoming a member and your support will help keep Scouting growing into the future. If
you would like to join please do not hesitate to contact the Victorian Scout Foundation through the Victorian Branch on (03) 8543
9800.
Good Scouting.
David W. Jones AM, FCA, AFAIM President & Chairman The Victorian Scout Foundation Ltd
Rover
Scout
District Leader/Commissioner
Activity Leader
Chief Scout of Victoria - Alex Chernov AC QC, Governor of Victoria
Chief Commissioner of Victoria - Robert Taylor
President - John Ralph AC
Vice President - Neil Westaway AM
BRANCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairman – John de Wijn QC
Vice Chairman - Graeme Cumbrae-
Stewart OAM
Members – David Abell, Dion Ellis,
Alex Forrest, Tom Hartley, John Peck;
Patrick McCormick & Peter Washusen
Acting Honorary Treasurer -
Doug Thomson (Nov 2011-Feb 2012)
Kevin Moss (from February 2012)
Chief Commissioner - Robert Taylor
Assistant Chief Commissioners - Greg
McDougall, Simon Marks, Dougal
Mayor, Chris Young
Executive Manager & General
Secretary – Martin Thomas
Ex offi cio - John Ralph AC, Neil
Westaway AM
VICTORIAN BRANCH TEAM
Chief Commissioner - Robert Taylor
Assistant Chief Commissioners:
Greg McDougall
Simon Marks
Dougal Mayor
Chris Young
REGION COMMISSIONERS
Bays - Cameron Whillas
Eastern – Alan Wilson
Geelong - Wayne Gunn
Lerderderg – Tom Hickey
Melbourne - Brendan Watson OAM
Mt Dandenong - Alan Richmond
North West - Craig Whan
Northern – Simon Marks (acting)
Plenty Valley - Peter Rutley OAM
West Coast – Peter Newell
Western - Jon Peart
BRANCH COMMISSIONERS
Joey Scouts - Lyn Rickerby
Cub Scouts – John Kerr
Scouts - Joan Dillon OAM
Venturer Scouts – Cliff Dent
Rovers - Jody Freeman
Adventurous Activities - Garry Breadon
ASF - David Hills
Environment - Annette Cook
Faith Awareness – Bob Browne
Health - Barb Brook
International - David Bossen
Major Events - Russell Bradd
Performing Arts – Jon Willis
Research & Planning – Lachlan Shield
Scout Heritage - Aline Thompson
Special Duties – The Hon. Michael
Baden Powell
Special Needs – Charles Medwin
Branch Rover Council Chair – Morris
Orchard
ASSISTANT BRANCH
COMMISSIONERS
AT&D – Jan Kerr
Cub Scouts - Sue Glenn
General - John Glover
Multicultural Scouting, Asian
Communities - Manh-Ha Nguyen
Major Events – Trevor Howlett
Publications - Kingsley Davis
Rovers - Greg Davies, Dean Castle
Scouts - Peter Marriott
Special Duties, Gang Show - Rob
Motton
Venturer Scouts - Bruce Ellis JP
VICTORIAN SCOUT CENTRE
Executive Manager & General
Secretary – Martin Thomas AFAIM,
MAICD
Building Supervisor - Doug Dixon
Grants, Fundraising & Insurance
Manager - Stephen Chew FCPA ACIS
Extranet Service Delivery - Nicolas Tao
BBIS
Finance Manager - James Ling CPA
Internal Auditor - Russell Payne FCPA
Marketing and Communications -
Catherine Gardner-Gaskin
Property & Legal - Carole Richards BJ
LLB
Reception - Susan Carter
Secretariat - Kathleen Solomons
Strategic Partnerships - Rob
Charlesworth
Training - Renee Pauly
SCOUT SERVICE CENTRES
Bentleigh Scout Centre - Brenda
Hoppen
Heathmont Scout Centre - Fiona
Hocking
Western Scout Centre, Braybrook -
Mary Stanek
GILWELL PARK
Campsite Manager - Barry Powell
Customer Service Offi cer – Claire
Edmanson
Ranger – Adam Gierlicz
Ranger – Craig Moore
Sales and Market Development
Coordinator – Melissa Steele
BRANCH COUNCIL
Chief Scout of Victoria – Alex Chernov AC
QC, Governor of Victoria
President – John Ralph AC
Vice President – Neil Westaway AM
Chief Commissioner – Robert Taylor
Assistant Chief Commissioners:
Greg McDougall
Simon Marks
Dougal Mayor
Chris Young
Branch Commissioners
Assistant Branch Commissioners
Region Commissioners
Assistant Region Commissioners
District Commissioners
David Abell
Arthur Andronas
David Armstrong
Shirley Bean
Prof. David Beanland AO
Graham Beanland
Robert Borthwick
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
Geoff Clarke
Neil Comrie AO
David Cornish
John Coulson
Graeme Cumbrae-Stewart OAM
John de Wijn QC
Robert Doyle
Ross Elliott
Dion Ellis
Alex Forrest
Joshua Frydenberg MP
Alfred Gibson
Phil Gude
Noel Hall OAM
Richard Hamer
Tom Hartley
Alan Hooley
David Jefferson OAM
David Jones AM
Clive Keeble OAM
Graeme Kitney
Neville Lee OAM
Pelham Lees
Patrick McCormick
Andrew Moon
Kevin Moss
Ian Murray
Alston Park AM, JP
David Paroissien OAM
John Peck
Kelvin Thomson MP
Peter Washusen
Kim Wells MP
Dr William Wells AM

Supporting
Our thanks to all those who help us deliver programs each week
− and many weekends − to more than 15,000 young Victorians.
In particular, we'd like to acknowledge
Scouting
in the
Community
and all the other supporters of Scouting in Victoria.
A community
initiative of Scouts
Victoria, supporting
the youth of Victoria
Scouts Victoria
supporting Scouting
in Victoria
To the Leaders, parents and friends who deliver Scouting every day, thank
you. Your support is invaluable and really does make a difference.
The Scout Association of Australia
Victorian Branch
152 Forster Road, Mount Waverley 3149