Scouts honoured at annual awards

BALLARAT District Scouts’ Annual Report and Awards Presentation Night was held last week at Alfredton’s Djila-tjarriu Community Hub.

The evening, which highlighted and celebrated the achievements of the region’s 450 young Scouts and the 80 leaders that support them, was hosted by Ballarat District commissioner Shane Hall.

Ballarat District Scout leaders were awarded for their service; Brad Pryor was celebrated for 30 years of leadership, Mataranka Camp’s Verena and Tony Doyle were honoured for 15 years, 3rd Ballarat Scout Group’s Daniel Chappell received a Silver Wattle award, and Eureka Venturers’ Julian Newman was given a District Venturer Recognition Award.

“What we do is all about making sure the kids are experiencing fun, growing and learning, and that they’re engaged,” Mr Chappell said.

Mr Hall said the district’s Scouting community’s dedication, hard work, and community spirit are to be commended.

“Tonight was about fun, awards, celebrating the past, and looking forward to the future,” he said.

“On average, a leader in Scouts lasts about four years, but the Ballarat District is abnormal. A lot of our leaders are 10-plus, and tonight we awarded 30 and 15.

“Life member Neville Cartledge, who runs the Pax Hill Heritage Centre, has been a leader for more-than 70 years.

“So many of the Ballarat District’s leaders have been here for a long time, and it’s that commitment to youth that keeps them involved.”

Organisations that support the Scouting district, including the Ballarat Times News Group, Apex, Voice FM, Integra, and Rotary District 9780 were also thanked for their assistance, with representatives presented with certificates.

Following the pandemic, Ballarat District Scouts returned to more community involvement within the last 12 month, taking part in events including SpringFest.

Their next big project is to raise $250,000 to renovate their boatshed on Lake Wendouree.