New home for Scouts officially open

THE Strathfieldsaye Scout Group’s new home has been officially opened by Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan.

The purpose-built hall is part of the Strathfieldsaye Community Hub and was developed using a $125,000 contribution from the State Government, matched by Scouts Victoria.

It is being hailed as a safe, accessible and permanent space for the 1st Strathfieldsaye Scout Group to meet for scouting activities and for young Scouts to participate in adventures the movement offers.

The project has been part of the Government’s $5.5 million funding commitment, again matched by Scouts Victoria, to build, upgrade or refurbish Scout halls across the state.

A total of 23 new or upgraded Scout halls have been established around Victoria since 2020, including facilities that opened earlier this year in South Frankston and Epping North.

When she opened the new hall, Ms Allan said she was proud the Government had invested in the building.

She described it as “a great new facility for local Scouts and the wider Bendigo community”.

“Our support for the construction and upgrades of Scout halls means Scouts in Victoria can participate in activities that enrich their knowledge and leadership skills and foster community connection,” Ms Allan said.

She said access to Scouting activities supports the positive development and growth of young people by creating opportunities for them to work with others, tackle challenges and lead in their communities.

Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman said: “Scouting teaches young people essential life skills including leadership, self-confidence and problem solving – we’re supporting it to thrive in Victoria.

“The boost to Strathfieldsaye Scout Hall is a significant asset to our local community and delivers on our investment in Scout halls across the state.”

Scouts Victoria is one of Victoria’s largest youth organisations and has a membership of more than 20,000 young people and 5000 adult volunteers.

The number of young people participating in Scouting activities has reportedly grown by 30 per cent in the past 10 years.