Cubs run Cuboree battery drive fundraiser

BANNOCKBURN-Lethbridge Cub Unit are an enterprising and determined lot.

They’re applying those qualities to raise funds to take part in the 2026 Cuboree.

The 12th Victorian Cuboree will be held near Gembrook at Gilwell Park, the largest Scout campsite in Victoria, and location of all 11 previous Cuborees.

It only happens once every three years and this year it will be held from Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October, offering cubs aged 8 to 11 five days and four nights of adventure and activities, from navigating mud zone obstacle courses to survival cooking and stagecraft skills.

To help offset the expense, the Bannockburn-Lethbridge unit is running a battery drive fundraiser, collecting used lead batteries for recycling.

“They’ve been trickling in,” said Mark Reid, a local resident and registered adult helper with the unit that his son William enjoys being part of.

“We’ve done three battery pick-ups so far and we’ll be collecting any kind of used lead-acid battery right up to the last minute.”

Car, tractor, motorbike and marine batteries are among the sorts of lead-acid batteries that can be dropped off at the Lethbridge Hall on Thursday evenings between 6.30pm and 8pm when the cubs collect them before transporting them to a recycling centre in Geelong in exchange for funds towards their goal.

“Cuborree only happens every three years and the leaders say it’s a great event,” Reid said.

“In 2023 3,500 kids attended.”

The local unit has about 16 regular young cub members and Reid said a main benefit is the development of personal confidence.

“You’ve got such a variety of kids there but they all seem to participate together in all of the activities,” he said.

“A lot of the kids are very shy when they first attend but as the weeks go on you can see that they build a lot of confidence.”

Alongside the battery drive, the unit is also running a fundraising raffle with hopes also of holding a Bunnings barbecue and a triva night for the cause.

“The ultimate goal is about $7,000,” Reid said.