Scouting glamour celebrated

Lang Lang Group leader Scott Hamilton receives a Gold Award for Growth.

Cardinia District Scouts held their Annual Reports and Presentation Night on Wednesday 20 September.
This highlighted the work in each section – including an excellent visual presentation about the Joeys, information about Cubs and the forthcoming Cuboree, Scout and Venturer achievements and news on the Rovers.
Leaders were congratulated on achievements, including 17 leaders who received awards at Gilwell Park on Adult Recognition Day – Regi Jensen (Rover Service Award), Christine Butt, Matt Carruthers, Matt Coleman, Ashley Fraser, Cate-Linne Fraser, Peter Hartman, Simon Higgs, Steve Jensen, Kristel Stagg, Rebecca Worthington (all Special Service Award), Ceri Braithwaite and Matt Polan (Meritorius Service Award), Jackie Connelly (Silver Wattle), Leanne Fraser (Silver Koala), and David Brown and Dale Vickery (Silver Emu).
District Cub leader Courtney Baker and Lakeside Scout leader Sav Wallace were presented with 10-year service awards while Margaret Turner was presented with her 60-year service award.
Margaret was a founding leader of Beaconsfield Cubs and her father built the original Scout Hall at Beaconsfield.
Thank you certificates were given to Andy Butt, who has stepped down as District Joey leader and Tim Mc Climont who has relinquished the District Scout leader role.
Thanks also went to auditor Jeff Rickerby, Rachel Byron, Soldier On, Tracey Carter and Sam Bennet for helping with the evening.
June Wright was also acknowledged with a copy of the Gazette picture which showed her receiving her OAM.
Bob Taylor, immediate past Chief Commissioner, presented Gold awards for growth to Bronwyn Mepstead of Beaconsfield Group and Scott Hamilton Group leader of Lang Lang Group.
Exceptional growth and retention is important in Scouting.
A highlight of the evening was a presentation by Carol Porter about the Make A Wish Foundation. Carol talked about the wishes which the local branch had helped to give during her 27 years’ connection with the organisation. Thank you, Carol, for the thoughtful and thought-provoking presentation.
The night ended with a delicious supper by Kooweerup Scout Group.
Anyone interested in joining Scouts should either check the Scout website or contact District Commissioner Olive Elston on 0408 390 593.