By Gabriella Payne
Over the years, Pakenham local Sarah Ramage has been a passionate member of the scouting community in more ways than one, and the Cardinia District Scouts are delighted to now welcome her into a new role as the District Leader of Cub Scouts for the entire shire.
Since 2014, Ms Ramage has progressed through the scouting ranks to where she is today and said she was looking forward to taking on this exciting new position, despite having to leave behind her beloved Pakenham Cubs.
“I’m really excited to have gotten the role but at the same time I’m a little bit sad, because I’m currently the leader at Pakenham and to take on the new role I’ll have to leave to focus on the District Cubs themselves – but I’ll still see them,” Ms Ramage said reassuringly.
“But it will be really exciting to get out and about and see everyone, and it will be wonderful to connect with the other leaders throughout the district.”
Having started out as a Pakenham Venturer when she was a teenager, Ms Ramage has always had a strong connection to the local scouting community and it clearly runs in the family!
Ms Ramage’s husband Andrew is the Quartermaster at the Pakenham Scouts and their two children are both involved in the scouting community as well, making it a whole family affair.
The District Development Leader for the Cardinia Scouts, Rachel Byron said that it had been fantastic to see Ms Ramage progress through the ranks over the past seven years and there was no one more deserving of the role.
“Our congratulations go out to her, it’s very well deserved,” Ms Byron said.
“She has been an absolute asset to scouting in general, as well as at her Pakenham Unit.
“She’s very supportive of both the families and youth within the district and we believe this [new appointment] will help scouting in the community district moving forward,” she said.
In 2019, Ms Ramage received her five year service award for her commitment to scouting and in August last year, was honoured with a special service award for all her hard work and passion.
Over the years, Ms Ramage has attended three Cuborees, which she said had been a huge highlight in her scouting career as it was “always a good time” for cubs and leaders alike, and she was looking forward to seeing more cubs grow and progress in her new role as district leader.
“I really enjoy working with youth and watching them as they progress,” Ms Ramage said.
“They come from joeys into cubs and then into scouts and venturers – and some of my previous cubs are now venturers, so that’s really exciting to see.”
But as one door opens, another door closes and Ms Ramage said although she is sad to be leaving behind her current role as the Cub Scout Leader for Pakenham’s Akela Unit, she was really looking forward to the new adventure that lies ahead and couldn’t wait to get started.
