CHALLENGING FUN INCLUSIVE

ANNUAL REPORT TO THE NATION 2020 ADVENTUROUS

ANNUAL REPORT TO THE NATION 2020 This year’s report takes a slightly different format than previous years to allow us to reflect on, and highlight, some of the unprecedented events of the past year. This has been a challenging year for our family and our local communities but it has also been one that has demonstrated the strength and resilience that Scouting is renown for.

This report shares some of our stories from this year, and the spirit, commitment, and selflessness of our members.

Despite the challenges thrown our way this year, the way our Scouting family has responded to them is something we can all be proud of.

‘The Gondwana reserves are the largest tract of subtropical rainforest in the world and span 366,500 hectares from Newcastle in NSW to south-east Queensland. These ancient forests are habitat for rare and threatened plant and animal species and are home to trees that have lived for 600 to 1,200 years. By January, 53% of the total Gondwana rainforest world heritage area across NSW and Queensland had been burnt.‘

Innes Larkin, Mt Barney Lodge.

This photo was taken just before the bushfires crested the ridge in Mount Barney National Park, Queensland. Scouts Australia Annual Report 2020 1

THE SCOUT PROMISE THE SCOUT LAW On my honour, BE RESPECTFUL I promise to do my best, Be friendly and considerate To be true to my spiritual beliefs, Care for others and the environment To contribute to my community DO WHAT IS RIGHT And to our world, Be trustworthy, honest and fair To help other people, Use resources wisely And to live by the Scout Law. OR BELIEVE IN MYSELF Learn from my experiences On my honour, Face challenges with courage I promise that I will do my best, To do my duty to my God, And to the Queen of Australia, To help other people, And to live by the Scout Law.

CONTENTS

Executive Reports ...... 2 Our New Chief Scout ...... 6 Our New National President ...... 6 Scouts Australia 2019/20 ...... 7 The Scouting Effect ...... 8 Bushfire Relief Badge ...... 10 National Bushfire Relief Report ...... 12 Scouting@Home ...... 17 Strategic Plan Update ...... 18 Strategic Goal 1 ...... 18 Strategic Goal 2 ...... 20 Strategic Goal 3 ...... 21 Strategic Goal 4 ...... 21 Strategic Goal 5 ...... 21 Sustainable Development Goals ...... 23 Office Bearers ...... 24 Recognition ...... 26 2020 Adult Recognition Awards ...... 27

This Report covers the period 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2020 2 Executive Reports

EXECUTIVE REPORTS CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF AUSTRALIA

to Ian Hewitt (Principal) for making the Branch Chief Commissioners and Trinity Christian School available at members of the National Team met very short notice as the alternate venue online weekly as a ‘National Cabinet’. for phase 1 (pre-Expedition) of the With different levels of lockdown in Moot. Despite the ongoing fire weather the States and Territories, this forum warnings, phase 2 (Expeditions) went included medical updates, sharing of ahead with modifications to ensure the best practice, and mutual support, as safety of all participants and staff. we looked at new ways of conducting the game of Scouting. This has However, due to continued extreme included the move to online meetings weather conditions and following for all National Committees. strong recommendations from ACT Emergency Services, the CBR Moot SCOUTING @ HOME was cancelled following the return All of our programs are designed to from Expeditions. In total, 516 people Phil Harrison be adventurous, challenging, fun and attended the Moot, including 110 inclusive. And this has never been International visitors. more so, with face to face Scouting Thanks to Ben Muller (Moot Chair) and re-imagined and re-packaged as The word that describes the Scouting Jacinta Henderson (Deputy Moot Chair) Scouting@Home. In a rapid response year for me is ‘unexpected’. It seems and their fantastic teams for planning to ensure that all our members had as if every plan was modified and and organising an amazing Rover opportunities to continue Scouting there were new challenges at every Moot, and also for their comprehensive whilst in lockdown, hundreds of turn. It’s a good thing that as Scouts emergency management planning. program ideas were developed and we are resilient, we adapt to changing ACT Emergency Services commented shared across Branches, and around circumstances and we look for new on the high standard of these plans. the Scouting World. Youth members ways of doing things. Rarely have management teams for and Adult Leaders found themselves National Events had to make as many developing new competence in web BUSHFIRES critical decisions. Thanks also to the conferencing. Virtual Scout camps Branch Rover Councils who hosted happened in back yards and living The 2019-20 Bushfire season saw rooms across Australia. By continuing extensive fires across much of Australia, International visitors following the early end to the Moot. the virtual delivery of the Scouting with losses in many small towns and program, our aim was to help young in protected environments. Scouting 22ND people and adults get some sense properties and campsites were lost of calm and normality in the unusual or impacted, and many members had JAMBOREE 2019-2020 times we were facing. And, this was houses damaged or destroyed. Thanks Whilst the CBR Moot was underway not limited just to Scouting in Australia. to the initiative of Inspire Apparel, and in ACT, 420 youth and adult members During the height of the pandemic, with the support of the Victorian Scout of Scouts Australia attended the NZ the World Organisation of The Scout Foundation, a Bushfire Badge was Jamboree. The Jamboree was held at Movement (WOSM) launched the produced to raise funds. The response the Mystery Creek Event Centre, near World Scout Academy. This Academy from Scouts around the World was Hamilton. I had the opportunity to gave many of our members the amazing and to date, in excess of visit this event for several days, and opportunity to virtually link with 176,000 badges have been sold in there is much we can learn from, and Scouting members from across the Australia and overseas, raising more share with our colleagues across the globe on a range of topics affecting than $738,000. These funds have been Tasman. Congratulations to Alan Murray Scouting during these turbulent times. used to replace lost equipment, repair (Contingent Leader), Tom Dowsley and rebuild buildings, provide Mental (Deputy Contingent Leader), Cassidy RESILIENT YOUTH Health First Aid training and support the Reid & James Warren (Assistant AUSTRALIA work of Rural / Country Fire Services. Contingent Leaders) for the organisation and leadership of the Contingent. A In 2019, Scouts Australia partnered 13TH ASIA-PACIFIC / 21ST special callout for this event was the high with Resilient Youth Australia to level of youth leading / adult supporting explore the impact of Scouting on young Australians. Youth members 2019-2020 with the much of the event planned by a special Jamboree Patrol. There is an across the country participated in the The CBR Moot was hosted by ACT account of this later in this annual report. Resilience Survey. Branch, and was originally planned to be at Camp Cottermouth. Due to COVID-19 The findings were released in May extreme fire weather, and bushfires in 2020, and show that young people NSW, the venue was changed two days In developing Scouts Australia’s participating in the Scouting program before the Moot started. Special thanks response to the COVID-19 pandemic, report higher levels of resilience when Scouts Australia Annual Report 2020 3

compared to their non-Scouting peers. Luke Saunders (Deputy Chief the Bronze Wolf by the World Commissioner) has led this group Scout Committee for his service The Resilience Survey also revealed of seven outstanding young adults, to Scouting. David is the eleventh that Scouts report to have an overall fulfilling five roles, who have provided Australian to receive this recognition, better life satisfaction than their peers, a strong youth voice in the National the highest and only recognition and that the longer they stay in Scouts decision-making process. award in Scouting at a World level. the more resilient they are likely to be. • Ezgi Bridger – National Rover • Major General Professor John Pearn While these findings aren’t exactly Council Chair new, through the Resilience Survey AO RFD was appointed a Life • Josh Smart (to May 2020) – Deputy we now have validated evidence that Member of the Scouts Australia National Commissioner AT&D participating in Scouting gives young National Council in November 2019. Australians the unique tools to thrive • Tahlia Batters (from May 2020) - and take on all that life has to offer. Deputy National Commissioner AT&D I also acknowledge the members and • Caitlin Wood (to Aug 2020) - Deputy supporters of Scouts Australia who were SCOUTS AUSTRALIA National Commissioner International awarded Adult Recognition Awards for INSTITUTE OF TRAINING • Ruby Mavor (from Aug 2020) - their service to Scouting on World Scout Deputy National Commissioner Day, 1st August 2020. Thank you for the The Scouts Australia Institute of International Training (SAIT) continues to provide difference you are making in your local • Julia Miller (from Sept 2019) - opportunities for the formal recognition and regional communities. Deputy National Commissioner of the skills, knowledge and experience Youth Program gained through participation in the non- And we also note the following: formal education of Scouting programs. In addition, my thanks to the other • Howard (‘Chick’) Carey AM Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts and National Commissioners who have went home in 2020. He was the Adult members have been issued with continued to provide strong leadership inaugural National Commissioner over 489 qualifications from Certificate in their respective portfolios and in Youth Program (1975-1978) and I to Diploma levels. This represents a support of the National Team: made a significant contribution to notional value add in excess of $3.2 • Elston Hynd AM - Deputy Chief the last major review of the youth million of vocational qualifications to Commissioner program. ‘Chick’ was appointed a members of Scouting. Thanks to Paul Life Member of the Scouts Australia Parkinson (Principal), David Cossart • Nigel Reece - National National Council in 2007. (Deputy Principal) and the rest of the Commissioner Youth Program SAIT team for their leadership. • Dougal Mayor - National • Robert Baden‐Powell, 3rd Baron Commissioner AT&D Baden‐Powell, went home in SCOUTS | TERRAIN • Aaron Wardle - International December 2019 after a long illness. The development of a digital system Commissioner His younger brother, Michael to support the youth program was Baden-Powell, who is an Honorary Three Branch Chief Commissioners approved in November 2019 and by Commissioner with Scouts Victoria, finished their respective terms in the the end of August 2020, trials of the is now the 4th Baron Baden‐Powell last year. We thank them for their new web-based system were well of Gilwell. service to Scouting and their leadership underway. The Youth Program Review at Branch and National levels. Coordinating Team, in conjunction CONCLUSION • Brendan Watson OAM (Victoria) with Two Bulls, have worked hard to For Scouts Australia, 2019-20 has a build a world leading youth program • Barb de la Hunty (WA) been a year like no other. No one could management tool. Scouts | Terrain • Harry Long (SA) have foreseen the extent of the impact empowers youth members to plan > of extreme weather and the pandemic do > review > their own programs, to In turn three new Branch Chief connect and share with others, and to Commissioners were appointed by the on the Scouting program. However, take ownership of their ‘achievement Chief Scout. We welcome them to the Scouts are resilient, Scouts work pathway’. leadership roles within their respective together to solve problems and create Branches and also as members of the new ways of doing things. As Scouts PEOPLE National Council, National Operations we can be proud of what we have Committee and Chiefs’ Council. Scouts Australia depends on the effort achieved, and can be confident in our and dedication of many individuals. In • Rod Byrnes (Victoria) ability to face the challenges particular, I would like to highlight the • Jan Turbill (SA) the future brings. leadership and service of members • Ayden Mackenzie (WA) of the National Team, notably the Phil Harrison growing number of under 30-year-old Significant awards include: Chief Commissioner appointments. • David Jones AM FCA was awarded Scouts Australia 4 Executive Reports

EXECUTIVE REPORTS CHAIR, NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Our new National Executive to decrease from $2,162,399 to Committee (NEC) held its first meeting $899,674, including a 75% discount in August 2019. This Committee, on membership fees payable by the with less than half the number of Branches to help support Scouting people attending each meeting, families at this time. Expenditure includes the Chief Commissioner of savings were delivered by reducing Australia, one representative of each staff numbers and working hours for Branch, two independent members some staff, and by holding almost all and two members under age 30. This meetings via video conference. has enabled much higher levels of engagement from all those attending These savings, together with the meetings with a sharper focus on Commonwealth grants and JobKeeper strategy, governance, and financial allowances, have enabled us to plan management. on a deficit of $250,000 for the current financial year. The NEC has also agreed to create a Vice Chair position in the NEC without I have been very impressed with the increasing total NEC membership. adaptability and resilience of Scouting I welcome Corey McGrath from to the challenges posed by COVID 19. Dennis Green AM Tasmania as our first Vice Chair. As Scouts Australia funded the national well as being President of Scouts Resilience Survey across Scouts in all Tasmania, Corey is also a member Sections and Branches. It was very of the Investment and Finance Sub- pleasing to see that the independent Committees and brings a wealth of survey data showed the important The results collected Scouting experience to this role. contribution that Scouting makes to the resilience of our young people. The by Resilient Youth At the November 2019 Annual General results collected by Resilient Youth Australia found that Meeting the National Council agreed to Australia found that Scouts have an appoint Rear Admiral the Honourable overall better life satisfaction than their Scouts have an overall Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (Rtd) as our peers, and the longer they remain with National President. He was able to join Scouts, the more resilient they become. better life satisfaction the NEC as we began to update our While many of our members are being than their peers, and strategic plan and this major update will seriously challenged this year, take be released early in 2021. time to reflect on the Scouting values, the longer they remain and the value and impact of Scouting with Scouts, the more I congratulate David Jones AM, the on the lives of our young people and to previous Chair of the NEC, on being the Australian community. resilient they become. awarded the prestigious by the World Organisation of Dennis Green AM the Scout Movement for his service to Chair – National Executive Committee World Scouting particularly in financial management for the Asia Pacific Region and the World Committee.

Scouts Australia was on track for a surplus budget in FY 19/20 of about $457,000 until the impacts of COVID19 in February and March on our investment portfolio caused a net loss of $2,940,215 to our financial outcomes. This fluctuation in the portfolio valuation has been reversed, and more than $1 million of the value of the investment portfolio has since been restored. The National Executive Committee completely revised the approved FY20/21 budget as our anticipated income was predicted Scouts Australia Annual Report 2020 5

EXECUTIVE REPORTS NATIONAL GENERAL MANAGER

This has been my first full year since truly unprecedented and unexpected. my appointment, and what a year it has After setting an initial target of 20,000 been! It has been a year of challenges badge sales aiming to raise $100,000, but also a year in which I have we have sold over 176,000 badges and witnessed the resilience, perseverance, raised nearly 8 times our original target. and the core values of Scouting demonstrated when it most mattered. As we emerged from the catastrophic bushfires, COVID-19 impacted our lives, The year started with the investiture resulting in enforced lockdowns and of our new Chief Scout, His Excellency the suspension of traditional face-to- face Scouting. The collaborative effort General the Honourable David between the National Youth Program Hurley, Governor-General of the team and all of the Branches to Commonwealth of Australia, at a develop and implement the Scouting @ ceremony at Government House in Home program, from a standing start, Canberra. Both His Excellency and Mrs was remarkable. While many youth Hurley have a long history of personal organisations simply closed down, engagement and support for Scouting Scouting looked for the way to continue (both having been Leaders previously) to engage and support our members and their sincere and enthusiastic and continue their development during desire to engage and support Scouting this period. This involved a herculean Mark Stedfut effort from a large group of staff and as much as they can is clearly in volunteers who should be justifiably evidence. The memory of the entire proud of their results. official party singing “You Are My Sunshine” on the steps of Government While these major events received a House, led by Mrs Hurley, is one that lot of focus and attention I would also It has been a year will stay with me. like to acknowledge the tremendous of challenges but work done by our Sub-Committees, Over the Christmas period is when who have volunteered their time to also a year in which circumstances started to change. develop and revise the policies and The bushfires that had seemed like process that support the HOW that I have witnessed the usual annual event had become underpins Scouting in Australia. The the resilience, a raging inferno affecting most of new and revised documents released the east coast of Australia. This this year include – revisions to Scouts perseverance, impacted on a number of Scouting Australia Policy and Rules, revised and the core events planned or underway during Brand Book and new Brand Centre, this period and the forethought of updated National Adults in Scouting values of Scouting the respective event organisers Standards, new Technology Code of allowed each event to be cancelled or Use, new Sustainability Strategy and demonstrated when alternative arrangements made in a Action Plan, and an updated National it most mattered. calm and professional way. All relevant Risk Management Plan. emergency authorities commented on the high standard of planning, I would also like to personally thank risk management, and contingency the small National Support Team of planning that had been prepared and truly dedicated individuals that I have Finally, I believe this year has truly was easily implemented. the honour to lead. This year they highlighted that whatever is thrown have responded to major challenges at us, Scouting is resilient, strong, The Black Summer that Australia was calmly and professionally, have and adaptable and will rise to, and to endure made headlines globally personally sacrificed to support the overcome, the challenges that will and directly impacted members organisation, and have continued come our way. of our Scouting family and their to deliver a high level of support Mark Stedfut local communities. The immediate throughout everything, including National General Manager development of the Bushfire Relief working from home since March 2020. badge, and related Branch programs, The support and compassion that they demonstrated the Scouting approach consistently demonstrate in supporting and ethos. The response to this our members, and each other, through initiative, and related donations, caught these difficult times, makes me proud. us all by surprise, as the sheer scale To all of them, thank you. of support from Scouts globally was 6 Oue new Chief Scout and National Presdent

OUR NEW CHIEF SCOUT

On 2nd October 2019 we had the Scout of NSW with enthusiasm and pleasure of investing our new Chief passion. Given this demonstrated Scout, His Excellency General the personal commitment, we believe Honourable David Hurley AC, DSC this appointment will truly inspire and (Retd), Governor-General of the engage our youth members. Commonwealth of Australia, at a ceremony at Government House David Hurley joined the Australian Army in January 1972, graduating from The entire Investiture ceremony was the Royal Military College, Duntroon conducted by our youth members, into the Royal Australian Infantry in line with our youth leading, Corps. In a long and distinguished adult supporting philosophy, with 42-year military career, his service representatives of all Sections coming culminated with his appointment as from groups within the Australian Chief of the Defence Force from 2011- Capital Territory and from New South 2014. In 2010, he was appointed a Wales (1st Murrumbateman). Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to the Australian Hon David Hurley The Chief Scout is the pre-eminent Defence Force. Scout position in Australia. It provides leadership to our Movement and is a Prior to being sworn in as Governor- source of inspiration to our volunteer General, David Hurley served as the Leaders, Supporters and Youth 38th Governor of We believe this Members alike. from October 2014 – May 2019. appointment will truly The Governor-General and Mrs inspire and engage our Hurley both have a long involvement with Scouts – having served as Cub youth members. Scout, Scout and leaders, as well as His Excellency previously fulfilling the duties of Chief OUR NEW NATIONAL PRESIDENT

This year has also seen the On 8th August 2007, Kevin was sworn appointment of a new National in as the 34th Governor of South President of of Australia, serving more than seven Australia, Rear Admiral the Honourable years in the role. Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (Rtd). From 2014 to 2020 he was the Kevin began his association with 16th Chancellor of the University Scouts as a . He was the of Adelaide and also Chancellor of Chief Scout for Scouts South Australia Children’s University Australia. As from 2007 to 2014 and continued his well as his role of President of Scouts active contribution to Scouts South Australia, he is Chair or President of Australia as their patron. a number of organisations including: Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Rear Admiral the Honourable Kevin Authority, Cancer Council SA, Novita Scarce AC CSC RAN (Rtd), was born Children’s Services, Humanihut Pty in Adelaide and educated at Elizabeth Ltd and APC Technologies as well as Hon Kevin Scarce East Primary School and Elizabeth Chair of the Board of Advisors of the High School. He served in the Royal Research Unit on Military Law and Australian Navy from 1968, retiring Ethics at the University of Adelaide. in 2004. His appointments included Kevin began his service on HMAS during the He is Deputy Chair of Seeley Vietnam War, postings in Washington International and Operation Flinders association with and London, Commanding Officer and is joint Patron, with his wife Liz, of HMAS Cerberus and Flag of Anglicare SA. Scouts as a Cub appointments as Naval Training and Scout. Naval Support Commander. Scouts Australia Annual Report 2020 7

SCOUTS AUSTRALIA 2019/20

53,733 16,960 Youth members (down 4.2% on prior year) Adult members (up 11.9%)

1,344 Fellowship Members 71,403 Total members (down 0.7%) While it was expected that the COVID-19 related closures and lockdowns, and the 1,377 suspension of traditional face-to-face Scout Groups Scouting, could have a potentially negative impact on member numbers it would appear that the resilience of our people, 6,905 and the major initiatives (such as Scouting [5 to 7] @ Home) that have been developed and implemented during this period have 21,106 balanced our results. [8 to 11]

3,107 13 19,292 Youth members achieved Industry recognised Scouts [11 to 14] the peak award for their qualifications now offered section through the Scouts Australia Institute of 5,810 Training (SAIT) Venturer Scouts [15 to 18] 257 232 Industry recognised Industry recognised 2,948 qualifications completed qualifications completed Rover Scouts [18 to 25] through SAIT by youth through SAIT by adult members (a new record) members 8 The Scouting Effect

THE SCOUTING EFFECT

Chief Commissioner of Scouts Australia, Phil Harrison, said: Scouts are 9.4% more likely “The results of this study are truly than non-Scouts to hold more ground-breaking and exciting for hope for a positive future. our organisation, as they reaffirm the essential service Scouting is, and continues to deliver to our local communities. Scouts are 11.8% more likely to feel good about themselves

Scouts are 13% more likely than non-Scouts to people who participate in Scouts trust others. consistently reporting higher resilience than non-Scouts across most indicators.” We’re proud to know that the work we do for young people in our communities From being able to find ways to solve a problem to being more likely to forgive is helping build resilience, self- themselves if they make a mistake, the confidence and the emotional capacity study found Scouts demonstrated a to help cope during difficult times. wide range of resilient behaviours.More In May 2020, Scouts Australia than 1000 young people participated released our latest research paper, This is especially poignant today as in the survey. The Scouting Effect, which detailed everyone needs the ability to stay the outcomes of the Resilience Survey positive after the devastating bushfires over summer and now the impact of While these findings aren’t exactly that was conducted throughout 2019 new, through the Resilience Survey COVID-19 on the lives and livelihoods in partnership with Resilient Youth we now have concrete proof that of Australians.” Australia. At the time of release we participating in Scouting gives young were in the midst of the COVID-19 The Resilience Survey, developed in Australians the unique tools to thrive pandemic and most of the country partnership with the UniSA Justice and take on all that life has to offer. was in lockdown, with all face-to-face and Society at the University of South Scouting on hold, so the research The full report can be found at the Australia benchmarked the responses results were particularly relevant. Scouts Australia website - of young people aged 8-18 who attend https://scouts.com.au/blog/2020/05/29/ Scouts with those who do not, pointing the-scouting-effect-scouting-builds- to the positive impact of Scouting. Scouts are 5.2% resilience-for-life/ more likely than Director of Resilient Youth Australia, non-Scouts to get along with people Dr Andrew Wicking, said that true who are different success in life was about resilience to them. and wellbeing. Scouts report they have a “Our work with more than 350,000 healthy body 11.6% more than non-Scouts. young Australians indicates that youth The survey showed that young people thrive when they feel Connected participating in Scouts demonstrate Protected Respected TM (CPR). higher levels of resilience, self- The Resilience Survey is a self-report confidence, mental wellbeing and instrument which explores CPR and the emotional capacity to cope with how young people rate themselves difficult times such as COVID-19 in terms of their strengths, life isolation. satisfaction, hopefulness, mental The results collected by Resilient Youth health, coping style, and risk and protective behaviours. Australia found that Scouts have an Scouts are 15.4% more likely overall better life satisfaction than their The results highlight a remarkable ely than non-Scouts to feel they peers, and the longer they remain with make a positive contribution to correlation between overall resilience Scouts, the more resilient they become. their community. and attending Scouts, with young Scouts Australia Annual Report 2020 9

TEAM SCOUTS AUSTRALIA DROUGHT RELIEF FUNDRAISER

Team Scouts Australia is a new In July 2019, Scouts Australia began adventure racing team, and they selling the 2019 Drought Relief Badge recently stepped up in a big way to help impacted communities through to face that exact challenge, this prolonged period of drought. By competing in the ‘world’s toughest late December, all badges had been race’, EcoChallenge Fiji. Hosted by sold, raising a total of $6,213. These Bear Grylls, they competed over funds have now been directed to Buy a 671 kilometres through jungles Bale to help with the purchases of: and swamps, over rock faces DONATION FROM NZ • 1 truckload of hay and mountain ranges, and across • 11,500 litres of water rivers and oceans, through the day JAMBOREE. • 2 x small bales and night, with only a map and A big thank you to Scouts NZ and compass to guide them. The whole New Zealand Scout Jamboree for Many farmers and rural communities series was broadcast this year on their donation to assist with the are still battling the most crippling Amazon Prime. Australian bushfire recovery. drought in decades, and funds are needed for meaningful support. Here, Cameron H (Scouts This includes hay Queensland), and Millar C (Scouts and feed, water, Victoria) accept the donation on helplines, volunteers behalf of the 22nd New Zealand and counselling. We Jamboree Australian Contingent. are extremely proud Proceeds from the sale of the that during times Day 8 badge, a campfire design, of crisis, Scouts are were redirected to assist with our there to support our recovery after the horrendous fires communities that across our country. we live and Scout in.

INDIGENOUS BADGES

First Nation’s artist Walangari Karntawarra and Scouts Australia have collaborated to produce an exclusive set of blanket badges available for purchase from Scout Shop.

This exciting new series of woven blanket badges are now in stock on Scout Shop. These designs help tell the story of our nation’s first people. There are 4 badges in the series and 50c from the sale of each badge manufactured has been given to the artist Walangari for his work.

We are pleased to support Walangari and thank him for sharing his stories with Scouting and for allowing us to produce these works in the form of a woven badge for all our Scouting Members. 10 Executive Reports

BUSHFIRE RELIEF BADGE

BLACK SUMMER economic losses, making the bushfires By the end of March 2020, orders for Australia’s costliest natural disaster to the badge had exceeded 168,000 and The 2019–20 Australian bushfire date. Nearly 80 per cent of Australians we were truly stunned by the ongoing season, now referred to as the Black were affected either directly or indirectly support from Scouting globally. Not Summer, was a period of unusually by the bushfires. only were Scouts ordering badges, but intense bushfires in many parts of a number of Scouting organisations Australia. While we were fortunate that only were making cash donations to our nine Scouting families were directly From September 2019 to March 2020, fund based on local fundraising efforts. impacted by the fires, their friends, fires heavily impacted various regions families and local communities were By the end of June 2020, over 176,000 of the state of New South Wales. In not all so lucky. With a number of badges had been sold to over 36 eastern and north-eastern Victoria large camps and Scout halls destroyed, and countries, raising over $738,000, with areas of forest burnt out of control for Group equipment lost, there was also a a further amount of approximately four weeks before the fires emerged notable material impact. $50,000 received in direct donations. from the forests in late December. This is the single largest fundraiser for Multiple states of emergency were OUR RESPONSE Scouts Australia and would not have declared across New South Wales, been possible without the tremendous Victoria, and the Australian Capital In early January 2020 as a response support from our global family. No Territory. Reinforcements from all to the dramatic bushfires impacting administrative fees were retained by over Australia were called in to assist the east coast of Australia, the Chief Scouts Australia from this fund and fighting the fires and relieve exhausted Commissioners agreed to produce every dollar raised is being provided to local crews in New South Wales. The a badge to raise funds to support support the local communities impacted Australian Defence Force was mobilised Scouting families in the fire damaged by these devastating fires. to provide air support to the firefighting regions. This initiative was funded by the Victorian Scout Foundation effort and to provide manpower and This has been a tremendous example and Inspire Apparel who paid for the logistical support. Firefighters, supplies of Scouts living the Values and Promise production of an initial batch of 20,000 and equipment from Canada, New and making a difference through badges. With all revenue from the Zealand, and the United selfless acts. States, among others, helped fight the initial batch of badges to be donated to fires, especially in New South Wales relevant relief efforts it was hoped to Words on a page cannot express our raise $100,000, a significant amount for thanks and gratitude to the World As of 9 March 2020, the fires burnt Scouting. Organisation of the Scouting Movement an estimated 18.6 million hectares By the end of January we were (WOSM) and the Asia-Pacific Region (46 million acres; 186,000 square for their support and promotion of this aware that the Scouting family was kilometres; 72,000 square miles), initiative to our global Scouting family. destroyed over 5,900 buildings truly getting behind this initiative as (including 2,779 homes) and killed at badges sales had exceeded the initial To everyone who bought a badge, least 34 people. Nearly three billion production run and were continuing donated some cash, participated in terrestrial vertebrates alone – the vast to accelerate. We had also begun to a fundraiser, or just told a friend – majority being reptiles – were affected receive orders from Scout Groups, and thank you. and some endangered species were individual Scouts, from all around the believed to be driven to extinction. At its world. This had not been anticipated. Please take a few minutes to read the peak, air quality dropped to hazardous following section from Scouts NSW Badge orders continued to accelerate levels in all southern and eastern that shares some of the stories and through February and March, despite states. Economists estimated that the anecdotes about how these funds have shipment delays being experienced Australian bushfires may cost over been spent. because of the outbreak of COVID-19 A$103 billion in property damage and that was impacting the global economy. Scouts Australia Annual Report 2020 11

Japanese Nanami Edasako and her brother Yudai, organised a bulk purchase of 3800 Bushfire Recovery Badges for over 300 Japanese Scouts and units as a service project to help raise funds for those affected by the bushfires.

176,000 BADGES SOLD TO OVER 36 COUNTRIES

Sweden Finland Canada Norway Ireland Denmark United Kingdom Germany Netherlands Switzerland France United States Belgium Luxembourg Austria Italy Japan Spain Romania South Korea Portugal Slovenia Greece Cyprus Mexico Hong Kong Taiwan Puerto Rico Qatar Guam

Malaysia Singapore Brazil Mauritius

New Zealand 12 National Bushfire Relief Report

NATIONAL BUSHFIRE RELIEF REPORT

Mother Nature had alternate plans for In NSW, the North West was the It was peaceful sitting the people of NSW and those plans Region to be impacted early on. At would heavily involve Scouts. As the Inverell and Narrabri West, homes were by the early morning first of the lightning strikes started, lost and the areas devastated but the fire that Sunday fires began to impact the entire State. biggest impact was the continual heavy palls of smoke which led to serious in October 2019. Many Venturers, and Leaders health problems and caused many to in NSW are also members of the Rural lose incomes as the area closed down. Peaceful; gently placing Fire Service and they immediately 1st Inverell and 1st Narrabri West a handful of gum began going out as required, but the knew they would struggle to remain fires of 2019/2020 were long and operational but the ability of the ERF to leaves on the flames relentless and as the heartbreaking assist the parents by covering the Scout and watching the work of battling fire and smoke wore Fees has taken some of the financial on, day after day, our Scouting Family pressure away and allow their children tendrils of smoke wind rose to the occasion as they always do. to continue with the scouting they love. Scout Groups joined forces with the through the trees and CWA to provide catering. Leaders were on hand to help families evacuated from savouring the pungent their homes and provide Mental Health ….The Bushfires impacted scouting in general leading to a cancellation First Aid to bone weary firefighters smell of eucalyptus. of a number of outdoor adventurous and others who could not be directly activities, events and camps that were The Scout Leaders involved found other ways to make planned for our Youth Members. Whilst their mark. As Neville Tomkins OAM were happy to be JP, Chief Commissioner of Scouts the general threat of Bushfires was a real concern for many, unfortunately NSW launched his Bushfire Appeal the getting this weekend one of our families lost their family response was immediate and strong. home and belongings in 2019. I am hike squared away People had been waiting for some way happy to advise that Cub was able to to be involved. Rovers devised a unique before the start of the continue Scouting with the assistance badge depicting the fires with the provided. busy holiday season proceeds going to the NSW Emergency ahead. There was a Relief Fund (ERF). Scouts Australia and ….All in all, I can safely say that Inspire Apparel, with the support of the without the Relief Fund the Groups lot to do. They did not Victorian Scout Foundation, devised in the North West would be greatly another badge which was spectacularly reduced in numbers and abilities. For realise how much! successful. Orders came flooding in this simple fact, on behalf of the North from all over the country and overseas. West Region, I would like to extend our Many groups and individuals made thanks and a hearty BRAVO to you all! cash donations to the appeal and others provided goods to be auctioned off as a Brett Grimmond, Regional way to raise much needed funds. Commissioner, North West Region Scouts Australia Annual Report 2020 13

Kim Macdonald, daughter of the As the Gospers Mountain fire raged By December most of the state of late Bob Macdonald OAM, the through the Blue Mountains and NSW was ablaze. Firefighters were longest serving State Commissioner, Lithgow it was also threatening the stretched to the limit, families packed International and founder of Hornsby small, hamlet town of Bilpin. Fire fighters and ready to flee and Sydney was Gang Show was devastated when struggled to save the apple orchards sitting under a blanket of smoke. At her 100-year-old home at Bobin, and cafes in the lovely tourist town. As Bargo, Cub Leader Kellie McDonald NSW was burned to the ground. the Tutti Fruitti Café was razed to the had no time to pack and when the The house was not only Kim’s home ground, so too were the possessions of fire had passed, she and her family but contained many of the family little Keira of 1st Glossodia . found that most of their home and heirlooms and Bob’s treasured The ERF was able to supply Keira with contents had been destroyed. With awards. The ERF was pleased to be replacement equipment and uniforms. the help of Sue Bartlett, Regional able to assist in securing replacement Commissioner, Hume the ERF was awards for Bob’s family and for able to replace Kellie’s uniform, much Neville Tomkins to present them to treasured awards and camping Kim and her sister Amanda. equipment.

In the south of the state, with the fires roaring their way towards their small, historic town, the 1st Cobargo Scouts felt secure in knowing that all their precious equipment was securely housed in the large sheds on the property of Leaders, Graham and Lynne Parr. Many of the Group, including Venturer Luke Meyers, are also RFS Volunteers and while they fought valiantly, this time the fire would win. As dawn broke on New Year’s Eve it was apparent that the town had suffered severe damage and the Parrs had lost their Kim Macdonald Keira, Bilpin home and business, along with the 1st Cobargo equipment. With much support, the irrepressible 1st Cobargo Group are getting back on Kim also received one ‘Keira got all her goods their feet. Community support has been outstanding, and the ERF has of the beautiful quilts, this morning. Absolutely been able to replace uniforms and awards for the Parrs and help the made by quilters from beautiful stuff and made Group replace their much-needed around the world who Keira’s day after having a bus and canoe trailers. Assistance with fees has also gone a long way donated them as “gifts week of being sick. Thank to taking the pressure off. of love” for families you for organising this for impacted by the our family. Thank you very fires. Some were also much for helping to make auctioned to raise much this happen!’ needed funds. 14 National Bushfire Relief Report

Luke Meyers, Cobargo

On behalf of 1st Cobargo Scout Group I would like to thank all the people that donated money to the Bushfire Relief Fund and Neville and your team for making the funds available to us to purchase these trailers to transport these fantastic new canoes. I know the kids and leaders will love them. Graham Parr, Cobargo Stuart Meyers - Group Leader, 1st Cobargo Scouts Australia Annual Report 2020 15

Like so many in our Regions, the When disaster strikes, involved Groups in the Riverina have suffered “To quote BP; ‘The most worth-while people, like Scouts, feel the need to do from the impact of prolonged thing is to try and put happiness into something helpful. So, when the State drought and fire and smoke. The the lives of others.’ The support of Youth Council asked for a small grant destruction of the Wondalga Camp the ERF to the members of the 1st to make kangaroo pouches the ERF was sudden and complete. The Yass Scout Group has created a great was happy to help. This was an active drought and smoke have been deal of happiness back into their lives demonstration of helping out our local more insidious, causing health during this difficult period of drought, communities and environment, just and economic problems for many flood and fire. The opportunity to go to not the people in this instance. families. The ERF has been able the snow and complete Alpine badges to allocate funds for furniture and was a very happy day for all involved. The mental health and wellbeing of equipment at Wondalga, once the Thank you. We are all very grateful.” our Scouting families is of paramount camp is rebuilt. We have also been importance to us, as it was to Phil able to provide uniforms, equipment, Jenny Thompson – Group Leader, Crutchley and Anthony Pritchard, fees and activity costs for a number 1st Yass South Coast and Tablelands when of groups including 1st Yass, 1st they asked for funding from the Tumut, 1st Gundagai, 1st Kooringal, ERF to run Mental Health First 1st Junee and 1st Murrumbateman. Aid Training courses very soon after the fires. The recognition of the potential impact of the fires,

Wondalga Camp

Carter with weather mobile 1st Yass Scout Group 16 National Bushfire Relief Report

and their aftermath, on the mental “I have learnt about some very difficult health the Scouting families and local topics of conversation that may communities demonstrated a lot of arise with the youth, this course has forethought and consideration. These been very eye opening and heavy at courses have been outstanding and times, but it has been very helpful. further funding has been obtained to I would like to say thank you for ensure that there is a wide reach into the opportunity to learn about such the Regions. difficult discussions and how to help with the current situation.” The comments from some of the most Holly Preece, 1st Finley Scouts recent attendees let the courses speak for themselves. “I think the content of this would be very beneficial to leaders within “I have thoroughly enjoyed this training scouting, particularly the older sections course and have learned a lot about and leaders of adults would also be able things I knew very little about. This has to improve the support they can offer left me feeling much more confident to other leaders once completing this.” deal with any issues which may arrive with youth members and Leaders in my Lisa Kearines, 1st Leeton/Riverina region. care as a District Leader. I enjoyed the Significantly, the Scouts Australia professional delivery of the Course by funds are also assisting Scouts NSW instructors who kept things interesting.” to rebuild the bushfire-destroyed Lynda Petty Wondalga Scout Camp, to complete the 1st Murrumbateman Scout Hall “I would highly recommend the course to also be a local Rural Fire Service to all leaders, as you never know when training-centre and staging post, and you might need the skills (similar to the to support a number of other disaster “I have been trained physical first aid courses) and even if recovery community projects. you are unsure, knowing that you have before in mental some training helps reduce your stress The World Scouting Movement can take health first aid in when dealing with a situation.” comfort in the knowledge that we take care of our own. The Scouts Australia the ADF. I found “I have completed the course and assistance to Scouts NSW in our time feel confident that I would be able this youth course of need was not only been appreciated to manage any mental health issues but timely and heart-warming. The that may present withing scouting. I very engaging and Scouting spirit is alive and well! appreciate the ongoing support that entertaining. I found the trainers are offering also.” Report prepared by Penny Becchio, State Commissioner Special Projects, the presenters to be Scouts NSW very approachable and the experience and life skills they have is fantastic. They have left me with a lot more confidence in dealing with young people and mental health.” Jean Brown, 2nd Albury Scouts Australia Annual Report 2020 17

SCOUTING@HOME

When the global COVID-19 pandemic caused the suspension of all face-to-face Scouting across Australia, we knew that we needed to find an alternative way to deliver Scouting. In just a few weeks a dedicated team of volunteers and staff from all Branches, coordinated by the National Youth Program team, developed a whole new Scouting program – Scouting @ Home.

The program was formally launched Scouting at home is some times as by our Chief Scout on 3rd April 2020. much fun as meeting at the Hall with The Scouting @ Home program all your mates and playing team delivered all aspects of Scouting games, because you still get to do cool in a virtual environment and stuff like playing games like knife, fork, facilitated the ongoing interactive spoon during our weekly meetings learning and personal development on Zoom. Camping and cooking on a that is a hallmark of the Scouting fire in the back yard is really fun and program. But it wasn’t just virtual I don’t know why we don’t just do meetings and content, it includes that all the time!! Meeting Scouts from virtual camps, major events, weekly around the world during JOTI, including Scouting@Home was much challenges, Special Interest activities, Bear Grylls was also fun. I am looking appreciated by our family, providing a and unit activities, and can be forward to going back to Cubs and range of activities that both our kids customised by each Branch to reflect camping at Manjedal, but Scouting at could elect to participate in should the circumstances in their specific home is fun until then. they choose. Our Cub Scout, Aidan, location or region. and Joey Scout, Harriet, enjoyed Freddie Sayer aged 10, Cub Scout scavenger hunts around the house Rockingham Scout Group This initiative was quickly embraced during online meetings, Zoom baking by our youth members, with a high sessions, and becoming Messengers level of engagement and involvement of Peace. The hand-delivered badges from all sections and units around I loved scouting @home because Mum to our letterbox by the Leaders Australia. Here are some of the and Dad could be there all the time to evoked much excitement! We also stories and facts. help out and it was really important had sufficient motivation, due to to see each other during lockdown. I Scouting, to partake in lots of family loved the scavenger hunts, and doing walks. Sometimes it was Geocaching, the activities at home and doing the sometimes walking our new dog, of our Joey units experiments – making ublek! Scouting and sometimes just on a mission to 90% participated in @home. It made me really appreciate make it to 100km! Harriet decided to Scouting@Home in the Northern actually being able to go to the Den, complete her final 9km, of a 100km Territory Branch. which I took for granted before total, all in one morning and so that is lockdown. what she did!

Hannah W aged 9, UMG Cub Scout. Ursula White, mother of Harriet White, Joey Scout, Albany Creek Scouts – who achieved 100km Walkabout Badge during Scouting@ I liked how you could go in your pj’s Home - and Aidan White, Cub Scout. and put a scout shirt over the top. I also loved having Mum and Dad at home to help me and to cuddle me.

Gemma W, aged 7 (turned 8 during lockdown) and linked from Joey’s to Cubs during lockdown. 18 Strategic Plan

STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE

The National Executive Committee National Sub-Committees, and youth is currently undertaking the process representatives to produce a plan to to develop a new Strategic Plan for guide the organisation into the future. INTERNATIONAL EVENTS the Association. As this plan not only ATTENDED BY AUSTRALIAN Given the unprecedented events of applies to Scouts Australia but also 2020, and the impact on Scouting, MEMBERS impacts on Scouting in Australia, there having a clear strategic and operational is an extensive consultation process 1 Brunei National Workshop on plan will be important for the growth Diversity & Inclusion being undertaken. This process of Scouting in coming years. involves gathering input and feedback APR Good Governance from all National teams, Branch This new plan, and related Strategic 1 Chief Commissioners, Branches, Objectives, will be released in 2021. Workshop 2 APR Consultant Training STRATEGIC GOAL 1 1 KAICIID 2 APR South Pacific Consultation Tour Our Youth Program is fun, challenging, utilised to better support our diverse adventurous and inclusive and and geographically spread membership 4 3rd World Scout Education develops young people to be resilient base. Congress and self-fulfilled. Scouts are positive change makers in their communities. Over 400 Scouts and Leaders attended 13 Scouts International Student the 22nd New Zealand Jamboree in Exchange Program The major transformation of the Hamilton and shared the camaraderie Scouts Australia youth program and experiences with over 4,000 fellow 2 Scout Scoop Invitation Staff continued throughout the year, with Scouts. further rollout through the Branches 422 22nd New Zealand Jamboree and implementation by hundreds of We started the year continuing our Eurasia Regional Scout new Groups and sections. Resources trend of attending International 1 continue to be developed and released, Scouting events around the world. Conference including the design and release of Between September 2019 and March new badges to support the program. 2020, over 500 members of Scouts 2 APR Education Methods & Everything is on track for the new Australia were fortunate to travel Strategy Planning Meeting program to be rolled out to all Groups overseas to destinations including by mid 2021, as per schedule. the UK, Brunei Darussalam, Taiwan, Thailand, Austria, Fiji, Solomon Islands, The release of The Scouting Effect Brazil, Japan, Denmark, New Zealand, 2020 STEM CAMP research paper, prepared in conjunction Ukraine, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. To coincide with Science Week with Resilient Youth Australia, showed the positive impact that Scouting The COVID-19 pandemic, and each year, Scouts WA coordinates does have on the mental welfare of subsequent border closures forced a special activity to support it. the suspension of all international young people. This showed a clear and This year the STEM (Science, measurable benefit in the lives of these travel on behalf of Scouts Australia. Technology, Engineering and young people, which better prepared This has included the cancellation or them for the challenges of life and to postponement of some 25 Contingents Mathematics) Camp was held as engage in their local communities. and Branch Friendship Tours (plus 3 a virtual event over the week of International Expeditions for Oz Venture The development and implementation 2021). Over 700 youth members have 10-16 August 2020. This involved of the Scouting @ Home program had their travel plans withdrawn this challenges, scientific experiments, was a great opportunity to refine our year alone, and it remains unsure as to a scavenger hunt, quiz night, and program into a new environment while when international travel, and events, more. Check out their Facebook still keeping it fun and challenging! will be under consideration again. The previous testimonials show that page for more information, videos this continues to be a great success. Prior to the border closure, 52 Scouts and photos. The materials, resources, and new from Victoria, New South Wales, and skills that have been created due to the Northern Territory embarked on the need for this program will also be Branch Friendship Tours. Scouts Australia Annual Report 2020 19

22ND NEW ZEALAND JAMBOREE 2019-2020

In December 2019-January 2020 421 Activities included rock, water, motor Scouts Australia Members attended sport, rifle range shooting, games and the 22nd New Zealand Jamboree at Scouting history. Mystery Creek, near Hamilton, Central North Island. A well-rehearsed item saw our Contingent onstage singing The Contingent gathered in Auckland and dancing to a few songs for on 26 December for 2 days of pre- International Night. jamboree activities which included a city discovery activity and a visit , through a to Auckland Zoo organised by the 2 collection from the sale of one of Assistant Contingent Leaders. the Jamboree Day badges, donated NZD$5,000 to Scouts Australia The Jamboree Patrol, a group of 12 towards the bushfire recovery appeal. Scouts and Venturers, support by 2 adult leaders, organised the Jamboree. 149 members remained at the end of The Jamboree Patrol has “extensive” the Jamboree for a Post Jamboree Tour input into the Jamboree. They test in the central North Island. the menu, suggest and practice the Activities included white water rafting, activities, critique the event from top to Waitomo Caves, Waimangu Volcanic bottom and participate with their troop. Valley, Skyline Gondola and Luge The activities allowed for Patrol Rotorua, Lake Taupo Cruise, Te Puia organisation and choice and the Patrol Maori Cultural Centre Rotorua and and Troop Council was very evident Rainbows End Theme Park. amongst the Troops.

Over 4,000 Scouts and Leaders attended the Jamboree. Australian Scouts and Leaders were hosted within New Zealand Troops. 20 Strategic Goals

STRATEGIC GOAL 2

We provide leadership, training and on the further development of the impact of the lockdown, our members skills to the leaders of today and e-Learning system and capability. took this an opportunity to continue, or tomorrow. Today’s leaders are fulfilled The new On Demand training system undertake, their formal qualifications by their opportunity to develop the will launch in September 2020 to and a total of 489 qualifications were leaders of tomorrow through the support the new Adult Training and issued for the period, an increase of empowerment and support they Development curriculum to support 8% over the prior year. provide to young people. One Program, One Journey, One Curriculum for all youth program Having SAIT managing the issuing Due to the need to implement the leaders in Scouting. of qualifications to our members Scouting @ Home program, and to continues to benefit Scouting in institute virtual meetings, many of our The new You + Lead national Australia, with the delivery of the Leaders learnt new skills they didn’t development program for youth equivalent of $3.22 million in value know they would need! While scouting members continued to be well of equivalent commercial issued moving to a virtual environment for received, with over 40 youth members qualifications. This is based on most of the year, technology skills attending the 2019 course. industry averages as defined by the came to the fore, and a whole new Department of Employment, Skills, approach to leadership was needed. The Scouts Australia Institute Small and Family Business, on of Training (SAIT) added further myskills.gov.au. The lockdown this year has led to qualifications during the year in Active reduced training completions during Volunteering and Community Dance, the year but has allowed for the focus Theatre & Events. Despite the potential

YOUTH MEMBERS LEAD 2019 COURSE 62 Certificate II in Business Lead 2019 saw 40 Young People 257 qualifications 57 Certificate III in Business attend the annual national leadership course in Brisbane, partial 29 Certificate IV in Leadership 255 qualifications and Management Queensland. The course went over five days and saw youth develop 80 Diploma of Leadership and ADULT MEMBERS Management projects in their state-based teams, Certificate II in Active relating to peace projects of the 20 Sustainable Development Goals. qualifications Volunteering 232 Additionally, they learnt personal 12 Certificate III in Active partial Volunteering development and leadership skills 465 qualifications about themselves. Congratulations 49 Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer to the graduates of the 2019 Programs course. We are looking forward to 21 Certificate II in Creative more Scouts, Venturer Scouts and Industries Rovers in 2021. 3 Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events 82 Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation 48 Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation 16 Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation 10 Diploma of Outdoor Recreation Scouts Australia Annual Report 2020 21

STRATEGIC GOAL 3

Our Plan>Do>Review cycle of All support functions have been Major updates and revisions have been every aspect of our program and working hard this year to ensure that approved and released during the year, support services delivers continuous all internal policies and process are including: improvement to the quality of reviewed and formally documented, • revisions to Scouts Australia Policy everything we do. with the aim of completing the WOSM and Rules, Global Support Assessment Tool Across the Association we are • revised Brand Book and new Brand (GSAT) in 2021 as part of our move Centre, very much in the Do phase of the towards formal accreditation under the • updated National Adults in Scouting implementation of the new youth Quality Standard. program, and we will commence Standards, planning the formal review process • new Technology Code of Use, once all Groups have implemented the • and an updated National Risk program. Management Plan.

STRATEGIC GOAL 4

Scouting as a national enterprise The restructured National Executive and distribution of the Bushfire Relief is effectively led and governed, Council has proven to be very effective badges globally. This was provided by Scouting resources are optimised and responsive which has been Inspire Apparel at cost and required to deliver a youth program which demonstrated by a number of urgent tremendous commitment, as sourcing attracts and retains young people and out-of-session meetings that have badge manufacturers during the global adults as the organisation grows to been conducted at short notice in pandemic was certainly not an easy 83,000 by 2023. response to urgent issues. This was task. The Scout Shop continues to the intent of the restructure and it has stock over 1,000 product lines and The quick and responsible actions in proven to be highly beneficial this year. adds new products each month. response to the COVID pandemic as demonstrated by the Branches, the Significant investment has been made The trial of the new long sleeved National Operations Council (NOC), this year in the new digital system uniform shirt, developed by the Scout National Executive Council (NEC), and developed to support the new youth Shop, was deemed to be a success by Branch Chief Commissioners are a program – Scouts | Terrain. Rollout for the NOC in July 2020 and this has now reflection of the responsive leadership this new system has just commenced. been approved as formal uniform. New of the organisation in times of crisis. stock is now in production to meet the The remedial initiatives instituted, While Scout Shop sales were anticipated demand. including Scouting @ Home, have impacted due to COVID-19, the meant that there was minimal negative Scout Shop was instrumental in the impact on membership in this period. development, design, manufacture,

STRATEGIC GOAL 5

The Scout Brand is recognised and released the Sustainability Strategy An update can be found here - https:// respected in Australia as a child-safe and Action Plan that details the steps scouts.com.au/blog/2020/07/22/our- organisation which empowers young we plan to take on this path. While sustainability-strategy-action-plan- people to develop skills which they the focus on this Action Plan was one-year-on/ - and regular updates will use to develop their communities. initially taken away due to the be provided. allocation of resources to develop It has now been a year since we the Scouting @ Home program The inaugural Disability Inclusion committed to the WOSM Better World there has been good progress against Conferences were held as a number Framework, which works towards the some of the initiatives in the plan. of interactive Zoom sessions from UN 17 Sustainability Development 28 July to 8 August 2020. These Goals (SDGs) and we have since were well attended and received and 22 Strategic Goals

have informed further development and Scouting, showcases of successful use for each Branch, Section and of resources in this area. Topics disability inclusion, and a Q&A Group across Australia. This clarifies discussed included: understanding discussion on ‘burning issues’. how the brand and visual identity anxiety, reasonable adjustments for is to be presented and will ensure Achievement Pathways, practical The updated Brand Book was released we accurately and consistently strategies for inclusive Scouting, in 2020, along with the revamped communicate our relevance to young sensory awareness, the National Brand Centre that contains hundreds Australians and the local communities. Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) of samples of collateral and logo

The development and introduction of even how we program. It has been Scouts | Terrain has formed a large designed for adults to support youth focus in the youth program portfolio on their journeys. The way we interact for the last twelve months. and engage as adults is evolving, and Scouts | Terrain continues that This bespoke system has been built by journey. The system will provide more a passionate and energetic team from insight and reporting into our program Two Bulls, who have made time and and our sections than ever before. dedicated effort into understanding This will enable us to continue to Scouting – who we are, why we exist improve our support of adults and their and how we function and operate. development as the current and future Using functional requirements that had leaders of our movement, organisation, been collected and collated since the community and society. first Groups began implementation, and contributed to in workshops and Scouts | Terrain is the product of feedback by hundreds of members, the well over four years of Plan > Do > first phase was delivered in August 2020. Review >. Even as the product has developed, this continual cycle is ever the carbon footprint as we increase The system, like the program, places the present. Placing young people at the youth member at the centre. Everything centre is something our organisation is our focus on the global Sustainable has been designed and built to enable focussed on, and this means adapting Development Goals. a youth member to track their own and evolving as the world we live in As a responsive web application, achievements. It encourages them to changes. Scouts | Terrain has grown Scouts | Terrain functions on any think big, think differently and make and evolved as feedback from youth device. It has been designed to work a difference through their Scouting and adults was received. It will experiences. Scouts | Terrain promotes continue evolve, change, experience in an online/offline world. Through an our philosophy of adventurous, fun, the cycles of continuous improvement, easily accessible system, that can be challenging and inclusive. Over time, informed by data, experiences and used almost anywhere, Scouting has the system will continue to grow and intent alike. Similarly, our Program moved into the 21st century, with develop. Between the end of this annual Handbook, which was officially Scouts | Terrain enabling youth to report, and you reading this, more published this year, changes the way show and share their experiences and functions will have gone live for youth we operate, with all sections content in achievements in a dynamic and easily and adults to use. one publication. This has seen the re- accessible manner. introduction of electronic publications Scouts | Terrain has changed the way to the Scouts Australia community. Further information can be found here we think about our program, and We hope that this continues to lower https://pr.scouts.com.au/terrain/ Scouts Australia Annual Report 2020 23

In 2015 the United Nations launched In late 2018, we took that commitment the Global Goals for Sustainable one step further with Scouts for SDGs Development (the SDGs) – 17 goals (#Scouts4SDGs), mobilising millions driving for improved social, economic of Scouts to make the world’s largest and environmental sustainability by coordinated youth contribution to the 2030. Scouting was there when the SDGs by 2030 (through two million local SDGs were launched; we have a projects and an additional three billion history of contributing to improving the hours of service). Here is a summary of sustainability of our planet, promote our progress so far … peace, and tackle inequality, with over one billion hours towards sustainable development through initiatives under the Better World Framework (including the World Scout Environment Programme, Messengers of Peace and the Scouts of the World Award.)

67 64 57 12 10 6 projects* projects projects projects projects projects

8 7 5 47 80 10 projects* projects projects projects projects projects

10 4 23 69 9 projects* projects projects projects projects

Current Australian Scout Projects (Cumulative)* Full details can be found here - https://sdgs.scout.org/#world-map With additional info - https://scouts.com.au/blog/2019/05/29/scouts4sdgs/ And here https://scouts.com.au/blog/2020/07/22/our-sustainability-strategy-action-plan-one-year-on/ 24 Office Bearers

OFFICE BEARERS

NATIONAL COUNCIL BRANCH MEMBERS OF NATIONAL COUNCIL Chief Scout of Australia His Excellency General the Mr O Al Kassab Mr A Mackenzie Honourable David John Hurley Miss C Arcus Mr N Macpherson AC DSC (Retd) Miss A Asquith Mr K McGoldrick National President Major General John Pearn AO RFD (until 16 November 2019) Mr A Barron Mr C McGrath National President Rear Admiral the Honourable Mr G Blizzard Mr G Morgan AM Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (Rtd) (from 16 November 2019) Mr S Bond Mr S Morse Vice President Mr John de Wijn AM QC Mr A Boxall Ms R Morse Mr M Burfield Mr K Moss BRANCH CHIEF SCOUTS Mr J Carter Mr T Phillips Mr G Coates AM Mr B Politzer Australian Capital Vacant Position Territory Mr S Connors Ms S Potter (until 10 December 2019) New South Wales Her Excellency the Honourable Mr D Cossart OAM The Honourable J Prentice Margaret Beazley AC, QC Mr H Crawford Mr R Quiggin Northern Territory Her Honour the Honourable Vicki O'Halloran AM Mrs J Creed OAM Mr M Ray Queensland His Excellency the Honourable Mr J de Wijn AM QC Mr C Ray AC Mr P Dickson APM Mr R Simpson South Australia His Excellency the Honourable Mr N Ferrett QC Mr J Smart Hieu Van Le AC Mr A Forrest Ms L Smith Tasmania Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AC Mrs B Francis Mr C Smith Victoria Mr Ms C Geary Ms N Strachan Western Australia The Governor the Honourable Mr D Green AM Mr N Swaffer Kim Beazley AC Miss K Hargrave Mr A Tomlins Miss E Hewitt Mr H Toms Mr O Holloway Mr G Warnes LIFE MEMBERS OF NATIONAL COUNCIL Miss C Jackson The Honourable K Wells MP Mr C Farmer OAM Mr J Ravenhall AM Mr B Keily Mr R Williams AM RFD Dr W Wells AM Mr D Jones AM FCA Mr G Landgren The Honourable G Williams AO Mr N Westaway AO Mr P Blatch OAM Mr I Langford-Brown AM Ms G Wood Mrs K Brown OAM Mr P Parkinson OAM Mr A Lock OAM Ms C Wood Dr B Munro AM Mr I Langford-Brown AM Mr A Tannahill AM Mr J Leece AM Mr L Lucas OAM Mr W Geale OAM Major General John Pearn AO RFD Mr H Carey AM

Scouts enjoying the 22nd New Zealand Jamboree at Mystery Creek. Scouts Australia Annual Report 2020 25

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Chair, National Executive Committee Mr D Green AM* Chief Commissioner of Australia Mr P Harrison* Chair, Finance Sub-Committee Mr S Connors* ACT Branch Mr R Quiggin* NSW Branch Mr N Tomkins OAM JP*+ NT Branch Ms N Vincent*+ QLD Branch Mr N Ferrett QC* SA Branch Mr P Dickson APM* TAS Branch (Vice Chair, NEC) Mr C McGrath JP* VIC Branch Mr G Landgren* WA Branch Mr G Higham Member Mr A Boxall* Member Ms G Davie Ciara and Patrick Smart

NATIONAL COMMISSIONERS Chief Commissioner of Australia Mr P Harrison* Ciara Smart from Turramurra Rover Crew, joined by her Deputy Chief Commissioner Mr E Hynd AM* brother Patrick, headed to Nepal in August 2019 to trek of Australia the Great Himalaya Trail. The pair traversed the country Deputy Chief Commissioner Mr L Saunders* from West to East, embarking on a journey of 1,300 of Australia kilometres, crossing 15 passes and two peaks above 5,000 metres in altitude. National Commissioner for Adult Mr D Mayor* Training & Development Ciara and her brother were the youngest group ever to Deputy National Commissioner Mr J Smart traverse so much of the Great Himalaya Trail, a journey for Adult Training & Development (until 10 May 2020) made possible after five years of planning and through the Ms T Batters support of the Tony Balthasar Achievement Award trustees. (from 10 May 2020) National Commissioner Mr N Reece* Youth Program OTHER NATIONAL POSITIONS Deputy National Commissioner Ms J Miller Youth Program Principal, Scouts Australia Mr P Parkinson OAM Institute of Training National Commissioner Mr A Wardle* International Project Commissioner Mr J Clarke Deputy National Commissioner Ms C Wood Transformation International National General Manager Mr M Stedfut Chair, National Rover Council Ms E Bridger* *Also member of National Council +Chief Commissioner of Branch 26 Recognition

RECOGNITION

Scout Medallion 578 (3% of membership) 3,107 Total youth members Joey Scout Promise Challenge earning peak awards 802 (12% of membership)

Grey Wolf Award 1,433 (7% of membership)

Queen’s Scout Award 254 (4% of membership)

Baden-Powell Award 40 (1% of membership)

SCOUTING HONOURS

DAVID JONES David was a Member of the APR Companion (AC) in the General Scout Foundation Management Division of the Order of Australia Mr David Wynne Jones AM FCA, Chair Committee and was also a Member of the Lord Baden-Powell Society, is • Her Excellency the Honourable of the WOSM Finance Sub-Committee the 11th Australian to be awarded Margaret Beazley AO QC from 2014 – 2017. World Scouting’s Bronze Wolf Medal (OAM) of the Order of since it was first awarded in 1935. In 1991 David was awarded the Australia in the General Division David’s efforts are extensive and his Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), • Mrs Annette Douglass contribution to Australian, Asia-Pacific and was appointed a Member of the • Mr Rod Grummitt and World Scouting are immense. Order of Australia (AM) in 2010 “for • Mr Ken Howes continued service to youth through David has held many roles in Scouting executive roles with the Scouting • Mr Malcolm Small in Australia and internationally. He movement and as the national • The late Jaqueline Warner joined the Movement as a Wolf Cub in coordinator of the Scouts 100 Year • Dr Graeme Worboys 1948 and became an adult leader in Water Tank Project.” He has previously 1960. David is currently a member of been awarded the Silver Kangaroo and 2020 QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY the National Finance Sub-Committee, the APR Chairman’s Award. David is and served as the Chair of the National HONOURS a Life Member of Scouts Australia. Executive Committee from 2009 Officer (AO) in the General Division – 2015. Within his home state of 2020 AUSTRALIA DAY • Dr Catherine Patricia Foley PSM Victoria, David is the Chair of Victorian Scout Foundation, and contributes HONOURS Member (AM) In The General Division to Friends of Scouting (Victoria). This Australia Day, Scouts Australia • Mr Ian Langford-Brown was delighted to see a number of Medal (OAM) In The General Division Internationally David has made its members receive an Australia enormous contributions to many Asia- Day Honour for their outstanding • Mr Raymond Silas Beebe Pacific Region pursuits. He has served contribution to their communities. • Mr Bevin Hardy as the Chair of the APR Financial Scouting members were also • Mr Trevor King Resources Sub-Committee (2015- recognised by their local communities in • Mr David Teufel 2018), having been a Member from award ceremonies around the country. • Mrs Robyn Teufel 2012 to 2015. From 2015 to 2018 Scouts Australia congratulates them all. Scouts Australia Annual Report 2020 27

2020 ADULT RECOGNITION AWARDS

The following Scouts Australia members received the Silver Kangaroo and National President’s Awards for eminent achievement and meritorious services to the Association in the 2020 Adult Recognition Awards.

NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S AWARD

NAME APPOINTMENT FORMATION BRANCH Stephen Rowley Adult Supporter ACT Branch Headquarters ACT Brian Jackson JP Supporter NSW State Headquarters NSW Gregory James AM, QC Supporter NSW State Headquarters NSW Ian Sinclair AC Committee Member Branch Council NSW Patrick Dunne Member - Scout Fellowship Wynnum Scout Fellowship QLD Alfred Gibson District Property Officer Monash District VIC Bryce Hutton Camp Committee Chairman Eumeralla Scout Camp VIC Cornelis Klep Australian Scout Fellowship ASF - Whitehorse District VIC

SILVER KANGAROO

NAME APPOINTMENT FORMATION BRANCH Leo Farrelly Chair Cuborree Organising ACT Branch Headquarters ACT Committee Alan Murray Assistant Chief Commissioner Youth ACT Branch Headquarters ACT Program John Clapham 1st Springwood Scout Troop NSW Paul Hennessy JP Rover Adviser (Responsible) 3rd Bathurst (All Saints Cathedral) NSW Rover Crew (Group) Donald Lockley Life Member NT Robert Clifford Scout Leader Bald Hills Scout Group QLD Kerry Harrison Assistant Region Commissioner Darling Downs Region QLD (Rover Scouts) Ross Sticklen Joey Scout Leader Scoutreach Lones Scout Group QLD Robert Ellis Adventurous Activities Leader Caving Section Team SA Ashley Wilkin Assistant District Commissioner Limestone Coast District SA Ross Hall Group Leader Delta Scout Group VIC Susan Henley Group Leader 1st Bennettswood VIC Bronwyn Mepstead District Leader - Joey Scouts Cardinia District VIC David Rashleigh Scout Leader 1st Glen Iris VIC Ian Talbett Group Leader 1st Mont Albert VIC Douglas Waldron District Leader - Venturers Monash District VIC Neil Macpherson Group Leader Willetton Scout Group WA Scouts Australia acknowledges with thanks the photographers from each Branch of Scouts Australia, as well as Innes Larkin, Mt Barney Lodge, QLD. Special thanks must be extended to Ouita Spalding for her invaluable assistance in the design, preparation and production of this Annual Report. Her patience, professionalism and commitment is greatly appreciated by all at Scouts Australia. BRAVO.