Thumbstick Travels

JOTA-JOTI

JOTA-JOTI was held over the weekend of 17-18 October. The Governor General's address was broadcast on the Saturday and later that evening I made a broadcast from the Hillview facility. On the Thursday prior to JOTA-JOTI, Bob Bristow, Branch Commissioner, Communications and Technology; Barb de la Hunty, Branch Commissioner, Program Initiatives; Flynn Jagoe and Andrew Samson, both Scouts from the Waylen Bay Scout Group recorded the Wireless Institute of Australia's National News which is put out every Sunday. Congratulations to the many Groups and individual Scouts of all ages who participated. Thanks to Bob Bristow who is the National Coordinator of JOTA-JOTI for another successful event.

The Hon. David Malcolm AC QC KCSJ

I attended a reception at Government House on Thursday, 22 October 2009 hosted by His Excellency Dr Ken Michael AC and Mrs Julie Michael to acknowledge and thank the Hon Professor David Malcolm AC QC KCSJ for his contribution as Lieutenant Governor since 1990. The Governor was unreserved in his praise of Professor Malcolm's commitment to the role and support of himself as well as preceding Governors.

We received a letter dated 26 October 2009 from the Governor, His Excellency Dr Ken Michael, AC, thanking us for arranging volunteers to attend the Government House Open Day on Sunday, 18 October 2009. He wrote that the rope bridge and facing painting display provided entertainment for the younger visitors and the Venturers did a marvellous job in the distribution of brochures and greeting visitors to Government House. The Governor thanked Clinton Smith, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Strategic Services, and Rosemary Chandler, Venturer Leader, Kwinana Scout Group for their involvement and assistance.

Around the Branch

Gilwell Reunion

The annual Gilwell Reunion was held on 10 October 2009 when 64 Gilwellians enjoyed a day and evening of fellowship. An opening parade and presentation of parchments to new Woodbadge graduates was followed by afternoon tea. A Scouts' Own was conducted on the verandah by Pop Wensley with a wonderful dinner, catered by Grinners Catering, and drinks held in the Baden-Powell Hall. Pop's stories of being a Scout during the War years were captivating. The evening finished with the traditional campfire and supper.

 WA Week - Celebration of our Youth

Venturers assisted with several of the Celebration of our Youth events held to recognise and celebrate the contribution young people make to the wider community held as part of WA Week from 19 to 25 October 2009.

Government House Vice Regal Party Monday, 19 October 2009 Brandon Arnold (Venturer, Westfield Scout Group) Kevin Byrne (Venturer, Wembley Downs Scout Group)	Main Hall, Constitutional Centre, Tuesday, 20 October 2009 Paul Morrison (District Venturer Leader Coastal Plains) David Busher (Branch Venturer Council Executive) Quinn McGuinness (Branch Venturer Council)

Reopening of Carey Park Hall

The reopening of Carey Park took place on Friday, 23 October 2009 with guests of honour, The Hon. John Castrilli, MLA, Minister for Local Government; Heritage; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, and His Worship the Mayor David Smith, Mayor of Bunbury, in attendance. The Minister and Mayor both acknowledged and thanked Joyce McGinn, District Commissioner, Forrest/Vasse, and Ray Franke, Assistant Group Leader, 2nd Bunbury Scout Group and Joyce's Assistant, as the driving forces behind the extension and renovations to Carey Park Hall and for her efforts on behalf of the community. Neil Macpherson, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Field Operations, represented me and was equally appreciative towards Joyce and her team for achieving so much for the District.

The event was very well attended by Leaders with refreshments served by Scouts and Venturers. Honour boards have been erected to acknowledge the generous donations of labour and materials from local trades people and a paid advertisement has been placed in the local newspaper acknowledging the donations and contributions.

Volunteering WA Annual General Meeting

Neil Macpherson, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Field Operations, represented me at the Volunteering WA Annual General meeting on Tuesday, 27 October. The organisation continues to attract Government support and funding reflecting its increasingly high profile in the community over the past 20 years.

Porongurup Scout Group Opening

Neil Macpherson, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Field Operations, represented me at the opening of the new Porongurup Scout Group on 31 October 2009 and presented the Group with a framed picture of Robert Baden-Powell. With District Commissioner, Stirling, Greg Henderson, and Porongurup Probationary Group Leader, Tony Ward also in attendance, guests of honour the Hon. Wilson Tuckey, MP, Member for O'Connor, Plantagenet Shire President, Ken Clements and representatives of the Bendigo Bank were welcomed along with Leaders, parents and Group members.

Wembley Downs District Fair

Sheridan Bunney, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Youth Programs, represented me at the Wembley Downs District Fair on Saturday, 1 November and experienced much of what the Fair had to offer. She played darts with Cub Scouts, ate a sausage sizzle from the Fellowship, bought cup cakes from the Baden-Powell Guild, purchased lemon juice from a Board member, watched the Irish dancers and listened to Radio Lollipop. Scouting works hand-in-hand with the local community to bring this event to fruition each year and it is a credit to those Groups involved that they continue a community tradition which brings so much enjoyment to this district.

Modified Advanced Training Course

The first modified Advanced Course was completed on Sunday, 1 November 2009 at Baden-Powell House when participants from all Sections presented their projects to the assembled Group. Congratulations to the 15 Leaders who achieved their Wood Beads as well as the four Rovers who previously achieved Wood Beads on 15 October. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Peta Crane, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Adult Programs, for her hard work in bringing this much-needed flexibility to our training program. As 2009 draws to a close, we have 19 new Leaders accredited with their Wood Badge training and I am optimistic that 2010 will see the same flexible approach taken by the Training Team, thus opening up opportunities for more Leaders to complete their Wood Badge.

Gilwell Woggle

While on training matters, there seems to have been some confusion regarding the timing of the issuing of the Gilwell Woggle. Policy and Rules, R11.1 Adult Training and Development states:

Woggles are to be presented on full completion of basic training within the appropriate Leaders' Section and not at the end of the Skills course, unless, of course all requirements have been completed.

Cubilee

Cubilee, held on Saturday, 7 November, was a happy and fun-filled event for the 1,400 (two-thirds of all registered) Cub Scouts who attended and the 2,100 people in all who registered. I was delighted to see so many country Groups present as we welcomed Esperance, Boulder, Geraldton, York, Bunbury, Busselton, Leschenaultia, Wagin, Narrogin and Donnybrook. The activities were varied and plentiful as Cubs Scouts enjoyed dart planes, slippery poles, a Grand Howl competition, stilt walking, stretcher races, helicopter rides, tin can shooting, push carts, water sponges, water rockets, and a dunking machine.

Wanneroo Mayor John Kelly and Joondalup Deputy Mayor Kerry Hollywood presented the first and second place Cubilee Award prizes which are given out for the best Cubilee badge design. Congratulations to Thomas Simmons, Cub Scout, Bunbury Scout Group for his winning Cubilee badge design. Amy O'Reilly, Cub Scout, 1st Kalamunda Scout Group was awarded second place and I presented the third place prize to Isabella Leddin, Cub Scout, Mundaring Scout Group. Well done all!

It was also a pleasure to see Luke Simpkins, MP, Federal Member for Cowan, at Cubilee with his children.

Thank you to Craig Gwatkin, Branch Commissioner, Cub Scouts, for overseeing the event. Special thanks go to Penny Simmons, Cub Scout Leader, Duncraig Scout Group, for her hands-on organisation of this event. I understand she is still recovering. Thanks also to Penny's team: Ian Simmons, Cub Scout Leader, Duncraig Scout Group, Samantha Furness, Volunteer, Suzie Banks, Volunteer, Nicole Mattingley, Cub Scout Leader, Duncraig Scout Group, Sally Puttock, Probationary Cub Scout Leader, Kinross Scout Group, and Sarah Short, Probationary Assistant Cub Scout Leader, Goollelal Greenwood Scout Group. Fantastic effort.

Manjedal Family Day

The Manjedal Family Day will be held on 22 November 2009 and, at $5.00 per ticket, many activities such as abseiling, the aerial runway, artificial caving and environment activities can be enjoyed. Tickets are available at the gate. Further information can be located on the Events Section of the Scouts WA website: http://www.scoutswa.com.au/news/events__training_calendar

Joey Splash

Joey Splash will be held in conjunction with the Manjedal Family Day on 22 November. Please contact Carol Mathie, Branch Commissioner, Joey Scouts, for further details bc.joeyscouts@scoutswa.com.au .

National Meetings

Board Chairman, Larry Lucas, Executive Manager and Marty Thomas will be attending the scheduled National meetings in Brisbane between 13-15 November. Due to pressing work commitments, I will be unable to attend.

Fiona Fiona, Branch Field Officer, Multicultural

Fiona Fiona has stepped down from the position of Branch Field Officer, Multicultural. At the 27 October 2009 Chief Commissioner's Council meeting, I thanked her for her contribution and acknowledged her important continuing role as Project Commissioner, Multicultural Scouting.

Scott Zirus

Members will no doubt have read the recent articles in The West Australian newspaper and/or seen the television news reports concerning former Pinjarra Cub Scout Leader Scott Zirus. As soon as Branch became aware of the situation in the United States, Scott's membership of the Association was cancelled. Steps were taken immediately to advise the Western Australian Police and the Office for Youth and the Working with Children Screening Unit within the Department for Communities. It is a great tragedy for Scouting and the impact cannot be underestimated.

It is a difficult time for all the Leaders, parents and youth members within the Peel District. They have the full support of the Association through Branch personnel.

The incident is a reminder of the importance of following the Code of Conduct at all times. At the October Chief Commissioner's Council meeting, I requested District Commissioners to talk to Group Leaders and to reinforce the importance of the Code of Conduct, a copy of which is attached to this Chief's Corner. In particular, it is of the highest importance that:

• Adults in Scouting should avoid unaccompanied and unobserved activities with youth members wherever possible;

• Adults in Scouting, for their own protection, should avoid potentially compromising situations, by ensuring, where reasonably possible, that at least two adults are in attendance whilst supervising and/or accompanying youth members; and

• Paperwork for events must be completed properly and lodged on time.

• While observing these measures will not necessarily prevent problems arising, they will assist in reducing risks.

Thank you to Neil Macpherson, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Field Operations. He has done an enormous amount of work to assist the Branch, Peel District and the WA police. We owe Neil a great debt of gratitude.

Social Networking

Branch Chief Commissioners will discuss the matter of social networking at their forthcoming meeting in Brisbane. The issue concerns the involvement of adult members (Leaders) with youth members' social networking sites. Swan Patrol considered the matter and a discussion paper, prepared by PJ Axford in consultation with Clinton Smith and others, was aired at the October Chief Commissioner's Council meeting. There are widely differing (and opposing) responses to the matter, but there is a general acceptance that society is moving in a direction that Scouting has no control over, even though it opens-up the possibility of inappropriate communications occurring (from a Scouting organisation viewpoint). It may well be that the matter is best handled by adding to the Code of Conduct to alert adult members to the risks and to provide guidelines for acceptable practice. If you wish to express a view, please let me know.

WWCC Card - Leaders Attending AJ2010

A significant number of Leaders' WWCC cards will expire before or during the forthcoming Jamboree and it is therefore imperative that the re-application process is undertaken immediately. Leaders do not have to wait until the WWCC cards expire before making application for renewal.

26th Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree

Wembley Downs Cub Scout Leader, Shane Earnshaw, will join a contingent of 41 other Australians attending the 26th Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree to be held at Mt Makeling in the Philippines from 28 December 2009 to 6 January 2010. Shane is the only Western Australian attending and he will leave Perth on Christmas night to meet up with the contingent in the Philippines and form part of the International Service Team.

2009 Lotterywest Block Grant Summary

It is with great pleasure that I advise members that the 2009 Lotterywest Block has now been approved. 25 Groups have been successful in securing funding for projects as varied as water filtration units, re-roofing of Scout halls, camping equipment and new trailers. I congratulate the Groups concerned and formally acknowledge the ongoing and significant support of Lotterywest to the Scouting community of Western Australia. For those Groups that did not apply, please note that applications for the 2010 Grants open on 1 December 2009.

City of Rockingham Funding - Warnbro Scout Barn

Thanks to the generosity of the City of Rockingham, we have received $10,000 for capital funding assistance towards the completion of the Warnbro Scout Barn Grant. The funding will assist with the installation of the toilets, shower and kitchen as well as an internal staircase.

Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards 2010

I would like to encourage as many Districts as possible to nominate members for the Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards 2010. Participation is conducted through local councils with the deadline for nominations closing on the fourth Friday in November. To see if your council is a participant please check the following website: http://www.ausdaywa.com.au/award_active.asp

Details and application forms can then be downloaded from the relevant Council website. I would be grateful if you could give some thought to suitable candidates. Sue Mitchell, Branch Commissioner, Special Projects will be assisting with this and may be in touch with District Commissioners. Alternatively, if you would like any assistance from Sue, please email her at bc.specialprojects@scoutswa.com.au .

District Commissioner, Kimberley and Pilbara

The position of the District Commissioner, Kimberley and Pilbara, will be advertised in the near future. In the meantime, if any suitable candidates are known, please refer them to Neil Macpherson, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Field Operations.

2010 Founder's Day Service and Youth Awards Ceremony

Notification has been received from Government House that His Excellency Dr Ken Michael, AC and Mrs Julie Michael will be attending the 2010 Founder's Day Service and Youth Awards Ceremony at Government House Ballroom on Sunday, 21 February 2010.

Task Force for Reassessment of the Management Structure

The Task Force for Reassessment of the Management Structure has held three meetings since its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, 14 October 2009. The Task Force is comprised of Craig Gwatkin (Chairman), Board nominee and Branch Commissioner, Cub Scouts; Tony Snow (Deputy Chairman), Board nominee and Group Leader, Canning; Peter Walton, Chief Commissioner; Sheridan Bunney, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Youth Programs; Peta Crane, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Adult Programs and Neil Macpherson, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Field Operations; with observers Larry Lucas, Board Chairman; Marty Thomas, Executive Manager and Robyn Mischin, Executive Assistant. It is anticipated that a further meeting will take place before engaging with stakeholder participants - District Commissioners and Group Leaders in particular. Two further members have been recruited to the Task Force: Bill Biggins, District Commissioner, Coastal Plains, and Peter Birch, Scout Leader, Fremantle Scout Group. The Task Force will be meeting on the first and third Wednesday of each month until the end of March - the Task Force is aware of and working to meet the Board's deadline of end March 2010 for a report from the Task Force.

100th Anniversary of Girl Guides

The Chief Commissioner's Council meeting of 27 October 2009 decided to discuss what might be an appropriate acknowledgement for the Association to make to the Girls Guides on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

List of high profile Scouts Australia - WA Branch

Robyn Mischin is co-coordinating a list of high-profile former Western Australian Scout members. If you know of anyone fitting that category, would you please forward to her their name, what they are known for, their title or their standing in the community, and whether or not they are personally known to you. Robyn's email address is chiefea@scoutswa.com.au .

Heritage Centre

After 13 years as Curator of the Heritage Centre, Nancy Bale has stepped down and Gwynva Rumball has assumed the position. With Dr Brian Shepherd finalising the Strategic Plan Initiative it is a time of transition for the Heritage Centre and we are grateful to Gwynva for stepping up to assume this role. I have written to Nancy to thank her for her years of dedication and commitment to the Heritage Centre and wished her well in her retirement from this position.

I am pleased to confirm that Ayden Mackenzie was re-elected as Chairman of the Western Australian Rover Council. I congratulate the 2010 WARC Executive on their appointments and wish them another successful year:

I am delighted to welcome on board the Cub Scout Section of the Paraburdoo Scout Group and wish Probationary Cub Scout Leader Geoff Woodvine every success with this new Section. 

Eyes Up by Megan Argo

Good Scouting!

Peter Walton
Chief Commissioner