Western Australian Branch
'Baden-Powell House'
581 Murray Street
WEST PERTH
PO Box 467
WEST PERTH 6872
+61 8 9480 4200
 |
|
Cargeeg Shield The 23rd Cargeeg Challenge Shield was held over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend of 26 to 28 September within the quiet serenity of Manjedal. Seven Patrols competed for the Shield: Kwinana, Australind, Donnybrook, Wanneroo, Warnbro Sound, Waylen Bay and Bibra Lake. With the exception of three Scouts, all others were there for the first time. The quality of camping was tremendous and all Patrols were a credit to their Groups. As part of the challenge, Scouts constructed their campsites, cooked their meals (and did the dishes), and provided for themselves. They were required to draw up and run their own program and, within that program, have time to do an initiative, contribute something towards the campfire and do some service to Manjedal. Gordon Cargeeg OBE, a former Chief Commissioner in whose honour the Shield is named, was in attendance on Sunday and Monday and addressed the Scouts. Donnybrook Patrol took the initiative to invite him to dinner. The eventual winner was Australind who took the Shield over Waylen Bay. It was a fabulous weekend with the weather being kind. Congratulations Australind and to all Scouts and Leaders involved. |
New Branch Chief Commissioner Although discussions about the structure and management of the Branch have only just begun and will probably not reach a conclusion until April or May next year (as explained below, the Board has set a deadline of end March 2010 for a report from the Task Force), the Board has decided to push ahead with advertising the position for the new Chief Commissioner, which I support. The advertisement for the new Chief Commissioner appeared in The West Australian newspaper on 26 September 2009 and is posted on the Scouts WA home page. The Selection Committee for the new Chief Commissioner has been confirmed with the four people from the Chief Commissioner’s Council being Sheridan Bunney, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Youth Programs, Peta Crane, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Adult Programs, Chris Denny, Assistant Chief Commissioner, Secretariat and Ayden Mackenzie, Chairman, WA Rover Council. The three members of the Board on the committee are Kevin Pestell, Deputy Board Chairperson, Nobby Cunningham, Board Member and John Filippone, Board Member and Convenor, Finance and Investment Committee, together with Les Farrant ex-officio as Board Secretary. David Young, Branch Vice President, will Chair the Committee, but as he will be on leave until mid-October, Kevin Pestell will be Deputy Chair of the Committee in the interim period. At its meeting on Tuesday, 8 September, the Board adopted a timetable that had the position advertised in “The West Australian” newspaper on Saturday 26 September, with applications closing on Thursday 15 October. Interviews will occur during early November, with a view to the Board having a recommendation to consider when it meets on 17 November (its regular meeting has been put back one week to fit in with the timetable). The Board Chairman will brief the Chief Commissioner’s Council at its meeting on Tuesday 24 November. It is hoped that it will be possible to make an announcement at the Branch wind-up function just before Christmas. It is intended that the new Chief will take up the role at the Founder’s Day and Youth Awards Ceremony at the end of February 2010. The Board decided at its Tuesday, 8 September meeting to establish a “Task Force for Reassessment for Management Structure”. The Board is seeking Group Leader and District Commissioner representation on the task force. Interested members are asked to indicate their interest to Les Farrant, Board Secretary, at farrant@space.net.au or (08) 93416806. The Board also agreed to appoint an external consultant to act as a facilitator on an “as required” basis for the task force. It was agreed that the importance of securing a workable management model warranted the engagement of professional consultants to facilitate the process. |
| ||
Thumbstick Travels Trek-a-Bout Despite threatening weather we had a good turnout of Scouts, Guides, Leaders and families for the annual Trek-a-Bout that was held on Saturday, 12 September. As well as placing the Chief’s gold stamp on many cards (hands and foreheads), I took the opportunity to chat with the Lord Mayor of Perth, Lisa Scaffidi and the Mayor of Victoria Park, Trevor Vaughan, at an informal morning tea. Congratulations and sincere thanks to, Philip Friend, Chair, Planning Committee and the joint planning committee for another very successful Trek-a-bout. |
 Trekkers at the completion of the course |
Adult Recognition Awards This year’s Adult Recognition Awards ceremony was a happy and successful event, well attended by 247 Awardees, family members and friends on Sunday, 20 September 2009. Thank you to Chris Denny, Assistant Chief Commissioner, Secretariat, and his helpful assistants who professionally orchestrated the event, and also to Master of Ceremonies, Greg Chapman. The Lieutenant Governor the Honourable Professor David Malcolm AC QC KCSJ presented the higher awards in his capacity as Deputy to the Governor, with the presentation of the Silver Kangaroo to Vern Casey for 30 years’ services to Scouting in Western Australia. It was an important occasion for Chris Williams who was presented with his Life Membership certificate. Chris has made an enormous contribution to Scouting over four decades. |
Royal Show Scouting's major promotion for the year was held between 26 September and 3 October at the Smoke Free Perth Royal Show. Visits to the Scouts WA exhibit were totally 17,383, an improvement of approximately 12 percent from last year. The Scout display provides a number of free activities that give people a taste of the Scouting adventure, including the climbing and bouldering walls, a rope bridge, daily singing and dancing performances, an environmental activity, face painting and the ever popular maze. It’s a great opportunity to explain Scouting to parents, sign up new members and raise our profile in the community. Our display has already received a 'Highly Commended' award from the President of the RAS for its design, which is tribute to the many hours of hard work put into it by our volunteers - well done! I would like to make special mention of all the volunteers who have donated their time to making our Royal Show event a success. To all of you who sacrificed time to work on roster during the event; to Neil Trethowen who takes a week’s leave from work each year to help set up our site; to Tanya Hill for her co-ordination skills; and to Clinton Smith, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Strategic Services for his dedication and professionalism in overseeing what is possibly our most important and public annual event – I sincerely thank you all. |
Around the Branch RSL “Battle for Australia” Commemoration Service Chris Denny, Assistant Chief Commissioner, Secretariat, represented me at the RSL “Battle for Australia” Commemoration Service 2009 on 2 September held at the State War Memorial Kings Park. This commemorative service was held in honour of the Battle for Australia and paid tribute to the Western Australian 2nd Sixteenth Battalion which stopped the Japanese on the Kokoda Track in New Guinea. A wreath of Western Australian wildflowers was laid on behalf of Scouts Australia, Western Australian Branch. Maritime Careers Expo Peter Birch reported that the Sea Scout Council set up a booth at the Maritime Careers Expo on 12 September. Scouts from the Fremantle and Waylen Bay Groups exhibited their splicing and braiding skills and conveyed Scouting information to parents and young people. Approximately 4,000 people went through the Expo which was sponsored by the Company of Master Mariners, Fremantle Ports and the Department of Transport. The Hon. Simon O’Brien, MLC, Minister for Transport; Disability Services, delivered an address at the closing cocktail party and recollected his time as a Sea Scout at Fremantle and, in particular, his participation at the Master Mariners Sea Scout competition in 1972 where he was a member of the winning Scout crew. It brought a very enthusiastic response from guests. Joey Scout Campfire Joey Scout Mobs from Warnbro Sound, Mandurah and Chittering joined their city counterparts for the successful second Joey Scout Campfire held on The Esplanade on the evening of Saturday, 12 September. The weather was kind to the 170 Joey Scouts and their Leaders and parents who enjoyed the campfire and the beautiful backdrop of the city skyline and river. Kalgoorlie Centenary Deputy Chief Commissioner, Youth Programs, Sheridan Bunney, representing the Chief Commissioner, and Branch Commissioner, Scouts, Vern Casey enjoyed the hospitality of the Kalgoorlie Group as they celebrated their centenary year over the weekend of 12 and 13 September 2009 with a barbeque and old-fashioned games such as the egg-and-spoon race and tug-of-war. A Grey Wolf Award was presented to Cub Scout Nathan Vince and an Australian Scout Medallion was presented to Scout Alex Wallace. A centenary certificate, signed by the Chief Scout of Australia, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC, was presented to the Kalgoorlie Scout Group by Sheridan Bunney. |
Presentation of Life Membership – Shirley Robinson Shirley Robinson OAM, former District Commissioner, Stirling, was awarded a Life Membership in July this year but was unable to attend the Annual General Meeting to receive her award. So, while 247 people celebrated and recognised the contributions of 140 Adult Recognition Award recipient adults at Government House on Sunday, 20 September, Shirley Robinson’s countless years of service were being celebrated and recognised on the same day with her Scouting friends in Albany. Recounting the events below in an email, District Commissioner, Stirling, Greg Henderson writes:
Shirley Robinson OAM and District Commissioner |
Scouting Essentials - Esperance Sheridan Bunney, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Youth Programs and Craig Gwatkin, Branch Commissioner, Cub Scouts travelled to Esperance to run a Scouting Essentials course for six Esperance Leaders from three Sections and one Leader from Kalgoorlie on Saturday, 26 September 2009. Horizon Power kindly offered their training rooms to us. This comprehensive course resulted in all Leaders achieving their Certificate of Adult Leadership and two Leaders completing the necessary workbook for their Certificate III in Business. Lifting of Time Capsule, Boulder The Boulder Scout Group held a weekend of celebrations to celebrate their 100 years of Scouting from 25 to 28 September 2009. Sheridan Bunney, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Youth Programs, representing the Chief Commissioner, and Craig Gwatkin, Branch Commissioner, Cub Scouts, attended along with other past and present Leaders from Perth. Saturday was a family day concluding with a dinner and campfire with 120 people enjoying the hospitality and viewing the extensive displays of the Group’s history. Sunday saw official proceedings take place with the raising of a time capsule buried 25 years ago. Annette Galbraith, District Commissioner, Peel and former Boulder Cub Scout Leader Jean Douglas, two of the Leaders responsible for the placement of the time capsule, awaited its recovery with some anticipation. The very smelly content was carefully taken out by a representative from the restoration museum and displayed for all to see. The current Boulder Scout Group prepared another capsule to be buried and left for the next 25 years. A mosaic cover (pictured below) made by Boulder Scout Group Probationary Assistant Group Leader Sally Canny was placed atop for security. Speeches and presentations were given by past Leaders followed by afternoon tea where many conversations were shared by people who had been part of the Group over the years. |
A centenary certificate, signed by the Chief Scout of Australia, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC, was presented to the Boulder Scout Group by Sheridan Bunney. The Group’s motto is “Boulder rocks” and it certainly did last weekend.
|
|
|
Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship Centenary Dinner Accompanied by his wife, Pam, Chris Denny, Assistant Chief Commissioner, Secretariat, deputised for me at the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship in Western Australian Centenary Dinner on 26 September 2009. The League was established in Britain in 1901 to commemorate the reign of Queen Victoria and to bring universal friendship throughout the then British Empire, now the Commonwealth of Nations. 2009 commemorates 100 years of The Victoria League in Western Australia, which was established by notable Western Australians. The evening celebrations commenced with the arrival of the Governor, with the Scout Association being acknowledged as one of the distinguished guests by the Master of Ceremonies. The Girl Guides Association was also represented by their State Commissioner. There were several speeches, culminating in an address by His Excellency on the work the League performed over the 100 years such as comforts in the First and Second World War for servicemen, assistance to emigrants in the soldier settlement scheme and today scholarships to youth for further education. |
Bush Baja The 25-27 September long weekend enabled Rovers to hold their Bush Baja ’09. The annual event was held near the Northam Speedway and was supervised by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS). Planning was so thorough that even the weather fully cooperated. The event was a credit to the organisers and participants and most capably led by 2009 Bush Baja Chair, Maeghan McDonald. The Open Day, held on Sunday, 27 September, was widely promoted and well attended. Clinton Smith, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Strategic Services, and Neil Macpherson, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Field Operations, represented the Chief Commissioner. Guests were treated to four spectacular events: Reversing Race, Flower Power, Motokhana, and Novelties. Considerable creativity was evident in themes for teams, with one team of two vehicles done up as Bananas in Pyjamas (131 and 132, or B1 and B2), with drivers wearing their pyjamas, and a guest appearance by Sir Lancer Lot. About 20 teams participated in events all weekend, with one team returning from Victoria. Team members had to complete an event, repair their vehicle, and line up for the next event with little time between. Apart from the obvious fun experienced by the Rovers, the event is also very entertaining and well worth a visit. How about putting it in your diary for 2010?
|
Jota- Joti Jota-Joti is on between 17 and 18 October. If radio operators are required, please contact Bob Bristow, Branch Commissioner, Communications at bc.communications@scoutswa.com.au Among the new Groups to join Jota-Joti for the first time this year are Waylen Bay, Victoria Park, Fitzroy Martuwarra and Djarindjin-Lombadina Scout Groups. 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 Australian Scout Medallion Recipient – Daniel Burke It is with pleasure that I reproduce here an email which was sent to my office by a Member of Parliament. Numerous Members of Parliament have taken the opportunity to write to recipients of Adult Recognition Award and Australian Scout Medallion awardees congratulating them on their achievement. Scout Daniel Burke’s response to the Member of Parliament’s letter is a credit to himself, his Wanneroo Scout Group and the Association. Well done, Daniel.
Rules of Association The new Rules of Association that were adopted at the July Annual General Meeting are with the Department of Commerce for approval. Unfortunately there has been a delay as a result of two members having lodged quite complex complaints concerning procedural matters (it would appear that the content of the Rules are not being challenged). A response has been sent to the Department for Commerce and we await further advice from the Department. The existing Constitution remains in force until such time as the new Rules of Association are approved. |
Geraldton Scout Group In the August edition of Chief’s Corner I congratulated the 1st Geraldton Scout Group which was awarded $3,100 through the Woolworths Fresh Food Kids Community Grants program to buy new sporting equipment. Along with two other Mid West youth organisations, the Group was featured in The Guardian on 15 July 2009. A picture of Cub Scout Leader Karen Fawell and members of the Group appeared in the “Midwest Times” on 10 September receiving the cheque.  |
WWCC Card – Leaders Attending Jamboree A significant number of Leaders’ WWCC cards will expire before or during 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. Ric Walne, Program Development Office, National Indigenous Scout Program With Commonwealth funding ceasing, Ric Walne finished in his role as Program Development Officer for the National Indigenous Scout Program on Friday, 26 September. The formation of two new Groups is a very pleasing outcome. Thanks to Ric for his tireless efforts and wish him well in his retirement. Group News and Appointments We welcome the following people to these new Sections:
Congratulations to the following people on their new appointments:
Gilwell Reunion The Gilwell reunion is being held on 10 October at a cost of $35 for the dinner and $50 for the dinner and staying over. Please email Mavis Ives training@scoutswa.com.au. 1st Gilwell Park Scout Group Website A new website has just been launched for members of the 1st Gilwell Park Scout Group - www.1stgilwellpark.org. Information on the website includes:
|
Eyes Up by Megan Argo Spring is well under way and the days are getting longer once again. The Sun rises at 5.55am on October 1st and 5.20am by the end of the month, setting by 6.41pm by October 31st. The Moon is full on October 4th and new on the 18th. Jupiter continues to be prominent during the evening and is just three degrees south of the Moon on October 27th (for comparison, the Moon is just half a degree in diameter). Both Mercury and Venus will be visible during the first half of the month, low in the east before sunrise (as always, NEVER look at the Sun through any optical device!). Venus will be the easiest to spot at magnitude -3.5, with Mercury much fainter and lower down in the sky. Mars and Saturn are also morning objects this month, Mars will be fairly high in the eastern sky before dawn and obvious by its orange colour, Saturn will be low in the eastern sky before sunrise during the second half of the month. At this time of year the familiar Southern Cross is fairly low in the sky to the south, but the bright constellation of Orion is visible in the east in the evening, rising by 8.30pm by the end of the month. During most of October, the Orionid meteor shower is active in this part of the sky. The maximum rate of this meteor shower will be on October 21st and is predicted to be about 30 per hour, although from the city you will see less than this due to light pollution. If you're camping this month, try and find a spot with a clear horizon to the east (no trees!) and sit back to watch the show. You probably won’t see hundreds of shooting stars, but you might be lucky and spot a few really bright ones! And finally, a quick plug for an exciting event coming up in November. The biggest event in WA for the International Year of Astronomy will be taking place on the campus of Curtin University on Saturday November 28th between 2pm and 10pm. "Astrofest" will be a huge FREE event for families where you can look through telescopes, watch a show in an Scitech's portable planetarium, see exciting science demos and exhibitions, find out about the Square Kilometre Array and talk to real astronomers. Coordinated by Astronomy WA and hosted in the new Curtin Stadium, this is an event not to be missed. Keep an eye on the Astronomy WA website for details. (www.astronomywa.net.au) FREE planispheres are still available for your group! Email megan.argo@gmail.com with how many you need and where you would like them posted. |
|
