Saturday, 22 June 2024
Government House, Sydney
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales

Bujari gamarruwa, Diyn Babana Gamarada Gadigal Ngura

In greeting you in the language of the Gadigal, Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather, I pay my respects to Gadigal Elders past, present, and emerging, and extend that respect to Elders of all parts of NSW from which you have travelled here today.

Chief Commissioner, Scouts NSW staff and volunteers, family, friends, and, most importantly, Queen’s Scout and Baden-Powell Award recipients,

Welcome to Government House. I am delighted as Chief Scout in NSW to welcome recipients and guests from as far afield as Wagga Wagga, Hay, Ettamogah, Queanbeyan and Armidale^[1] – and all points between.

Today’s ceremony presents the awards which are the culmination of your Scouting careers.

I use the word ‘career’, rather than journey, deliberately. Our English word for ‘career’ comes from the Latin word: ‘carrus’ meaning ‘chariot’, to indicate ‘running at full speed’.

At some point in the early nineteenth century, it came to refer to the ‘course of one’s public and professional life’.^[2] Both senses sum up the active and inspiring way you have taken ‘charge’ of your personal and professional development in achieving this award.

Each of you has set your course, tackling the different learning programs and environments and the components of your Award with remarkable determination, drive, initiative and resilience. Adaptability has been required, particularly in dealing with extreme weather events during your Adventurous Journeys, from heatwaves to torrential downpours, bushfires to floods.

And what a year it has been!

With last year seeing the full return of large-scale world events, Awardees were among their peers who participated in the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea,^[3] World Moot in Kenya,^[4] New Zealand Venture,^[5] and as Junior Service Leaders at the NSW Cuboree.^[6]

And, I am told, the NSW Cuboree was the biggest Scouting activity for Cub Scouts since 2017, with more than 1600 Cub Scouts attending. The Venturers and Rovers who volunteered as leaders at this event were instrumental in its success.

Giving back to Scouts has been a key point of service for many Awardees, who have volunteered their time to support younger Scouts, whether at larger-scale events or through weekly Group activities.

Many of you also combined your peak award activities with completing Certificates through the Scouts Australia Institute of Training, studying for the HSC or achieving the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Others have used their creative skills in GANG shows and in STEM activities, all of which have contributed to your expertise, as individuals, and to your careers.

You have been supported by your new Commissioner^[7] and an energetic and enthusiastic State team,^[8] who, together with Board members, volunteers and professional staff, have supported more than 16,000 Scouts in NSW.^[9]

And, of course, we have just marked the King’s Birthday, which included the announcement of the King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List. I was delighted, but not surprised to see five current or former Scouts NSW members recognised for their outstanding service.^[10]

Today, is a day of celebration – a day of pride and achievement; a day to say ‘well done’ to your friends and peers with whom you have completed this award, and to thank those who have supported you.  And, when this day is over, to look forward to that next horizon, as you continue your careers as the new generation of leaders.

Congratulations!

[1] Information from Scouts NSW

[2] https://www.etymonline.com/word/career

[3] 1-12 August 2023

[4] 15-25 April 2023

[5] January 2023

[6] 29 September-3 October 2023

[7] Lloyd Nurthen was appointed during a ceremony at GH on 18 March 2023.

[8] https://www.scoutsnsw.com.au/news/new-state-team

[9] https://www.scoutsnsw.com.au/about/our-people

[10] https://www.scoutsnsw.com.au/news/2024-kings-birthday-honours-scouts-nsw-recipients