Back, from left: Paull Ziegeler, group leader of 1st Hampton Park, Yvonne O’Brien and Sandra Landers, group leaders of 1st Devon Meadows, Peter Klose, former group leader of 1st Narre Warren North. Front: New Casey district CASEY District has received one of the most prestigious honours in scouting.
At the recent South Metro Regional Annual Reporting meeting former district commissioner Steven Sheridan and present district commissioner Helen Pinkstone received the Quality Scouting Award and the President’s Award.
The Quality Scouting Award is one of the movement’s top honours while the President’s Award recognises achievements outside the normal realm of a scout’s responsibility.
Half Casey District received Quality Scouting Awards and the entire district was also rewarded for its excellent programs, recruitment and retention efforts.
The 1st Hampton Park, 1st Cranbourne, 1st Devon Meadows, 1st Narre Warren North and 1Narre Warren scout groups all received Quality Scouting Awards.
Alston Park, chief commissioner of Victoria, said the scouting movement was proud of the Casey District’s achievements. “They have shown great initiative in their district and have set a very high standard in scouting,” he said.
“We are confident that their successes will continue in the coming year and that they may offer a great scouting experience to the growing population of Casey,” he said.
South Metro Region commissioner Simon Marks said Casey was the only district in Victoria to receive the Quality Scouting Award this year.
“In a time where scouting is facing challenges to its core activities we have a district that presents quality scouting to its membership.
“The criteria for quality scouting is not easy to achieve and to even have one group receive the award is very pleasing but for an entire district to receive the award is truly remarkable,” he said.
Development officer Shannon Power said she was proud to work with a district that was as successful as Casey.
“Casey District’s accomplishments should be very encouraging to those interested in joining the Scouts, especially adults who would like to become leaders.
The awards indicate that leaders would be joining a fully functioning district packed with quality members who are able to offer valuable support.
“Scouting is a crucial asset to any community.
“The awards that Casey District received indicate that they adhere to the principles of the movement, which of course are to aid in the development of young people so that they may become constructive members of their community,” she said.
David Jones, president of South Metro Region, said the award was designed to recognise outstanding activities beyond the norm.
“Casey District met the conditions and 50 per cent of their groups achieved the awards and this year they were the only district in the state that did so,” he said.
