Reception for the Scouts Queensland awards presentation

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, the Honourable Karen Andrews MP; Chief Commissioner, Mr Daryl Scott, and representatives from the Scout Association of Australia Queensland Branch; ladies and gentlemen; girls and boys.

Welcome to Government House for the 2018 Scouts Queensland awards presentation.

Kaye and I are delighted to host this very significant annual event, for my part, in my capacities as Governor and as Chief Scout of Queensland.

Few organisations are as effective in creating ‘healthy, happy and helpful citizens’ as the Scout Movement.

In fact, I was fortunate to see this first hand only last week, when I visited the Scouts Queensland Agoonoree Camp at Baden-Powell Park in Samford Valley.

I have to admit, I was very much impressed by what I saw – more than 70 children with special needs, supported by about 170 scouts and guides who were not only their carers, but also their friends.

Indeed, scouting has a track record of bringing out the best in people.

Soon after Robert Baden-Powell published his book Scouting for Boys in 1908, the Scout Movement gathered momentum, rapidly spreading from Britain to countries throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.

The first Scout Rally took place in 1909 at the Crystal Palace in London and drew no fewer than 10,000 participants.

One year later, the Scout Movement had caught on in more than 15 countries, including Australia.

There are now more than 38 million scouts and guides around the globe.

Today, we gather to celebrate the exemplary contributions of you, the young Queenslanders who have committed your time and energy to advancing a truly marvellous worldwide movement.

It is also an opportunity to acknowledge longstanding service by adult scouts.

We are here to mark your achievements, and with appropriate ceremony.

I congratulate our awardees most sincerely, and look forward to formally acknowledging you all in just a few moments.

Kaye and I would like to express our sincere gratitude for everything you have done not only for your fellow scouts, but for your communities, and for the entire State of Queensland.

Your indomitable spirit and dedication to the cause are tremendously appreciated.

Thank you.