Visit to Mount Isa Scouts

Thank you, Mount Isa Scout Group, for welcoming me so warmly and for that disciplined parade.

While I am here with you today as Governor and Chief Scout of Queensland, when I was a young boy I, myself, was a member of the Corinda Scouts in Brisbane. My wife Kaye was briefly a Girl Guide. We know that the skills you are learning now will help you throughout your lives. 

Whether it is camping out under the magnificent Mount Isa stars, talking to other scouts around the world during JOTA-JOTI, or working with the community, you are gathering knowledge that will prepare you for future challenges and opportunities, while, at the same time, having tremendous fun.

You are learning to solve problems, to test yourselves, and to work with others. These are qualities that make strong leaders – people who make a positive difference.

Queensland needs enthusiastic emerging leaders like you to make our State prosper. I encourage you all to continue to be involved. Who knows… you may even find yourself one day being the Chief Scout and thereby Governor of Queensland! 

As well as visiting you in person, I am especially pleased that the Regional Government House program has given me the opportunity to thank your own leaders for their lengthy dedication to serving the scouting movement.

It is through their hard work that you have the chance to canoe, abseil, and hike. Or take part in events such as the Border Ride, when some of you travelled to Camooweal, stayed at the Drover’s Camp (which I’ll visit on Thursday), and provided the food for the hungry cyclists. What a tremendous experience that must have been!

It is therefore my honour, as The Queen’s representative in Queensland, to congratulate Mr Albert Shelley and all the other volunteers for their energy and commitment, which is keeping Scouts alive in Mount Isa.

You should all be proud to be part of such a worthy movement.

I look forward to meeting you and discovering more about the wonderful adventures your Scout Group is having. Thank you.