Scouts Queensland Higher Adult Recognition Awards and Youth Awards Presentation

Chief Commissioner of Scouts Queensland, Daryl Scott; President of Scouts Queensland, Jane Prentice; Chief Commissioner of Scouts Australia, Phil Harrison, and other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; Scouts; Venturers; Rovers; girls and boys. 

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the lands on which we are gathered and pay my respects to Elders past and present, and emerging leaders. 

Congratulations to all of today’s recipients.

It has been fantastic for us to be able to celebrate some of the highest awards in the Scouts order – for both youth and adult participants.  

Today will most likely be one of my last chances to “wear the uniform” as Chief Scout in Queensland – the last opportunity will be when I return here in September for the Agoonoree Camp – and tomorrow night, I will be wearing it with pride in Charters Towers, meeting local Scouts and Girl Guides!

When my term ends on 1 November, I will leave Government House with so many vivid, happy memories of my interactions with Scouts Queensland. 

I take this opportunity now to thank you all for your support over the past seven years.

It has been a privilege to be involved with such a wonderful organisation – both as a former Scout, and now as State Chief Scout. 

I am constantly impressed by the calibre and character of the young Scouts I meet as I travel around Queensland.

Scouts in Queensland have a long and distinguished vice-regal pedigree.

Queensland’s 15^th Governor, Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, was also our longest serving – almost 14 years in the job!

Sir Leslie’s connection with the organisation was recognised at his farewell in 1946, when 2,000 Boy Scouts and Girl Guides assembled to form an outline of the map of Queensland! Imagine that!

To put your minds at ease now, there is no such requirement for my farewell! Perhaps we should save that one up in case a future Governor does break the ‘Longest Serving’ record.

Sir Leslie was also notable as he was Governor when Lord Baden Powell – Scouts worldwide founder and after whom this park is named – made his third visit to Queensland!

The principles of scouting are centred on embracing challenges and having fun.

As I have done in the past, I recognise the volunteers who make this possible. 

It is incredible to reflect on the fact that there are thousands of adults and uniform Leaders, who dedicate time to encourage the development and wellbeing of our young Scouts. I thank you all on behalf of our young people and our community.

Well done again to all the individual recipients today, and I wish you all the best as you continue your Scouting adventures.

Thank you.