Afternoon Tea in Support of Scouts Queensland

Scouts Queensland Chief Commissioner, Mr Daryl Scott; Branch President, the Honourable Jane Prentice, and Vice-President, Mrs Kirsty Brown AM; Branch Chairman, Mr Gavin Brady; Deputy Chief Commissioner and Chief Commissioner Elect, Mr Geoff Doo; Deputy Chief Commissioner (Youth Program), Mr Peter Blatch OAM; Deputy Chief Commissioner (Adults in Scouting), Ms Jean Clifford OAM; Deputy Chief Commissioner (Major Activities), Mr Bob Campbell; distinguished guests; Scouts; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands on which Government House stands, the Turrbul and Jagera people, and pay respect to their Elders past and present, and emerging. I would also like to extend my respect to any First Nations people here with us today.

I am honoured to join you today as Patron and now, Chief Scout, having been sworn in just last Sunday at the Higher Adult Recognition and Youth Awards at Baden-Powell Park, and what a fantastic day it was!

The Scout Promise I made on Sunday aligns with the one I made in November last year, when I was sworn in as the 27^th Governor of Queensland.

I pledged then to serve, encourage and champion all Queenslanders— determinations that I know are also at the heart of the Scout Association, and what make it such a unique and valuable movement. 

As Patron and Chief Scout, I join a long Vice-Regal tradition of support, commencing in 1910 with Sir William MacGregor, who was the Scout’s first State Chief Commissioner.

Before taking on this responsibility, Sir William worked as a doctor for the Colonial Service. He lived in many different parts of the world, including New Guinea, where he led exploration expeditions into remote areas, and camped out in the jungle.

Not surprisingly, then, when Sir William visited a Scout Camp at Stradbroke Island on Easter Saturday in 1914, he inspected every single tent to make sure they were up to his high standards.

While I am sure I will not be as fastidious, or perhaps as adventurous as Sir William, I share his opinion that Scouting activities provide fun, practical ways to build self-reliance—which, in today’s ever-changing world, is a quality that is more necessary than ever.

Through an amazing range of activities and programs, young people have the opportunity to learn more about themselves and others, in an environment of compassion and mutual respect.

This leads to greater resourcefulness, which is essential in handling life’s unexpected challenges, and I know—from my experiences working in healthcare—how vital this particular skill is.

Of course, I also applaud the fact that so many Scouting activities require being active, which benefits physical and mental wellbeing, and aligns with another of the key priorities I will be promoting during my term as Governor.

I am confident that the young men and women who are involved with Scouts will therefore be better prepared to reach their full potential and lead lives that will continue to assist and enrich our communities.

As I perform my service as Chief Scout, I look forward to visiting Dens across our State and learning more about your exceptional organisation. I am particularly excited about visiting Camp Agoonoree later this month!

Thank you all for your dedication and service to the people of Queensland. I am proud to be involved with an organisation that does so much to benefit young people in our State.