Reception in support of Scouts Queensland

Member for Greenslopes, Mr Joe Kelly MP; Scouts Queensland President, the Honourable Jane Prentice and Vice President, Professor John Pearn AO RFD; Chief Commissioner, Mr Geoff Doo and the Queensland Branch Team; Commissioners; Leaders, Venturers; Rovers; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

Graeme and I welcome you all to Government House this afternoon to celebrate the incredible influence of Scouting on all Queenslanders.

I take this opportunity to pay special tribute to those here today who received awards at the recent ceremony held by Scouts Queensland.

I am truly sorry I was not able to attend the awards in person this year as Graeme and I were in Yulebar and Surat marking the centenary of the Cobb & Co’s Final Journey — so I will take the opportunity now to again express my most sincere congratulations to you all for your wonderful achievements.

As Patron and Governor, I proudly continue a tradition of Vice-Regal support that stretches back to the very beginnings of the Scout Movement in this State.

As Chief Scout I am honoured to wear my uniform as a symbol of an organisation that encourages a unique blend of the practical with the intangible, and through its activities promotes the development of more capable and caring individuals.

In 1912, during the first of his three visits to Australia, the founder of Scouting, Lord Baden-Powell, wrote his thoughts on its benefits, which were published in the newspapers of the time, saying—

“Scouting trains the individuals to develop personal character—honour, pluck, observation and deduction, self-reliance, energy and chivalry. It develops proficiency in handicrafts and public service, and helpfulness to others”.

These words – written more than 100 years ago – encapsulate the essence of the same organisation that continues to thrive today.

In a world that is becoming ever more focussed on computer-based occupations, Scouts fosters a form of adventure that requires physical activity, engagement with others, and a strong connection with the outdoors—which of course, as a strong advocate of our state’s health and wellbeing, I wholeheartedly support.

At the same time, Scouting builds inner strength, encouraging those qualities that lead to more compassionate, and understanding young people—helping to develop those leaders of tomorrow who can be decisive, yet considerate.  

And, of course, the enduring commitment to do one’s best, and to help others, has a significant and beneficial effect, not only on those involved in Scouting, but deep within our communities.

The diverse activities and initiatives brought by Scouts, are reliant on the efforts of many—those working for the organisation, those who generously volunteer their time and abilities in Dens across the State, and all of the very loyal supporters.  

Each of you is using your passion and dedication to further the aims and outcomes of Scouting, and on behalf of all Queenslanders, I thank you for serving our young people with such purpose.