Scouts Queensland Higher Adult Recognition Awards and Youth Awards (1)

Representing the Premier and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Mr Chris Whiting MP; Representing the Queensland Police Commissioner, Acting Inspector Nicole Jaramazovic; Scout Association of Australia, Queensland Branch, Scouts Queensland Chief Commissioner, Mr Geoff Doo; Branch President, the Honourable Jane Prentice; Deputy Chief Commissioner, Ms Jean Clifford OAM; Distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; Girls and boys.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today.

As your Chief Scout—and as your Governor—it is always an honour to attend an award ceremony that recognises the achievements and contributions of people involved in this wonderful movement.

What an inspiring group of people we have with us this morning, not least the many Award recipients whose achievements we are here to formally recognise.

It is heartening indeed to hear of the 10,000 or so young people in Queensland, aged between 6 and 26, who are actively involved in scouting.

Many of them were introduced to scouting activities through the Scouting in Schools program, while young people living in isolated areas in North-West Queensland come to us, of course, through the Scouts of the Air.

It’s a natural fit for young people who want to equip themselves to make a difference in their own lives, and in the lives of others in communities throughout the State.

Today, we have seen just how many of you there are out there, making a difference.

The purpose that underpins the Scouting movement is one to which many outside the movement can relate.

To do your best, whether it benefit you or another, is always a worthwhile aim, and Scouting equips you with the confidence and the abilities to do just that.

As always, thank you for volunteering your time and energy to supporting Scouts Queensland.

The movement could not continue to flourish without your dedication and selfless contribution.

You can each be justly proud of the work that you do in developing young people to be service-minded, to give back to the community, and to foster positive and engaging relationships with others.

In short, you are helping to help fashion the community leaders of the future.