Saturday, 11 October 2025
Government House
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC

Thank you, David.^[1]

We have a tradition at Government House, when welcoming guests to important occasions such as this, of using words of greeting in the language of the Gadigal, Traditional Owners of these lands and waterways—Gadigal Ngura, Gadigal Country.

Bujari Gamarruwa

Diyn Babana, Gamarada

In doing so, I pay my respects to Gadigal Elders past, present, and emerging, as well as to the Elders of all parts of our State from which you travel.

Chief Commissioner,^[2] Deputy Chief Commissioner,^[3] Assistant Chief Commissioner,^[4] friends, family, distinguished guests all, and, most importantly, proud recipients,

It is a privilege to be here, as Chief Scout of NSW, to celebrate the achievements of the 25^[5] young people being honoured today with their Scouting awards.

This year has been busy one for Scouts, beginning with the 26th Australian Jamboree in Maryborough, Queensland; the first time the event was run in six years, with some 2,600 NSW Scouts, Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts, and adult Leaders attending.

Then, over the Easter long weekend Venturer Scouts celebrated the 40th annual ‘Dragon Skin’ camp, where Venturers navigated their way around Penrose State Forest, completing as many activities as possible, and earning points for teamwork, leadership, and initiative.

In July and August, Rover Scouts travelled to Portugal for the 16th World Scout Moot, which included the Portugal Deep Dive, an opportunity for participants to live in a local community and explore and learn more about Portuguese culture, traditions, and crafts, as well as joining all the fun and camaraderie of the Main Camp.

In between were the numerous activities of Scouting groups across our State. I had the privilege of seeing some of this firsthand, spending time with members of the 1st Forster-Tuncurry Scout Group in March to see their Flag Ceremony and meet Unit leaders and Scouts at their local hall.

In a couple of weeks, noting the continued rejuvenation and growth of Scouting in NSW, I will be travelling to Gunnedah to meet members of the 1st Gunnedah Scout Group, which was relaunched in August this year, ending a Scouting hiatus in Gunnedah of more than 14 years.^[6]

Today is an opportunity not only to reflect on the achievements of the Scouting family over the last year, but also the long tradition of Scouting in this State.

Most importantly, it is the chance to honour and celebrate those Venturer and Rover Scouts who have fulfilled requirements for the peak awards in their respective sections, the King’s Scout and Baden-Powell Scout Awards. Today, we also have the special privilege of seeing the presentation of the Gilt Cross for Gallantry Award to two individuals whose bravery and willingness to step into danger to help someone else is being recognised.

It is also an opportunity to thank families and friends whose support and encouragement has underpinned the Scouting journeys being celebrated today, as well as Scouts NSW and the numerous Scout leaders who have provided so many of our young people the opportunity to learn, expand, and fulfil their personal potential.

To all our awardees today, I say ‘stand proud’.

You have set yourselves goals, undertaken tasks, planned and adapted, and overcome unexpected and challenging obstacles. You have organized, mentored, and led. You have supported your fellow Scouts, given back to community through your actions and example, and learnt from your experiences.

You have proudly continued the long and storied tradition of Scouting in this State, and, through your leadership and encouragement of others embodied core Scouting values of diversity, inclusion, and teamwork.

You have enriched yourselves and, in doing so, enriched our community.

Congratulations and well done!

I am looking forward to hearing more of your exploits and experiences, as well as the many insights you have gained along the way to completing your awards.