Speeches
Sunday, 14 September 2025
Scouts SA Recognition Awards
I am pleased to join you for the Annual Branch Awards Ceremony of Scouts SA.
As Governor and your Chief Scout, I am honoured to celebrate the remarkable achievements of young people and adult volunteers.
This morning, we recognise something much larger than individual awards, and that is the scouting movement.
For more than a century, the Scouts have been shaping young lives and strengthening communities across our State and beyond.
In a world where young people constantly navigate new challenges, I believe that organisations like yours are more important than ever.
Scouting gives young people a framework to develop confidence, resilience, and leadership.
It provides an environment where they can discover their strengths, learn teamwork, and test themselves in ways that build both courage and character.
I have seen that, when young people join Scouts, they step into a community that values service, kindness, and respect.
They learn that leadership is about listening, supporting others, and acting with integrity. These lessons stay with them for life.
This is all made possible by the generosity of everyone here today.
Scouting depends on you, people who give of themselves: parents who lend a hand, leaders who volunteer their time, and peers who look out for one another.
Involvement in Scouting has a ripple effect. A Scout who learns to encourage younger peers will become a colleague who leads with fairness.
A Venturer[1] who organises adventurous journeys will grow into an adult who confidently contributes to their workplace and community.
A Volunteer Leader who donates their time on evenings and weekends demonstrates that the greatest legacy we can leave, is the time we have given others.
Organisations like Scouting don't just create good Scouts; they create good citizens.
To our young people receiving Peak[2] awards: your award is testament to your hard work, persistence, and willingness to step up to challenges.
I trust you are proud of your achievements, and will carry your Scouting values into your studies, careers, and relationships.
To our adult award recipients: your recognition is richly deserved and Scouting could not be what it is without your dedication.
For example, today’s long service award winners have each volunteered between 40-60 years – an outstanding commitment.
Congratulations to all of our award recipients.
Thank you, and everyone in your community, who helps to make Scouting such as a vibrant and vital part of society in South Australia.
[1] A Venturer is a Scout aged 14-18 years.
[2] Peak Awards are the highest-level badge a Scout can earn in each youth section. They are the Australian Scout Award, King's Scout Award and Baden-Powell Scout Award.