Scouts VictoriaMoonee Valley DISTRICT

report to our community

2014-2015

Moonee valley district

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High

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ieve

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PromiseChallenge

Badge

GreyWolf

Award

AustralianScout

Medallion

QueensScoutAward

Baden-PowellScout Award

Moonee Valley District began as Essendon District over 100 years ago. The District is made up of Scout Groups from the suburbs of Ascot Vale, Avondale Heights, Airport West, Essendon, Keilor East, Kensington, Niddrie and Strathmore.

There are a total of nine operational Scout Groups throughout the district with more than 300 Youth Members (6-17) and Young Adults (18-26). These members are led and supported by more than 50 trained leaders with assistance from countless parents and friends.

The role of Moonee Valley District is to provide the support and coordination for Scouting within the local area. The District is specifically tasked to support and advise the membership to ensure a varied and well executed program in each section. The District is charged with the role of acting as a centralised body for major tasks such as property management support, communication with local council and the community.

Scouts Australia (Victorian Branch) is the largest volunteer based youth organisation in Victoria, with over 1,000,000 hours of dedicated work by our tireless volunteers. We are twenty-two thousand members strong, focusing on the education of youth and their development into resilient members of our community.

As a matter of conversion, if a workforce was paid in order to deliver the Scout Program it would cost over $25 million per year before including any additional items like entitlements. Worldwide, Scouting has over 30 million members with operations in over 161 nations.

Name Group Award SchoolMason Morrice 6TH MELBOURNE Joey Scout Promise Challenge Kensington Primary SchoolSeren Rowlinson 6TH MELBOURNE Joey Scout Promise Challenge Holy Rosary School - KensingtonLawson Sleigh 6TH MELBOURNE Joey Scout Promise Challenge Kensington Primary SchoolMartyn Arends 15TH ESSENDON Cub Scout Grey Wolf Our Lady of the Nativity SchoolAston Smith 15TH ESSENDON Cub Scout Grey Wolf Kensington Primary SchoolAmy Pittard 1ST STRATHMORE Cub Scout Grey Wolf Strathmore North Primary SchoolJack Twomey 2ND STRATHMORE Cub Scout Grey Wolf Strathmore North Primary SchoolMatthew Davis 6TH MELBOURNE Cub Scout Grey Wolf Kensington Primary SchoolHarrison Harbert 6TH MELBOURNE Cub Scout Grey Wolf Kensington Primary SchoolYvonne Morton 6TH MELBOURNE Cub Scout Grey Wolf Kensington Primary SchoolThomas Norman 6TH MELBOURNE Cub Scout Grey Wolf Kensington Primary SchoolDylan Page 6TH MELBOURNE Cub Scout Grey Wolf Kensington Primary SchoolMatilda Randle 6TH MELBOURNE Cub Scout Grey Wolf Kensington Primary SchoolEmma Rawson 6TH MELBOURNE Cub Scout Grey Wolf Kensington Primary SchoolTamsin Sleigh 6TH MELBOURNE Cub Scout Grey Wolf Kensington Primary SchoolDirk Arends 15TH ESSENDON Australian Scout Medallion St Bernards College - EssendonZoe Kermonde 15TH ESSENDON Australian Scout Medallion Lowther Hall Grammar SchoolJames Lockwood Spence 17TH ESSENDON Australian Scout Medallion Strathmore Secondary CollegeHarriet Andrew 1ST STRATHMORE Australian Scout Medallion Strathmore Secondary CollegeEmma Conley 1ST STRATHMORE Australian Scout Medallion Strathmore Secondary CollegeRose Davis 1ST STRATHMORE Australian Scout Medallion Strathmore Secondary CollegeSimone Prendergast 1ST MILLEARA Queens Scout Award N/ASam Ferris 17TH ESSENDON Baden Powell Scout Award N/A

REPORT TO our community

3

AimThe Aim of Scouting is to encourage the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual development of young people so that they take a constructive place in society as a member of their local, national and international community.

PrinciplesThe Principles of Scouting, as identified by the founder, Lord Baden-Powell, are that Scouts serve their God, act in consideration of the needs of others and develop and use their abilities to the betterment of themselves, their families and the community in which they live.

MissionTo contribute to the education of young people, through a value system based on the Promise and Law, to help build a better world, where people are self fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society.We achieve this by:

- Involving young people through their formative years in a non-formal education process.

- Using a specific method that makes each individual the principal agent in his or her development as a self-reliant, supportive and committed person.

- Assisting them to establish a value system based upon spiritual, social and personal principles as expressed in the Promise and Law.

Aim, principles & mission

15th Essendon 22 Woods St, Ascot Vale VIC 3032 1st Strathmore 138 Lebanon Street, Strathmore VIC 3041Joey Mob Mon (17:45:00-18:45:00) Cub Pack Thu (19:00:00-20:30:00)Cub Pack Thu (19:00:00-20:30:00) Scout Troop Wed (19:00:00-21:00:00)Scout Troop Tue (19:00:00-21:00:00) Venturer Unit Fri (19:30:00-21:30:00)Venturer Unit Tue (19:30:00-21:30:00)Rover Crew Fri (19:30:00-22:00:00) 2nd Essendon Cnr Buckley St & Mt Alexander Rd, Essendon VIC 3040

Venturer Unit Fri (08:00:00-10:00:00)17th Essendon 7 Batman Street, Essendon West VIC 3040 Rover Crew Fri (20:00:00-23:00:00)Cub Pack Mon (19:15:00-20:45:00)Scout Troop Thu (19:30:00-21:30:00) 2nd Strathmore 63A Kernan St, Strathmore VIC 3041Venturer Unit Tue (19:30:00-21:30:00) Joey Mob Mon (17:30:00-18:30:00)

Cub Pack Mon (19:00:00-20:30:00)1st Milleara 1A Doyle St, Avondale Heights VIC 3034 Scout Troop Wed (19:00:00-21:00:00)Cub Pack Wed (18:30:00-20:00:00) Venturer Unit Fri (19:30:00-21:30:00)Scout Troop Mon (19:00:00-20:30:00)Venturer Unit Wed (19:30:00-21:30:00) 5th Keilor Fullarton Road, A.J. Davis Reserve, Airport West VIC 3042Rover Crew Thu (19:30:00-22:30:00) Cub Pack Wed (19:00:00-20:30:00)

Scout Troop Mon (19:00:00-21:00:00)1st Moonee Ponds

Cnr Clarinda St/Ardmillan Rd., Moonee Ponds VIC 3039

Venturer Unit Thu (19:00:00-22:00:00)

Cub Pack Mon (19:00:00-20:30:00) Rover Crew Thu (19:30:00-00:00:00)Scout Troop Wed (19:00:00-21:00:00)Venturer Unit Wed (07:00:00-09:00:00) 6th Melbourne 55 Mccracken Street, Kensington VIC 3031Rover Crew Fri (20:00:00-23:00:00) Joey Mob Wed (17:30:00-18:30:00)

Cub Pack Tue (18:30:00-20:00:00)Scout Troop Mon (18:30:00-20:30:00)

Our Scout Groups

REPORT TO our community

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moo

nee v

alle

y sc

outs

Toda

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62Leaders

8Fellowship

6Adult

Helpers

90Total Adults

33Joey

Scouts 118Scouts

26Rover

Scouts

345Total Youth

124Cub

Scouts 44VenturerScouts

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Joey Scouts Cub Scouts Scouts Venturer Scouts Rover Scouts

Group Suburb Total

Moonee Valley District District Support 3

1st/10th Essendon North Essendon 2

15th Essendon Ascot Vale 78

17th Essendon Aberfeldie 34

5th Keilor Airport West 41

6th Melbourne Kensington 73

1st Moonee Ponds Moonee Ponds 28

1st Strathmore Strathmore 41

2nd Strathmore Strathmore 70

1st Milleara Avondale Heights/Keilor East 52

2nd Essendon Essendon 4

Fellowship - Moonee Valley District Fellowship 8

REPORT TO our community

5

As another year rolls by, Scouting is more than ever a relevant organisation for the development of the future of our community. Scouting has been out and about more than ever in the past twelve months, both locally inside Moonee Valley District, but also across the state. Starting off in February this year, we had over 10,000 Scouting Members descend on the City of Melbourne, celebrating the successes of Scouts Victoria. On the same day, we welcomed Shane Jacobsen as Chief Scout of Victoria. For those who arent aware, Shane was actually a 15th Essendon Sea Scout and also a 1st Keilor Scout (the predecessor of 1st Milleara). Over the past four years, we have focused on consolidating and fixing the critical challenges in the delivery of the program. These have ranged from assisting in recruitment of new leaders, training of new and existing leaders, coordination of ma-jor district activities and ensuring we set up a platform that can springboard us into continued growth of a relevant youth organisation.This year, weve worked with groups to begin the creation of local development plans. These plans outline key tasks and activities to be undertaken to assist our groups into growing towards at least 100 members in the next five years. Our ulti-mate goal is to ensure that we have at least 1000 members in Moonee Valley within the next eight to ten years. We have plenty of opportunity with the progressive change of the demographics in many locations, including the increase of new families in our local area. Our primary focus will be retention of our membership, while we have grown each year, we have a significant retention challenge. In the past twelve months, while we recruited about 110 members in the district, we lost 96 members from the district. This is a clear indication that while we promote well, we arent doing well in keeping our membership. If we can solve the retention challenge and reduce these figures by around fifty percent, then we will grow at least fifteen percent a year. If we can maintain growth of 15% per year, then we are well placed to be at a membership of 1000 members by 2022.A major task underway by the District Team supporting 5th Keilor Scout Group, is the development of their facility. The current facility is at least fifty years old and is in dire need to be replaced. I am pleased to announce that funding has been approved by the Scouts Victoria Branch Executive Committee and the project is aimed to be underway in early 2016. Com-bined with funding from the Victorian Government Scouts & Guides Hall Replacement Program, 5th Keilor Scout Group and the Community of Moonee Valley will benefit from a fantastic purpose built facility to deliver Scouting and which will continue to be made available for use by the local community for other activities like the current use by Dance Classes.The future is bright for our organisation, with growing numbers growing across the state for the past eight years. In Moonee Valley, we have grown by 46% in eight years. I am proud to have been part of the increase during my tenure as District Commissioner of twenty percent. The credit must to go our leaders and the youth members for being part of and sharing our quality program with the youth of Moonee Valley, a growth on average of five percent, per year is not an easy thing to do.I would like to thank the efforts of all of our leaders and supporters. Each year in Victoria, we have more than a million hours of dedicated hard work by our volunteers. In Moonee Valley our volunteers contribute nearly 100,000 hours of work into Scouting in various forms. This involvement ranges across many disciplines such as being an assistant leader, managing finances for a group, maintenance tasks on a Scout Hall, interviewing perspective leaders, conducting leader reviews, de-signing a training plan for a new leader, working with parents, providing support directly to a youth member struggling with the skills for a new badge, coordinating hall hires, repairing water craft, responding to new enquiries, answering technical questions on how to deliver the program, completing criminal history & reference checks on leaders. The amount of differ-ent tasks is substantive beyond what I have listed here, regardless, without the efforts completely by volunteers, we would not be the organisation we are today.I would like to finally thank the entire District Team for their support, without the assistance of Emma Barker, Luke Byrnes, Robyn Whelan, Andrew Pocock, Stuart Grierson & Grant Martens. Additionally, the efforts of the day-to-day running of the groups by our Group Leaders, Andrew Pocock, Cheryl Prendergast, Grant Randle, Steve McLean, Jason Troy, Ian Collings & John Ravenhall. This year we had two group leaders retire from their role, Heather Honeyborne (transitioning to Assistant Group Leader) and Heather Davis (moved overseas). I wish them every luck into the future and hope they continue their involvement in Scouting.Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to the non-Uniformed members of the organisation. These are often the hidden heroes of our groups and wider organisation. They complete many of the tasks and jobs that are beyond the reach of our uniformed members. One such group is the Rowallan Committee of Management. Moonee Valley District is lucky enough to have its own campsite and without the Rowallan Committee of Management, the facility would have disappeared long ago. The facility is well run and is one of the highest rated Scouts Victoria operated site for many organisations. Well done and thank you.As many have heard, I am moving onto a new volunteer challenge in taking on the role of State Commissioner Personnel Support. The role is specifically in the space of assisting the Assistant Chief Commissioner Human Resources in manag-ing the Adults in Scouting space. A unique, challenging and fulfilling role that will hopefully see our organisation continue to improve in the space of volunteer management and engagement. The volunteer role of District Commissioner will be advertised in due course and we look forward to appointing a new person into the position to continue to grow the district into the future.

Yours in ScoutingMathew McKernanDistrict Commissioner

District Commissioner

6REPORT TO our community

It has been twelve months since my appointment as District Leader Development for Moonee Valley District, and what a busy twelve months it has been. Tasked among other things with the rebuild of 17th Essendon Scout Group, the year began with a dive into the deep end of frontline management. Being a Leader in Charge provided a confirming insight to the challenges and struggles of delivering the Scouting program with limited support.Faced with a small Youth profile, Leaders yearning for support, and fresh-faced parents, challenges at 17th were many and far across, but the foundations of a Group were still present a strong youth Program, eager Youth members, new opportunities for fresh Leaders, and a beautiful hall to call home.There are bumps and interruptions along any journey, and rebuilding 17th Essendon Scout Group was no different. Mat-thew Haysom announced his resignation in November 2014 as ACSL for the Pack, with the intention of travelling to the UK for a few months, and is now living in France. CSL John Fissichia started the 2015 year with the Pack, but began to withdraw in early 2015 due to increased work commitments after 16 years as a Cub Scout Leader.The Group has had significant spurts of success. The Pack transitioned into new Leadership, with Susan Young (Ber-embong Rover Crew member) and Adam Bates (parent of 2 Cub Scouts) stepping into the Blue Uniform and taking on the challenge of running a Cub Pack in full stride and with gusto. Both are well into their tenure as Cub Scout Leaders, and doing a remarkable job. Susan and Adam are joined by Cleve Meyerhoff (new community resident), who has also taken like a fish to water to his new role of ACSL. All three Leaders run a fantastic program, and it is due to their hard work and dedication that the Pack has grown from 5 to 11 members at Census, and earned the Quality Scouting award for the section.Scouts at the Group share a unique burden. With a single, highly qualified Scout Leader, 17th Essendon Scout Group grew from 2 to 6 members during the year, and were joined by 1st Moonee Ponds Scout Troop in January due to Steve McLeans change from Scout Leader to Group Leader within their group. Both Groups are actively seeking new Scout Leaders, with interest going as far as signing up Adult Helpers. This assists in allowing Youth members to attend and participate in activities, but does not help ensure that a regular quality Scout program is delivered a significant chal-lenge.This challenge is not unique to this section, or this group. Across the District, and across the State, we have limited ca-pacity to provide the Scouting program due to a Leadership shortage. In the past 12 months, the District Development Team have sought out candidates to fulfill these roles, seeking students, parents, former Scout Leaders, and other section Leaders to fulfill the role requirements to deliver our program. These have had limited success, mainly in that candidates didnt realize what a challenging and dedicated experience being a Leader in the Scout Association presents itself to be. Theyre not wrong, given that Victorian Leaders donate a combined 1.3 million volunteer hours per year with professionalism and enthusiasm.The Group has made significant developments, and will shortly be in a position to set their own course and continue their own development.17th Essendon Scout Groups challenges are not unique. Each Scout Group faces its own difficulties, ranging from poor infrastructure, and a lack of Leaders, unstable committees, low youth membership, insufficient funding, and others that prevent the execution of a Quality Scouting Program. Each presents its own crippling effects on a Group, but they can all be overcome. To do so, Groups across the District (and the State) are encouraged:To create a Group Strategic Development plan (projecting goals and objectives over 12 36 months). This should be a documented consensus of the Group Council objectives to make a stronger, healthier Group. Its implementation is driven by the Group Leader, and executed by section Leaders and the Group Support Committee (where required). It is the responsibility of every Leader to shape the Development Plan and ad dress its objectives, and reach out to their Parents and supportive Group members to make it happen. It should address liquid and flexible processes to solve: o Youth recruitment and retention initiatives o Fundraising programs o Team building and communication opportunities (this can simply include regular Group Councils) It should be simple, and easily understood by any member of the Group, uniformed or otherwise.These are all things that many of our Groups do automatically. Youre probably wondering why its necessary to bother with this if youre already doing this naturally but with the growing turnover of Leadership, and a shifting paradigm of new membership, it helps if everyone starts on the same page, with the same playing field of understanding and direction. If that page is physical, and explains what it is that your Group is all about, and how you do things, its all the more easier to recruit new people, get them up to speed, and have everyone on the same page to move in the same direction.Thanks to all for your ongoing support over the past year. Your efforts are a testament to the success of this District and the potential for a great future of Scouting across Moonee Valley District. Keep up the good work!Yours in Scouting,Luke ByrnesDistrict Leader Development

Youth membership DEVELOPMENT

7REPORT TO our communityadult training

Moonee Valley District has had a great year in terms of training being completed with a large number of new leaders completing their basic training this year. This is a result of the hard work of the Districts PLAs and mentors who work closely to support our new leaders.The District should be very proud to recognise 3 Wood Badges being completed in the last 12 months. Congratulations go to: Matthew Cengia, 17th Essendon Scout Wood Badge Sue Knox, 5th Keilor Scout Wood Badge Scott Harrison, 2nd Strathmore Cub Scout Wood BadgeThis brings the total number of fully trained leaders in the District to 32. This also adds more highly qualified leaders to the District that are able to mentor and support new leaders.Within the Scout program, activities undertaken as part of the Basic and Advanced training are mapped against competencies from Accredited Management Programs. In Moonee Valley in the last 12 months we have had the following qualifications completed: Certificate IV Frontline Management 2 leadersI am looking forward to the training results in the next 12 months as there are a number of leaders undertaking their advanced training. I am hoping that I will be able to report on some Joey and Venturer Wood Badges in next years report.Finally, I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Moonee Valley District Personnel Committee (DPC) under the direction of Tony Farquhar. The new leader interviews are now being conducted in a timely manner and reviews are up to date.Emma BarkerDistrict LeaderAdult Training Support

Trained adults delivering the Scouting Program to our members is paramount to the success of delivering on the aims & Mission of Scouting. The role of District Leader Adult Training Support, is to facilitate and support the completion of training by our leaders in the District.

In the 12 months to 8th September 2015 the District Personnel Committee interviewed sixteen new leader applicants and conducted nine 3 yearly reviews of existing leaders.

These interviews/reviews were spread across the following Sections and Groups. New Leader InterviewsJoeys 6th Melbourne (1), 15th Essendon (3),17th Essendon(1), 2nd Strathmore (1)Cubs 1st Strathmore (1),15th Essendon (1), 17th Essendon (2), 6th Melbourne (1), 1st Moonee Ponds (1)Scouts 15th Essendon (1), 2nd Strathmore (1)Venturers 17th Essendon (1), 1st Milleara (1)

Leader Reviews Joeys 6th Melbourne (1), Cubs 1st Milleara (1), 1st Moonee Ponds (1)Scouts 6th Melbourne (2),15th Essendon (1)Venturers 15th Essendon (1), 17th Essendon (1)Group 1st Moonee Ponds (1) The DPC continues to be impressed by the enthusiasm of new applicants and the skills and experiences they can bring to their leadership roles. It is particularly refreshing to hear booted Rovers say they want to give back to Scouting some of what they have learnt and experienced as youth members.

Our thanks to Heather Honeyborne for allowing and facilitating the use of 15th Essendon Hall by the DPC to carry out leader Interviews and Reviews throughout the year.

I would like to recognize and extend my thanks to Heather Stringer and Emma Barker for their ongoing contribution to and support of the District Personnel Committee.

Tony FarqhuarDistrict Personnel Committee - Chairman

District Personnel Committee

FINANCEMoonee Valley District Scouts - Operating Budget

Income

Section Budgeted Actual Difference 2015/2016 BudgetBadges $500.00 $0.00 -$500.00 $200.00District Levies $4,100.00 $3,048.00 -$1,052.00 $4,100.00Raffle Tickets $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00Hall Hire (1/10th Essendon) $300.00 $0.00 -$300.00 $200.00Youth / Young Adult Registration (1/10th Essendon) Income

$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Misc Income $0.00 $0.16 $0.16 $0.00Donations $0.00 $560.00 $560.00 $0.00Income Total $4,900.00 $3,608.16 -$1,291.84 $4,500.00

Expenditure

Section Budgeted Actual Difference 2015/2016 BudgetIT Consumables $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00Electricity (1st/10th Essendon) $1,000.00 $782.10 $217.90 $1,000Insurance (1st/10th Essendon) $1,900.00 $1,711.18 $188.82 $1,900.00Insurance (MVD Assets) $100.00 $122.10 -$22.10 $100.00Leader Registration $280.00 $160.00 $120.00 $280.00Leader Training $300.00 $480.00 -$180.00 $500.00Misc Expenditure $700.00 $43.70 $656.30 $250.00Fire Services (1st/10th Essendon) $150.00 $0.00 $150.00 $150.00Youth / Young Adult Registration (1/10th Essendon) Fees

$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Expenditure Total $4,430.00 $3,299.08 -$1,291.84 $3,180.00

Budget Total $470.00 $309.08 -$160.92 $1,320.00

This year, the District Scout Operating Account has seen some improvement in terms of remaining in surplus. This year, the District Operating Account has had a surplus of $309.08, which is up on last years loss of $620.29. While this is an improvement, the delay in payments from groups for levies and badges etc. As of today, we have receipted several hundred dollars of funds that should have been paid for the reported year of 2014/2015. Our team will continue to work with groups to ensure the invoices are paid in a more timely manner to ensure that our finances remain viable and we can continue to support with trained leaders, insured facilities and the like.

This year, we had a closing balance of $1,346.45 at 30th June 2015. This is up on the previous year due to the surplus of $309.08.

With the planned expectation of re-opening 1st/10th Essendon Scout Group in the next 12 months, we should be in a better position removing the increased burden from insurances and services required to maintain the Brewster Street Facility. This year is our sec-ond year with full internet banking for the district, which has substantially improved our position given we have direct access to funds to pay invoices as they arrive for training, electricity and other utilities. We were fortunate with regards to Fire Services for 1st/10th Essendon, with a supporter of Scouting completing the works free-of-charge through their employment in an effort to save significant cost to the district in its custodianship of the facility.

Louise PocockDistrict Treasurer

7

SUPPORTING THE YOUTH PROGRAMConsolIdated FINANCEsThis section outlines the total financial position of all groups in Moonee Valley District. This includes the operating account balances at 30th June 2015 for each formation and the surplus/defecit details for each formation. These funds are used to operate each Scout Group including purchasing of equipment, subsidising activity expenses, facility maintenance, contents insurance, capital works, trail-er maintenance and other operating costs for groups. While there is a significant amount of funds in total, each formation runs with a minimal budget per annum with an emphasis on reducing the cost for executing the program for our membership.

8

net position - surplus/deficitDistrict AccountsMoonee Valley District $309.08 Moonee Valley District Cubs - Seeonee -$200.00 Rowallan Scout Camp -$12,492.52 * Major Capital Works Projects Loan Repayments

contribute to loss

District Accounts Surplus/Deficit: -$12,383.44

Group / Formation Accounts2nd Essendon (Keith Farquahar Rover Crew) * -$172.00 * Member fee invoices outstanding15th Essendon $11,145.29 17th Essendon $450.87 1/10th Essendon $0.00 5th Keilor $10,881.85 6th Melbourne -$11,138.73 1st Moonee Ponds $17,667.48 2nd Strathmore $2,101.76 1st Milleara -$4,553.28 Amaroo Rover Crew $378.87 1st Milleara Venturer Unit $0.00Berembong Rover Crew $448.00 Monash Venturer Unit $0.00

Group / Formation Surplus/Deficit $27,210.11

Net Surplus/Deficit $14,826.67

Cash at BANKDistrict AccountsMoonee Valley District - ANZ $1,346.45 Moonee Valley District - Bendigo Bank $90.70 Moonee Valley District Cubs - Seeonee (Cub Scouts) $2,356.15 Rowallan Scout Camp $38,911.60

District Accounts Total: $42,704.90

Group / Formation Accounts2nd Essendon (Keith Farquhar Rover Crew) $3,833.84 15th Essendon $38,669.75 17th Essendon $11,258.41 1/10 Essendon $497.72 5th Keilor $35,436.28 6th Melbourne $28,851.00 1st Moonee Ponds $17,682.48 2nd Strathmore $18,928.06 1st Milleara (Combined Term Deposit & Operating Account) $22,518.37 1st Milleara Venturer Unit $1,315.40 Amaroo Rover Crew $689.14 Berembong Rover Crew $2,014.34 Monash Venturer Unit

Group / Formation Total Accounts $181,694.79

Net Cash at Bank $224,399.69

Prepared by L. Pocock based on Group Financial Report Data as presented at formation ARAP

Moonee Valley district ScoutsAcknowledges the Support of Bendigo Community banks of

Strathmore, Keilor east & flemington for their generous

support of delivering Scouting to the community of moonee valley

Youth program

9

Its been another busy year for our Joey Scout MobsCurrently we have 27 Joey Scouts over 3 mobs, with a pos-sible new mob opening in the New Year.We have 4 new leaders

- Jon Baker - 6th Melbourne - Paul Spencer - 15th Essendon - Corrine Twomey - 2nd Strathmore- Louise Pocock - 5th KeilorWe welcome them to our Scouting Family.We say farewell to Brooke Carter from 2nd Strathmore, and thank her for all her good work with the Joey Scouts and creating the momentum as the first Joey Leader for 2nd Strathmore.Our Joey Scouts are continuing their journey in Scouting - by Linking up to Cub Scouts -their next exciting adventure. Seven of our Joey Scouts have earned the highest award that Joey Scouts can achieve,Promise Challenge Award -6th Melbourne- 2nd Strathmore: - James Sides - Lachlan Harrison - Helena Da Preez - Alexia Kyriacou - Seren Rowlinson - Lawson Sleigh - Mason MorriceWell done to all our Joey Scouts on their fabulous achievement.The Joey Scout section turned 25 years old this year, and as a Region we decided to celebrate by going to Scienceworks, to enjoy cake and have fun, and by a visit to the planetarium.As a District, the mobs have decided to celebrate our 25th Birthday by hav-ing a sleepover together. The theme will be Happy Birthday of course, all the Joey Scouts are looking forward to this fun packed event.The Joey Scouts all take part in all sorts of community events -Australia Day Celebrations, Clean up Australia, Anzac Day March, Moonee Valley FestivalThey also work together on Participation Badges

Buddy Badge, Adventure Badge, Environment Badge, Care n Share Badge

I would like to say a big thank you to all the parents for supporting their Joey Scouts and to all the leaders for their ongoing commitment and support.A Joey Scouts life is a busy busy time, learning about caring and sharing, and about themselves through the Aims of Scouting.We have a great bunch of leaders who encourage our Joey Scouts to de-velop and grow into the best person they can be, and continue their journey through Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturers, and Rovers. Then hopefully will come back as leaders in one of our sections, they will be welcomed back

with open arms.Thank youYours in ScoutingRobyn Whelan, District Leader - Joey Scouts

Joey Scouts

The Moonee Valley District Cub-Scout section had another eventful year; however our cub-scout num-bers dropped from 131 to 124. Moonee Valley Dis-trict cub-scouts, leaders and parents spent over 700 person-nights on camps. This is a major contribution by volunteers to the development of youth in Moonee Valley. 17th Essendon resumed in their own hall after a period of being hosted at 1st Moonee Ponds. Cub-scouts enjoyed the following activities in 2014-15: Over 260 pack nights in total, including over 2000 hours committed by leaders during the year to making the pack night programs innovative and enjoyable across Moonee Valley. Packs participated in events including Anzac day marches and activities, an Anzac Day re-creation event at Geelong, Planetarium visits, Big Day Scout in February, community gardening projects, Clean Up Australia Day, canoeing, rock climbing, boomerang nights to accelerate cub-scout achievement of goals, visits to fire brigades and a lapidary club, hikes etc. Moonee Valley leaders ran two packs at Cuboree 8 in September 2014 (5 days, 4 nights, 3000+ cubs, good food). Cubs enjoyed a range of great activities, made new friends and developed their skills and resilience. 2 District camps; one focussed on developing leadership skills for older cubs at Rowallan camp and the other to introduce cubs-scouts to camping in tents as well as great activities at the Pines in Altona. A variety of pack holidays and sleepovers at different halls and campsites.

In recognition of their effort, skills development and application, we awarded the following badges to Moonee-Valley cub-scouts in 2014-15: 10 Grey Wolf awards Over 70 Boomerang badges More than 300 Activity Badges

The activities and events developed the cub-scouts: independence communications skills confidence friendships technical skills & knowledge resilienceWe look forward to the involvement and continuous improvement of the Cub Scout Program in the next 12 months. We have many challenges ahead in a dynamic environment and hope to achieve much success into 2015-2016.

Yours in ScoutingStuart Grierson, Acting District Leader - Cub Scouts

10

SUPPORTING THE YOUTH PROGRAM

Cub Scouts

Youth programScouts

Operation Night Owl

On 13th & 14th September, 2014, Moonee Valley District Scouts were well represented at the inaugural Operation Night Owl, a 12+ km pa-trol hiking competition run by Lerderderg Region and designed to test night time navigation skills. The event was held within the grounds of Eumeralla Scout Camp. 33 Patrols numbering about 160 Scouts in total competed. Moonee Valleys 6th Melbourne Scouts were awarded the magnificent owl trophy. This year, Operation Night Owl will be held

at Treetops Scout Camp on 12th & 13th September.

(Credit: Enid Hookey, 6th Melbourne)Walter Murphy Hide Hike 2015

The Moonee Valley District annual hiking competition took place in the Creswick Regional Forest north of Ballarat on May 30th & 31st. 5 Patrols (28 Scouts) from 2nd Strathmore, 15th Essendon and 6th Melbourne hiked a section of the Goldfields-Wallaby Track, near Creswick. The 12 km hike tested hiking, estimation, construction, estimation, map reading and emergency first aid skills. At the end of the hike, Scouts were transported to Pax Hill Scout Camp for an overnight camp. The Walter Murphy Hide was won by 6th Melbourne Scouts, now proud holders of the shield for the 3rd year in a row.

(Credit: Enid Hookey, 6th Melbourne)

District Leadership CourseOn August 21st to 23rd, we had our annual District Scout Leadership course. With 13 scouts attending, 6 of which were from outside our district, it was a small course, but the weather was very favourable, and we ran the course based on the state recommended guidelines. Everybody had a great time, and I am incredibly proud of each scout who attended; they grew into better leaders before my eyes.Scout Medallions

The Australian Scout Medallion is the highest achievable award in the scout section, and requires many hours of work over the several years a scout is in the section. The following scouts have achieved the ASM in the past 12 months:

Dirk Arends 15TH ESSENDON St Bernards College - EssendonZoe Kermonde 15TH ESSENDON Lowther Hall Grammar SchoolJames Lockwood Spence 17TH ESSENDON Strathmore Secondary CollegeHarriet Andrew 1ST STRATHMORE Strathmore Secondary CollegeEmma Conley 1ST STRATHMORE Strathmore Secondary CollegeRose Davis 1ST STRATHMORE Strathmore Secondary College

Leader awards

This year, weve had 2 scout leaders, Matthew Cengia of 17th Essendon, and Sue Knox of 5th Keilor, complete their advanced scout leader training and be presented with their wood beads. This is a fantastic achievement, and requires lots of hard work, so we congratulate these leaders. This will allow us to run more activities for our scouts.

Additionally, Matthew Cengia, Scout Leader at 17th Essendon, and David Southworth, Assistant Scout Leader at 1st Milleara, achieved Meritorious Service Awards, for Meritorious or praiseworthy service to the Association for a period of at least 6 years.

Matthew CengiaActing District Leader - Scouts

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SUPPORTING THE YOUTH PROGRAM

Venturer ScoutsThe past 12 months has seen continued growth in the Venturers in the Moonee Valley District. The District continues to run four Units; Akoona, 2nd Strathmore, Monash and Parkair. Each of the Units have continued to grow with the newest Unit, 2nd Strathmore, going from strength to strength. Venturer numbers continue to grow in the District and there is continual planning for recruitment of our older Scouts to continue their Scouting experience in to Venturers and beyond. It is pleasing to see Rover Crews following a similar path with Venturers in the District. The notion of providing a continued Scouting option for youth members is strong in the District with Units currently providing a way to Look Wide for members from 1st Milleara, 1st Strathmore, 2nd Strathmore, 5th Keilor, 6th Melbourne, 15th Essendon and 17th Essendon. We are also hosting Venturers from 1st Keilor Village (Kororoit District) as well as continuing to attract members from outside Scouting to our ranks. This year has seen Moonee Valley District Council welcome Moreland Venturers to our District Council meetings. Units continue to provide fun activities and events for older Scouts to show them that fun in Scouting doesnt have to finish after Scouts. In this vein, there are currently plans afoot to provide an activities camp for older Scouts based on a Venturer Initiative Course.The number of Venturer Leaders in the District has remained constant. We are thankful that such a group of passionate and hard-working people give of their time so freely to oversee the running of our Units. Parkair Venturers currently has 10 invested Venturers; from 5th Keilor, 1st Strathmore, 15th Essendon, and 1st Keilor Village and four leaders. These leaders are attached to 5th Keilor, 15th Essendon and 1st Keilor Village. We also have a number of new members who are currently in the process of linking into Venturers for the first time. We are expecting further linking Scouts from 5th Keilor, 15th Essendon, 1st Strathmore, and 1st Keilor Village over the coming year. Parkair are proud that two or their members are nearing completion of their Queens Scout Awards. Congratulations to Brendan Miller and Lily Kenna on all their hard work.1st Millearas Akoona Venturer Unit continues providing a Venturing option for youth members in the west of our District. It currently has 6 members and maintains a strong link with the 1st Milleara Group. This Unit has maintained its reputation of producing Queens Scouts with Simone Prendegast receiving her invitation from Government House to her QS Award presented. Congratulations to Simone on earning this auspicious award as well as her leaders, Group and family who have supported her throughout her time in Scouting.Monash Venturers has 10 Venturers and 2 leaders with a number of linking Scouts who will soon be invested as full members. Like the other Units in the District, Monash Venturers are working solidly towards completing the Award Scheme with a number of them well on their way to completing their QS.Strathmore Venturers has 8 Venturers, 1 leader and 3 linking Scouts. They have been working hard at setting up their new Unit with the creation of a Unit Constitution and developing their own persona. They are ably lead by Maria Bucknell who works hard to provide a varied and fun program for her Venturers.Also pleasing is the sense of District spirit among the four Units. There have been regular District and combined events throughout the year and these will continue in to the future with a good rapport developing among the Venturers and leaders alike. Venturers in the District have taken part in some amazing and challenging activities throughout the year. These include: Venturing Skills camps Australian Venture in Adelaide Themed Camps The Anzac day Dawn Service and Parade and participation in local RSL services Vocations / Training for Job interviews Art expression activities with a guest presenters and a formal presentation night Rock Climbing Cross dress dinner and dancing Zone Councils Anything Goes and Victorian Gathering (annual activity camps) Hoadley Hide challenge camp completing the Venturer Initiative Award Movie & Pizza nights Laser tag and go-cart night with the Rovers Unit Management CoursesUpcoming events include: A formal McDonalds dinner Canoeing Expeditions Victorian Gathering (annual end of year activity camp) Victorian contingent will go to the Australian Venture in Adelaide in Jan 2015 RoventureVenturing in Moonee Valley continues to grow in 2015 and we anticipate will do so over the next few years. We now have a number of different options for our members of Venturer age in regards to Unit types as well as meeting nights with every Unit in the District meeting on a different night of the week. All the Units are running good, engaging programs and are led by a group of volunteers who are passionate about the growth of Venturing. It has been my absolute pleasure to work with the youth and adult members of the District over the past 12 months and I look forward to working with them in the future.

Grant MartensActing District Leader - Venturer Scouts

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Youth Program

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Rover ScoutsThe 2014-2015 year has being a good one for rovers in the Moonee Valley district.

There have being a number of Rovers in the dis-trict taking on key positions in, the Victorian Rover Council Office Bearer Group (OBs), the Lerderd-erg Rover Region Community (LRRC), Surfmoot, Mudbash, RoVenture, Mafeking Committee and Rover Motorsport (RSM), Hoadley Hide, MARB and The Moot. The role of these teams is wide and varied, with responsibilities in operating the self-governance & management of the Rover Section, assisting in development of Rovering and managing the overall operations of the Sec-tion. Other teams are responsible for major events

operating with budgets of upwards of $80,000 and 1000 participants. Rover Scouts in Victoria are also fortunate enough to operate and own major properties in the Alpine Areas for Skiing and also in North East Victoria for multi-purpose activities (including motorsport, camping, adventurous activ-ities). We are proud to say that there is at least one Moonee Valley Rover on each major sub-com-mittee and team in the state.

As always it is fantastic to see so many Lerderderg rovers so actively involved in leadership roles and in the running of Rov-ering at all levels of scouting.

There has also being a continued commitment from Rovers in the district participating in and continuing to support Rowallan working bees.

Moonee Valley Rover Crews continue to be an activate partic-ipant of motorsport with all crews participating in a least one motorsport event this year and some crews being able to race at every event of the season.

Crews in the District are continuing to work hard to create inclusive and diverse programs, catering to activities to suit all members. This has had a positive influence as we have seen the joining of new members from both the Venturer Scout Section & people who are new to Scouting, bringing new life into our Rover Crews. Throughout the Rover Section in Moonee Valley there has been a continuing effort to run linking nights with our younger sections, and we look forward to the continued support of Venturer Scout leaders with these linking activities as well as continuing to promote all the great activities Rovers has on offer.

Yours in Rovering,Catherine PatersonRover Scout - Keith Farquhar Rover Crew

high

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dadult members have completed 662 E-Learning

leaders have completed

29 basic sectional techniques courses

the wood badge has been awarded to 3 leaders this year building a pool of over 40 fully qualified leaders deliveringa QUALITY program

SUPPORTED BY ADULTS

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Special Service Award 3Meritorious Service Award 5Outstanding Service Award 1

5 year service 1010 year service 215 year service 220 year service 125 Year Service 1Hi

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5 Year Service Helen Arends 15th Essendon 5 Year Service Jacinta Lynch 1st Milleara 5 Year Service David Southworth 1st Milleara

5 Year Service Simon Rickard 2nd Strathmore5 Year Service Grant Martens 5th Keilor5 Year Service Enid Hookey 6th Melbourne 5 Year Service Ashley Hunt 6th Melbourne 5 Year Service Craig Morton 6th Melbourne 5 Year Service Cheryl Krois Moonee Valley District5 Year Service Len Krois Moonee Valley District10 Year Service Cheryl Prendergast 1st Milleara 10 Year Service Bear / Dennis Prendergast 1st Milleara 15 Year Service Andrew Pocock 5th Keilor15 Year Service Robyn Whelan Moonee Valley District20 Year Service Emma Barker Moonee Valley District25 Year Service Elizabeth Benton Moonee Valley DistrictOutstanding Service Award Bruce Paterson Moonee Valley DistrictSpecial Service Award Wendy Jones 1st Milleara Special Service Award Fleur Clausen 6th Melbourne Special Service Award Michael Wong 6th Melbourne Meritorious Service Award Heather Honeyborne 15th Essendon Meritorious Service Award Matt Cengia 17th Essendon Meritorious Service Award Jacinta Lynch 1st Milleara Meritorious Service Award Stephen Marian 1st Milleara Meritorious Service Award David Southworth 1st Milleara

Adult recognition & Service Awards

Rowallan Scout CampSUPPORTING THE YOUTH PROGRAM

The year 2014 to 2015 has seen a continuation of improvements both at HQ Camp and in the Forest Camp.

HQ CampThe dormitories and toilets were our target this year. New hydronic heating throughout, along with new mattresses has lifted the comfort standard considerably. The toilet and shower floors have been resurfaced and sealed and the mens toilet now has a solar powered air extractor fan above the urinal.

The steps to the Rec hall and small dorm have been replaced and side handrails installed. The Rec Hall verandah posts repaired & replaced as needed.

Scout Fellowship again spent a weekend at camp doing a phenomenal job weeding and pruning at HQ, continuing the improvements to the chapel and assisting with repairing steps. A 3rd tier of seating has been added to the amphitheatre by KF rovers.

We are concerned at the speed at which people drive going up and down to HQ. There is a 10kph restriction sign at the base of the drive which should be adhered to. As well as the likelihood of collecting a Kangaroo there are also children on this driveway.

Forest CampAn arborist has conducted a survey of the trees in all current camping areas. All trees deemed to be unsafe have been cut down. We need help in cutting & removing them.It is obvious that our forest area is well treed with 30 year old growth. We maintain a section of it as safe for camping; therefore it is extremely important that, the sites chosen for camping by the ranger are the ones that are used. In addition to personal safety the other concern is maintenance of a fragile environment and it is for that reason that sites are used on a rotation basis. An additional walking track has been added, near the Angels Flight bridge.

We continue to improve the forest ablution block and have partly resurfaced and sealed the floors. Further work will be carried out when it is warmer and drier.

A persistent concern through-out the year has been the water leaking from underground pipes in the forest. There is 1 leak that has proved very difficult to isolate and repair. If anyone in the forest finds isolated green area with lush soft growth in an otherwise dry environment could you please point it out to the Ranger. Late update, the leak has been found in the cisterns of the toilet block.

Wardens CottageThis year we have replaced the 30 year old hot water service with an electric boosted Solar HWS and have replaced the 10yr old combustion heater. We would like, when finances allow, to install a wetback on this to give free heated water to the cottage.Facebook & Web Site.Thanks to Dirk Arends we now have an up to date facebook site. Check it to see our ongoing improvements. There is also the Rowallan website at www.rowallan.org.au that enables direct contact for information and bookings.

Future projectsJason Troy is currently developing an Archery Course in the forest which we expect to be operational by Christmas. Many thanks to Jason for driving this Project.

BookingsMuch of our success can be attributed to our Booking secretaries, Rob and Helen Arends and their family, who work for

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SUPPORTING THE YOUTH PROGRAMthe camp in many ways as well as their management of the Camp PR. This year we have had 31 Forest Camp bookings for 980 people, an average of 58 person-nights per booking and 43 HQ Camp bookings for 1304 people, an average of

65 person-nights per booking. HQ Camp was booked for 80% of weekends and 35% of our income is from Scout sources.Direct benefits to members of the District in the form of free camping; $3,440 being 150 person-nights for For-est Camp, and 284 person-nights for HQ Camp.

ThanksI would like to thank all the members of our committee. It really is amazing what so few people achieve. The assistance of Keith Farquhar Rover Crew has been of enormous benefit and especially to Gary Howard for his help in wood cutting and maintenance work.The Ranger, Len Krois, who is kept quite busy with groups coming and going in both HQ Camp, Forest Camp and Guide camp throughout the year and looking after all the small maintenance items that we are only aware of when something goes wrong

Our Projects officer Rudolf Arends puts in more hours than we can count into repairs and maintenance as well as proj-ects.

Our thanks go to our DC, Matty McKernan, for all his help over the past 4 years. He has been a tremendous asset to this District and it is a real shame that he is moving on before the results of his work have had a chance to be consolidated.To Bruce Paterson, our Auditor for many years, thank you and congratulations for a well deserved Distinguished Service Award

Finally our Treasurer Mark Anastacio who has resigned after the year he com-mitted to. His circumstances changed and he has had to move on. He has been a reliable and thorough treasurer and we appreciate all he has done. Jordan Buchanan is now taking over for which we are grateful.

Service WorkThe Camp is maintained by our small committee with the assistance of KFRC, however we would like to see more physical assistance from the members of our district in keeping the Camp in good shape. Much of the work, especially in the forest clearing and planting could be done a little at a time by groups which would make an enormous difference to the camp. Service work at the Camp can be used toward badge work. It would be really appreciated if other Rover crews and Venturer groups would help out at their Districts camp.

Declon OFarrellChairmanRowallan Scout Camp Management Committee

sust

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ble 980 forest campers this year

1304 HQ (INDOOR FACILITY) Users This YEarHQ (INDOOR FACILITY) CAmp Centre was used

80% of Available Weekends

75% OF HQ CAMP CENTRE INCOME WAS FROM EXTERNAL USERS, MAKING SCOUTweekend camps AFFORDABLE FOR FAMILIES

$3,400 worth of savings for Moonee Valley Scouts

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Copyright 2015 - Moonee Valley District - Scouts Victoria