Scouting Tasmania - Issue 4

Fraser Creek Hut

Mt Faulkner Venturers - Working Bee @ Fraser Creek Hut

Fraser Creek Scout hut sits on the slopes of Mt. Dundas. The hut’s location is frequently visited by rainfall as it sits in the wettest part of the state, the West Coast.

The Mt Faulkner Venturer Unit travelled from Austins Ferry (Hobart); leaving just after 4pm on a Friday evening last August and arriving at the hut at around 11:30pm. The trip to the hut was a challenge but most definitely worth it. The track included scenic walk in the Tasmanian rainforest that tells a story the deeper you go in; from abandoned mineshafts to an old wooden tram line and more, as logging and mining industries made their impact. Mt Faulkner Venturers experienced a new type of bushwalking terrain and were relieved

to see the hut and have a rest after a long day.

On Saturday the venturers then got a guided tour by the hut warden, who taught the venturers about Tasmania’s own flora and fauna, alongside new, useful skills that will be used for years to come.

The Venturers carried out service tasks including, but not limited to: learning and producing kindling out of the beautiful King Billy and firewood out of other rainforest species, all found dead/dying on the forest floor. Learning how to use a froealigning the blade parallel to the wood at the thickness you want (we needed about 1.5cm for the to make panelling for the door), then you hit the blade with a ‘froe club’ until it is fully “submerged” before using the handle of the froe as a lever to push the wood apart, splitting

the wood. We did this to make wooden panelling to repair the hut’s door, the split King Billy boards used for this came from a tree that had fallen over 90 years ago! Some of the unit also learnt the process of drying wet wood to be used in the fire, as well as how important it is to preserve the wood as it takes years to be fire ready after being cut initially.

The day was then highlighted by a visit to some old mine shafts to see some glow worms. That night the Venturers learnt about Tasmania’s only endemic rodent, Pseudomys higginsi, or the Long-Tailed Mouse, even feeding it some sneaky bits of food!

The trip was not met with a boring second and the unit showed up with positivity and teamwork on mind, resulting in great weekend!

Most are keen and want to come back again.

A Jam-Packed Pirate Adventure Cuboree 2023

The 27th Tasmanian Cuboree was held on the weekend of the 13th - 15th of October.

The Pirate Themed weekend saw a great turnout of Cubs from all over state enjoy a variety of outdoor and indoor activities under the guidance of Scouts, Venturers and Leaders.

Cubs had the chance to enjoy activities such as camping, bushcraft, abseiling, water activities, flying fox, billy carts and more, enjoying themselves by learning new skills, solving problems, and having fun!

The activities develop the Areas of Personal Growth (Social, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Spiritual & overall Character) which are part of the Scouting Method.

The Cuboree develops a relationship

between the Cubs and the Scouts from their Group. It also provides Patrol Leaders from Scouts with the opportunity to guide Cubs into Scouts.

According to all who attended, it was a great weekend with lots of opportunities to try new activities and challenge themselves. A well run event enjoyed by all.

Australian Jamboree 2025 AJ2025

The Australian Jamboree (AJ) is a camp that is held every three years by Scouts Australia and is the largest event on the Australian Scouting calendar. It regularly attracts around 10,000 Scouts, Venturer Scout helpers and Leaders. The 26th Australian Jamboree ‘AJ2025’, will be held in Maryborough Queensland and runs from the 6th to the 15th of January 2025.

A Jamboree is often described as an “experience of a lifetime”. How else can you describe 10 days packed solid with adventure, excitement and fun in a tent city of 10,000 where everyone is a friend and that is so big it has to have its own hospital, post office, newspaper, radio station, bus station and mail?

Scouts who attend a Jamboree get to take part in many exciting activities both on and off-site.

Offsite activities include “Your Sights” – Maryborough tour, “Your Outback” – Pioneer Village and “Your Seaside” – Water Based Activities.

Onsite activities are many and cover a wide range of fun skills and adventure some including Obstacle courses, Mud run, Frisbee golf, Circus skills, Your craft, Your tech, Your trade and many Night activities and performances at both the Main and Mini Arena’s.

There are many new life skills to be learnt along with new lifelong friends to make from both Tasmania, Australia and the world.

Registrations are now open - If you’ve expressed your interest, it’s time to take the next step in your quest and complete your registration. Haven’t started yet? No worries! The journey of a thousand memories starts right NOW! Don’t let another minute pass by – register now and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Your Journey to Jamboree starts here. Visit our website https://aj2025.com.au

have been extended until Tuesday 30th April.

The AJ2025 Tas Contingent logo competition winner is Oscar Wu from 1st Derwent Sea Scouts.

Congratulations Oscar, on a great design, which will now be used as the official logo and badge for Scouts Tas AJ 2025 Contingent. We

Corroboree 2024

AJ2025 Taster Camp

From the 29th to April 1st over Easter we had the return of the Tasmanian Corroboree, which was held at Fulton Park in Forth.

Corroboree was a great camp for all Scouts, especially for those planning to attend AJ2025 (Australian Jamboree 2025), giving the attendees a taste of what the Jamboree will be like and giving them some more night under canvas.

During the days, Scouts had the opportunity to participate in many activities which were hugely popular.

Making the most of the great weather, participants squeezed in heaps of activities such as billy carts, slippery slide, laser tag, catapults,archery, environment activity, screen printing, damper/bush doughnuts, orienteering, aboriginal crafts, flying fox, high ropes, mountain biking, abseiling & climbing, flying experience, sailing & rowing plus many more.

A massive thanks must go to Sam and the organising committee, all the volunteers and parents to make it such a successful event.

Thanks also to the groups that provided photos for this story.

Government House Visit

Exclusive visit for Scouts Tasmania members.

A Special Invitation for Scouts Tasmania Members.

Members of Scouts Tasmania were invited to attend a morning with the Governor of Tasmania Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC on October the 13th.

The Governor is the Chief Scout of Tasmania and opened the doors of Government House to lucky members for a tour of the house and the opportunity of a Questions and Answers session with Her Excellency.

The questions were wide and varied and the morning included a special morning tea which we all thoroughly enjoyed.

JOTA - JOTI Worlds Largest Digital & Radio Scout Event.

JOTA-JOTI is the world’s largest digital Scout event taking place online and over the air.

The educational event brings together more than 2 million Scouts every year in October for a weekend of Scouting and friendship. Young people can learn about communications technology and connect with fellow Scouts from over 174 countries.

It’s about the 21st century skills you can learn in Scouting and the values of global citizenship. The event is open to Scouts around the world, enabling young people to connect and communicate with each other using the Internet and amateur radio.

JOTA-JOTI engages youth in educational activities that build teamwork, cross-cultural understanding, and skills for the future.

Scouts Tasmania planned to have stations operating from The Lea, top of the Domain in Hobart, Rocherlea in Launceston, Paton Park and Burnie with various activities like: VHF and UHF radios via repeaters to stations in North and South of the state.

Other internet connected radios.

HF radio available for longer distance contacts. Echolink which uses the internet in conjunction with radio to reach even further afield eg England and USA

Fox hunting. Uses directional aerials and receivers to locate a hidden transmitter. We put the transmitters in hand puppets to make it more appealing to younger members.

Scoutlink internet chat with Venturers being supervisors and mentors.

• Snap together electronic kits

• Edison robots

• Skype with large screen TV

• JOTI TV website presented on projector screen

• Morse code demo and practice keyer construction.

Gang Show

Gang Show is Scouts and Guides youth theatre. It is an amateur theatrical performance where the cast is made up of serving youth members of Scouts and Guides. The aim of the show is to give young people in Scouting and Guiding the opportunity to develop performance skills and to perform in a close to professional theatrical environment under the auspices of the Performing Arts Section of Scouting. Backstage personnel are made up of those in Scouting or Guiding, or former Gang Show members or parents.

Beginnings

The very first Gang Show was performed in London in October 1932. It was written by the late Ralph Reader C.B.E., M.B.E., a Broadway and London West End professional producer / choreographer and also a Rover Scout (in his mid twenties), who wrote and staged a Scout revue called “The Gang’s All Here”

a campsite swimming pool. This became an annual event which became known as “The Gang Show” and spread throughout the world. Many Ralph Reader songs and sketches are still performed today.

During World War 2 Gang Shows became troop entertainment, organized by Ralph Reader as the R.A.F. Gang Show and had such notaries as Dick Emery, Peter Sellers, Tony Hancock and Norrie

Gang Show’s final curtain was in 1974 and Ralph passed away in 1982. Gang Shows are performed throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, U.S.A., Netherlands and South Africa. Now it is claimed that “every night of every year somewhere in the world a Gang Show is playing”.

Red Scarf

When the Gang Show started in London in 1932, Ralph decided that the cast should be organised as a Scout Troop; a successful arrangement which still persists in a most Shows today. Members of the first Gang Show Troop wanted an identifying feature, with somebody deciding on a scarlet scarf. The scarlet scarf has become a worldwide symbol of Gang Shows with an insignia in gold thread.

Hobart Gang Show history

HOBART GANG SHOW began in July 1956 after local Scouting personalities had seen the production in Melbourne and decided that we should have

Gang Show Continued...

one here. These shows (with an all-male cast) continued annually up to and including 1969 when the show went into recess.

Don Fitzpatrick revived the show in 1991 with a combined Scout and Guide cast and the show has been performing every year since, including an online (albeit shorter show) in 2020.

Originally, all the material used in Hobart Gang Show was written by Ralph Reader. Now, Hobart Gang Show is written, produced and performed by Scouts and Guides of the greater Hobart area.

In 2011 Hobart Gang Show cast and crew members participated in a series of writers’ workshops under guidance from Andrew Taylor and Daniella Taglieri (from Camberwell Showtime in Melbourne). The end result was a show with a theme (as opposed to the standard revue format) with all the skits written by our own people … Tour De Tassie revolved around five unique cyclists … and one small girl on a tricycle who meet for a race around Tassie. Each place they visit was not what it should be … Road Kill Café served up Mack truck tenderized wallaby, the walls in the Richmond maze came

alive, Wineglass Bay had resident Drop Bears and Hoop snakes, and then there was Launceston …

The production of a full-scale show in a theatre is a tremendous opportunity to be involved in, and a great challenge for all who participate. Over the years Hobart Gang Show has provided this opportunity to hundreds of Tasmania’s young people (aged from 11 years). Every year youth of Scouting and Guiding are being given the training, and an excellent learning environment in which to develop and hone their theatrical skills. This can include singing, dancing, acting, playing music, sound, lighting, costumes, choreography, writing the script, directing or one of the many other areas that make up Gang Show (and theatre).

Many original songs for Hobart Gang Show were written by our Musical Director (Lance Cowled) along with the Assistant Musical Director (Adrian Reader). In 2022 Lance and Adrian reversed their roles, but both still writing music for the show. The show also features some well-known songs … something for everyone. The orchestra is made up of youth members and others from the Clarence City Band, Derwent Valley Concert Band and Derwent Symphony Orchestra. In 2014, for the first time, some youth

enjoyed learning about writing music and under the guidance of Angus Davison were delighted to writer their first piece of music for the show – which was a hit!

Since 2011, once the curtain is down on one show, interested youth of Scouting and Guiding start writing the script for the next show. In 2020 of course things had to be put on hold as Covid hit, but with the opportunity to “see what we can do” a much smaller cast didn’t let Covid stop them. Online auditions held, a few new skits written and rehearsals held online! It was a challenge, but a dedicated cast and crew, pulled it off. While many other Gang Shows across Australia were cancelling, Hobart Gang Show performed in August, giving encouragement to many as their own shows were cancelled. The highlight was The Scout Hymn, with only one rehearsal (Covid distancing rules in place!) and then recorded. This recording went on to be selected as part of an International (on line) Gang Show the same year. Was it worth the effort – yes!

Hobart Gang Show has also performed successfully in Eisteddfods, Relay for Life, Girl Guides Trefoil Guild National event and Scout AGMs.

2023 saw another script written by youth (aged from 11 years). This year everything is All at Sea.

Audience members were taken on a journey to the high seas for a cruise to remember. From stowaways to missing children, sea monsters and a questionable Captain.

What could possibly go wrong …

World Jamboree

The 25th World Scout Jamboree was held from 1–12 August 2023 at Saemangeum, North Jeolla, South Korea, hosted by Korea Scout Association with the theme, “Draw Your Dream”.

About 43,000 participants from 158 countries attended. The location, Saemangeum, is a reclaimed tidal flat on the coast of the Yellow Sea in South Korea.

The opening ceremony was held at Saemangeum on the evening of Wednesday 2 August. The main speaker was the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol with his first lady, Kim Keon-hee, who both wore Scout uniform.

Also speaking was Bear Grylls, the Chief Ambassador of World Scouting. The event included music and a drone

14 Tasmanian Scouts and Venturers attended:

The South Korean government, in cooperation with World Organization of the Scout Movement, decided to evacuate the attendees on 8 August due to Typhoon Khanun. After the evacuation, a program of visits to cultural and historic sites and pop music concerts was improvised for the displaced participants in various regions of the country. The closing ceremony was relocated to a football stadium in Seoul.

Ruth Sands - Trevalyn Scout Group

Brody Elphinstone - Hellyer Venturers

Dillan Maguire - Lindisfarnce Scouts.

Edgar Varney - Hellyer Venturers

Sebastian Whelan - Lindisfarne Scouts

Owen Barrett - Howrah Scouts

Samuel Bishop - Derwent Venturers

Jake Quinn - North Midlands Venturers

Owen Grey - Huonville Scouts

Adele Whelan - Lindisfarne Scouts

Brooke Cooper - Lindisfarnce Scouts

Charlotte Kilpatrick - Lindisfarne Scouts

Erin Callaway - Clarence Venturers

Oliver Gregory - Sandy Bay Scouts

Sandford Joeys - Up and Running

In June the Sandford Joeys restarted after a short break with 12 Joeys all being invested at the same time, with the help of two venturers. A great start to the increase to our numbers. Sandford

Joeys were one of the first Mobs to start in February 1990, and still going.

light show.

Cygnet Turns 100

Fun Day In The Park and 100th Birthday Dinner

Check out the great photos of Cygnet Scout Groups Fun Day In The Park and their celebration dinner.

On April the 30th lat year Port Cygnet celebrated 100 years. Although we missed getting it in our last edition, we feel it is too important not to be included. Well done Cygnet, you should be very proud.

Support for Diversity and Inclusion

Scouts Tasmania is looking to build our support for Diversity and Inclusion, and we want your help!

Hi, my name is Emily Ezzy, and I am the Team Leader for Diversity and Inclusion for Scouts Tasmania; a team that currently consists of only myself. I am looking to expand the support Scouts Tasmania can offer in ensuring our movement is inclusive and diverse in our membership and I am seeking people interested in helping facilitate this.

‘Diversity and Inclusion’ has become a somewhat loaded topic in some conversations recently, so to clarify, Scouts Australia’s Policy and Rules states that: Scouts Australia is inclusive of all (within the scope of its membership) regardless of gender, sexuality, race, spiritual beliefs, abilities or socioeconomic status and does not tolerate any form of harm, abuse, exclusion or neglect. Scouts Australia embraces the diversity of its community, aiming to reflect this diversity through its policies and practices, and provide inclusion that ensures access to Scouting for all.

In aiming to offer support for Diversity and Inclusion, I, and Scouts (both Tasmania and Australia), are striving to meet this expectation, and ensure the comfort and participation of all our members. By its very nature, Diversity and Inclusion is a broad area, and not one that one person can provide all support and advice on. As such, I am seeking people interested in helping form a team to facilitate support for Diversity and Inclusion to Scouts Tasmania. Areas of relevance include (but are in no way limited to): Multicultural Engagement, Indigenous Australian Relations, Disability Support, and LGBT+ Inclusion.

Please contact me at: Emily.Ezzy@tas.scouts.com.au with any queries, questions, or (hopefully) expressions of interest! Scouts Tasmania is already an incredibly diverse and inclusive organisation, and I hope to be able to see that continue long into the future. Yours in Scouting.

Emily Ezzy, Diversity and Inclusion Team Leader

Regatta 2024

The Scout Guide Regatta was on again over the March long weekend (March 8th - 11th).

The Regatta is Scouts Tasmanias’ flagship State event, with Scout and Guide Groups from all across the state in attendance.

With fantastic weather for most of the camp attendees were able to make the most of the water activities on offer, with swimming, sailing and greasy pole proving to be the popular choices.

Things took an exciting turn with a visit from Mr Shark causing all water activities to be put on hold but this didn’t seem to dampen the enthusiasm with everyone moving to land games and activities until we could give the all clear.

As always, the Regatta is a great opportunity to try something different, make new friends and have a blast.

1st Tamar Turns 60.

1st Tamar Celebrates 60 Years of Scouting in Launceston.

On Sunday 29th of October, 1st Tamar celebrated 60 years of Scouting in Launceston. Starting as 18th Launceston and later becoming 1st Tamar Sea Scouts, the group has been an important part of many Launceston families over the years.

Good weather and a great turnout made the day a big success with just over 100 attendees. It was great to see so many families and youth members in attendance as well as the many friends and past members of our group.

The Group also had the pleasure to present Allan Butt with life membership to 1st Tamar Sea Scouts.

Mr Butt has been a major part of the group and a supporter of Scouts Tasmania, starting as a parent who helped with a few odd jobs, to becoming 1st Tamars Scout Leader, then Group Leader.

Mr Butt has also volunteered on many committees for Scouts Tasmania. Our group would not be as successful without his massive contribution over the years.

It was great to hear some of the Group’s history from past members, taking us for a walk down memory lane and back to a time when things were done differently!

In attendance were some VIP’s including Senator Wendy Askew, Nick Duigan MLC, Jo Palmer MLC, Rosemary Armitage MLC, Janie Finlay MHA, Councillor Andrea Dawkins, Councillor Andrew Palmer.

A big thanks to all our members, Leaders, Committee and parents who were a part of the days celebrations and helped wherever they were needed. Special mention must go to Tamar Joey Leader Steph Forrester, Tamar Venturer Leader Vanessa Teahan and the the organising committee who put it all together.

Who are our fabulous Scouting People?

Scouts Tasmania regularly recognises our volunteers for the amazing work they do for our organisation.

Below are some recent service anniversaries that have been achieved by some very deserving Scouting people.

50 years

40 years

30 years

25 years

20 years

15 years

10 years

5 years

Daphne Mitchell - Committee Chair Launceston & Tamar Parents, Leaders & Adult Helpers.

Ian Hart - RSA Northern Area Rover Unit

Michael Roach - Provisional VSL Derwent Venturer Unit

Alexander Otten - Committee member Paton Park Service Crew

Michael Green - Committee Chair Taroona Scout Group

Rosemary Beswick - BC (Youth Programme) Tasmania Branch

Cassandra Denney - Committee Chair Penguin Scout Group

Michael Monks - District Commissioner Launceston and Tamar

Michelle Sullivan - ACSL Tamar Cub Unit

Congratulations everyone and thankyou for your service.

Allan Butt receiving Life Membership to 1st Tamar Scout Group.

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Join the marketing team and help us promote scouting all over the state.

Launceston Scout Shop.

The Launceston Scout Shop closed down at the end of 2023.

LAUNCESTON SCOUT SHOP

After nearly 31 years of serving the Scouting community in Tasmania Rose has retired. Over this time and Rose has made many frinds & thanks everyone for your friendship & visits.

Rose has been an important part of the Scouting Community in the Launceston area and for many others around the State, providing Scouting uniforms, badges & camping equipment to new & old members.

70 PATERSON ST, LAUNCESTON, TAS, 7250

For Scouting and camping supplies and resources, available in store only.

Everyone will miss Rose and her wonderful service to the Scouting community, with orders now being made online through Scout Shop www.scoutshop.com.au.

Offering lightweight camping and hiking equipment, including sleeping bags and tents. Scouting Uniforms and resources available. Scout books, badges and accessories in stock.

Email us to find our more: marketing@tas.scouts.com.au

Scouts Tasmania would like to sincerely thank Rose Tanner for her many years of service at the Launceston Scout Shop.

Support the local store and visit the L’TON address. Online resources available via scoutshop.com.au

Rose, we hope you enjoy your well deserved retirement.