Another year done – the 2023 Scouting calendar has officially come to an end. This year has featured many roller coaster moments. Starting with the first face-toface National Rover Conference since the pandemic, seeing myself, Max Vinning, and Delshard fly over to Melbourne to represent Western Australia. It was a fantastic opportunity to once again meet in person with all the other Branches, and to see how different Branch Rover Councils operate. We also got to see a contingent of Rovers, led by Isaac Wetherley, fly over to Tasmania for the Apple Isle Moot, partaking in a wide array of Program opportunities and getting to see the sites of Tasmania.
To kick start the WA Rovers Calendar though, we of course had a Funky Fresh time down in Gilcreek at Sandmoot, seeing a great turn out in numbers and a huge variety of new Units and Rovers attending their first ever Sandmoot. This caused a chain reaction in our events for the year –with ANZAC Day, MayMoot – Groovin in the Moo(t), Walk for WARC, RoverBall – A Night Under the Stars, and ending the year with Gravelmoot. We also saw many Units
step up to run events including Kalamunda with the Big Bloody Bonfire, Padbury’s Christmas Beach Fun, and Canning’s Midnight Express. It truly was a busy year for Rovers and our Sectional events.
Despite our own Sectional calendar being full and busy, it did not stop Rover Scouts from getting involved! Everywhere you turned, there was a Rover right in the middle of a huge project for other Sections and the Branch. This included the inaugural One Camp – Eclipse, with many Rovers in director or event team positions. We also had Mission Impossible run purely by Rover Scouts, Nighthawk with Rovers running bases and being on the event team, the AA School Event Team, and of course the Cubilee Team – who managed to navigate three venue changes in a week! It truly goes to show the dedication and involvement of the Rover Scout Section, and to all the incredible Rover Scouts on Event Teams this year – BRAVO!!!
To the outgoing Executive Team, thank you for all the hard work this year. It has definitely been an interesting year to work on the WARC Executive, and you’ve all managed your portfolios with a high level of commitment and professionalism; congratulations, and BRAVO for surviving a year on the Exec! From dealing with stolen trailers, to switching from G-Suite to Teams, supporting Rover Scout event teams, and of course managing everything at a drop of a hat, your efforts and work behind the scenes has not gone unnoticed, and I cannot thank you enough for the service and dedication you have put in this last year.
As my second term as Chairman of the WA Rover Council finally comes to an end, I would like to take a chance to thank all the terrific mentors and advisers who have helped me along this journey every step of the way. Starting of course with Delshard Mozhdehinia and Greg Chapman, as Branch Rover Advisers, you’ve both given a constant guidance in the tricky situations and navigating the complexities of different parts of Rover Scouts. A special thank you as well to the Training Support and Program Support Teams – especially Loz Lovatt, Carl Daggers, and Ann Southall, whom without their guidance there would be many problems and dilemmas I would still be wrapping my head around.
And of course to all Rover Scouts in WA, for supporting and working with me as the Chairman for the last two years; it is never easy to lead your peers and make decisions that reflect the interests of majority, however I hope that I have stayed true to the platform I was voted in on “that I would lead and manage the Section for the betterment of Rover Scouts”, and with that I thank you all for the last two years in this role.
Finally, I want to welcome and congratulate Danica and the 2024 WA Rover Council Executive into their positions. Joining the Executive team is always a daunting step but once you are working on the WARC Executive the level
of personal growth is phenomenal. I wish you all the best of luck in your positions and like to pass this these final words of chairing advice – remember the Executive are a team; you have each other’s backs and work to support your overall goal as a team. You will have ups and downs but if you work together as a team and have the same end goal in mind; you’ll come out the other end more than okay.
Yours in Rovering, Jordan Phillips
2023 WARC Chairman
Albany Rover Unit
2023 was the year for the Albany Rover Scouts to get out and about with many fun activities and events, being our fourth year, we wanted to delve more into working towards our peak awards but also getting out into the community. Program Highlights for this year have been beach days and snorkelling, 4WD Trip, Escape Rooms, District Camps, Movie Nights, Cooking Nights, Tree Top Walk Denmark, Rovent and most of all our Perth trip going to Rottnest Island,
3D Mini Golf and many other fun Adventures.
One of our Rover Scouts Received a Special Service Award this year as well as one of our Rover Advisors who received a Meritorious Service Award a Huge Congratulations Ethan Aylmore and Tammy Downer Well Deserved. We Also want to thank our Rover Advisor Ken Downer and our Section Leader Travis Cooper for all the hard work to making this year possible as well as other Rover Scouts and Branch Crew for organising major events and training.
In the end it was a great year, and we are looking forward to what 2024 will bring.
BAyswater Rover Unit
WOW! What a year for Bayswater Rover Unit. After only forming at the end of 2022, Bayswater Rovers has hit the ground running, having a stellar year and becoming one of the larger units in the State. We have embraced all elements of the Program and coined the term ‘capital P programming’. We have seen steady membership rises and have built a good relationship with out Venturer Unit and look forward to welcoming our first linking Venturers early next year. We have also been host to some international Rovers this year from Canada and Sweden, who have joined us for the journey.
In true capital P programming style, the theme for the first program cycle of the year was all things B! We went to the Beach, Bingo, built Balloon animals, played Badminton, switched on our Brains at a pub quiz or two and tried not to Burn anything at our air fryer night, just to name a few.
In our mid-year break, 2 of our Unit members went off to Switzerland for 10 days with the Australian Contingent for KISC100, an event to celebrate the centenary of the International Scout Centre.
In our second program cycle for the year, we embraced the W! Some of our events included Water colouring, a Wok night, a visit to the Wembley Urban Homestead, creating some Wowerpoints and a Wellness night.
Across the year we have had a very strong involvement in WARC level events. We attended Sandmoot in Albany in March and had our Unit on strong display at the ANZAC Day vigil in April. In May, Declan lead WARC’s newest event Groovin’ the Moot. In June we headed out bush with our friends over at North Beach for an interunit camp. In August many of our Unit helped organise Mission Impossible and many others took part in the event. We were also fortunate enough to see our Unit Leader Max awarded the Scouts Australia Special Service Award in recognition of his service to the Unit. To close off the year we spent A Night Under the Stars at the Rover Ball.
Next year, Bayswater looks forward to continuing to have a strong involvement at WARC events and growing our memberships numbers, whilst focusing on delivering a well-rounded Program that keeps or members engaged and ultimately enjoying Scouting. See you all in 2024!
Yours in Rovering,
Bayswater Rover Unit
PAdbury roveR Unit
Padbury had another fantastic year in 2023! We continued to develop our program and look to add new members in the new year.
We had good variety in our program this year, from helping out other Sections to honing our skills as Pilots during Simulator Night. A few staples of our program continued with geocaching and CBF making a successful return.
One of our members, Oscar, spearheaded Padbury’s participation in the 2023 Bioblitz – a Rover Scouts Australia citizen science initiative to identify local flora and fauna for conservation and scientific research. Padbury had regular attendance at WARC Events, featuring at almost every WARC event this year as either event participants or event committee members.
A few highlights this year include a founding member Sean and his partner Emma getting married (fun fact: first member of Padbury to be married), Cameron receiving a Special Service Award and Oscar achieving is Certificate of Proficiency. We hope to build on this year and have a fantastic 2024!
subiAco roveR Unit
This year has truly been a great one for the Subiaco Rover Scout Unit! Our dedication and enthusiasm for scouting has shone brightly as we’ve actively engaged in a wide range of branch and unit events, leaving our mark on each occasion.
One of our proudest achievements was our involvement in organizing the ANZAC Day commemoration. Additionally, we actively participated in several other events throughout the year, having lots of fun at every event we attend
Our strength lies in our ability to provide an active, diverse program tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of our unit members. Through careful planning and creative thinking, we managed to maintain a consistently engaging schedule that kept everyone excited and involved. One of the highlights of our year was the collaborative joint nights we organized with other units, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences within the broader scouting community.
Welcoming new members into our unit has been a joyous occasion, and their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives have enriched our group dynamic.
As we reflect on this year’s journey, we’re filled with pride and gratitude for the amazing experiences we’ve had and the opportunities we’ve seized. The Subiaco Rover Scout Unit is eager to continue our scouting adventure, facing new challenges and creating even more fantastic memories in the upcoming year.
wArwick roveR Unit
Warwick Rover Scouts, have been a weekly active Unit on Tuesday evenings. We run a lot of our program on unit members interests. Warwick Scout group is a family orientated group which allows Rover Scouts to run nights for other sections on a regular basis.
Some of our key highlights from the year was running and supporting of ROVENT, the first Rover and Venture motorsport event. Trek about, is our group family camp and we run the night games for the young people and families. The young people love the stories and play onto it too- completing the challenges set out for them.
We completed a lot of geocaching in the local areas as well as a lot of art. Our unit is a relaxed unit and enjoy our weekly socialising with others outside of work. We are looking to see what 2024 holds!
Two of our members were lucky enough to attend the 1st Africa Rover Moot, where they were immersed in the local culture for 10 days and had a blast.
We continue to meet on Tuesdays 7-9pm! See you there!
wAylen bay roveR Unit
Waylen Bay has said goodbye to some familiar faces, but hello to some bright new ones too. We lived, laughed, learnt and loved, for four beautiful terms with each other and we are looking forward to the next year together in our glorious corner of the world.
We have spent this year doing a whole array of fun and new activities including “messy night”, suits night, a quiz night, and an interesting Harry Potter night (that’s another story). These events came as a part of our semester theme of movies and tv shows, where each night was based off of a movie or tv show. This was a super fun idea that we highly recommend, and will be doing again! We also actually showed up to things this year which was a surprise to everyone.
We had members attending MayMoot and Midnight Express and all reported back having an amazing time making new friends and trying new things.
A lot happened within our unit this year which caused growth and development for various members of the unit. Thank you to all those within the unit who have stepped up, and perhaps out of their comfort zone, within the last year, and for helping make our unit stronger. To finish off the year we have some fundraising events with the rest of Waylen Bay which we are super excited to be a part of.
Thank you 2023, bring on 2024!
BBB
BBB or "Big Bloody Bonfire" is an event ran by Kalamunda Rover Scouts, it's taken a bit of a hiatus but it's back and better than ever. What started as a way for Kalamunda Rover Scouts to maintain the property that surrounds our hall has turned into an event to encourage Rover Scouts to come up the hill and spend the night by the fire among friends.
This year we experienced very heavy rain throughout the night but it did not dampen anyone's spirits, the fire blazed hot all night keeping everyone warm.
This is the last event that I'm running for WA Rover Scouts before I get booted in 2024, I'd like to thank my unit for their support and the months of work that it takes to make this event happen. I'd also like to thank WA Rover Scouts who attended BBB and had an amazing time.
- Victoria Thompson-Mitchell
KISC100
Mission: Impossible
Mission Impossible 17: The Seven Seas proved to be a triumphant success, unfolding at the Moondyne Country Convention Center in the picturesque Avon Valley, the weekend blessed us with exceptional weather, providing an ideal backdrop for our awesome adventure out in the bush.
If you’re not in the know, MI is a team rogaining, skill and initiative competition event for Scouts (14+), Venturers and Rovers where Patrols navigate their way through the bush to various checkpoints and bases. There they compete in challenges to earn their team more points. The team with the most points at the end of the weekend earns their place on the MI Shield. As the sun sets over Mission Impossible, the event turns to party mode. The Venturer/Rover Overnight Camp (or VROC) comes to life, with music, games and activities.
This year’s edition drew the enthusiasm of over 200 participants and was made possible by our dedicated team of 80 base staff and 20 event staff. Our event team was made up of Rovers from the Bayswater, Canning, North Beach, Mundaring and Subiaco Rover Units. It was awesome seeing these units work together to create an awesome event, and even better to see such a strong Rovering force!
In addition, this year we had four Rover-participating teams in the competition. All Rovers said they had an awesome time participating, and plan to again next year. This was also a great opportunity for Venturers and Rovers to work together and share what Rovering is like.
Our heartfelt gratitude extends to the volunteers who played pivotal roles both in the lead-up and on the event day. The indispensable contribution of these adult volunteers to the seamless execution of Mission Impossible cannot be overstated. Looking ahead, we aspire to witness a surge in Rover participation, both in competing in the thrilling MI adventure and contributing to the orchestration of this timeless event.
The event team would like to thank all the volunteers who helped in the lead up to our event as well on the day. Once again, it cannot be understated how integral these adult volunteers are to the running of Mission Impossible. Next year we hope to see even more Rovers involved, both in the running of MI as well as participating. Your Mission awaits—how will you choose to accept it?
Awards
Rover of the Year - Winner
BRENT RUSH - North Beach Scout Group
Brent was the chair of Mission Impossible: 16 in 2022. He spent a significant amount of time and effort organising the event, which brought together large numbers of Scouts, Venturer Scouts, and Rover Scouts. Brent's leadership skills and passion for the organisation contributed to the success of the event, and his personal development as a Leader was also evident in his role as a role model for fellow Rover Scouts and youth members in the younger sections. His personal development and contribution to Scouts is continuing to reach new heights.
Finalists
EMMA GROENEWEG Willagee-Kardinya Scout Group
Emma is a dedicated and ambitious Rover Scout who has made a positive impact on the Scouts WA community through her work on the OneCamp 2023 event team. She has taken on multiple leadership roles, including Program Director for OneCamp and Assistant Scout Leader at Bullcreek-Leeming Scouts, and has actively sought out opportunities for personal development through courses and training programs.
Her efforts have not only contributed to the success of events for youth and adult members in Scouts WA, but have also greatly impacted her own personal growth and development as a leader.
SAMANTHA VAN MUNSTER
Warwick Scout Group
Samantha is nominated for her outstanding work as the WA Rover Council Program Officer in 2022. She supported and developed multiple projects and events, and aided Rover Scout Units in the running of the program.
Her efforts positively impacted the WA Rover Scout community and brought engagement back to Rover Scout events. Samantha also mentored and guided new and young committees, and created COVID-19 guidelines to ensure safety on events.
Her work also greatly contributed to her personal development in mentoring. communication, leadership, and team work.
KAYLA ELLIS
Willagee-Kardinya Rover Scout Unit
Kayla has been a member of the River Rangers Rover Unit and the Willagee Kardinya Rover Unit. She served six months as Unit Secretary running several camps and activities for the River Ranges Rover Unit. She also created Scouting promotional packs which were distributed as part of a shopping centre display for Whaleback Scout Group, a resource that was then shared with other groups in the District.
Challenging herself during her time in Rover Scouts, Kayla has taken on several projects including six months of rubbish clean up in her local neighbourhood and attending writing workshops over five months, during which she wrote and edited a novel.
Kayla continues to contribute to Scouting as an Assistant Cub Scout Leader with the Whaleback Cub Scout Unit.
KIERAN PHILLIPS
Padbury Rover Scout Unit
Kieran completed the bulk of his Baden Powell Scout Award in South Australia. He was a dedicated Cub Scout Leader who led a large pack with lots of fun and adventure.
Whilst at his Group he assisted them in ensuring the Group's programs were of a very high standard and lots of fun for all the members participating. At the same time he was also a member of the South Australian Branch Rover Council and oversaw many state wide events and challenges.
Since coming to WA he has been an active Rover Scout, Cub Scout Leader and Scout Leader at the Padbury Scout Group. His final piece of the BP Award was a multi-day expedition combining elements of trails through Kalamunda and the Bibbulmun Track.
2023 Ian Jennings Award Nominees
Toby Blyth
Toby has served in an auxiliary capacity to the Branch Leadership Team, for the benefit of the Rover Scout Section in WA, to involve Rovers as part of the One Programme Conference.
As a previous member of the WARC Executive in WA, Toby has led positive change for Rovers and volunteered as a Rover representative on various formations at a Branch level. As a young member, Toby has represented the thoughts and feelings of his peer youth members at a WA Board level, helping to ensure that the youth of Scouts WA are listened to. At a National level, Toby has served as the Vice Chair of the National Rover Council, leading actions for the benefit of Rovering at a National level, and within the Asia Pacific Region. Toby currently serves as a Board Member, a National Councillor, a member of the Adult Leader Training Team and is the Branch Commissioner Unit Support.
Caitlin Arcus
Caitlin has an unmistakable passion for Scouting and for the young people involved in our movement. Caitlin started her time in the Rover Scout Section as the Unit leader of, the then new, Subiaco Rover Scout Unit, where she helped lay the foundations for what is still a strong Unit. She then held the role of Public Relations Officer for the WA Rover Council, and Chairman of the Branch Youth Council before moving onto the Branch Commissioner Youth Empowerment.
Since then Caitlin has progressed further on her own journey, and has been there to support other Rovers on their journey. Along the way she has continued to voice the need of young people in Scouting, and demonstrated what Scouting offers young adults that are finding their place in the world
About the award...
The Rover Service Award was created and developed by the National Rover Council in the late 90s, to recognise Rover Scouts/Adult Members that had given outstanding service to the Rover Scout Section over the years. Each Branch in Australia has named the award after a notable Rover Scout, Rover Adviser or Branch Commissioner for Rover Scouts from their Branch.
Here in WA, we have named this award after Ian Jennings, who was Branch Commissioner for Rover Scouts, and later the first Branch Adviser for Rover Scouts. Ian Jennings involvement and dedication to the Rover Scout Section in WA, gave generations of Rover Scouts ongoing support, development, and sage wisdom throughout his years. His long-standing dedication to Rover Scouts, saw him become a key influencer for many generations of Rover Scouts. After he passed away, the WA Rover Council named this award after him, to honour his memory and constant support for the Rover Scout section.
Rover Scouts may be eligible to receive the Ian Jennings Rover Service Award for giving outstanding service to the Rover Scout Section for a period of 5years. Non- Rover Scouts may be eligible to receive the Ian Jennings Rover Service Award for giving outstanding service to the Rover Scout Section for a period of 10 years.
