Linda Burney (Barton, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to pay tribute to the 1st Hurstville Scout Group. In August I had the privilege to meet group leaders John Dwyer and Helen Dwyer. The group is preparing to celebrate 110 years of continuous service to the St George community in 2018. I am told it is the oldest scout group in Australia. I am very proud to have the 1st Hurstville Scout Group in the electorate of Barton. The group comprises some 100 young people aged between six and 26 years old, and they are supported by a dedicated and talented group of volunteer leaders.

It is an incredibly active group in our local community, participating in things like Anzac Day festivities, Australia Day council citizenship ceremonies, Graffiti Removal Day, National Tree Day, Relay For Life, NAIDOC Week and a host of other community events and adventure activities. The group provides—as the scout groups across New South Wales, Australia and around the world provide—great peer-to-peer mentoring and promotes healthy outdoors activities. In these activities, young people in our communities can gain confidence, learn problem solving and develop leadership skills. Scouts Australia provide a wonderful community service and purpose across New South Wales, Australia and the world, engaging young people and building resilience and confidence. I want to congratulate the 1st Hurstville Scout Group on their 110th anniversary.