Centennial celebrations at Batemans Bay

This year marks 100 years of Scouting in Batemans Bay, and on Saturday, 6 June, the Group proudly celebrated this milestone with parents, carers and distinguished guests.

About 60 people attended the event, including Gilmore federal Labor MP Fiona Phillips; Bega state Labor MP Dr Michael Holland; Eurobodalla Shire Councillor Amber Schultz; and members of the Scouting community such as South Coast and Tablelands Region Commissioner Jarrett Hogarth and members of 1st Batemans Bay Scout Group.

1st Batemans Bay Venturer Scout Leader Rob “Digga” Ingram said the event featured historical photos, badges, and memorabilia showcasing the rich history of Scouting in the community.

“Our Scouts worked incredibly hard to prepare homemade food, decorate the hall and welcome guests, demonstrating the teamwork, confidence and leadership skills they develop through Scouting,” he said.

Digga shared some of the history of the Group with those in attendance.

“On Sunday, 6 December 1925, the Sunday Times published, on page six in its “Scout Gossip” section, that District Scoutmaster Mr C. J. Jackson had left on Friday for a tour that would include Berry, Nowra, Beaumont, Milton, Batemans Bay, Moruya, Tilba, Cobargo and Kiama. He would return to his headquarters in Port Kembla on 8 Decemeber. It was hoped that this tour would be the means of forming new Scout Groups in those places and assisting those already established,” he said.

“On page two of the Illawarra Mercury on Friday, 26 March 1926, it was reported that Commissioner H. R. Lee of the S. C. Boy Scouts Association had been visiting troops at Milton and Moruya. On Monday night, he conducted an initiation setting at Batemans Bay, where 15 Scouts were enrolled. After the ceremony, the citizens of the town entertained the Scouts and visitors at supper.

“On 3 June 1926, 1st Batemans Bay Scout Group was officially recognised and founded. 100 years later we stand proudly on the heritage of those youth who came before us as we lay the groundwork for those who will follow.”

During the last 100 years, many milestones have been achieved by 1st Batemans Bay Scout Group, including being one of the pioneer Groups for the introduction of the current program the youth participate in when it was launched in January 2019 at the Australian Jamboree held in Tailem Bend, South Australia – which, yes, their youth at the time endured a 17-hour bus trip each way to attend.

Many youth members were proud to be part of the festivities and felt connected to the Group’s longevity.

“It was really special being part of something that’s been going for 100 years,” Charlotte, a Scout of two years, said.

“It made me feel proud to be a Scout. My favourite part was seeing photos of my Dad when he was a Cub Scout at 1st Batemans Bay Scout Group about 30 years ago.

“It was really cool to see that we were both part of the same Scout Group, even though it was so many years apart. It made me feel proud to be part of its history and maybe one day it will be my kids looking at photos of us celebrating the Centenary.”

Scout Unit Leader Noah said, “Some of the ways I feel connected to Scouts through the 100-year celebration is through hardship and mateship and to think that the people before me had the same experience shows how deeply Scouts connect with us and the community and vice versa as shown with the centennial celebration.”

Khloe, a relatively new Scout who only linked from Cub Scouts this year, said her grandparents were Venturer Scout Leaders.

“It’s cool that it’s still around for me to do, and the camps are really fun.”

Among the celebrations, Region Commissioner Jarrett Hogarth read out a message from Chief Commissioner Bel Howell.

In the message, she said, “We often talk about how young people in Scouts take part in camping, paddling, abseiling and bushwalking. And how they achieve badges for outdoor skills and for elements of STEM. Whilst this is not incorrect, what we don’t focus on are the life skills they gain from being a Scout.

“Skills in managing teams, negotiation, health and hygiene, risk, project management, and countless other areas of competency they can use for the rest of their life.

“Adults in Scouting are truly the difference that makes the difference for these young people. We are trusted advisors. We are mentors and coaches. We are confidantes and role models.

“Thank you for everything you do to contribute to our mission of developing and empowering young people in our care to gain life skills and a value system, so they may be part of building a better world.”

The event was also an opportunity to recognise members of the community for their support, as well as Scouting members for their contribution to the Group, including Kobbera and Raksha, better known outside Scouting as Terry and Anne Jackson, whose combined almost 85 years of Scouting has seen them hold many positions and continue to assist behind the scenes.

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