Connection and culture for First Nations volunteer

When Jay Edwards started as a Cub Scout in 2006, the first thing his Leader Kaa taught him was how to properly coil a rope.

Last year, Kaa attended a course to refresh his qualifications, and there was Jay, teaching him (and the other Leaders) how to coil a rope the same way he had been taught.

It is the full-circle moments of Scouting that Jay, 28, loves best as a volunteer.

“I think that’s the beauty and uniqueness Scouts can give – the concept of youth-led, adult-supported,” he said.

“To teach the skills they have, reteach the things they learnt over the years in Scouting and continue the great work those older adults have done.

“It’s what’s so unique and rewarding in the volunteer experience – I’ve taught people older and younger than me and been taught by people older and younger than me. Breaking down that age barrier is really important.”

Jay is one of more than 6200 adult volunteers being recognised by Scouts NSW as part of International Volunteer Day.

A proud Palawa man from lutruwita (Tasmania), with family connections to communities along the rupila mangina (Pipers River) and Tin Kettle Island, Jay was raised on Darug land in Mt Druitt.

He said teaching and training are a big part of his Aboriginal culture and is a side he’s able to develop as part of the Scouts NSW Training Team. In addition to running weekend training courses to upskill other Leaders, he is also the State Commissioner (Future Leaders) – a role that allows him to work with young people aged 18 to 30 to develop leadership skills and become a Leader themselves.

“Sharing stories, sharing knowledge with each other, it’s important for me and how I express my culture,” he said.

“Through Scouts, I’ve been able to do the things I like to do to connect to culture but apply it in a way that I’m learning off others, teaching others, and really developing myself personally and professionally.

“For me, it’s about finding meaning in what I do and keeping myself sane knowing the things I do connect me to me and I can stay grounded. Even if it is something as simple as I’m a qualified activity guide in snorkelling, I take Leaders out and while there tell them about the Aboriginal history of where we are if I know it and if I don’t, I speak to Elders about it.”

Jay is bringing his experience and passion for sharing stories and making connections to his new role as National Adviser Reconciliation for Scouts Australia. His role will see him drive the organisation’s reconciliation journey, including launching its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

“A lot of the groundwork for the Reflect RAP is already done. I have to thank those before me who have got this off the ground,” he said.

“I hope to make an impact on everyone – both professional staff and volunteers – in a positive light. I hope everyone can be proud of our RAP and everyone can support our RAP.

“I’m hoping to get youth members involved as well and see it as a good opportunity for Aboriginal voices to be brought into the conversation. I hope with this RAP we as the organisation of Scouts can make those bigger steps to reconciliation and ingrain it in our policy. To formalise how I’ve felt in Scouting and to share that with others.”

Over the course of his three years in the position, Jay will support the establishment and ongoing function of a RAP working group; drive and implement the RAP, ensuring it gets enshrined in the work of the different state Branches; and work with external stakeholders, including Reconciliation Australia, local Aboriginal Land Councils and other First Nations organisations.

He said when his time in the role is ended, Scouts Australia will be up to the third stage of the RAP.

“The next three years would be an interesting time to be in Scouts in my opinion,” he said.

“For me personally, I just really want to develop my skills more and be a fully qualified Leader Trainer with the National Training Team.”