Gilt Cross for Gallantry awarded at Government House

Published Wed 15 Oct 2025

What started as an ordinary canoe trip turned into an unexpected rescue mission for a group of Rover Scouts.

Now, that bravery has been recognised with Andrew MacCormick and Cameron Phelps receiving the Scouts Australia Gilt Cross for Gallantry at a ceremony at Government House on Saturday.

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales and Chief Scout of NSW presented the pair with their medals, along with 19 Venturer Scouts and four Rover Scouts, who received their King’s Scout Awards (KSA) and Baden-Powell Scout Awards (BPSA) respectively.

In April 2024, Andrew and Cameron, along with Scott MacCormick and Emma Bonwick were undertaking Andrew’s multi-day whitewater canoe Adventurous Journey for his BPSA on the Clarence River and had stopped for the night at the Lilydale Riverside Camping Reserve at Winegrove, northwest of Grafton.

The group were playing cards on the bank when they saw a family – dad with three children, aged about six to 12 – on sit-on-top kayaks going down the rapids, when the youngest child was swept towards overhanging trees.

Andrew and Cameron immediately jumped into a canoe wearing their personal flotation devices, but no helmets or proper footwear, and launched into the hazardous current to rescue the girl.

“Unfortunately, Andrew and I had different ideas on direction and didn’t communicate it,” Cameron, from 1st Illaroo Scout Group, said. “This slight miscommunication meant we got tangled in a tree with the canoe. Andrew got partially stuck for a couple of seconds with the canoe on his leg.

“I got him out of trouble first; made sure he was safe; and worked my way over to the girl. I managed to grab her and the boat and walked her over to an island where her dad was. She was quite distressed.

“Once we were all back and safe, we had to find a patch of reception to call our transport to pick us up, as we’d damaged the canoe. We also followed best practice in Scouting, which included reporting the incident to the police.”

The Scouts Australia Gilt Cross for Gallantry is awarded in cases with moderate risk.

Andrew, from the Hawkesbury River Rover Scout Unit, said he was told two weeks ago that he would be receiving the award following a call from the Scouts NSW Assistant Chief Commissioner Adventure Kenton Jurgs.

“I was surprised – it’s something that happened 18 months ago and we didn’t give a second thought to it. I was more concerned about my boat!” he said.

“It’s one of those things I didn’t even consider. I can paddle and we’ve done a lot of rescue training, so we jumped in and paddled over. When we wrapped the canoe around a tree, I was fine – I was waist-deep in the river, but there was no flow, so I was safe. My brother Scott and Emma were on the trip with us and jumped in the other canoe, ready to help if they were needed.

“I haven’t told my mum I’m getting it (before the ceremony). I think she’s going to be surprised I’ve gotten it, but not surprised I’ve gotten it, if you know what I mean. I have two other brothers in Scouts, so she was not surprised we jumped in and helped. She will be surprised that Kenton and the rest of the team jumped through the hoops to get it for me.”

Andrew also received his BPSA on Saturday, making it easier to keep the other award a secret.

The BPSA is the peak award for the Rover Scout section (aged 18-25). The award carries an outstanding reputation within Scouting and the community and sees young adults balancing the competing demands of everyday life and Scouting to achieve the award, potentially over a four-to-seven-year period.

Scouts NSW Chief Commissioner Lloyd Nurthen commended Andrew and Cameron on their bravery.

“When we think about the essence of our Movement, it’s our aim to provide our young people with lifelong skills, leadership, resilience and the confidence to step up when needed,” he said.

“Andrew and Cameron are an exemplary example of what young Scouts can aspire to be – adults who are prepared to act in a crisis, putting the skills they have learned into practice and being there for their community when needed.

“I commend them for their actions and am proud they are members of Scouts NSW.”

Hard work pays off for King's Scout Award recipients

Nineteen Venturer Scouts were presented with their King's Scout Awards on Saturday.

KSA Honour Roll

The King’s Scout Award is the peak milestone of a Venturer Scout’s journey. It aims to widen the interests and knowledge of Venturer Scouts (aged 14-17) by encouraging them to push their personal limits. It is the embodiment of the key characteristics of a Scout – contributing to community, building resilience, overcoming challenges and following passions, all whilst developing leadership skills and making friendships.

To achieve this prestigious award, Venturer Scouts must complete a broad range of activities requiring extensive pre-planning and development, as well as a significant, multi-day Adventurous Journey. It can often take three to four years to achieve the award.

King’s Scout Award recipients work independently and collectively to achieve great personal development and contribute positively to their communities. As such, the King’s Scout Award is highly regarded, with recipients qualifying for additional Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) adjustment factor points through some universities.

Spotlight on our recipients

Leonidas Dalmaris – 1st Berowra Scout Group

From snow to rivers to rock faces, Leonidas Dalmaris was determined to learn on his way to his King’s Scout Award.

He said he learned about that teamwork and communication were just as essential as technical skills in many activities.

“On the rivers, I learned how to manage crossings and even how to perform self-rescue in whitewater, which gave me confidence and respect for moving water,” he said.

“In the snow, I learned resilience; on the cliffs, I learned courage; and through all of it, I discovered how important it is to trust my training, my team, and myself. I have learnt that growth can be cultural, physical, practical, or about service.

"What ties it all together is each project and activity made me more capable, more confident, and more connected to my community, my heritage, and the wider world.”

For Leonidas’ Adventurous Journey, he chose to walk 60km from Wondabyne to Manly over four days.

“It was a personal journey for me because my late grandfather once led his Venturer Scouts on the same route,” he said.

“Retracing his steps made it more than just an adventure – it was symbolic and challenging. It taught me endurance, but also connected me to him and showed me how Scouting can link generations.”

Nathaniel Plummer – 1st Narellan Scout Group

Putting his leadership skills to the test was an important part of the process for Nathaniel, who led a Patrol at Dragon Skin – an annual Venturer Scout competition camp across the Easter long weekend – as well as on his multi-day Adventurous Journey hiking the Hume and Hovell Track from Yass to Wee Jasper.

“While my Patrol placing 44th in the state at Dragon Skin was a nice outcome, the true achievement was in putting my leadership training into practice – keeping my Patrol motivated, making decisions together, and ensuring everyone had a role,” he said.

“It taught me that leadership isn’t about being “in charge”; it’s about listening, adapting, and helping bring out their best.

“My Adventurous Journey was one of the toughest but most rewarding experiences of my Scouting journey. The days were long, our packs were heavy, and the unexpected climbs tested both our endurance and morale. There were moments where it felt easier to give up, but we supported each other and kept moving forward.

“By the end, I had learned resilience, teamwork, and the importance of staying positive even when challenges pile up. That journey gave me the confidence that I can take on difficult goals and see them through.”

Tate Crowley – Epping Scout Group

An unexpectedly dry water source resulted in a more challenging hike for an Epping Venturer Scout.

But it did not stop Tate Crowley from completing the journey to achieve his King’s Scout Award.

Tate chose to lead his Patrol on a hike in the Barrington Tops for his Adventurous Journey, which became surprisingly more difficult.

“The terrain was tropical and physically demanding, with a tough uphill bush bash on the first day that tested my endurance,” he said. “On the second day, we nearly ran out of water when a planned source was dry, forcing us to adapt and carefully manage our resources.

“Despite these challenges, we remained determined and motivated. The third day offered a refreshing swim near a waterfall, providing a welcome break. On the final day, we traversed flatter ground and discovered an interesting hut, giving us a moment to rest before finishing the hike.

“This journey taught me valuable lessons in resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure. It was a rewarding experience that strengthened my outdoor skills and mental toughness, and it’s an adventure I would gladly do again.”

Laura Schmitt – Macarthur Scout Group

Laura teseted her leadership abilities on her Adventurous Journey, hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania with five other teens from Macarthur Scout Group. The Overland Track is Australia’s premier alpine walk, clocking in at 65km over six days that challenges even the most experienced of hikers.

Beginning at Cradle Mountain and ending at Australia’s deepest lake – Lake St Clair – the trek travels through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Planning an interstate hike is not an easy concept. Laura began planning the hike nine to 12 months in advance, seeking recommendations from her Leaders.

“Throughout the process, my Leaders provided invaluable support, offering guidance on what steps to take and helping me break the planning down into manageable goals,” she said.

“The first day of my hike was my favourite because we were so exposed to the environment as we were scrambling and climbing up the mountains. Even though this was the hardest part both physically and mentally, it was all worth it when we were at the top looking own at our accomplishment.

“I learnt that I had to think twice, even three times, about every decision to see if it was safe for me and my team to endure or undertake. I had to make on the spot decisions as the weather was so quick to change as I wanted everyone to be safe and happy.”

Laura’s journey would not have been possible without the support of the Dick and Pip Smith Leadership Through Adventure Fund, which was established to support young people in their development of leadership skills by engaging in responsible risk-taking adventures.

“Since we come from a relatively low socioeconomic place in Campbelltown, a trip of this extent would have been immensely out of our price range. Along with LTAF, we did many other fundraisers to help cover the costs,” she said.

“I feel extremely privileged and grateful to have had such an opportunity, especially knowing that not many people my age can say they hiked the Overland Track in Tasmania. I’m also mindful that in some countries, this kind of experience wouldn’t even be allowed, which only deepens my sense of appreciation.”

Nicholas Boulton – 1st South Penrith Scout Group

Nicholas loved pushing himself out of his comfort zone through a variety of challenging Adventurous Activities.

“I learnt how to abseil at Bowen Mountain and Yellow Rock. I found it challenging learning how to master the abseiling knots, but after three weekends of abseiling I found it easier,” he said.

“The first and second abseiling weekends were hard because I was new to abseiling and I didn’t have the experience. The third weekend was easy because I finally had that experience.

“I also found it interesting to combine it with caving – I found Bungonia National Park was a different experience because I went in four caves, two of which I had to crawl through, and we only had head lamps and overalls. Another cave we had to abseil down and then climb back up it, and the fourth one we had to slide down a cave which had a massive drop.”

Jack Bookallil and Eyal Tsafnat – West Pymble Scout Group

The lack of a Venturer Scout Unit at their Scout Group was no obstacle to a pair of teens determined to achieve their King’s Scout Award.

The pair, along with other senior Scouts, decided to start their own Venturer Scout Unit at West Pymble as they turned 14 and were prepared to move up. Beginning with a keen group of former Scouts, the Unit grew rapidly as new members joined from amongst their friend groups at high school.

Eyal was one of the first Unit Leaders and was determined to create adventures. He crammed himself into deep caves, explored beautiful canyons, snorkelled, surfed, mountain-biked, kayaked, skied, and climbed to the very top of Australia.

He grew taller – and his hair grew longer – but it was his self-assurance and wise guidance, rather than just his stature, that made people look to Eyal when decisions had to be made.

Jack has been a stalwart in the Unit since it began – whenever there was something on, he would be sure to be there – and his contribution has been indispensable in growing an active, creative Unit with a busy and varied program.

He extended himself in his outdoor activities through cross-country skiing and whitewater kayaking and was instrumental in raising the alarm during a critical incident involving his caving party at Bungonia.

Jacoba Van Teulingen – 1st Cobargo Scout Group

Through her time as a Venturer Scout, Coby has demonstrated persistence, resilience and determination.

She consistently stepped into Junior Service Leader roles, supporting younger sections and guiding peers in outdoor education.

As Chair of her Unit Council, Coby learned the importance of delegation, communication, and stepping back to let others succeed.

These experiences built her confidence to lead and to teach, while also learning from others’ leadership styles.

The leadership skills learned in Scouts have been put into practice in her non-Scouting life, with Coby stepping up as Vice Captain of her school and serving for three years on the Student Representative Council.

Rover Scouts achieve their best

The Baden-Powell Scout Award (BPSA) is the peak award for the Rover Scout section (aged 18-25). Like the King’s Scout Award, the BPSA carries an outstanding reputation within Scouting and the community and sees young adults balancing the competing demands of everyday life and Scouting to achieve the award, potentially over a four-to-seven-year period.

BPSA Honour Roll

Our BPSA recipients

Ewan Huthnance – 1st Blue Mountains "Kalangadoo" Rover Scout Unit

For Ewan, the day was particularly special as he was selected to present the respondent speech to the Governor on behalf of the recipients.

He said he was honoured to be selected to share some of the cohort’s experiences.

“Scouting, if anything, is an opportunity,” he said.

“I, like many Scouts, have benefited from those opportunities, such as travelling to the World Scout Moot in Portugal and meeting my new best friends, who just so happen to live in Austria, Germany and Sweden. My Queen’s Scout Award (the previous name for a KSA) helped raise my ATAR score, and I still take advantage of the First Aid and Mental Health First Aid training programs, not to mention the Outdoor Leadership certification.

“Most of what I do in Scouting these days is to provide my Cub Scouts and others with as many opportunities as possible to experience everything Scouting has to offer. By giving back as a Leader, I hope to continue inspiring others to take the steps to reach beyond what they thought possible. This is at my core – making sure everyone has access to the greater Scouting opportunity.”

Ewan said some of his greatest memories from his peak award journey was experiencing snow for the first time with his fellow Rover Scouts and tobogganing around the carpark of the Scouts NSW Alpine Activity Centre in Jindabyne, as well as having to dodge 21 wombats on a wet, dark, foggy road during his multiday Adventurous Journey.

Lachie Page – 1st Figtree Rover Scout Unit and Assistant Chief Commissioner Program

Lachie’s BPSA took seven years of commitment. Although living in Sydney, he still travelled regularly to Figtree from 2022 onwards to lead and take part in the weekly program, leading cooking nights, attending business meetings, and contributing to Region Rover events.

One highlight of his leadership and planning was leading a group of five Rover Scouts on his Adventurous Journy on a section of the Great North Walk, planned from Thornleigh to Wondabyne.

“Heavy rain was forecast – and did eventuate – which prevented us from starting on the first day as scheduled,” he said. “This meant we had a later start but were still determined to complete the original planned route.

“After consulting with the group, we agreed to maintain the full journey distance within a shortened timeframe. Over the days, our Patrol faced constant challenges, including persistent rain, very early starts – around 3am – to avoid thunderstorms, and, in between downpours, surprisingly hot weather.

“Despite these conditions, we successfully completed the Adventurous Journey.”

Kate Zuiderwyk – 1st Albury Rover Scout Unit

Service to her Scout Group and community were at the core of Kate Zuiderwyk’s Baden-Powell Scout Award journey.

She has been immersed in Scouting since she began as a Joey Scout at 1st Bulli Scout Group and has previously achieved the peak awards for both the Scout and Venturer Scout sections, as well as the Stan Bales Rover Service Award, which recognises those who have made a major contribution to the Rover Scout (ages 18-25) section.

Kate has invested herself in the Wangaratta/Albury community by volunteering to paint murals at the mental health centre and founding a knitting group for older people living with mental illness. Over the last 18 months, the group has created more than 250 blankets, which have been donated to those in need.

Not only has Kate been a dedicated part of her community, but she has also been the core of the 1st Albury Rover Unit. In 2021, she stepped into the Unit at a critical time, helping it grow from a small and uncertain Unit of four to a welcoming, vibrant, and community-minded Unit of 22. In her three years as Unit Leader, she led with vision and inclusivity, rebuilding the Unit’s culture and reputation until it became known for its lively traditions and strong camaraderie.

Reaching beyond her Unit, she also served as Moot Chief for the 2023 Riverina Region Moot – the first regional Moot held in 31 years. Her drive and organisational skills turned it into a resounding success, reigniting the Rover spirit in the Region and inspiring others to dream big.

Gallery

Gilt Cross peak awards KSA BPSA leadership awards Scouts NSW Venturers Rovers youth leadership