Scouting success honoured at Government House
Published Mon 09 Mar 2026
Photos by Tony Rosier Photography
The culmination of years of efforts by Scouts across NSW were celebrated at a special ceremony on the weekend.
On Saturday, 7 March, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales and Chief Scout of NSW presented 16 Venturer Scouts with their King’s Scout Awards and three Rover Scouts with their Baden-Powell Scout Awards at Government House.
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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. |
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.
Scouts NSW Chief Commissioner Lloyd Nurthen commended the awardees on their achievements.
“Behind every certificate and every progression there are countless hours of effort – from outdoor adventures like hiking, canoeing and abseiling to skills like cooking, first aid, music and even international experiences,” he said.
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“Scouting gives young people more than skills like tying knots or using a compass. It teaches resilience, teamwork, leadership, instilling a sense of service to others and, fundamentally, grit.
“That’s why I believe so strongly in the power of what we do here at Scouts. They will help our young people become the teachers, artists, doctors, leaders, engineers and change makers who will use their unique skills and perspectives to shape our world into a better place for all of us.
“My congratulations to all the recipients, and my thanks to the families, friends, and Scouting members, who supported them along the way.”
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Claire Stafford – Gymea Rover Scout Unit For Claire it was an especially significant occasion, as she was selected to give the respondent speech to the Governor. At the ceremony she reflected on the opportunities Scouting gives its youth members. “Scouts learn by doing – we are encouraged to try new things, make decisions, work as part of a team and take responsibility for ourselves and others. Scouting teaches us how to adapt, communicate and persevere when things do not go to plan,” she said. “Scouting offers young people far more than badges or outdoor activities. It provides a supportive environment where we can grow in confidence, learn about ourselves and develop into capable, community-minded individuals. “I believe the most valuable outcomes of Scouting are confidence, resilience and practical life skills. And it’s not just me that thinks that – research has shown that Scouts are more resilient than their non-Scouting peers.” |
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Catherine Wood – 1st Collaroy Plateau Scout Group A highlight on the way to a peak award for Catherine was the creation of Giant Monopoly nights. These District events saw more than 40 Venturer Scouts exploring the Northern Beaches in competition. But it was the opportunity to “create a better world” that saw her travel to Sri Lanka. “I was part of a small group of Year 11 students who spent two weeks immersed in the local community of Batticaloa,” she said. “Our time was split between teaching at the local school and building infrastructure for the community. This had two parts – an IT hub at the school and a refurbishment of a teacher’s home. “It was very humbling to be welcomed so generously into such a poor community. I learned a lot about the impact that small groups can have in improving the lives of young people in poorer communities. It made me feel very grateful for all the opportunities I have.”
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