2023 Adult Recognition Awards (ARA)

More than 200 of Scouts NSW’s quality Leaders have been recognised in this year’s Scouts Australia Adult Recognition Awards.

The ARAs are part of The Scout Association’s observance of the founding of Scouting at the first Scout Camp held at Brownsea Island in the UK on 1 August 1907.

The 288 Leaders, Rover Scouts and Supporters of Scouts NSW are recognised not just for the longevity of their service, but for the quality of their Leadership, within both their individual Units and to Scouts as a whole.

Check out the full list of NSW awardees here

North Lake Macquarie Rover Scout Unit’s Mackenzie Pearce (pictured above) is one of the recipients of the Stan Bales Rover Service Award.

Mackenzie has provided outstanding service to the Rover section at a Unit, Region and State level, using her organisational and interpersonal skills to lead many great projects.

She was invested as a Rover in August 2018 and since then has served as the Unit Secretary and Leader. In 2020 during the pandemic, she led the pivot to virtual activities and found creative ways to maintain a sense of community amongst the Rovers. She also spearheaded fundraising efforts for the Unit and engaged others to ensure the success of these activities.

Mackenzie joined the State Rover Council in 2020 and has served as the secretary and Vice Chair, also covering some vacant roles, such as Executive Officer – Activities. In this time, she developed templates, forms and other resources that are still in use today.

She has also served as the interim Rover Commissioner, taking this role on with her existing Vice Chair responsibilities from November 2022, and actively working to ensure progress and build relationships with other SRCs.

Mackenzie said she has been involved with the Scouting Movement since she was nine and has loved every minute of it.

“The memories and the lifelong friends I have made along the way has been some of my most treasured moments in my life,” she said.

“I’m very thankful to my peers for this nomination and recognising my commitment and dedication, especially in the Rover section!”