2024 King’s Birthday Honours Scouts NSW recipients

Congratulations must go to the five incredible individuals who have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list.

The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.

This year, the five recipients were made up of both current and former Scouts NSW members, with two recipients appointed Members of the Order of Australia (AM), while three were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Chief Commissioner Lloyd Nurthen commended those whose achievements were recognised on this year’s Honours list.

“Our organisation relies on the service of our passionate volunteers to provide the fun, adventurous, challenging and inclusive program that we deliver for our youth,” he said.

“I am proud of our Scouting members who have had this dedication acknowledged today.

“From weekends at camps and events to evenings in the Scout hall, their commitment to not just our Movement but their communities is worthy of this recognition.

“Congratulations to our recipients and thank you to their families and friends for supporting them in their dedication to Scouts.”

Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

Annette Morgan – For significant service to the community, particularly through for-purpose organisations and governance roles

Annette has been a dedicated volunteer of many organisations since the 1990s. While much of her focus has been on health-related organisations, she has also taken the time to volunteer as an adult helper at 2nd Mortdale Scout Group since 2019.

Philip Harrison – For significant service to youth, and to outdoor and environmental education

Before Philip became the Chief Commissioner of Scouts Australia from 2017 to 2023, he started his Scouting career as a Cub Scout through Scouts NSW in 1978. He stayed with the Branch through the rest of his time as a youth member, before becoming an Assistant Scout Leader from 1988 to 1994 and Assistant Venturer Scout Leader from 1994 to 1996. A move to Queensland saw him carry on his Scouting career north of the border.

Over the years, Philip has been an instrumental part of Scouts across the nation, including serving on the Australian Leadership Team at multiple World Scout Jamborees, including in South Korea last year; engaging in various Australian Rover Moots; volunteering as a member of the National Training Team, as well as an assessor for Scout Australia Institute of Training; and of course, serving as both Deputy National Commissioner, Adult Training and Development, and Chief Commissioner of Australia between 2015 and 2023.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

Gregory Crofts – For service to youth through Scouts

Gregory has volunteered with Scouts NSW since 1980, where he was Group Leader for 1st Peakhurst Scout Group. His dedication to Cub Scouts saw take on many roles, including as:

• Regional Leader Cub Scouts, South Coast and Tablelands Region, 1998-2003
• District Cub Scout Leader, Shoalhaven District, 2003-2006.

Greg has also served as District Commissioner for Shoalhaven District from 2004 to 2006 and as Assistant District Commissioner, Illawarra South District, from 2006 to 2009. He has also been there for the Groups, volunteering as Group Leader for 1st Kiama Scout Group from 2009 to 2020, before moving into a Group Adviser role.

Over the years, Greg has also received a number of Scouts Australia awards, culminating in the Silver Kangaroo in 2018.

John Baynie – For service to emergency response organisations and the community

John was a member with Scouts NSW in Hornsby District from 1995 to 2006, starting out as a Trainee Leader and moving into a Regional Adviser role in 1997. He also served as a First Aid Teacher and Resource Adviser to Hornsby District and joined Hornsby Fellowship from 1999 to 2006, before resigning from Scouts NSW for a time. In 2017, he returned as an adult helper, providing support to Hornsby Gang Show that year.

Helen Pittman – For service to the community through a range of organisations

Helen was a volunteer with Russell Vale Scouts from 1975 to 1978.

Governor-General David Hurley today announced the Honours and Awards for 737 Australians.

"I would like to congratulate all those recognised in today’s Honours list,” he said. “Some names are well-known, but the vast majority are not. They are people who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a difference in our community. Through today’s recognition, we shine a light on their efforts, the impact they have and the difference they make. On behalf of all Australians, I thank recipients for their service and congratulate them on their recognition.

“The Honours and Awards system belongs to all Australians and by nominating people for recognition in the Order of Australia, we all have a role to play. I’ve been steadfast that the Order must reflect the diversity of our community. I’m pleased by the progress we’ve made over the last five years. For that progress to continue – and it must – we need people to take the time to nominate people who inspire them.

“Congratulations again to today’s recipients. Enjoy the moment and know that you have the thanks and appreciation of all Australians.”

Our Scouts NSW recipients were among the 15 members of Scouts Australia recognised in today’s Honours list.