New Region Commissioners
Published Sat 01 Mar 2025
 |
Following an extensive recruitment and evaluation process, Assistant Chief Commissioner (Program Support Leaders) Phil Crutchley appointed a new team of Region Commissioners to help guide Scouts NSW over the next three years.
Find out more about some of the team and what they’re hoping to achieve below. We will share more profiles over the coming weeks.
 |
Tony Dent – Greater Western SydneyHow long have you been in Scouts? I joined Scouts as a Cub Scout in 1969. What do you love about Scouting? Scouts has been more than just something to do, it is a way of life learning. I have made too many friends to count and had so many adventures that I have achieved more than most in my life. Why did you apply for the Region Commissioner role? We often let opportunities go by because we are happy with the status quo, but you see the time to make a difference comes and you should apply yourself. That is what I did when I applied to be Region Commissioner. What do you hope to achieve in this position? As Region Commissioner I hope to bring together everyone in the Region on the same journey, to improve the participation in Scouting activities and grow the Groups’ membership with sustainable membership of Youth and Leaders, and that everyone feels valued in their contribution to the young people of Scouts. |
 |
Cassandra Hammond – North WestHow long have you been in Scouts? I’ve been involved in Scouts for a little over four years. What do you love about Scouting? What I love most about it is the strong sense of community, adventure, and personal growth it fosters in both youth and adults. Why did you apply for the Region Commissioner role? I applied for the Region Commissioner role because I’m passionate about supporting and developing leadership at all levels – helping both youth and adults grow their skills and confidence. What do you hope to achieve in this position? In this position, I hope to support our Leaders in engaging with the wider community and to deliver a varied and meaningful youth program. I also wish to help grow our Region’s youth and leadership numbers while strengthening connections across our geographically spread-out Scouting community, ensuring that everyone feels supported and inspired. |
 |
Sonia Clarke - RiverinaHow long have you been in Scouts? My Scouting path began in 1998 and has taken me on a journey of growth from Assistant Joey Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader, District Cub Scout Leader, Region Commissioner for Cubs, National Training Team (Leader Trainer, 4 Beads) Branch Commissioner for Adult Training and Development (NT) and now Region Commissioner for Riverina. I am going into my 28th year of Scouting. What do you love about Scouting? The variety of experiences and opportunities for youth that they have input in to suit the outcomes they hope for in their time in Scouting. The many youth and adults I have seen grow and thrive in Scouting. I also have made many long-lasting friendships that I cherish. Why did you apply for the Region Commissioner role? I applied for the role because I see and care about the challenges in this part of regional NSW and want to give my support to make a positive impact in the area in which I live. Scouting has an important role in society to grow, support and nurture youth in our communities. I feel I can meet the challenge of making Scouting resources and support more accessible to give opportunities to Scouting youth and adults in the Riverina. What do you hope to achieve in this position? As a Region Commissioner I am part of a State team and I believe each of us have a vision that Scouting remains a meaningful and impactful experience for youth and adults. I hope to adapt to the needs of the Region and am committed to assisting youth and adults to feel supported and empowered in their Scouting journey. When Scouting members feel confident and equipped, they are better able to experience and enjoy the many opportunities Scouting has to offer. Adults in Scouting face many challenges and they are better able to support and guide youth members, helping them navigate and achieve their chosen pathways, if they themselves are supported. My goal is to create an environment where both youth and adults in Scouting thrive, ensuring that Scouting continues to make a positive, lasting impact on future generations. |
 |
Dean Bassett – Sydney NorthHow long have you been in Scouts? Started in 1980 as an 18-year-old, now have 37 years’ service. Did have a seven-year break with a young family and started a business. Came back as a Leader when my son linked from Joeys into Cubs at Normanhurst and Monday nights became the activity we did together (that was 17 years ago!) What do you love about Scouting? Many non-Scouting friends ask me why I continue as a volunteer after so long? I firmly believe that volunteering has made our country a better place. I became a Leader as an 18-year-old after being a Cub, Scout and Venturer. I had a number of adults make my time as a youth member possible. Some of them were inspirational and others simply gave up their time – something that is increasingly valuable to all of us. But being a Scouter gives me an opportunity to create memories for young people and I get the satisfaction of playing a small part in their lives and a role in shaping the future through them. That’s always been hugely motivating. Why did you apply for the Region Commissioner role? I was encouraged to apply for the Region Commissioner role by a number of people I respect from all over the Region. Plus, having spent the majority of my 37 years’ service in Groups, I felt that Sydney North would be well represented by someone with current Group Leader experience. What do you hope to achieve in this position? Sydney North has been a very well-managed team with very committed Region Leaders and great events. However, all this still hasn’t stopped an erosion of our youth membership and Leader numbers. So, simply put, if you keep doing the same thing you will get the same result. So, something had to change if we want our Scouts to stay and our volunteers to enjoy being Scouters. I’m so pleased to say that feedback and support for this view has been overwhelming and I’m confident we will see more youth members stay longer over time and all our Scouters having fun as volunteers. |
