Scouting couple’s Silver Kangaroo legacy
Published Tue 03 Sep 2024
A powerhouse pair of Scouting in the South Coast and Tablelands Region have had the pleasure of being awarded their Silver Kangaroos together.
District Leaders Anne and Terry Jackson were two of six Silver Kangaroo recipients from NSW in this year’s Scouts Australia Adult Recognition Awards.
The Silver Kangaroo is one of the highest accolades in Scouts, awarded to active Leaders for exceptional service and a highly valued contribution to Scouts over a long period of time, typically decades.
Anne said they were surprised by the recognition.
“Our youngest daughter Cecilia called us at 7am on World Scout Day to ask if we had had any special mail and was so excited to be able to let us know,” she said. “We were extremely surprised and are very grateful to have received this award.”
The pair have had a mixed history in Scouts, serving for different lengths of time and joining for different reasons.
Terry originally joined as a Cub Scout in the 1950s but was unable to continue as his widowed mother could not afford it. He returned to Scouts in 1987, when he became a Leader with 1st Batemans Bay Scout Group.
“I went to a Scout Camp with my son Patrick and asked the Scout Leader if he needed help,” he said. “With my children in Scouts and Girl Guides and Anne returning to Scouts as a Leader, I decided to join.”
View the full list of recipients
Anne had originally joined as a Cub Scout Leader in 1967 at the age of 18. She was not able to join as a youth member at that time as she was female. In January 1968, Anne started the Cub Scout Unit at 1st Enfield Scout Group. After briefly stopping Scouting to have her children, she returned to the Movement in 1984.
The pair have served 1st Batemans Bay and the Southern Coast District in a variety of roles over the past 40 years.
Terry has stepped up as a Scout Leader, District Commissioner, District Scout Leader and District Leader (Special Projects). In his roles, he has supported the development of young people through program delivery and mentorship of local Leaders.
As District Scout Leader, Terry ran and supported the delivery of many events, including Jamborettes, Weekend Wide Game South, and Scout Leadership courses. He also worked tirelessly to support Scout Groups in the Eurobodalla area to stay open, even when they did not have enough Leaders. This included often driving down to Narooma from Batemans Bay of a weeknight to run Scouts.
As District Leader (Special Projects), Terry helps to support the local Scout Groups, by assisting on Australia Day, Clean Up Australia Day and running activities for Group Camps and special events. Even during periods of poor health, Terry has continued to make valuable contributions to the Scouting teams around him and has always been willing to lend a hand when asked.
Terry said running activities in Scouts, as well as at community events, and seeing the fun and satisfaction from the participants when they complete a challenge is one of the reasons he stays in Scouts.
“Some of my biggest achievements include working with Scouts throughout the Eurobodalla District to fundraise and enable nine Scouts from the various Groups to attend the 13th New Zealand Jamboree in 1993,” he said. “Also, creating community awareness of Scouting through the activities created over the years, plus seeing my own children enjoy Scouting and now my grandchildren as well.”
Some of Anne’s roles have included District Commissioner, Group Leader, District Leader and Assistant Joey Scout Leader. Working with the other Leaders at 1st Batemans Bay, she has supported the peak award journey of multiple Joey Scouts and works to retain these youth members as they transition into Cub Scouts.
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She is also a dedicated supporter in the Riverina Region, serving as the Riverina Region Treasurer/Assistant Treasurer since 2020. Going above and beyond, Anne now offers her time to audit Group accounts across the Riverina and The Golden West Regions.
She has represented Scouting on multiple occasions at events in the local community and has promoted the role of women in Scouting on local radio.
Anne and Terry are one of many Scouting couples throughout the organisation and head up a Scouting family that includes eight members and spans two states.
They say while it is mostly positive, it can also be challenging.
“The best part is sharing adventures and being able to bounce ideas off each other,” Anne said.
“The 17th New Zealand Jamboree saw us as part of the Media Team, while the 18th New Zealand Jamboree we were Line Leaders together. Our most recent activity was the SIA Camp at Glenfield Scout Activity Centre, where we were Mr and Mrs Weasley on a Harry Potter themed base.
“There have been challenging moments over the years as in most families. But the highlights have been when the children have asked us to join them on their expeditions and sharing their achievements.”
The pair commended the uniqueness of the Scout program and the vast opportunities it enables both youth members and Leaders.
“There are so many opportunities available – the ability to encourage children to develop and being able to include their hobbies, sports and interests, plus the leadership opportunities available in all Units,” Terry said.
“For adults, they have the opportunity to have their Scout training recognised with external qualifications through SAIT (RTO); the chance to experience friendships; and can use their imagination as they assist the next generation in their endeavours.
“For both Scouts and volunteers, the chance to have fun!”
