Top Scouts recognised at Scout of the Year Awards
Published Sat 16 Sep 2023
The dedication and enthusiasm of Scouts NSW’s youth members were recognised on Saturday at the fifth annual Scout of the Year Awards.
Initiated by the NSW State Youth Council, the awards recognise the work our youth members are doing to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and encourages youth empowerment and advocacy at all levels.
Held this year at the Baden-Powell Activity Centre, the awards celebrate youth members in Scouting who have contributed exceptionally to Scouting and made a difference in their wider community.
NSW Chief Commissioner Lloyd Nurthen said he was truly inspired to listen to all the winners’ accomplishments over the past 12 months.
“I am so proud of all of you for your dedication to making a difference in your communities and in the world,” he said.
“Your projects are inspiring, and they demonstrate the power of Scouting to change lives.
“This year our finalists have worked towards 16 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. This is a remarkable achievement, and it shows that Scouts are committed to building a better future for all.”
This year’s age section winners were:
 |
Joey Scout of the Year Ollie worked towards the Quality Education Sustainable Development Goal. He has participated in the MS Readathon since he started school, raising much-needed funds for research into Multiple Sclerosis. This experience has seen Ollie read more than 500 books, including 120 in one month, and raise $1000, as well as being moved up a reading group at school. |
 |
Cub Scout of the Year Sophia worked towards the Good Health and Wellbeing Sustainable Development Goal. She has been a wonderful support to her mother and brother as her family has dealt with some troublesome health challenges. Sophia has developed her skills and is now able to cook, clean and care for her family to support her mother when she is unwell. |
 |
Scout of the Year Robert worked towards the Good Health and Wellbeing Sustainable Development Goal. He volunteers his time and effort to assist with the younger section. Robert’s leadership with the younger Scouts is inspiring and he has been instrumental in the growth of the group. He also gives up his spare time to organise and keep the Scout hall clean to ensure activities run smoothly. Robert has also assisted in the planning and running of Joey Scout Region and Group events. |
 |
Venturer Scout of the Year Samuel worked towards the Quality Education Sustainable Development Goal. He has taken the initiative to become a Cub Scout Leader and run the Cub Scout section in his Group. Samuel runs a fantastic program and the Cub Scouts love having him as their leader. He is also guiding another Venturer Scout and Scout on their journeys to becoming Cub Scout Leaders. |
 |
Rover Scout of the Year Alex worked towards the Quality Education Sustainable Development Goal. He dedicates his time to retention and recruitment, providing Groups with the knowledge and skills to deliver better quality programs. Alex has also been heavily involved with the planning and delivery of School for Adventure and is a sectional Leader at multiple Scout Groups. He has also stepped up as the Deputy NSW Contingent Leader for AJ2025 and has worked tirelessly to ensure the Contingent is well prepared for the event. |
 |
People’s Choice More than 1800 people voted in our People’s Choice category, with the final result being incredibly tight. This year, we awarded both a winner and a runner up. Congratulations to our runner-up Cub Scout Lara Kaluarachchi and our winner Venturer Scout Nathaniel Officer. Nate, from Dapto Scout Group, has been an active volunteer with the South Coast and Tablelands environment team over the past two years. He has helped young people gain a love and respect for the natural world and has taught younger sections about what they can do to help their local environment. In addition, he has dedicated long days and nights to help run the District’s environment camps. |
Sign up, volunteer and join today: scoutsnsw.com.au/join-scouts
