A Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will commit $5 million towards a range of upgrades for the spiritual home of Scouts Victoria, Gilwell Park.
The Scouts have a strong presence across the state, with more than 22,000 young Victorians and volunteers from a wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds taking part.
Scouts Victoria has played a significant role in supporting our youth, providing a fantastic opportunity for young people to develop critical skills and learn how to be leaders, while making lifelong friends and contributing to their local communities. Any Scout can testify to the benefits it has on their physical, mental and social health and wellbeing, and the same goes for those volunteers that become involved.
For almost 100 years, Gilwell Park has been the spiritual home of Victorian Scouting and is significant for thousands of Scouts, who converge on the site across the hundreds of events held there.
The funding will support the delivery of a new environment centre, camp grounds, a troop hall, a skills playground, and an adult training and conference centre.
In addition, the Liberals and Nationals Government will provide $6 million to support capital upgrades for Scout Halls across Victoria including projects which deliver facility upgrades and refurbishments, accessibility improvements and asbestos removal.
The initial 20 Scout Hall upgrades supported under this commitment include:
- 1st Deer Park
- 1st Leopold
- 2nd Werribee
- 9th Brighton
- 5th/6th Moorabbin Central
- 1st Mount Clear
- 1st Creswick
- 1st Hurstbridge
- 5th Footscray
- 1st Lilydale
- 1st Rowville
- 1st Barwon Heads
- 1st Echuca
- 1st Beechworth
- 1st Wantirna
- 1st Tulla Park
- 4th Preston
- 5th Mildura
- 1st Sandown
- 1st Monbulk
Further, we will work with Scouts Victoria to deliver new Scout Halls in growth areas through innovative partnerships with local government and state government agencies.
This commitment from the Liberals and Nationals is action, not just words.
Our investment will deliver improved opportunity for our kids engage in the active and social environment provided by Scouts across the state, which is more important than ever following the impact of the pandemic on young Victorians.
The funding comes off the back of the Liberals and Nationals’ Keeping Kids Moving plan – providing up to 1 million school-aged children with $200 active vouchers, which could be used towards Scouting activities.
Shadow Minister for Youth Affairs, Dr Matt Bach, said the Liberals and Nationals acknowledged the significant role the Scouts play for thousands of Victorian children.
“Something that has so much reach and influence and shapes so many young Victorians must be supported.”
“These children deserve well-equipped facilities and in collaboration with Scouts Victoria, that’s just what we’ll deliver.”
Shadow Minister for Sport, Cindy McLeish, emphasised the significant benefits that being a part of Scouts brings those who participate.
“It’s getting kids outdoors where they can learn, make mistakes and grow, all while making friends and promoting healthy habits.”
“Only the Liberals and Nationals can be trusted to support Victoria’s Scouts and work with them to deliver the upgrades needed to halls across the state.”
