The Allan Labor Government has helped deliver a brand new, purpose-built Scouts Hall in Albert Park for kids to gain life skills, make new friends and connect with their local community.
Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman today officially opened the new Albert Park Scout Hall which has been constructed with the help of a $250,000 investment by the Labor Government.
The new hall will be a safe, accessible and permanent space for the 1st Victorian Sea Scouts to meet for scouting activities and participate in the adventures scouting has to offer for young people.
The project is part of the Labor Government’s $5.5 million funding commitment, matched by Scouts Victoria, to build, upgrade or refurbish scout halls across the state, with a further $942,000 invested in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 for scout hall upgrades.
A total of 24 new or upgraded Scout Halls have been delivered across Victoria since 2020, including facilities that opened earlier this year in South Frankston, Epping North and Strathfieldsaye.
Access to scouting activities supports the positive development and growth of young people by creating opportunities for them to work with others, tackle challenges and lead in their communities.
Scouts Victoria is one of the state’s largest youth organisations and has a membership base of more than 20,000 young people and 5,000 adult volunteers.
The number of young people participating in scouting activities has grown by 30 per cent in the last 10 years.
As stated by Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman
“We are proud to support scouting through our investment in more Victorian scout halls including this new facility in Albert Park.”
“Scouting helps young people develop leadership and teamwork skills and experience a sense of community – we’re helping it to thrive with new and upgraded homes for scouts right across the State.”
As stated by Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor
“The Albert Park Scout Group do fantastic work fostering teamwork, resilience, and personal growth – core values of Scouting. With the Scout Group’s new home, they are even better equipped to continue making a positive impact on our young people and the wider community.”