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COMPASS

Scouts Australia

SYDNEY NORTH REGION

www.sydneynorthscouts.com December2016—Vol.2 Issue 3

1 st Berowra tends to stay out of the limelight and keep below the radar as we get on with the fun of Scouting, but when we do stick our head up above the trenches there is always a really

exciting reason. This time we have THREE!

Hugh Crawford was presented with the Queen Scout Award in November at a traditional formal dinner presentation. Hugh is the first Queen Scout for Berowra since 2011. The presentation was attended by representatives from the Group, the Scout Troop, the Rover Crew and Hugh’s family and friends. Even Matt Kean MP for Hornsby popped by to congratulate Hugh.

In December Luke Antrim became the first Berowra scout to achieve the Australian Scout Medallion which was presented at a special ceremony which was attended by the Chief Commissioner, Neville Tomkins. This was closely followed by a separate ceremony where scout Freya Scott also received the ASM which was presented by Charles Turner, RC Scouts.

Congratulation to all three. Only other scouts truly appreciate the hard work and dedication required to achieve these prestigious awards.

THREE-TIME WINNER— 1ST BEROWRA By Melissa Knudson

Hugh Crawford

Hugh Crawford and Matt Kean Charles Turner with Freya Scott

Luke Antrim

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AROUND THE REGION

Volume2, Issue 3

1st BALGOWLAH WORK FOR CHARITY By Thomas Miles

1 st Balgowlah Troop are proud to have this year extended their involvement in the community by regularly working with

the Manly Salvation Army. Earlier in the year the Scouts took an active part in the Red Shield Appeal. The Scouts spent the weekend doorknocking to raise awareness and funds to help the important work of the Salvation Army. In turn the Scouts have also had the opportunity to see first hand where some of the money they raised is spent by regularly helping at the Salvation Army’s FEAST.

Captain Louanne Mitchell explains;

At The Salvation Army Manly we hope to provide a place that is safe and welcoming for everyone. We are grateful for the many blessings God gives us and we want to be able to bless others.

On the first Thursday of every month we have our FEAST - Friends Eating At Salvos Together. This is an evening meal when we gather to share a roast dinner and

dessert while having quality conversation. Everyone in our community is loved, valued and encouraged in their faith journey. We want to give people an opportunity to love and be loved, to serve and be served, to know be known, to celebrate and be celebrated.

We are grateful for the ongoing support of Balgowlah Scouts who humbly serve meals to our community each month.

Thank you Balgowlah Scouts, you are a blessings to us.

The Salvation Army started in 1865 amongst the poor and disadvantaged in London’s East End. It’s message and work soon spread to Australia where there are now 353 established corps (churches). The ‘Salvos’work hand-in-hand with our social services and are one of the biggest providers of welfare and homelessness services in the country.

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AROUND THE REGION

Volume2, Issue 3

1ST BALMORAL BUSH TUCKER DAY By Matthew Brownlie/Elizabeth Wyse

S couts from 1st Balmoral Sea Scouts recently attended a fantastic Bush Tucker day at Ingleside Scout Environment Centre, which is

a freshwater swamp and endangered species environment (a mini catchment within the Sydney Basin). Our hosts were Camp Warden Rick Shires and team members Sue and Barbara.

Scouts were led through the Ingleside landscape looking out for and sampling native vegetation. After a cautious start Scouts were convinced to chew on the base of the leaves of the lomandra plant (which was also ground into flour and used for weaving) and the amazingly tangy leaf of the Sarsaparilla tree. They spotted a Gymea lily (whose flower is a fruit and roots can be roasted like yams) and a broad-leafed geebung (the berries of which taste like peppermint) and also saw what is considered to be one of the best examples anywhere of a native Bloodwood tree which had been partially ring-barked by the local pygmy possums. The possums do this for the sap, but by not fully ring-barking the tree they allow it to survive and thrive.

Scouts were then introduced to Bruce and his wife Monique, who are from the Murawarri people of the

Brewarrina area and who have formed an indigenous group called Yaama Guroo (which means 'welcome to country'). After a traditional smoking ceremony, which cleanses the spirit, and in itself was very moving, Bruce shared with Scouts information about traditional indigenous lifestyle, tools, customs, instruments and language while Monique had Scouts making wonderful 'Johnny cakes' from flour and water, cooked over an open fire/coals and drizzled with honey-yum! Bruce gave an amazing demonstration on his didgeridoo (which he had made and decorated) including the sounds of the kookaburra, kangaroo and emu (amazing!). He also painted the Scout's faces with ochre.

Scout Leader Matthew Brownlie said: "This was a fantastic morning on so many fronts. The interest in and care for the local native vegetation by the Environment Centre team was amazing and Bruce and Monique could not have been more engaging hosts. I thought it was a brilliant way to expose our Scouts to a beautiful bush environment - and its edible bounty - whilst learning so much from our indigenous hosts about their heartfelt love for the land. I could not recommend the Bush Tucker morning more highly".

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AROUND THE REGION

Volume 2, Issue 3

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE By Keith Gerrard

E ach year, the International Day of Peace is celebrated around the world on 21 September. International Scouting also has

a program called "Messengers of Peace" and invites Scouts around the world to commit to projects of peace and proclaim 'peace starts with me.'

On 16th September, 1st Beacon Hill Scout troop joined in the spirit by learning about Messengers of Peace around the world and making their own commitment to peace. They also tried teaching each other games (including rules) without using English or speaking - important if you meet Scouts at international events! The game of silent duck-duck-goose with exaggerated hand gestures ran very well, as well as the challenge to balance on increasingly-smaller squares of cardboard.

Scouts also tested their knowledge and deductive skills to learn about culture, food, school, and Scouting in other countries.

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AROUND THE REGION

Volume 2, Issue 3

Hornsby Gang Show…

Not interested in being on stage but want to be involved?

Maybe you or someone you know is interested in content creation, web design or social media?

We are also looking for people to help in these areas, which cover many aspects of the show from the look and feel of our marketing and promotional collateral through to our web presence and social media profile and even the content shown on the LED screen as backdrops during the show!

Of course, there are many other ways you can help, marketing, costumes, personnel, set construction or technical and many others associated with putting on a show of epic proportions!

There are many ways of becoming part of the Hornsby Gang Show family without going on stage.

If you are interested in any of these areas, please contact Bryan Mattes - General Manager Hornsby Gang Show at bryan@gangshow.com

Keep an eye out for some of the Hornsby Gang Show team out at Cuboree, we’ll be there entertaining thousands of cubs and leaders with spectacular opening and closing ceremonies that are sure to have you up and dancing.

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ROVERS—FINISHING ON A GOOD NOTE By Belinda Layson, RRC Public Relations

Volume 2, Issue 3

A s we come to the end of another great year

of Rovers we look back on the past 12

months and make an effort to show our

appreciation for those who have gone

above and beyond to make the year a

success.

Throughout the year Crew Leaders and Rover Advisors

have worked on behalf of their crews to ensure all of

the logistics of running a crew are seen to. In

appreciation of all of the behind the scenes work these

Crew Leaders and Rover Advisors do the Rover Region

Council hosted a laser tag evening. The Regions Crew

Leaders, Rover Advisors, and the Rover Region Council

talked Rover policy, training, and lasers!

The Region Rovers have turned their eye to design this year, designing and voting on a new Sydney North Region Rovers logo. The logo drawn by Izzy Ellis of Epping Rover Crew. Izzy will receive free entry to all Sydney North Rover Region events for 2017, including Summer Moot, Roventure and the Christmas Rover Annual Party. Izzy's design will now be workshopped between herself and none other than fellow Epping alumni and Graphic Designer, Scott Osborne, to ensure it meets Scout Brand Guidelines.

Every year the Sydney North Region Rovers throw the

Christmas Rover Annual Party, with the main event

being the awarding of the ROSCARS, the Rover version

of the Oscars. Five ROSCARS are handed out each year

for Best Activity, Outstanding Service, Most Improved

Rover Crew, Outstanding Rover Crew, and Outstanding

Rover. These awardees are nominated and voted on by

the Rovers of the region.

Congratulations to all of the 2016 ROSCAR winners!

Best Activity – Magical Mystery Tour run by Normanhurst Rover Crew

Outstanding Service – Oxfam Trailwalker Logistical Support as

the Region Service Project, headed up by Linda Mitchell

Most Improved Rover Crew – Mount Colah/Mount Ku-ring-gai Rover Crew Outstanding Rover Crew – Platabeen Rover Crew (Collaroy Plateau/Narrabeen Rover Crew)

Outstanding Rover – Linda Mitchell of Epping Rover Crew

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For the astute readers among you, you will have

noticed the name, Linda Mitchell, come up twice at

this year’s ROCARS. As the coordinator of the

Outstanding Service award and the recipient of the

region most Outstanding Rover.

If there is one thing Linda knows how to do, that is to

be a super Scout. In 2016, Linda was the recipient of

the Tony Balthasar Achievement Award. As the RRC

Service Co-ordinator, she organised the Rovers to

provided logistical support for Oxfam Trailwalker,

coordinating nearly 100 volunteers across the

weekend. On Australia Day, she organised a charity

fundraiser on Australia Day for AIME. Linda raised over

$500, while volunteering as an AIME mentor

throughout the year.

In addition to all of her service work this year Linda is

the Assistant Crew Leader for Epping Rover Crew and

was the NSW Contingent Leader to the Bogong Rover

Chalet ski trip. Linda has truly gone above and beyond

this year and is a deserving recipient of the Most

Outstanding Rover Award 2016.

Leading into summer the Rovers will be going out on a

range of exciting adventures! We look forward to

seeing you all out there!

If you ever have any questions about the Rover section, the

Region Rover Council or Rovering in general, don’t hesitate to

contact your local Rover Crew. All contact details can be

found on our website via www.roverinfo.com

Volume 2, Issue 3

ROVERS—FINISHING ON A GOOD NOTE —Continued

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Volume 2, Issue 3

A fter “earning” $9 each in the school holidays to

cover postage costs, every Joey brought in six

items to place in a shoebox which is to be

delivered to children throughout the world, who may not

otherwise receive a gift at Christmas. This activity counts

towards their “caring and sharing” badge.

The Joeys have also enjoyed a visit from Ron, a 97 year

old veteran who was a Rat of Tobruk during World War

II. Ron visits our Joeys each year for Anzac Day and

Remembrance Day and the Joeys listen in awe as he

speaks.

After Ron’s visit, the Joeys went to see our local Sphinx

Memorial in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which was

carved out of sandstone by a returned soldier after

World War I and also spent time at the nearby Sandakan

Memorial Park, which is dedicated to prisoners of war in

North Borneo, during the second World War.

The Joeys will gain the special “Their Service – Our

Heritage” badge for these activities.

Sphinx Memorial

Listening to Ron

Sandakan Memorial

Operation Christmas Child

BUSY TERM FOR NORTH TURRAMURRA JOEYS By Julie Rodgers

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Volume 2, Issue 3

EASTERN POUCH JOEY MOBS’ SLEEPOVER By Jim Baldwin

T he Joey Scouts Eastern Pouch comprises all

Joey Mobs in the Lower North Shore,

Turrumburra, Garigal and Northern Beaches

Districts of Sydney North Region. As at October 2016,

we have 7 active Joey Mobs – 1st North Sydney, 1st

Willoughby, 2nd Willoughby (Antranig), Belrose,

Allambie Heights, Brookvale Curl Curl and Cromer Dee

Why.

We held a Mob Sleepover for all Joey Scouts in the

Eastern Pouch at Elanora Heights Scout Hall, Bilarong

Reserve, North Narrabeen on the weekend 5-6

November 2016. Only three mobs were able to come

along in the end, however, we had 18 joey scouts

staying the night with a parent/adult guardian and 3

others who were able to join us for part of the

weekend, either Saturday afternoon or Sunday

morning.

The theme of the

Sleepover was

Olympics. On arrival,

joey scouts created

their own Olympics

torches under the

careful guidance of Belrose’s Jo Blair. For opening

parade, the mobs marched in carrying their Olympic

banners which each mob had made prior to travelling

for the event. The level of creativity demonstrated at

both a mob and individual level, is hard to describe –

you simply had to be there.

Afternoon activities involved World Championship

Volleyball and ballooning. The joey scouts then had

to construct their own javelins and proceed to

demonstrate their prowess at throwing. The only

casualty, or nearly so, was our intrepid organiser

who replaced the officials at the critical time.

There was a slight delay with dinner as someone

forgot to leave the venue equipped with pots and

pans. Consequently, the joeys descended en-mob on

the play equipment so providentially available on

site. After dinner, it was time for a massive possum

hunt. However, as it was just after dusk, the

possums were well hidden and didn’t make an

appearance till very early next morning.

Nevertheless, there were butterflies, koalas and

kangaroos in abundance. Oh, and only 1 fell casualty

to a spider.

The joeys settled reasonably comfortably for the

night and lights out was easily achieved by 21:30.

Even the adults were tucked up snug and safe. As

previously alluded to – a possum jumping on the

roof of the verandah at 03:00 can give quite a scare

to the uninitiated. Just as well our leaders are hardy

souls and well prepared.

I loved making and throwing

my javelin and sleeping next to

my new friend in the hall (JC,

Belrose)

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Volume 2, Issue 3

EASTERN POUCH JOEY MOBS’ SLEEPOVER (Contd.)

Sunday morning dawned as expected and was greeted by

a super mob of excited joey scouts. Breakfast was quickly

consumed and then it was time for the pentathlon:

The longest shot put was officially recorded as 20

joey scouts (a new measure and undoubtedly

world record).

The marathon sprint, of 20+ joey scouts length,

was completed in the record time of 20 joey

scouts and was won by the super mob of 20 joey

scouts.

Discus was next and – Surprise, Surprise – the

official longest throw was 20 joey scouts.

Mob Hop saw the amazing result of a total dead

heat with officials unable to distinguish a time

other than 20 joey scouts

The final event in the pentathlon was the skipping

rope dash. This time the field spread out and it

was expected a clear winner would emerge; but My favourite activity was ribbon

twirling and having custard on my rice

bubbles for breakfast (SB, Belrose)

NO, the finish line seemed to move to

encompass the mob and the official time of 20

joey scouts was recorded.

The medal ceremony was proceeded by the

construction of ribbon twirlers and skills execution.

Such colourful and coordinated movement is hard to

describe – you simply had to be there.

The final event was the Animal Buddy Discovery. Joey

Scouts and parents were each assigned an Australian

animal and had to locate their buddy by first sound and

then movement. Such chaos, such pathos, such

emotion – you simply had to be there.

The entire event can be summarized and immortalized

in the words of participants:

YOU SIMPLY HAD TO BE THERE! And so you should next

year in October.

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Volume 2, Issue 3

H ost Troop 1st Balmoral Sea Scouts were joined on Friday 11 November 2016 by Scouts from 1st

Mosman and 3rd Mosman Bay for a fantastic night of learning and applying fire prevention, evacuation and first attack fire fighting skills. The evening was run by ComSafe, NSW Fire & Rescue's training arm, and involved four rotations comprising theory, fire equipment shuttle run, low-visibility rescue roll-play and, best of all (according to the Scouts), extinguishing real fires with a variety of fire extinguishers. Scouts found the CO2 extinguisher to be very loud but very effective! The evening concluded with a dramatic oil fire demonstration in the kitchen simulator by our fantastic ComSafe trainer, Tracey Spindler (that's her in full personal protective equipment close to the flames!).

Tracey is a Station Captain with NSW Fire & Rescue and could not have been more helpful bringing the programme together. In her own time Tracey mapped tonight's programme to the Scout fire and fuel and fire awareness tasks and also developed a detailed questionnaire which Scouts will complete at home and bring to discuss next week. The questionnaire focuses on fire safety around the home particularly as it relates to smoke detectors, fire blankets, fire extinguisher and escape plans. Tracey was able to provide the Scouts with dramatic 'true life' stories that very effectively reinforced the message. (By the way all Scouts and parents, do you know if you have a fire blanket, extinguisher, functioning up-to-date smoke alarms in your home and and an escape plan you have discussed with your family? If not, you should!)

1st Balmoral Scout Leader Matthew Brownlie said: "We are deeply indebted to ComSafe and to Tracey Spindler for developing this bespoke programme which we believe has given our Scouts invaluable, practical fire prevention, evacuation and first attack fire fighting skills. We believe strongly that these are incredibly important life skills for our youth members and we are grateful to our Group Committee who partially funded the evening."

In conclusion Matthew said, "If nothing else, I guarantee no-one who saw the kitchen oil fire demonstration and felt the heat storm from 10 metres away will ever use water on an oil fire!".

FIRE SAFETY FIRST AT 1ST BALMORAL SEA SCOUTS

By Matthew Brownlie

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Volume 2, Issue 3

SCOUT HERO CELEBRATES 55 YEARS

W hen Dale Robins began leading scout troops at 2nd/3rd Lindfield 55 years ago, things

were certainly different. Trams stopped running in Sydney, Sir Robert Menzies was Prime Minister and most of the kids around Lindfield were scouts.

But there are still some things that never change, according to the Order of Australia Medal recipient.

“When you put today’s kids in the bush they aren’t any different from 50 years ago,” Robins says.

“Although, of course, since 1988 there’s been girls in cubs and they tend to be more mature—ours was the first pack in this district to welcome them.”

In honour of Dale’s commitment to cubs she was awarded a 55 years of service certificate and badge during a ceremony held at Lindfield Scout Hall on October 22 by Chief Commissioner of Scouts Australia (NSW) Neville Tomkins OAM. During the ceremony she also shared some of her memories gained across her long history with the organisation.

“Cubs is a great opportunity for parents who want their kids to grow up more well-rounded so they don’t become cotton-wool wrapped kids,” Dale says.

“It’s great to see the kids work together to teach a new shy kid how to light their first campfire or cook their first pikelet on a can. You see their confidence growing as they learn to get along, pull together as a group and just do things they don’t have the freedom to do most days.”

With many kids focused on competitive activities, scouts is not as popular as it once was—although in the digital age, Dale believes the opportunities provided by scouts are worth more now than ever.

“It’s great that people want their kids to be winners but for these modern kids, almost permanently connected to devices, it’s more vital than ever for them to do the stuff

devices, it’s more vital than ever for them to do the stuff cubs and scouts do—get outdoors, make noise, get muddy, become leaders and learn some independence.”

Dale is possibly the only cub leader in NSW who has recently taken 28 cubs to camp on a train for over three hours with no electronic devices. They were also accompanied by two Napalese Sherpas, Pertemba and his wife Sona, who were visiting Dale to celebrate her recent recovery from breast cancer. A lifelong traveler, Dale was introduced to Pertemba by Lindfield legend Paddy Palin on one of her first trips to Nepal in 1976 and they have stayed friends ever since.

Amanda Taylor, Group Leader of 2nd/3rd Lindfield believes that Dale remains an inspiration to three generations of cubs and parent volunteers.

“What gets me is Dale’s commitment to youth, her unswerving service,” Amanda says.

“She supports any youth member, whether a member of the Scouting Movement or not, to achieve their community service goals. She’s as willing to help with school community service requirements for Duke of Edinburgh Awards, or, as in the case of Venturer Scouts, helping them achieve their Queen Scout Award.

“She’s a local treasure!”

Courtesy of Alex Dalland, Sydney Observer

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Volume 2, Issue 3

SCOUTS HONOUR FALLEN POLICE

1 st Hornsby Heights Joeys, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers joined with Normanhurst and Waitara Cubs to pay their respects to the NSW police force at Police Remembrance Day.

SIRIUS CUP REGATTA

2017

Dates: 17—19 March 2017

Balmoral Park—Balmoral

Full details: http://.siriuscup.webs.com

FOR A WEEKEND OF NON-STOP FUN

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Before the battle

Volume 2, Issue 3

A fter a 12 month break for AJ2016 and now in its 13

year, Ventout was back in 2016 at its traditional home of Camp Kur-ing-gai. Typical of many Scouting activities, and as if by magic, suddenly over 140 people arrived at the camp with plenty of chattering Scouts and Venturers, tents were erected, dining flys spread and the action began.

Friday night is a time to settle-in, select your activity teams, confirm numbers with HQ and relax after a busy week at school and work. The Camp is a great bush setting and the pinging of the bell birds adds to that feeling of being a long away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney.

Saturday dawns fine and warm and after a quick morning parade the mixed teams of Scouts and Venturers are off to try a range of activities run by Rovers and Leaders. This year’s theme is “Die Try Hard”. This is the chance for Scouts and Venturers to spend time together, develop friendships and encourage Scouts to take the next step in Scouting into the Venturer Section.

Among the dozen activities on offer, the flying fox is popular as is the slippery slide, the greasy pole and the upside down twister. Most of the youth members have signed on for the boating activity where they are towed along on a donut behind a boat in groups of two or three. The big

trick is not to fall off the donut and our large new winged donuts offer great support to the riders. It also offers a chance to cool off and have a swim in the river.

Saturday night you can take in a movie (“Die Hard” of course) or dance to the music of the DJ until late. The combination of heat, fresh air and plenty of physical activity sees most of the camp in bed well before midnight.

Overnight there is a brief shower but this has all cleared away in the morning as we celebrate Scouts Own presented by some Venturers and Scouts followed by our parade of fake wounds. There are some horrific injuries and plenty of fake blood and tomato sauce on display.

VENTOUT RETURNS 2016

By Tasman McManis

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In the heat of battle

The battle rages

Volume 2, Issue 3

Now it is time for the teams to collect their bags of coloured powder for the “colour war”. The accompanying photos show that everybody entered into the spirit of the event and it was an opportunity for Leaders, Scouts and Venturers to have some fun.

Then it was time for a final swim to wash off some colour before packing up and returning to that city hustle and bustle.

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Penny Becchio Compass editor

Phone: 0414442564 Email: Compass@sydneynorthscouts.com

Or penny@becchio.com

Compass editorial deadlines:

6 MARCH 2017

Sydney North Region 2 Ellis St

CHATSWOOD 2067 9411 4088

Email: sn.region@nsw.scouts.com.au

Editorial

COMPASS

www.sydneynorthscouts.com

Volume 2, Issue 3

Please send submissions for Compass

whenever you have something ready. If you

miss the current edition we will hold it over for

the next one.

2017 Adult Recognition Awards

Reminder that nominations for the 2017 Adult Recognition Awards are due in at the Region office no later than 3 February 2017.

No late nominations will be accepted due to short time frame given to have nomination into the State Office.

OFFICE CLOSURE

Region office will be closed for Christmas from 12noon 23 December 2016 to Wednesday 11 January 2017.

Wendy and Elaine would like to thank everyone for their support throughout 2016 and wish everyone associated with the Sydney North Region Scouting community a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Safe and Healthy 2017. All those going to Cuboree - have a great time.