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COMPASS

Scouts Australia

SYDNEY NORTH REGION

www.sydneynorthscouts.com July 2016—Vol.2 Issue 1

I n 1916 the Hornsby Railway Men banded together with their New Zealand counterparts to honor their work mates who had fallen in the then raging 1st

World War. 57 men had enlisted from the Hornsby Railway Depot before the industry had been declared a protected industry. At the same time 50 per cent of the men at the Petone Workshop in Wellington N Z had also enlisted.

Workers from both workshops decided to hold simultaneous ceremonies on the same day and time and the date chosen was nominated as ANZAC Day, 25th April 1916.

ANZAC MARCHES—100 YEARS ON

The Petone men dispatched a 20ft by 10ft New Zealand flag to Hornsby and a ceremonial 60ft flagstaff made of New Zealand kauri (at the top) and Australian hardwood was erected. The people of Hornsby and the North Shore enthusiastically got behind this idea and it was decided that a band would play the National Anthem. School children and the public would sing patriotic songs and the Governor General and a New Zealand representative would speak. Hornsby Boy Scouts, under the direction of Scoutmaster Armstrong, formed a guard of honor.

The Hornsby Railway men played a significant part in establishing 25th April as a National Day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand. A day where scouts still proudly take part in the commemorations.

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AROUND THE REGION

Volume 2, Issue 1

TWO SNR FAMILY MEMBERS—GONE HOME

MARY ROBINSON

M ary commenced her scouting career as

Group President of the 1st Elanora

Heights Group in 1983. She quickly

moved into uniform and trained as an Assistant Cub

leader. Mary remained with the Cub Pack until taking

up the roles of District Joey Scout leader, Pittwater

District and Regional Leader Joey Scouts. In 2005,

Mary was appointed to the position of District

Commissioner, Benowie District where she was an

active participant in the scouting life of the district.

She remained in this position until earlier this year

when she was made Assistant District Commissioner.

Mary attended the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and “Getting

Together” Cuborees as well as the 18th, 19th and

22nd Australian Jamborees. In 2009 she was awarded

the Silber Koala for Good Service and later the 30 year

Service Decoration.

Many will have come into contact with Mary in her

role as a Personal Leader Adviser and will have

benefited from her many years of experience as a cub

leader.

DENIS SONNERMAN

I n 1986 Denis became an Assistant Cub Scout Leader at

1st Brookvale Cub Pack “Arinya” where he remained

until moving on to the Scout Troop as Assistant Scout

Leader in 1989 and Scout Leader in 1994. In 1998 Denis was

appointed Regional Leader (Activities) SNR where he was

able to pass on his extensive knowledge of water activities

both as an instructor and Personal Leader Adviser. Denis

was highly skilled in sailing, Canoeing/Kayaking and Power

Boating and joined the North Harbour Scout Water Base

Scout Fellowship in 2001.

Denis was awarded the Silver Wattle for Good Service in

2013 and later the 30 year Service Decoration. He attended

the 15th, 18th and 19th Australian Jamborees.

Denis will be sadly missed by his friends and colleagues at

the Scout Water Base and fondly remembered by the many

youth members who were the beneficiaries of his skills and

knowledge.

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AROUND THE REGION

Volume 2, Issue 1

A SCOUT CARES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

1 st Turramurra Scout Group has the

privilege of having a wonderful hall at

the edge of Sheldon Forest, a unique strip of

native bushland between Turramurra and

Pymble.

Ever since the Group’s “Karingal Hut” was

built in the early 1950s, successive

generations of 1st Turramurra Scouts from all

sections have explored and learned about

the forest environment, made good use of it

for a variety of activities and also contributed

to its preservation.

1st Turramurra has always worked closely

with Ku-ring-gai Council and local

environment groups and is currently running

a long-term project called “Our Patch”. This

aims to educate Scouts on the precious

forest environment as well as ensure all

members of the Group are aware of its importance.

Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers have all been

involved, including native planting, weed clearing

and providing nesting boxes for native bees.

In the latter part of last year, Ku-ring-gai Council

undertook a fauna monitoring project in Sheldon

Forest, using cameras, traps and other means to

determine exactly what animals make their home

there.

In June, 1st Turramurra hosted two public evenings

where Jacob Sife, Ku-ring-gai Council’s Natural Areas

Officer gave very informative talks to a hall full of

fascinated Cubs, Scouts, parents and local residents.

He presented the findings of the fauna monitoring

project, revealing the presence of several species of

microbat, powerful owls, bandicoots, swamp

wallabies and more... even evidence of an eastern

grey kangaroo!

1st Turramurra has had a home in Sheldon Forest for

over sixty years. Through environmental initiatives

such as “Our Patch”, the Group’s aim is to put the

tenth Scout Law into practice, by teaching many

more of its members about this sensitive urban

bushland as well as continue working with the rest

of the community to ensure it is preserved.

Dan Goodwin (pictured) has also provided homes

for native bees around the scout hall

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AROUND THE REGION

Volume 2, Issue 1

CAMMERAY/GREENWICH - BIG CAMP by Stuart Thorpe

I n mid June, 30 cubs from Cammeray and Greenwich braved the big wet for a frenetic 1 night pack holiday at Ingleside. Kinnersley Hall was the perfect venue for a wet winters weekend and we took full advantage by

jamming a full 2 day program into 24hrs.

It was a great opportunity for Cammeray to share their experience with the all new Greenwich leadership team, and break in some new parent helpers and a handful of new cubs.

Despite minor program adjustments for the weather we squeezed in plenty of activities: Low ropes, Navigation, Firelighting, Bush Safety, Scouts Own, Wide Game, Campfire and two Investitures. We even found time to eat...The MasterCub cooking challenge was moved indoors with 10 teams cooking a 2 course hot lunch with fresh ingredients, as an incessant downpour on Sunday ruined plans for campfire cooking and a nature trail activity with parents, before pick up.

The 2 packs mingled well although the 17 bed dorm rooms are a challenge. Thanks to Rick the site

warden and our leader and parent group and scout helpers for pitching in to make the weekend a great success.

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FIRST TWO FOR BORONIA CUBS By Bronwyn Hardy

AROUND THE REGION

Volume 2, Issue 1

C assandra Hardy and Sofia Johansson recently became the

first ever Cub Scouts from 1st Boronia to earn their Grey Wolf Award. This is the highest badge that can be attained as a Cub Scout, and is the culmination of a lot of great work. The Grey Wolf Award has a range of requirements including: earning advanced level badges in a range of fields, planning and leading a hike of at least two hours, participating in a range of outdoor activities (including camping) and developing a resource for the pack.

Cassandra loved earning badges, and sought out many opportunities to learn about a diverse range of subjects whilst in cubs. She created a pack resource close to her heart, preparing a new campfire songbook for the group, and proudly leading a number of campfires.

Sofia decided to help others on their journey to earning their Grey Wolf Award, and created a great reference folder which younger cubs can borrow to find out what they have to do to make it onto the new honour board.

The girls were presented with their awards by the Regional Commissioner for Cub Scouts, Maureen Twin, assisted by the District Commissioner, Steve Buchert. There was a great celebration with

a games night, and a fantastic four-tiered campfire cake created by Sofia’s grandmother.

Congratulations to the girls for a huge achievement!

1st Boronia currently has a waiting list for both Cubs and Joey Scouts, however we are looking for additional leaders (particularly for Joey Scouts). If you know anyone able to assist please contact us via cubleader@1stboroniascouts.org.au. If they commit, their kids will jump the queue!

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AROUND THE REGION

Volume 2, Issue 1

CUB EFFORTS BOOST FIJI FUND By Sam Grellman

A s part of my Gold Boomerang I decided

that I would like to raise money to help

the scouts in Fiji that were affected by

cyclone Winston.

On Friday 18th of March I ran a stall at my school

that sold a lot of yummy treats. Some of the things

we made were chocolates, jelly cups, chocolate

coconut balls, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and lots

of other treats.

I asked all the other cubs from first Lindfield that go

to my school if they would like to help by making

things and selling on the day. All together there was

15 cubs helping which shows the amazing spirit of

cubs and the stall was very popular. We sold out of

everything we made and we made $248 for the

Fijian scouts. I was very pleased that I could do

something to help them.

It was also good because the cubs that made things

were able to do part of their Cooking badge. We also

got to show other kids at school some of the things

we do in Cubs.

The 1st Lindfield Cub Pack raised a total of over $700

for Fiji relief with cub Devlin Aikin raising over $160

by running a ‘Burger Bar’ with parent support in his

street. Overall 1st Lindfield contributed $1200 to

assist those in need after the disaster of cyclone

Winston.

We look forward to seeing how the money is spent to

assist scouts in Fiji.

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T he Ingleside Environment Centre

Scout Fellowship was awarded a

grant from the Federal

Government that enabled the Fellowship to

purchase a Lawn Tractor. The grant was a

Small Equipment Grant for Volunteers

through The Department of community

Services and is available annually.

The mower will help the Fellowship with

their environmental activities by using a

trailer to transport materials and tools, as

well as saving Ingleside Scout Camp the cost

of getting the grass cut commercially.

Scout Groups should contact Branch HQ to

get advise on the variety of grants available

and help with preparing submissions

AROUND THE REGION

Volume 2, Issue 1

USEFUL GRANT FOR INGLESIDE ENVIROMENT CENTRE

By Rick Shires

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SNR ROVERS—ALWAYS BUSY By Belinda Layson

Volume 2, Issue 1

W hether at fundraising BBQs, donating

blood or volunteering with Scout Groups,

the Rovers of Sydney North Region can be

found striving towards the Rovering motto – Service.

Through the hard work of the Region’s Rovers the

months have yielded great service projects completed

by individuals and crews.

The denim and baggy clothes were let loose in early

May when 2nd Normanhurst Rover Crew and

1stTurramurra Rover Crew ran a 90’s themed disco and

trivia night to fundraise money for Studio ARTES.

Studio ARTES is an inspiring organisation that

empowers disabled people to express themselves

through creative arts.

The two Crews were proud to donate an incredible $1,755,

which will go towards helping Studio ARTES rebuild and buy

valuable resources for their programs, after much was

destroyed by fire earlier this year. If you would like to learn

more or donate you can do so at the website

www.studioartes.org.au.

Platabeen Rover Crew’s Maddie Picard ran a very successful

Cancer Council Big Morning Tea. With bacon, pancakes and a

wide variety of sweet treats for all, the morning tea raised a

truly amazing $1,052.35 for the Cancer Council.

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Once a year the Rovers pull together as a Region to

complete one major service project. This year the Rovers

have volunteered to run two checkpoints at the Oxfam

Trailwalker.

Oxfam Trailwalker is one of the world’s leading team

endurance challenges, with 14 events in 10 countries and

growing. Globally, Trailwalker has raised more than $135

million since 1981 for Oxfam’s valuable work around the

world.

The gruelling 100km trail begins in picturesque Brooklyn

on the Hawkesbury River, winding its way southward to

Sydney along the Great North Walk to finish at Tania

Park, Balgowlah Heights.

This year Sydney North Region Rovers have two teams

registered to complete the walk and have over 85 Rovers

registered as volunteer checkpoint operators.. Checkpoints

are a hub of activity, a haven of food and nutrition, and a

place for weary Trailwalkers to rest. With so much going on

at each checkpoint, there are literally hundreds of exciting

positions to fill.

Oxfam Trailwalker is a huge logistical exercise, and it couldn’t

be done without the support the hundreds of dedicated

volunteers. If you would like to get involved with this exciting

event more details can be found on the Oxfam website

www.trailwalker.oxfam.org.au or by contacting the Sydney

North Region Rover Council Service Coordinator Linda

Mitchell on rrc.service@sydneynorthscouts.com.

Volume 2, Issue 1

SNR ROVERS—ALWAYS BUSY—Continued

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My kayaking course adventure By Josh Tompset

Volume 2, Issue 1

O n Saturday morning 9th April 10 Scouts and 7 Leaders set off for the Scout’s Water

Activities, Sydney Harbour (SWASH) for a weekend of canoeing. After a short parade we got changed and started to unpack the canoes, get fitted with PFD’s and paddles. The instructor showed us our paddle strokes before we paired up and set off for a little pool where we swam, played games and floated. Afterwards we then did some capsizes and rescues and we learned a self-rescue, a T rescue and a H rescue.

We returned to base for a sausage sizzle lunch and caramel slice.

After lunch we did some theory work, knots, care of a canoe and emergency plans. After that we went out again for a short journey which was fun as we found lots of jellyfish in the water. While we were out the Leaders did their paperwork.

Sunday, after we arrived, we went on another little journey. We took our own morning tea and paddled along the coast line until we got to a little beach opposite Cockatoo Island where we had our food. After we had eaten we had a talk about water traffic and about giving way to larger vessels.

Then we headed back to SWASH for lunch but on the way back we got capsized by the trainers and we had to do some more rescues.

When we finally got back we had some lunch that had been made again by SWASH leaders and this

time I had brought some chocolate cake for the other scouts.

After lunch we had a test which was very easy to do and the final part of the activity was another longer canoeing trip, about 8km. This was very hard because it was the end of the day but we had fun anyway.

Scouts earned their Anchor Badge and Outdoor Proficiency Badge, and Leaders were assessed for their SIS - Level 2 Flat Water Canoeing.

This was my ASM Leadership project.

Thankyou to everyone for coming

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Volume 2, Issue 1

W ell, it’s over for

another year,

and what a year

it was! Hornsby Gang Show’s most

successful season ever, with more

people coming to see the hard

work of our scouts and guides than

in any previous year. For those

that came along, thank you so

much for supporting us, the cast,

crew and management team of the

show hope you had a great time.

For those that had members of

your group in the show – you

should be extremely proud of their

efforts and achievements – we had

a great cast and they are a credit to

their families and the groups they

come from.

It’s now officially the “off-season” –

but things never really stop! Since

finishing the show, members of

Hornsby Gang Show have been to

see Cumberland Gang Show,

Central Coast Gang Show and

Canberra Gang Show, with others

to come. We’ve had people singing

at the Branch AGM, people have

been making lists of things they’d

like to do on stage next year, and

we’ve been preparing for our

Opening and Closing Ceremonies

for the 2017 Cuboree!

Auditions for next year’s show will be held in early December and are open to all active members who will be over 11 by Opening Night (30 June 2017) – if you or any of your scouts, vennies, rovers want to be put on the email list to get further audition details please email auditions@gangshow.com

HORNSBY GANG SHOW 2016 [LIVE]

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Volume 2, Issue 1

O n Friday 18th March, Hornsby

Heights “Wombats” cub, Noah

Lees was presented with his ‘Grey

Wolf” award. Noah put in a

fantastic effort to complete the work for his

award and deserves our congratulations. One,

two, three wolf—well done Noah.

GREY WOLF AWARD FOR NOAH

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Volume 2, Issue 1

JOEY SCOUT REPORT

He llo Everyone,

WOW we had the best time!

118 Joeys, 92 parents and 28 Joey Leaders arrived by train and car to the Sydney North Region Joey Transport Fun Day at Sydney Tram Museum, Loftus on Sunday 22 May for a wonderful day out. After Opening Parade and the presentation to the winner of the badge design competition (congratulations Sophie from 1st Berowra Joey Mob); the Joeys were sorted into three groups (craft base, museum

By Wendy Game—DL Joey Scouts

tour and tram ride). It was a great way to travel back in time and ride on one of Sydney's historic trams. The Joeys got to look inside some of the old trams that have been lovingly restored and the prison tram that used to take felons from Long Bay Gaol to the courthouse in Darlinghurst. Each Joey also got to make their own tram to take home at the craft activity base. The day was made even more exciting when the tram some of the Joeys travelled on broke down. I heard it made the day for those on board and made everyone else jealous.

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Volume 2, Issue 1

Congratulations to these Joey Scouts who have earned their

Promise Challenge Award

Hop Hop Hop!!!

Harley Bowden – 1st Berowra

Lincoln Johnson – 1st Berowra

Henry Logan – 1st Berowra

Harry Murphy – 1st Berowra

Keesha Nawotka – 1st Berowra

Amreen Thind – 1st Boronia

Alex Noorbergen – Cromer Dee-Why

Amelia Andre – 1st Hornsby Heights

Anna Baldwin – Normanhurst

Lydia Hsieh - Normanhurst

Maddison Phegan – Normanhurst

Lucy Richmond – Normanhurst

The volunteers were most helpful and willing to share their love of trams with us. So the next time you are looking for somewhere to go and step back in time why don't you hop on a train and pay a visit to the museum. Thanks for a great day!

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Volume 2, Issue 1

ASM’S ALL ROUND AT NORMANHURST By Alan Draper

T he last 12 months at Normanhurst Scouts has had its highs and lows, its challenges and successes.

With a large troop of active scouts preparing for the jamboree, it was inevitable that some of the older scouts would undertake the higher levels of the award scheme. This shows that the patrol system, and the award scheme attached to it does work, when the scouts and their leaders are enthusiastic about seeing their challenges come to fruition.

First up were the green cords, Kate and Emma Rogers, William Bird, Connan McRae and then Hanna Taylor received their awards in October and November last year. Then came the ASM’s. As you may be aware, an ASM or Australian Scout Medallion is the culmination of a scouts achievements, it’s hard enough to get to the level of a green cord, and harder still to achieve the ASM.

Emma Rogers undertook a major renovation project that took way longer than expected and took a lot more effort than anticipated. She organised the renovation of the back room of the scout hall, which was being used as a dumping ground for gear, but is now able to be used as a

meeting space and a place for reflection and inspiration. The room showcases the achievements of the scouts in the area, past and present. It now has a mural on one of the walls depicting a waterfall, and the room is dedicated to one of our scouts who passed away last year after a long battle with cancer, it is now known as the Caitlin Hackett room.

Kate Rogers arranged for our group to see the new Star Wars movie as a fundraiser for the jamboree, the day after it opened in Australia. This seemingly easy task quickly escalated into high level negotiations with Disney over whether they would let us have the theatre and how many seats we’d need to fill. Nearly $500 was raised by Kate.

Connan McRae set himself the target of collecting 1000 cans for the homeless, the number reached was 1019. He promoted his efforts with different sections, other scout groups, community groups, schools and churches to reach his goal. The cans were donated to Wesley Mission for distribution.

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Volume 2, Issue 1

William Bird organised a weekend wide game at Crosslands Reserve. This involved promoting it to other groups, putting together a program and a team to help, plus catering, transport and all the things a scout leader does to organise a camp. With over 30 scouts attending and activities involving navigation, team building, cooking, sneaking around at night and tackling venturers it was a great success. He has a newfound appreciation of how hard it is to run a camp, and now has the ability to do so.

Kate, Emma and Conan were awarded their ASM medal at AJ2016 and Will was awarded his at the Benowie District Easter Camp by our region

ASM’S ALL ROUND AT NORMANHURST Continued

commission Charles Turner. At the certificate presentation we learnt about all the other ASM projects undertaken by scouts around NSW, and I’d encourage any reader to find out more because whilst the tasks completed seemed daunting, they were all achievable and a great learning experience in leadership and project management. To get to this point involved a lot of help and encouragement from past and present leaders and parents of Normanhurst, and we’re very proud of them!

The best part is now we have set a standard for younger scouts to follow, and we can expect more green cords and hopefully ASM’s in the next year or two.

MEADOWBANK RAISE FUNDS FOR JOB WEEK

By Ken Paton

M eadowbank group has

had another

successful time with

job week. Most of these funds will

go to the 9 Scouts and 4 leaders

going to the NZ jamboree this

Christmas and the cubs attending

the Cuboree next year. Our goal is

to fundraise enough to send scouts

to these activities free.

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Volume 2, Issue 1

In Ancient Times

(Cuboree 2017 Myths

& Legends)

the challenge was to

defy gravity

Come to Palaver

2016

26th - 28th August

2016

Bundilla Scout

Camp

and we will show

you.

More Information will be provided

through your District Seeonee

All Welcome

ASM’S ALL ROUND AT NORMANHURST Continued

CUBOREE 2017

Myths & Legends

3rd – 7th January 2017

Cataract Scout Park

Eligibility: Youth born

between 3rd January 2006

and 3rd January 2009 and

must be an invested cub

by 3rd January 2017.

Looking for Leaders and

Parent Helpers to assist

on the Region Activity

base.

Our base is Greece

Registration will open

soon

Information will be

available through the

District Seeonee’s and also

via the Cuboree website

nswcuboree.com.au

As it becomes available

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Volume 2, Issue 1

EPISODE 2016 MOVIES & TV COMING TO A STATE

FOREST NEAR YOU! ScoutHike 2016

B elanglo State Forest was the stage for ScoutHike 2016 over the first weekend in May.1,041 Scouts registered in 184 Patrols for the weekend along with 465 adults manning 28 themed bases.

Congratulations to the Venturers, Rovers, Leaders and parents who contributed to all our Activity Bases.

This year ScoutHike had Patrols register from the Riverina Region, South Coast and Tablelands Region, Hunter and Coastal, South Metropolitan Region and the Greater Western Sydney Region as well as many Patrols from Sydney North Region.

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SCOUTHIKE 2016 (Contd.)

Volume 2, Issue 1

Thanks to all parents, Rovers, Venturers and Leaders who participated or helped in some way.

The weekend is about navigation, exposure to Blue/Explorer level Award Scheme activities, hiking, participating in a Patrol Activity and getting into the great outdoors! All Scouts are eligible to receive their first or next “Get Out in NSW Award” Badge (details of the Get Out in NSW Award are available from the Sydney North Region Website).

Stay tuned for next year’s theme and we look forward to see you at Scout Hike 2017.

Charles Turner

ScoutHike Coordinator

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Penny Becchio Compass editor

Phone: 0414442564 Email: Compass@sydneynorthscouts.com

Or penny@becchio.com

Compass editorial deadlines:

3 OCTOBER 2016

Sydney North Region 2 Ellis St

CHATSWOOD 2067 9411 4088

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

Editorial

COMPASS

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Volume 2, Issue 1

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.

SPECIAL NEEDS ACTIVITIES IN 2016

1. The annual SPECIAL NEEDS CONFERENCE is on 6-7 August at Baden Powell Scout Centre, Pennant Hills. The Conference will included the Special Needs Awareness Elective and Behaviour Management Elective and several other sessions. Those unable to attend the whole Conference are welcome to attend either or both of the Electives on Saturday. (These Electives are also available to run in any appropriate forum).

2. The "TIME TRAVELLERS AGOONOREE" is on Friday 23 to Monday 26 September at Glenrock Scout Centre, near Newcastle ... more details in due course.

Visitors' Day will be Saturday 24 September. Off-site day will be Sunday 25 day (possibly to include a visit to Newcastle Museum ... and more). These can be attended as stand-alone days for those unable to attend the whole Camp.

For queries and expressions of interest in any of the above, please contact:

Mark Burfield

State Commissioner, Special Needs

Email: markburfield@gmail.com

Ph: 0425 236 617