9th Caulfield Scout Group Murrumbeena Hall Refurbishment

Written on the 13 November 2012

On Monday evening I was invited, along with the member for Caulfield in the Assembly, David Southwick, to attend the opening of the renovations at the 9th Caulfield Scouts hall in Murrumbeena. Together with the chief commissioner of Scouts Victoria, Bob Taylor, and the mayor of the City of Glen Eira, Cr Margaret Esakoff, we were able to see firsthand the many improvements that the refurbishment has made to the hall, which has been in existence for over 50 years.

 

The refurbishment includes an upgrade to the kitchen, a vast improvement to the bathroom facility, new flooring, a proper storage area, a coat of paint and new wiring for the hall. The hall looks fantastic, and what a great tribute to all involved in working to ensure the hall's transition and upgrade.

 

Not only did the local community, together with the parents and supporters of the club, raise somewhere in the vicinity of $30 000 -- a fantastic effort, I might add -- but they pitched in and have done a terrific job in bringing the hall and its surrounds to their current state.

 

I would also like to acknowledge the Minister for Youth Affairs, Ryan Smith, and the election commitment to provide $4 million of funding to scouts and girl guide facilities across the state for upgrades. The 9th Caulfield scout group was a worthy recipient, receiving a grant of $50 000. The skills and experiences that so many young Victorians receive through the scout and girl guide movement have been long established. I am sure many young people from the Caulfield and Oakleigh areas will continue to participate in the movement in great numbers.

 

However, recognition of the many parents and supporters should not go unmentioned.

 

In particular I would like to congratulate Andrew and Dianne Howard on their untiring service to the group and all those responsible for the 9th Caulfield scout group receiving the mayor's group of the year 2012 award, being a regional finalist for the hall of the year and receiving the chief commissioner's award. I also congratulate the five leaders on receiving the Good Service Award for scouting. It was a fantastic effort by all.