International Scouting
Support for International Rover Scouts Following CBR Moot Cancellation
After the cancellation of the Australia Rover Scout Moot earlier this year, local Rover Scouts rallied together to provide safe accomodation and refuge during Australia’s unprecedented bushfire crisis.
Earlier in the year, the 2020 Australian Rover Moot, CBR Moot, brought together hundreds of Australian and international participants to our nation’s capital. During a period of widespread devastation caused by the unprecedented bushfires burning around Australia, the CBR Moot Organising Committee were determined to provide a program of activities whilst ensuring the safety and security of all attendees.
However, with worsening conditions and dangerous forecasts expected, the Moot Organising Committee prioritised the safety and welfare of attendees and made the decision to cancel the onsite component of CBR Moot.
With this agonising decision, over 100 international attendees travel plans were disrupted, with Scouts from the Asia-Pacific Region and further abroad displaced and in need of emergency accomodation and respite care.
In traditional Scouting hospitality and friendship, teams of Scouts in New South Wales and Victoria rallied together to support our international visitors to provide alternative accomodation and a place of safe refuge in both Sydney and Melbourne.
Within a short period of four days, the teams assembled activities, shuttles to public transport, catering, accomodation and welfare to ensure our international friends were supported for the remainder of their time in Australia. Led by local Rover Scouts, the NSW refuge at Bundilla Scout Camp offered over 70 Scouts a venue from which they could explore a range of onsite and offsite activities.
Meanwhile, Scouts in Victoria were also hosting a delegation of international Rover Scouts. Scouts from Canada, Japan, England, Scotland and New Zealand were accommodated at 1st/14th Brighton Scout Group. To keep the adventure going while waiting for return flights home, day trips to the beach, Healesville Sanctuary, the Scout Heritage Centre and Gumbuya Park were organised.
The alternative events had all the hallmarks of an international Scout camp. During the days, international friendships were formed as Scouts completed activities and social bonding experiences such as card games. While at each activity, an international evening provided the opportunity for each country represented to share their culture including food, music, traditions and stories. Scouts were able to meet new friends from countries such as Iceland, Canada, the United Kingdom, and some of our neighbours from New Zealand.
Reflecting on their experiences, the international Scouts praised Scouts Australia highly for their support and care during these unprecedented events.
“Without you we really would have been refugees, thanks for the effort and commitment you committed to the event despite the powers above. A sincere thanks from the UK” – Kirsty, United Kingdom.
“Massive thanks to Angus Boxall, Aaron Wardle and all the other Rovers and Leaders from NSW that helped make this happen. Your dedication to the fellowship of Scouting is a cut above the rest and testament to the spirit of Scouting.” – Mark, Australia.
“So, you’re all amazing.” – Dakota, Canada.
“We out! Mad thanks to the guys who put this all together!” – Andrew, Singapore.
