Joey Scouts Kahlan Brougham and Lachlan Conn of Lake Ginninderra Scout Group and Scouts ACT Chief Commissioner Brent Juratowitch, assisted in the ceremony as Brendan Watson affirmed his promise, witnessed by youth members from the ACT, QLD, VIC and NSW.
Special guests, Andrew Locke, Scouts Australia Ambassador and Brendan’s mother, Mrs Barbara Watson. Scouts Australia Chair and Deputy Chair of National Executive Committee, Scouts Australia General Manager, Chairman of Scouts Victoria along with Chief Commissioner of Scouts ACT and Scouts Victoria.
MC of the ceremony was Scouts Australia Youth Ambassador Logan Firth from Scouts ACT. She later had a chat with Brendan learning his vision and direction of Scouts Australia in the near future.
During the ceremony the Chief Scout thanked and acknowledged the contribution of the immediate past Chief Commissioner Mr Phil Harrison who also attended.
As a youth member from Scouts to Rovers, Brendan earned the peak awards in each section. He returned to National Scouting after serving as an Assistant Scout Leader and Group Leader. His previous experience at the National level was as International Commissioner of Scouts Australia (1998-2004) and Chief Commissioner of Scouts Victoria (2014-2000).
Professionally, Brendan is a principal of a school for 960 fulltime year 11 and 12 students, 700 VET students from other schools, and 140 staffs, at Melbourne’s west.
He is committed to the power of Scouting to help young people develop. He would like to bring more supports from National to Branches, so that Branch can better support Groups. “Real Scouting is what happens in the local Unit.” says Brendan.
“Scouting also offers so many pathways for young people to pursue their passions: from camping and hiking, to caving and cycling, alpine and rock sports, or performing arts.”
“And, like a good school, Scouting provides micro-credentials – earned through badgework – skills for life that can later contribute to a successful career.”
“With 57 million Scouts in the world today, Scouting has extensive connections to volunteer in programs around the world, or to attend events like the recent World Jamboree in South Korea with 37,000 other Scouts.”
“That event demonstrated one of the greatest benefits of growing through Scouting: life-long resilience. While some were stressed by the record heatwave, temporary logistical issues, and threat of an impending typhoon, the Australian Scouts enjoyed themselves and took any challenge in their stride.”
