Asia Pacific Region Scouting (APR)
28th Asia Pacific Region Conference
From 11 – 17 October, the 28th Asia Pacific Region Scout Conference took place in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, gathering representatives from 33 National Scout Organizations (NSOs) across the region. This important event runs every three years, where key decisions shaping the future of Scouting in the region are made.
The Australian Delegation was led by Nicholas Carroll, Deputy International Commissioner and Rover Scout, who also led the delegation to the Asia Pacific Region Youth Forum in Taipei prior to the Regional Conference. He was joined by Nikketah Cuneo, Australia’s candidate for the Asia Pacific Region Committee and Deputy Chief Commissioner – Scouts Queensland, Brendan Watson OAM, Chief Commissioner of Australia, Shaylah McClymont, Deputy Chief Commissioner of Australia, Dougal Mayor, Deputy Chief Commissioner of Australia and Lisa Picking, International Commissioner of Australia. Together, they represented Australia’s interests and contributed to the critical discussions that will guide the Scouting movement in the region for years to come.
Scouts Australia had a very successful conference with our candidate for the regional committee, Nikketah Cuneo being voted on to the committee, Ross Tutin, Assistant International Commissioner, Clare Hanley, Immediate past National Advisor – Diversity and
Inclusion and Chief Commissioner of Australia Brendan Watson OAM, being appointed to Regional Sub-Committees for Governance, Diversity and Inclusion and Safe From Harm/Safeguarding respectively with Brendan also being appointed Chair of the Safe From Harm/Safeguarding Sub-Committee. In addition, Neville Tomkins AM JP was appointed Chair of the APR Task Force for Potential Countries. Kirsty Brown AM was appointed Vice Chair of the APR Awards Committee following the completion of her 3-year term on the Awards Committee and continues in her role as Consultant to the APR Committee. Paul Parkinson OAM also continues in the advisory role of Consultant to the APR Scout Committee.
Australians Elected to Leadership Roles in the
Asia Pacific Region (APR)
Additionally, Scouts Australia proposed an amendment to the APR Constitution regarding National Scouting Organizations responsibilities regarding Safe from Harm/Safeguarding initiatives, which was seconded by Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia and the Kiribati Scout Association. The amendment passed and now Member Organisations not compliant with the WOSM Safeguarding Policies and measures, are not permitted to nominate or have their members renominated for Regional committees, taskforces or other roles nor bid or host Regional events. The amendment was carried with two thirds majority support, making the APR the first and only region with measures such as this in place. This speaks further to Scouts Australia’s commitment to safeguarding for all our members but particularly young people and vulnerable people.
Throughout the conference, the delegation voted for new Regional Scout Committee members for the 2025-2028 term and the locations for future regional events as well as reviewing and voting for the new regional triennial plan and other conference resolutions. We also heard updates from World Event Organising teams such as World Scout Jamboree, World Scout Conference and World Scout Moot and other organisations such as Kandersteg International Scout Centre, the World Organisation of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
The Australian Delegation also had the great pleasure of watching members of Scouts Australia be awarded with APR Awards, acknowledging their service and dedication to Scouting.
Congratulations to:
Emma Watson – APR Certificate of Good Service
Chris Bates – APR Medal for Good Service
Phil Harrison AM – APR Medal for Good Service
Neville Tomkins AM JP – APR Award for Distinguished Service
The Australian delegation, supported by Scouts Australia’s Observers recommitted to Scouts Australia’s active role in regional and global Scouting and the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking in ensuring the continued success and relevance of the Scouting movement. We thank the Scouts of China (Taiwan), hosts of the conference and the staff and volunteers from APR Support Centre for putting on such a wonderful conference.
Australian Delegation
Nick Carroll
Nikketah Cuneo
Dougal Mayor
Shaylah McClymont
Lisa Picking
Brendan Watson OAM
Australian Observers
Chris Bates
Janis Bates
Peter Blatch AM
Paul Parkinson OAM
Phil Harrison AM
Neville Tomkins AM JP
Ross Tutin
Emma Watson
APR Committee Member 2018 – 2025
Elston Hynd AM
Future Regional Scouting Events
29th Asia Pacific Scout Conference, 2028 successful bid – Hong Kong
34th Asia Pacific Jamboree 2029 successful bid – Thailand
