A standout over the running of the weekend was the superb effort, support and dedication of the CRC Sydenham Rover Scouts who conducted themselves in an exemplary manner throughout the running of the meetings, formal proceedings, meals and breakouts. Importantly, it would be remiss not to also acknowledge the extraordinary support provided to the National Executive Officers Network (NEON) meeting by the entire team of the Caroline Springs Scout Centre.
National Annual Meeting 2025
The Scouts Australia Annual General Meeting 2025 (AGM 2025) was held at Catholic Regional College (CRC) Sydenham, Victoria over the period 21-23 November. Approximately 80 people from across Australia participated, online and in-person, in the AGM, National meetings, workshops and associated activities.
The Chiefs Council and the National Executive Officers Network (NEON) meeting – both held in Caroline Springs on Friday – were the first official activities, followed over the weekend by workshops focused on Key Moves of our Strategic Plan, along with National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Operations Committee (NOC) meetings.
The AGM 2025 occurred on Saturday evening and ran incredibly well, including our National Councillors participating in online voting on various matters. During AGM 2025, the Scouts Australia Annual Report 2025 was delivered and endorsed by the National Council.
The AGM 2025 marked a significant turning point in the history of Scouting in Australia, with the first steps towards the creation of Scouts Australia-Operations Branch (SA-OB) winning almost unanimous endorsement from the National Council. Now the all-important work to deliver on this important outcome can begin.
As was reinforced on many occasions throughout the AGM weekend, the creation of Scouts Australia-Operations Branch is fundamentally about ensuring the continued delivery of Scouting in every State and Territory of Australia, emphasising our collective obligation as a national movement to deliver on our Purpose:
“The Purpose of the Scout Movement is to contribute to the education of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.”
The AGM 2025 also marked the transition from our current National President Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (Rtd) – whose tenure as National President came to an end over the weekend, to our new National President David John Hurley AC CVO DSC (Retd) – whose appointment was unanimously endorsed by the National Council.
The formal proceedings were immediately followed by dinner and an incredible showcase of Scouting activities hosted by an immensely talented group of youth members. The activities continued into Sunday with a truly inspirational and enlightening presentation by Scouts Aotearoa, along with presentations and discussions on Scouts Australia-Operations Branch, Social Media Restrictions (presented by members of the Scouts Victoria Branch Venturer Council), Safe From Harm/Child Safety, and a workshop focused on the development of the National Digital Ecosystem. The program concluded on Sunday afternoon.
I would like to thank our outgoing National President Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (Rtd), Chief Commissioner Brendan Watson OAM, NEC Chair Toby Phillips, and all members of the National Council, NEC, NOC, the National Team and the National Executive Officer Network (NEON) for their attendance. Special thanks to the National Support Team who coordinated and assisted throughout the weekend, with special mention to Estelle Marine for her outstanding efforts to ensure the delivery of the AGM weekend, along with Sheree Giffin and Kitty Tsang. Thanks also to Scouts Victoria for providing such fantastic support, and to our Youth Members, all of whom represented the very best of Scouting.
Chris Allen
National General Manager, Scouts Australia