Narre Warren South Scouts will soon enjoy new, modern facilities thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government to help young Victorians come together and learn new skills.
State Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas MP was honoured to represent the Hon Ros Spence MP, Minister for Youth, at the official sod turn to mark the start of construction of the new Narre Warren South Scout Hall.
The construction of the new hall will help meet the demand from Narre Warren South Scouts’ growing numbers.
The new hall will be built on the grounds of Oakgrove Community Centre and is the first time Narre Warren South Scouts Group will have a place to call their own. The new, permanent location will ensure the group can offer more activities to its members to learn and thrive as a community.
The State Government has provided $650,000 towards the project with Scouts Victoria matching the state investment and the City of Casey contributing $350,000 and the land.
The funding is part of the Government’s 2018 election commitment of $5.5 million over four years to build, upgrade or refurbish scout halls across Victoria. Funding is matched by Scouts Victoria, bringing the total investment to $11 million.
Scouts Victoria is one of the state’s biggest youth organisations and has a membership base of over 20,000 young people and 9,000 adult volunteers. The number of young people involved in scouting has grown by 30 per cent in the last 10 years.
Scouts Victoria has a rich history of fostering teamwork, care for community and leadership skills among young Victorians aged 11 to 14. Scouting supports young people’s development and growth and creates opportunities to lead by example in their communities.
Quote attributable to Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas
“This project will provide young people in Narre Warren South with a brand new scout hall to connect with their peers and build their community.”
“Giving young people a space in which they can expand and learn new skills is so important to their development and wellbeing.”
“The Narre Warren South Scouts will soon have their own space to call home and it’s fantastic to see this funding take effect, which will help the group’s growing numbers to continue their important work.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Youth Ros Spence
“An investment in scouting is an investment in our future young leaders – we’re proud to be supporting young people to develop their skills and make friends for life.”