MISCELLANEOUS

Fundraising activities include:

Anything that involves fundraising in the "Public Arena"

IMPORTANT:

Internal fundraising events are exempt from the Act so they do not need to be reported to the Office of Fair Trading and Business Affairs. Your Group is able to raise money for its own purposes from its own members and/or relatives and acquaintances of its own members, whether new, past or present members, then these internal money-raising events are exempt from the legislation. Examples of such events include chocolate and lamington drives and sausage sizzles (if they are not held in a public place where the general public can purchase).

All public fundraising activities must be notified to the Office of Fair Trading and Business Affairs at least 28 days before they are undertaken

The legislation requires you to complete and lodge with the Office of Fair Trading and Business Affairs a "Notice of Intention to Conduct a Fundraising Appeal" form at least 28 days before your fundraising activity is to start. A copy of the form is available from the Office of Fair Trading by calling (03) 9627 6148.

Fundraisers must keep records and accounts.

The Group running the fundraising activity must keep accurate and true records of the income and expenditure relating to the appeal. Full details of all funds and assets received, as a result of the appeal and full details of what happened to those funds and assets must be recorded. Summary financial accounts must be made available for public inspection if requested after each appeal. Records must then be kept for three years after an appeal has ended.

Raffles do not come under this Act - they are with the Casino and Gambling Authority

The Office of Fair Trading and Business Affairs has produced a very good pamphlet about the act. If you would like this pamphlet and the "Notice of Intention to Conduct a Fundraising Appeal" 'form phone (03) 9627 6148 or GPO Box 123A, Melbourne 3001.'

SECTION 7– SCOUT FOUNDATION

The Victorian Scout Foundation is a corporate body established under the authority of the State Executive Committee. A company limited by guarantee administers this corporate body. The decision to form the Victorian Scout Foundation was made at Branch Executive level on 24th May 1983.

The Foundation aims to marshal on a continuing basis the skills, experience and financial support of members and supporters of the Movement in Victoria. It aims to gather together those who appreciate and are concerned about the Branch’s contribution to make young people into good citizens. For years Scouting has funded its development needs from within its own resources even though its contribution was to the advantage of the whole community.

However, as the Victorian Branch takes up the challenge to deliver the benefits of Scout training in areas of social need to an extent far beyond our past experiences -- it now requires greater support from the community generally. The membership can only pay so much in joining fees, subscriptions and capital levies.

The short-term goal to raise $1,000,000 within five years to help meet immediate needs has now been received, which include:-

a. To stabilise membership and registration fees.
b. To help where necessary with rehabilitation of campsites.
c. To help up-grade some campsites.

The long-term goal is:-

a. To build up a substantial corpus of assets, the income from which will be used to project the long term needs of Scouting.
b. To provide financial assistance for the implementation of far reaching development plans drawn up by the Victorian Branch of the Scout Association which looks to developing its services to youth members into the 21st Century and beyond.

The plan is based on these objectives:-

a. To increase both Youth and Leader Membership.
b. To improve standards of Youth and Leader membership training.
c. To provide and maintain an appropriate organization structure.
d. To provide and maintain appropriate supporting services and facilities.
e. To provide an appropriate level of financing to maintain and promote operations at all levels.

Individuals, Families, Companies, Trusts and Organizations, may qualify for membership by making a commitment to pay a specific amount over a period of five years. In addition, individuals may qualify for membership by giving notification of their intention to make bequests to the Foundation. The Foundation Trust Deed provides for four levels of membership:-

a. Governor: A member who makes a contribution of $25,000 or more or gives notification of an intended bequest of $50,000 or more qualifies as a Governor of the Foundation.

b. Fellow: A member who makes a contribution of $10,000 or more but less than $20,000 or gives notification of an intended bequest of $20,000 or more but less than $50,000 qualifies as a Fellow of the Foundation.

c. Member: A member who makes a contribution of $2,000 or more but less than $10,000 or gives notification of an intended bequest of $1,200 or more, but less than $4,000.

d. Associate Member: A member who makes a gift of $600 or more, but less than $2,000, or gives notification of an intended bequest of $1,200 or more, but less than $4,000.

In the case of individuals, membership is granted for life. In other cases, membership shall be for such periods as may be determined by the Directors of the Foundation. Application for membership must be made on the prescribed application form.

Payment can be made other than by cash. There are a variety of ways to suit your convenience:-

a. Immediately realizable assets (real estate, shares in public companies).
b. Immediately realizable assets spread over a period of time up to five years.
c. A bequest to the Foundation.
d. A gift to the Foundation with the donor retaining the use of the property during his lifetime.
e. Non-realizable assets such as shares in private companies
f. A combination of any of the above.

Groups of people may contribute and nominate their representative. Membership would be for a period of time as determined by the Board of Management. For further information -- Foundation Office, 152 Forster Road Mount Waverly VIC 3149. Phone 03 8543 9800

SECTION 8 – GANG SHOW

The Melbourne Gang Show started in the Victorian Branch in 1953 and aimed to train young people in theatre crafts and also to stage an annual show, that was good public relations for Scouting. More than three hundred and fifty people now work for the show, which has a very full and complex program of activities beyond the annual production.

Shows are staged around Victoria for Scouting and charity. A number of spin-off activities result, and there is a ready pool of expertise in many communication fields, with a large group of young people in training.

Country District Commissioners are invited to contact Gang Show regarding country tours, where local Scouts join with selected Gang Show members and stage their own Show. The Show has accumulated a sizeable quantity of equipment that is need for theatrical productions: eg, costumes, scenery, electronic equipment, rostra and drapes.

These assets are in constant use, not only in Melbourne, but for local and interstate shows, where there are strong links and considerable support. Scripts and music are available from the Gang Show Library. For further information regarding hire of Gang Show equipment, inquiries should be addressed to: Melbourne Gang Show, c/o Branch Headquarters, P.O. Box 774 Mount Waverly VIC 3149.

SECTION 9 – POLITICS – GOVERNMENTS - LOCAL/STATE/FEDERAL

Refer APR P 9.2. Scouting is a non-political Movement, and it is important that this position is not compromised in any way, eg, by the distribution of political leaflets or appearing to have given support to any particular candidate or party, at any time, to Federal, State or Local Council. However, Leaders should be alert to the help, which is available to Scouting from Government instrumentalities, and particularly from Municipalities, and therefore, need to be in contact with Councillors and local members.

Councillors and Local Members should be kept informed by all Leaders of what is happening in their Wards, Ridings and Electorates, and encouraged wherever possible to join a Group Committee, District Association, Region Association, Branch level so that they may become personally involved in some way in Scouting.

SECTION 10 -- MAGAZINES

This is the official magazine of the Victorian, Queensland, ACT, New South Wales, Western Australia and Northern Territory Branches of the Scout Association of Australia. Circulation is throughout Australia and overseas. The magazine has been published since 1912, with several name changes since its inception.

Total circulation is eighteen thousand (18,000) copies with Victorian, Queensland, West Australian, Australian Capital Territory, and New South Wales editions. Eleven issues are annually published. The January-February magazine is a combined issue.

Contributing to the Magazine. Editorial and pictorial content is entirely contributed by Adult Leaders and Youth Members of the Association, co-ordinated by the Australian Scout Editorial Committee. Articles (preferably on disc) and captioned photographs as soon as possible after the event (or well in advance for future activities), should be sent to Kingsley Davis, Victorian Editor, Australian Scout, P.O. Box 774 Mount Waverly VIC 3149.

Deadlines

a. Victorian Copy. To ensure publication in a requested edition of Australian Scout, copy for the Victorian pages must reach the Victorian Editor as follows: -
 (1) For the March-November editions, by the 8th day of the month, seven weeks prior to the month of intended publication.
 (2) For February issue, by 24th November.
b. National Copy. By the 15th day of the month six weeks prior to the month of intended publication;
c. It is most helpful to the production of Australian Scout if contributions are forwarded as early as can be managed before the above deadlines.
Australian Scout aims to report major events and other late news as soon as possible. For this purpose, by prior arrangement with the Victorian Editor, late material can be taken up to the 7th day of the month, about three weeks prior to publication.
The magazine committee employs the services of an Editor, Mr Andrew Taylor, who compiles the publication. Mr. Ken Lloyd Jones co-ordinates advertising. Mr. Kingsley Davis is the Victorian editor. A small team of reporters and photographers supports him. Leaders wishing to join the Victorian Reporting Team should write to the Victorian Editor at Branch Head Quarters.

Rate cards for advertising are available on request. The magazine is available by subscription.

Suggestions for improvements and ideas should be addressed to: Mr David Jefferson, Chairman, Australian Scout Editorial Committee, Scout Association of Australia, P.O. Box 774 Mount Waverly VIC 3149.

Interchange

2167. “Interchange” is a magazine for Venturer Scouts and Rovers, and has news and ideas, as well as reports of activities of interest to Venturer Scouts and Rovers. Branch Headquarters provides a copy free to each Venturer Unit and Rover Crew in Victoria. Other Venturer Scouts, Rovers, Leaders, etc., who are interested, may subscribe to Interchange, Post Office Box 1028, Huntingdale 3166. Advertising rates on request.

Kaboom

Kaboom is provided free by Branch Headquarters to all Patrol Leaders in Victoria. Leaders and others interested in receiving a copy, may subscribe by contacting Kaboom, Post Office Box 28, Huntingdale, 3l66. It is published six times a year. Advertising rates on request. The publication is in a wall chart format.

SECTION 11 – SNOWGUM STORES

Uniform Supply. The Group Leader must ensure that Youth Members are told what to buy and where to buy it. Uniforms and other items of apparel are available from Snowgum Stores, which is wholly owned by the Scout Association of Australia (Victorian & New South Wales Branches).

Award or Achievement Badges are available also from Snowgum, as well as through District Badge Secretaries.

Outdoor Gear. Leaders should be aware that food, rucksacks, sleeping bags, tents, etc. are available from Snowgum Stores at very competitive prices. Members are issued with a Membership Benefit Card, which entitles the holder to 10% discount on purchases such as these.

Credit Accounts. Groups may open a credit account on completion of an Account Authorization Form, available from Snowgum Stores. Commercial Division trading terms are “payment within 30 days from date of statement.”

Profit. Leaders should be aware that profits generated from commercial activity are returned to Victorian Scouting.

SECTION 12 – PEN-FRIENDS

World Scout Link Scheme. The Scout Movement has encouraged individual Scout Youth Members of different member countries to become pen-friends, or Scouting units of different member countries to “link up” and exchange periodic news of their activities, badges, stamps or other matters. To assist Members to find suitable pen-friends in overseas countries, the Australian Association participates in the World Scout Link Scheme.

This scheme is available to all Uniformed Members of the Movement, including adult leaders. Each applicant should address a letter to the International Commissioner giving the following information:-

a. Name,
b. Address,
c. Scout Group and rank or Certificate of Adult Membership,
d. Age,
e. Religion (and Denomination where advisable),
f. Languages spoken,
g. Country or countries preferred, and
h. Hobbies or special interests.

This letter needs to be endorsed by the Section Leader and sent to:- The International Commissioner, Scout Association of Australia, Post Office Box 730, Heathmont 3135.

E-mail: int.comm.@scouts.com.au phone, 03 9879 7839.

This system in no way prevents Scouting Members from personally establishing links with Scouts from other member countries. If a number of members in a unit want to ‘link up’ with members of another unit overseas, it is best for the Group Leader initially to seek a ‘link up’ with a Group Leader overseas, with a view to developing direct contact between the individual members of each Group. (The term, Scouts, is being increasingly replaced with that of Youth Members, but carries the same meaning. Scouts, as a term, is still being used in many of the following paragraphs.)

If a Scout wishes to correspond with a Scout in another State of Australia, the applicant should forward his request to Branch International Commissioner at Branch Headquarters.

2180. The World Conference has condemned practices such as chain letters or pyramid cards. They are not considered of real value, are liable to abuse, and in some countries, are forbidden by law or postal regulations. They should be actively discouraged.

Youth Members Attending National or Overseas Activities

Funds are available to enable financial assistance to be made available to Youth Members, but not Leaders or adults, to attend Scouting activities. For National Scouting events, the National Events Assistance Reserve (NEAR) has been established. For overseas Scouting events, the Victorian Branch EML Fund offers assistance.

Who can apply? Grants will be made on a “needs” basis, with preference going to the most deserving applicants. Previous recipients of financial assistance to attend Scouting events, will not be eligible for another grant. The factors determining “needs” can be widely interpreted. They may be related to family size, hardship, illness, unemployment, or any of many other reasons.

Amount of Assistance. Assistance is available up to 50% of the standard Contingent Fee for the events. No assistance is available for additional costs such as travel to and from the applicant’s home to Melbourne airport, passport costs, pocket money, or optional sightseeing or touring before, during or after the events.

How to Apply for Assistance. Applications should be made in writing, outlining the reasons why assistance is being sought. Applicants should include details of their Scouting career, show how they comply with Contingent Membership requirements and indicate how the balance of the fee is being raised. Applications should be supported by letters from a Group Leader (eg, Section Leader or Group Leader) and from the District Commissioner. Applications should be sent in confidence to the Branch Commissioner (International), The Scout Association of Australia, Victorian Branch, 152 Forster Road Mount Waverly VIC 3149 (P.O. Box 774 Mount Waverly VIC 3149).

Rotary Uniform Fund

The Rotary Club of Melbourne has for some years, very kindly made available sums of money to enable uniforms to be provided for needy Youth Members. If you have a needy Youth Member who cannot afford the cost of a uniform, the Group Leader should apply in writing to the District Commissioner giving details of the circumstances. If the District approves, the application should be forwarded to the Deputy Chief Commissioner, c/- Victorian Branch Headquarters, 152 Forster Road Mount Waverly VIC 3149.

2186. The Deputy Chief Commissioner will arrange to have a Purchase Order on Snowgum Stores, and forward them to the Group Leader to pass on to the parent, and the Region Commissioner will be notified. In most instances it will be necessary for the Group to show that they are also providing assistance to the needy member.

SECTION 14 – THE SCOUT INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION FUND

This fund has existed for many years to provide a way for all members of the Scout Movement to help Scouts in other countries. It is designed to “help Scouts help others”. Donations to the International Co-operation Fund are received from national Scout Associations, Scout Groups and individuals.

2188. Contributions are needed to:-

a. Help Scouts in developing countries to start projects, which will help improve the living conditions of people in their community.
b. Assist Scout Associations to develop needed training and activity centres.
c. Help Scouts in need after natural disasters.
d. Develop Scout programs and print Scout handbooks in local languages.
e. Extend Scouting to the disabled.
f. Provide training scholarships for leaders.

SECTION 15 – NATURAL DISASTERS RELIEF

Guidelines and Instructions

2189. The National Secretary issued National Guidelines for Co-operation with Civil Authorities in Natural Disasters in December 1976. They are shown at Annex A to this chapter.

SECTION 16 -- DEVELOPMENT

recruitment to those who need it. Groups and Districts should be constantly working to increase the strength of the Movement by aiming for maximum Joey Mob, Cub Pack, Scout Troop, Unit and Crew numbers and, where possible, opening up new sections in a Group or new Groups in a District.

2191. Victorian Branch Headquarters can assist Groups and Districts in this task by making available an Officer to go into local schools to foster youth’s interest.

Requests for the services of a Development Field Officer should be made through the District Commissioner to the Development Department, Victorian Branch Headquarters. Several Development Aids have been produced by the Development Department and include:-

a. A booklet entitled, “Starting a New Group or Pack the Easy Way.”
b. Pamphlets entitled:-
(1) “What Scouting can do for your child,” (A pamphlet for Parents)?
(2) “Want to be a Leader?” (Questions and answers for potential Leaders).
c. All of the above aids are available free to District Commissioners on request to the Assistant Region Commissioner -- Development.
d. A booklet entitled Recruiting Adult Leaders for Scouting and the Recruiter’s Personal Kit are available from Snowgum Stores.

Youth Members, whose parents originate from other countries and from varying cultural backgrounds, should receive special encouragement to become Scouts. This may be done by integrating these Youth Members into open Groups, and including some of their own culture in the program, or, where cultural ties are strong, setting up special “Ethnic” Groups which can be integrated at a District level. Advice and assistance in setting up these special Groups or for obtaining multi-lingual literature or translations, can also be obtained from the Development Department at Branch Headquarters.

Need for Quality Leadership The problem from a Development point of view is to get good quality Group Leaders, first by building up and improving the Leaders we now have. The emphasis for recruitment lies with support from the local community and this is needed to take the pressure off the Group Leader. In Groups where there is more than one Cub Scout Pack or Scout Troop, an Assistant Group Leader is also necessary to take the pressure off the Group Leader. It is important to boost local public relations -- recruitment relies on good Public Relations.

Run a Good Group. Requirements for running a good Group are:-

a. Keen and enthusiastic Leaders.
b. Variety of Leaders.
c. High quality Leaders.
d. Properly trained Leaders.
e. Fulfilling youth needs and not their wants.
f. Planned programs.

2196. Numbers versus quality -- it is better to develop what we have got. Quality Leaders -- Quantity in Youth. Good Group Leaders are vital for Scouting.

Recruitment

District/Groups should have an annual program with a set of objectives to achieve. Each activity must be extremely well planned and every possibility covered. Videos are available for use at school visits. Letters should be issued to parents of children who have shown interest. This should be followed up by personal contact. The parents’ meeting to put across the Scouting message must also be supported by child minding/entertainment at a nearby facility. (This needs to cope with all ages).

2198. Do not rush into a recruitment campaign, but plan it, select the right people to do the job and carefully monitor every step. Young people are precious to us. For further ideas, refer to the WASP Book Recruiting for Scouting.

Ethnic Recruitment

A District program supported by all Groups, should ensure an annual visit to all ethnic Groups, ie, Churches/clubs, to report on what Scouting is doing World-Wide, in Australia/Victoria and locally. Preferably have someone presenting the information in the particular language and also have handouts in that language. (Liaise with Development Department at BHQ.)

At least monthly, ensure an article on Scouting appears in all ethnic newspapers distributed in the locality. If papers are not ‘local,’ then arrange with Development Department for specific reports and photos to be forwarded to newspapers. Articles must be newsworthy and depict action and excitement.

Single Parent/Single Income Families

2201. Single parents make tremendous sacrifices to put their children through the Scout Program. They see the value of Scouting and the need for their children to have extra company whilst growing up. Group Leaders must also be made aware of the family situation and how this can affect membership. Many single parent families also experience financial disadvantage.

Financially Disadvantaged

Scouting is an expensive activity, especially for low income earners. Family follow-up after- school visits are the only way to assess the financial status of the family. The Group Leader must be made aware of what to look for in terms of family circumstances and how these potentially affect Scouting participation.

Second-hand Uniform scheme. This can be tactfully offered to low income families as an alternative to buying a new uniform. However, many families are too proud and don’t wish to accept charity. Instead, parents will work hard to provide a new uniform for their child, so that he/she will feel part of the team and not ‘different’ from the rest of the Group.

Local Council Youth Officers

Local Council Youth Officers tend to be more concerned for underprivileged and disadvantaged youth rather than the development of youth as a whole. Local Councils generally give great support to Scouting, particularly money for training and the leasing of land used for Scout Halls. Make contact with Local Councillors, the Mayor and staff of the Councils (especially Municipal Recreation Officers). Attend Council meetings occasionally (in uniform), and by supporting Council organized programs. it can only enhance the relationship.

Newly Developed Areas

Many areas where Scouting numbers are falling are the growth areas and new estates. It is often the case that both parents are working and are under a heavy financial burden associated with high mortgage repayments. Parents are also too busy to read advertising material plus other mail received, and this, coupled with financial burden, may explain why there is a poor attendance rate of parents at meetings preceding school visits. This is another reason why follow-up is important.

What parents consider important for their children has also changed - parents require a baby-sitter or something to occupy their children for the parents’ benefit, rather than their children, but we must never lose sight of what Scouting can do for young people. Youth must not miss out because of such parent attitudes.

Established Groups which are more financially sound, should provide assistance to struggling Groups in newly developed and high growth areas, so that these children can also experience Scouting. A “buddy” system between areas and Groups should be encouraged so that a redistribution of wealth can occur, but more importantly, Scouting can be offered to more young people.

Local Churches

Church Groups have good potential and should be encouraged. It is more important to take Scouting to youth, rather than discriminating on the basis of religion.

In-School Joey Scout/Cub Scout Cub Scouting

Cub Scout Packs are now operating in several State Schools during regular school hours, mainly as part of the Supplementary Grants Clubs program. These two programs are giving the opportunity of taking part in Scouting to many young people who would not otherwise enjoy this privilege. Experienced volunteer Leaders are invited to participate in these worthwhile programmes.

Ethno-Specific Groups

An ethno-specific Scout Group has two jobs to fulfil. The first is to tell members about their own traditions and secondly to help them adapt to Australian society. In some areas, ethno-specific groups have been established and in other areas, ethnic youth integrate with existing groups. Both approaches are needed, and both work.

SECTION 17 – KIRIBATI

 As an Asia-Pacific Project, the Victorian Branch took on a support role for the development of Scouting in Kiribati (pronounced Kir-ee-bass) in 1979.

Over the years up to 1988, some experienced training team members have visited the Islands (situated due north of Fiji on the equator and previously known as the Gilbert and Ellis Islands). Their main idea has been to provide training programs and methods suitable for the Kiribati personnel to utilise within their own culture and environment, ie, our primary objective is to assist Kiribati to develop Kiribati Scouting.

Australia played a key role in the development of a small booklet - Getting Started in the South Pacific and the production of a Common Youth Program (adaptable to the needs and resources of each Association).

Victoria budgets approximately five thousand dollars annually towards Kiribati whether it is for training support, publications or, as in 1988, bringing Youth Members to the World Jamboree. In 1994 a Youth Program applicable to the Island's youth was written and translated into their native language.

Kiribati is an island paradise -- but by choice is not a tourist destination and is not a wealthy country. Hygiene, agriculture, sanitation and accommodation are not of a high standard. Scouting can play a useful role in these community areas. Scout members have increased from 500 (1987) to nearly on thousand in 1989.

It is our aim to increase Victorian Scouts’ awareness of Kiribati. We are aware that very few leaders (and literally no Youth Members) are aware of Victoria’s obligation towards Kiribati. It is likely that through this Leader Resource Manual are highlighted a few practical ideas on how local Scouting Communities can be involved.

Publications: there is a need to put together some articles on Kiribati and Scouting and to tell our members of their opportunity for involvement in International Scouting, with Kiribati in particular. Scout Aids: we could promote local involvement in helping Kiribati eg a Scout Troop prepared to make, for example 20 Rounders’ bats with 20 tennis balls which could be sent to Kiribati for distribution at Pack/Troop level. Other ideas include the supply of games ideas, old books, manuals, rope, tentage, hiking gear, etc.

Establish a Victorian Group or District “Adoption Package”. This could include some of the above ideas (maybe as a 12 month Troop project) or be extended to Australian visits to Kiribati (EML Fund). Pen Pals, information exchange, photo swaps, assistance in fund-raising or sponsorship at Jamborees (Brotherhood Fund) are also possible approaches.

be we should look at assisting traditional Scouting in Kiribati (knots, outdoormanship etc.) but develop new Scouting Programs as in other Third World Countries, including Agriculture, Sanitation, Hygiene. This might be most suitable at Venturer, Rover level. This needs careful and sensitive planning and implementation.

Similarly, there could be visits of Kiribati personnel here to Australia for Scouting experiences: Youth Members to Jamborees, Leaders for Training Courses and even for attendance at an ordinary “Scout Camp.” Obviously finance and exposure are problems that need to be looked at, together with effectiveness of such experiences in helping Kiribati Scouting when personnel return home. For more information contact Branch Head Quarters and the Victorian Project Commissioner responsible for this project.

The National Secretary in December, 1976, issued the following National Guidelines for Co-operation with Civil Authorities in Natural Disasters.

Introduction

1. These Guidelines are issued to assist members of the Scout Association of Australia (hereinafter referred to as Scouts) in co-operating with the respective authorities responsible for the co-ordination of relief operations in the event of an emergency. They contain suggestions on planning ways in which the Association can be of assistance and on ways in which Scout training may be related to this purpose.

2. The laws of practices relating to disaster relief vary from State to State. Leaders should regard these guidelines as a general statement of policy, which will be interpreted at Branch and local levels.

3. Each Branch should issue guidelines applicable to its own state. Indeed, it may be possible and advisable for Branches to issue positive directives. The appropriate liaison link in each State is Branch Headquarters with headquarters, State Emergency Service.

History

^{th November 1974, as the result of a}

5. On 19.11.75, a seminar was held at the National Emergency Services College at Mount Macedon in Victoria at which commissioners from each Branch and National HQ. of the Association discussed Scout participation.

6. The following Guidelines derive from that seminar.

Commitment

7. The Scout Movement is a voluntary movement whose aim is ‘to encourage the physical, mental, social and spiritual development of young people so that they can take a constructive place in society as responsible citizens’.

8. In line with the stated principle of Scouting that ...’Man should ..act in consideration of the needs of others, and develop and use his abilities to the betterment of himself, his family, and the community in which he lives” ... the Scout Promise which every Scout makes includes the words ‘On my honour I promise...to help other people....’.

9. Because it is a part-time voluntary educational movement, the Scout Association cannot oblige its members to respond to a call for aid in the event of disaster. Nevertheless, the Principles and the Promise are powerful influences towards Scout participation in disaster relief. Indeed, it was with this in mind that the National Executive Committee decided to make the declaration quoted above.

10. The nature of the commitment accepted by Scouts individually or collectively will depend upon -

1. The nature of the help needed to meet the emergency situation.

2. The training and skills of individuals and groups.

The extent to which they themselves or their families are affected by the

4. The amount of warning or notice given.

5. The age of the individuals.

12. The type of activity, which Scouts can undertake in relief of disaster, will vary according to the age and personal skills of participants. These factors are changing continuously, making detailed planning very difficult unless the activities envisaged are kept general. Examples of ‘general’ activities are:-

12.1 Welfare Billeting, general support, entertainment, sorting relief supplies and donations, fuel and water provisions, catering/cooking, collection and distribution of equipment/clothing/food, uniformed personnel for registration, comfort, guides and escorts, etc.

12.3 Gathering information.

12.5 Provision of labour.

12.6 Provision of shelter.

13. Where appropriate Scout uniform should be worn by Scouts engaged in disaster relief operations and/or training.

14. The Scout Movement has within its ranks many people with special skills not necessarily acquired through Scouting. Such people can only be identified at local level. Their participation should be encouraged and, if available, included in plans. They include, not only uniformed members of the Movement, but also adult non-uniformed supporters.

19. Characteristics of such methods will be -

19.1 Liaison at each Scout HQ. level with the related emergency service HQ.

Branch - HQ. State or Territory emergency service.

Region - as appropriate.

District - as appropriate (probably Local Controller, State Emergency Service).

Group - as appropriate.

19.2 An understanding given and received regarding:-

- Extent of Scout Association commitment.

- Types of relief activities offered and accepted.

- Liaison contacts (names, addresses, phone numbers of contact officers.)

- Method of call-out.

- Representation at planning conferences, if required.

- Special training, if undertaken.

- Participation in rehearsal and/or exercises, if undertaken.

Programs and Training

20. Achievement Awards It is not intended that the system of achievement awards be changed to recognize disaster involvement, the existing system adequately covers this. Leaders should encourage Scouts to use emergency relief activities as steps towards awards. Indeed learning to be of use in disaster relief should be a natural consequence of gaining awards.

21. Programs The extent to which activity programs are affected by disaster training; exercises or rehearsals must be a matter for decision at local level. It is not envisaged that there need by any significant change to existing patterns unless a Group undertakes to train for a special role. (This may well apply in the case of Venturer units or Rover crews).

22. Leader Training The fact that the Association has committed itself to aid in natural disasters will be included in future leader training courses together with information from these guidelines and Branch directives. It is not intended that courses contain any disaster relief skill training.

2. SES is organized throughout Victoria on a regional basis and there are 26 regions altogether, corresponding to the 26 regions of the Country Fire Authority and each covering several municipalities. 10 Regional Officers and Assistants are appointed to the SES each officer having control of two or three regions. In these regions, the officers are responsible for assisting in the training of SES units, the conduct of courses of instruction, exercises and operations, the development of Regional and Municipal Disaster/Emergency Plans and for liaising with other Statutory Bodies, State Departments and local bodies.

3. The locations of the 10 Regional Officers are - Bairnsdale, Ballarat, Bendigo, Croydon, Geelong, Hamilton, Moe, Shepparton, Swan Hill, Wodonga.

Liaison with officers will normally be the responsibility of Area, Regional or District Commissioners.

4. At the local level, the next responsible person in the chain of command is the SES Local Controller, and normally a Local Controller with a Deputy Controller is appointed for each Municipality or Shire.

Action Required

5. As Scout District boundaries generally conform with municipal boundaries, DCs should establish liaison with Local Controllers. At the same time they should offer the assistance of their Districts in the event of such help being required, and suggest ways in which this might be done most effectively, generally along the lines set out in the National Guidelines above.

6. In some Districts, particularly in the country, the most suitable liaison may be between one or more Group Leaders and the Local Controller, and the DC should make appropriate arrangements accordingly.

7. The matter will need to be thoroughly discussed with District Staff and Group Leaders, bearing in mind that assistance of this sort by the Scout Association is very desirable and that individual Scouts can take part only on a voluntary basis. It will also be necessary to establish effective and workable organizations and lines of communication within Districts and Groups to cater for this important role of Scouting.

8. If, for any reason, a DC or GL considers that it is not appropriate for him personally to be the Association’s SES Liaison Officer for the District or Group respectively, he should immediately appoint a suitable person (perhaps a lay member) as Liaison Officer for future contact with SES and associated officers. Each Liaison Officer must have a deputy who can act if he is absent or otherwise unavailable.

Legal Considerations - Compensation, Public Liability

 9. The legal position with regard to compensation and claims from persons in respect of injury or damage to persons or property following assistance rendered by volunteers has been investigated. It is understood that while the SES does not have any legal right to assist in such cases, if a volunteer is called upon by the Victoria Police (or other Combat Authority) in an emergency or disaster situation and carries out the work in a competent fashion, any claim against such volunteer would be unlikely to succeed.

Age Limits of Volunteer Members.

14. These are shown as follows in the 1973 Regulations:

15-18 years - Junior Civil Defence Volunteer - not to be involved in actual exercise. (May be involved in training sessions and non-combat jobs such as clerical work, message carrying, welfare).

Scouts under 15 years cannot be insured by SES The Controller is responsible to determine correct age of volunteers for registration (but should be given the necessary information by the Liaison Officer).