PORTER PLAYS GOOD SCOUT TO TURN SOD

Today, Ms Mary Porter AM MLA, Member for Ginninderra, joined Neville Tomkins, Chief Commissioner Scouts Australia (ACT Branch) in turning the first sod for the rebuilding of Stromlo Forest Scout Hall in Duffy that was destroyed in the 2003 Canberra bushfires.

“The rebuilding of the Hall represents yet another important step forward for both the Weston Creek community and Canberra’s strong scouting movement, both of which were setback with the loss of the Hall,” Ms Porter said.

Ms Porter also presented a cheque for $5,000 on behalf of the ACT Government in support of the Scouts Gala Benefit Dinner and Auction.

Ms Porter also played tribute to the ongoing hard work of Neville Tomkins, Chief Commissioner of Scouts Australia in the ACT, and the many other scouting leaders in the Territory, in continuing to provide their activities in the face of such setbacks.

“I am very pleased to make this donation to continue the strong support of the ACT Government for the invaluable work that the Scouting Association undertakes here in the Canberra in developing young people.”

“This is another step in a process of restoration that has been ongoing since 2003, not only for the local scout group but for the Weston Creek community,” Ms Porter said.

The ACT Government and the Scouting Association also worked together to rebuild other Scouting facilities lost in the bushfires, and in 2008 the ACT Government provided over $200,000 to help the Scouts rebuild Camp Cottermouth.

Statement Ends
Media Contact: Andrew Hunter 02 6205 0428 bh 0431 739 775
Andrew.Hunter@parliament.act.gov.au