General News
13 April, 2023
Milestone reached for scouting legend
Rob Rowe feels he’s gained a whole lot more than he’s given, in reaching a major milestone.
Rob Rowe feels he’s gained a whole lot more than he’s given, in reaching a major milestone.
Scouts Victoria region commissioner west coast Rob Rowe recently reached 25 years of dedicated service to the cause, which he said was a humbling experience.
“I started back in 1997 as a cub leader in Cobden, and spent 10 years there,” he said.
“I’ve had roles right across the branch, from district cub scout leader to now Noorat group leader, so I’ve had the opportunity to make a lot of friends for life over the years.
“I was reflecting back recently on the amount of kids who have come through scouts over the years, some of who I get to see where they are now and what they’re doing, which makes it worthwhile.”
Mr Rowe acknowledged the years take a toll, but felt reinvigorated now being able to combine two of his passions: scouting and fatherhood.
“Even now with the current group, I’m loving scouting at the moment,” he said.
“Being able to be involved in scouting with my kids has re-energised me.
“After 25 years you start to wonder if time’s up, but I actually feel like I might have another 25 years in me.”
He said the most rewarding aspect of his role was having the opportunity to see the kids build confidence, friendships and a connection with their community.
“Watching the kids develop and grow is probably the best thing,” Mr Rowe said.
“The fellowship, comradery that we have with not only the kids but the team and parents is wonderful.
“And we get to watch them grow and prosper, see them reach achievements and become leaders themselves, and that’s what it is all about.”
Mr Rowe also received a Silver Koala, a merit of service to scouting, and said he was “pretty chuffed” to have received the recognition.
“On the day it was presented I had my wife and kids there, and my mother and father in-laws over from New Zealand, but sitting there accepting the award it felt like some one was missing,” he said.
“It was these kids – I wish all our youth members could have been there, because reflecting on the Silver Koalas just made me more aware it’s about these kids I get to do scouting with every week.
“It’s not about me, I don’t do this for awards or accolades, but I’m very proud to think someone at Scouts Victoria nominated me for this and felt I was worthy.”
Mr Rowe envisions a positive future for scouting in the region as children, and their parents alike, gravitate towards the great outdoors.
A boost in the number of joey scouts last year, strong retention and a growing number of members to earn high-level badges and serving as role models has positioned the Noorat Scouts for success.
“I’m so lucky to have such a great group of kids here who keep me energised, a great leadership team behind me and a wonderful bunch of parents.”