Community
29 May, 2025
The highest honour
THE 1st Noorat Scouts celebrated a rare accomplishment this week when a trio of scouts earned the highest award attainable in their section.
1st Noorat Scouts Michael Hall, Amelia Rowe and Jessica Macdonald were all recipients of an Australia Scouting Award – the pinnacle award in scouting.
The three were presented with their award, badges and a cake at a special presentation on Monday evening in front of their peers and families.
Jessica Macdonald said she was proud to have earned the recognition after dedicating years to improving herself through scouting.
“I’ve been doing scouting since cubs in 2017, and my main goal was to try and work towards the awards,” she said.
“We do so much to get out of our comfort zone such as rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing – all different kinds of things we have never tried before.
“We’re developing our skills and leadership but we also have a lot of support.”
Amelia Rowe said she’s had her sights set on peak awards since beginning her scouting adventure as a cub, and felt accomplished to have achieved her goals.
“I feel really proud of myself and the leaders for pushing me and helping me to get this award,” she said.
“It’s a big achievement, and honestly, I feel so accomplished getting this award.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted since I’ve been doing scouts and cubs.
“I’ve always wanted the highest awards, and aiming for the best, so I’m really proud.”
Michael Hall said he was enjoying his experience as a scout as he was passionate about the outdoors.
“I feel pretty good to receive this award,” he said.
“I’ve been doing this for five years now and I really like the hikes we go on, the camps and everything.”
Earning the award has to receive approval from the Unit Council assessing a lengthy list of scouting milestones, outdoor skills, projects in special interest areas, planning and leading a multi-day adventurous journey, personal development and personal reflection.
1st Noorat Scouts group leader Rob Rowe said it was a rare achievement for just one peak award to be earned – much less three.
“The leadership team are extremely proud of all three of them,” he said.
“It’s a big journey to get their peak award, and some scout groups don’t even see any of these awards.
“For us to have three in this small little community of Noorat is a massive achievement that we’re so proud of.
“The resilience and leader-
ship these three have shown, the times they’ve come to us feeling they can’t do it but have found the motivation to get it done, is just inspiring.
“We are absolutely stoked all three have been awarded the Australian Scout Award.”
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