Gembrook MP Brad Battin navigates Gilwell’s new high ropes course, 13 metres off the ground. 76830 Picture: Russell Bennett
By Russell Bennett
AUSTRALIA’S most important Scouts site just got a whole lot bigger, with a new high ropes course towering 13 metres above the campsite floor.
State Youth Affairs Minister Ryan Smith, Treasurer Kim Wells and Gembrook MP Brad Battin were all on hand last Thursday to open the new half-million dollar feature at Gembrook’s Gilwell Park.
Scouts Victoria chief commis-sioner Bob Taylor said the $440,000 provided by the State Government would help the Scouts develop “healthy, resilient and empowered young people, and is a sign of its commitment to the youth of Victoria”.
Speaking to the Mail at the Cuboree at Gilwell last October, Mr Taylor lauded the Scouts site as the most important in the nation.
The high praise came as the Government first announced its funding for the new ropes course, a flying fox, and climbing wall.
Mr Taylor said it was high time the scouting Mecca was recognised for what it could provide to the wider community, not just those involved in the movement.
“I’m a teacher – I know just how valuable this place can be for the likes of outdoor education groups and professional development training,” he said.
“It can really be used by anybody at any time.”
Mr Taylor said Gilwell Park had been used as a training facility for Scout leaders across the Asia Pacific Region but could also be more frequently used by Victorian school and community groups.
“We’ve been keeping our light under our bushel,” he said.
“But we want to be known among the recreation industry.”
The new ropes course includes elements developed to promote group interaction, problem solving, teamwork and leadership for not just scouts, but a range of community groups.
Mr Wells, Mr Smith and Mr Battin all braved the new course, with Mr Battin taking the first official swing.
He said Gilwell’s new and improved facilities would prove first-class for Victorian scouting groups and the Gembrook community.
“It’s a fantastic outcome for the people of Gembrook,” he said.
“As a former Scout, I am proud of the achievements and continued impact that Scouts is having in our community.”
Mr Wells joked about leaving the day’s climbing duties to Mr Battin and Mr Smith, but finally took his turn from the top platform.
“I love this sort of stuff,” he said. “We don’t want our young people growing up to be covered in cotton wool and Band-Aids.
“We want them to get out and take responsible risks, to get out and do something.”
A much-needed redevelopment of Gilwell’s Storm Hut toilet facilities will be the next upgrade target.
The site is open to members of the public. For further information information phone 5968 1284.
