By Gabriella Vukman and Tanya Steele
Two kilometres long, three metres high and with eighteen different obstacles, an upgraded adventure course at Gilwell Park delivered by Scouts Victoria and the government will be an adventure centrepiece for young people.
Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman and Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino, announced the opening of the extended and improved state-of-the-art adventure course on Thursday 22 August.
Ms Suleyman said Scouts Victoria has a rich history of fostering teamwork, community and leadership skills.
“We are proud to partner with them to help young people develop leadership skills and a genuine sense of community spirit,” she said.
“The upgraded course will help young Victorians develop physical and problem-solving skills, but also provides a source of exercise and fun.”
“This is providing young people with opportunities, but more importantly, the skills such as confidence, networking and really getting our young people happy.”
“So less screen time, more out and outdoors, developing those skills, and connecting with other young people, which is really important.”
The State Government invested over $300,000 in the adventure course as part of the commitment to build, upgrade or refurbish Scout Halls and other facilities across Victoria.
An announcement of $5 million was also made by Federal Liberal MP Jason Wood in 2022 to over 10,000 people at the scouts annual jamboree for the Gilwell Park master plan.
“It was really exciting for all the kids,” Scouts Victoria communications manager Michelle Strachan said.
“We’ve been working with the government towards the project for a while and it’s great because the kids get to enjoy the park and get out and actually be in nature.”
Constructed at the Scouts Victoria campsite at Gilwell Park in the Dandenong Ranges, Jon McGregor, Executive Manager at Scouts Victoria said the site has been in the scouting family for 100 years.
“It’s the spiritual home of scouting in Victoria,” he said.
“We had an old confidence course there, which was known as ‘the Gauntlet’, which needed an upgrade, and with the help of the Victorian government, we have upgraded that course to be a more modern Ninja Warrior course.”
‘The Gauntlet’ upgrade – which took six months to design, plan and construct features obstacles made of cargo nets, vaults, ropes, pine logs, tyres, climbing frames, landing pads and other challenges.
“Our scouts absolutely love getting out there and doing their own ninja warrior course,” said Mr McGregor.
“There’s a whole bunch of new and exciting activities there, including climbing walls and bouldering precincts, and archery and so many more activities,” he said.
Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino said they were delighted to deliver the upgraded state-of-the-art adventure course.
“Not only for the Dandenong Ranges community but also young people across the state and indeed the nation who can visit the course, have fun, gain important skills and make new connections,” she said.
“It’s an opportunity for young people to have fun and this is quite an important place, it’s their meeting ground and spiritual home for scouting in Australia.”
Accessing scouting activities supports young people’s positive development and the upgraded course will be used by thousands of young people every year when they visit the Gilwell Park site.
Scouts Victoria is one of the state’s largest youth organisations and has a membership base of more than 19,000 young people and 5,000 adult volunteers.
The number of young people participating in scouting activities has grown by 30 per cent in the last ten years.
Chief Commissioner of Scouts Victoria Rod Byrnes said the Scouts are immensely grateful for the Victorian government’s support.
“As we officially declare this improved and extended adventure course open, we’re reminded of the power of partnership and community in creating new opportunities that allow youth to thrive,” he said.
The freshened-up space will continue to provide outdoor fun for youth across Australia and Mr McGregor said it adds a modern twist to a classic old scouting activity to make it new and fresh.
“We’re really, really glad that we’ve been able to pull together the old, classic scouting activities with the contemporary,” he said.
