I acknowledge the remarkable efforts of the 1st Frenchs Forest Scout Group, which recently held a lap-a-thon at Ararat Reserve to support fellow scouts in Myanmar and Thailand impacted by devastating earthquakes earlier this year. Twenty-seven local young people in cubs, scouts and venturers ran laps for an hour, raising an impressive $2,055. The funds are being distributed through the World Organisation of the Scout Movement to help rebuild scout halls and replace lost equipment. The energy on the night was electric, and it was all for a cause that truly mattered. As 15-year-old venturer, Braidey, put it:
"It's not just about the money. It's about showing the Scouts in Myanmar and Thailand that we've got their back."
Each participant received a collector's badge featuring the scarves of Australia, Myanmar and Thailand tied in friendship, which is such a fitting symbol of international solidarity. That is scouting at its finest. I congratulate our local young people leading with real compassion and action. I say well done to all involved.
08 August 2025, 15:58, read on the Hansard here.