We are researching the history of Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts for our 50th anniversary on 25 October 2025. We will put information here as we find it. It's our 50th Anniversary! The Lake Ginninderra Sea Scout Group was formed in 1975, so this year our Group turned 50 on the 25 October 2025. We had fine weather and a great day for our Birthday celebrations. You can check out some of the photos from the day on our Public Facebook page . We plan to put more photos on this page as they are shared among our Group. As part of our 50th we are also researching the history of Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts. The plan is to put the information we find on this page as we find it, so that everyone can see what we have so far. Head over to our History of Scouts in Canberra page to see a brief history Scouts in Canberra and some of the history of Scouts generally. Photos from our past The photos below are from the photo albums in our office. Hover your mouse over an image to see some of the information we have on it. Feel free to give pictures you like a heart. If you have any information on any of the pictures, or your own historic pictures please post a comment on our Public Facebook page or send an email to the webmaster . Note: The webmaster is still working on this display . I'll stick a number on each photo for easy reference in a tick. Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts history research so far... Canberra Times article dated 14 Oct 1976 on Trove mentions 4 Cubs joining 1st LGSS Group "formed four weeks ago". Which would set the formation date around ?? Sep 1976 if that is what it meant. Canberra Times article dated 8 Mar 1977 on Trove mentions the 1st LGSS Cub pack presenting the queen with a bouquet and a group neckerchief (scarf). So LGSS was originally called "1st Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts" Shane Hosie ("Jacala") was a Cub and then a Scout in the group that merged with Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts in the 1990s. Some of his recollections are: He was in the Kuringa Scouts G roup before that Group merged with 1st LGSS His former scout leader Mark Stockall ("Stocky") was a member with LGSS back in the day before the merge. LGSS had a red and green scarf. Kuringa had a dark blue and light blue scarf. So when they merged the red and green became the trim and the blue became the main part of the scarf. And the rovers kept the original scarf and added the blue trim The Orion Scout Unit used to meet at Spence School on a Wednesday night and the Baringa Cub Unit met on a Friday at St. Monica's Primary School in Evatt. There are several plaques on the walls in our hall . They have these words on them: Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts, Established 1975, Acknowledging 40 years of scouting at Lake Ginninderra Belconnen, 25 October 2015, Be Prepared. Presented to Ian Neale, Colin Aveyard, Tony Fitzpatrick and Neville McMartin in recognition of their work building this hall. "This Hall was officially opened by the Chief Commissioner Pat Boling on 8th June 1998". Was this the original hall? To Garry & Pauline Lymbery. In appreciation of all your dedicated time and assistance in the managing fund raising and boat assistance of L.G.S.S. From the Group of Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts, 2005. Dedicated Service Award, Timothy Kirsopp, Ikki, In recognition of your dedicated s ervice as a leader. 26 July 1999 - 3 July 2015 Long Service Award, Phil Murphy, Mowgli, In recognition of the exceptional Service and Commitment you have given to Scouting and LGSS over the past 15 years. Thank you. June 2014 Dolphin Cove. Dolphin was the scouting name for Kay Briscoe who served the Lake Ginninderra Sea Scout Group as Group Leader from 2012 to 2015. Dolphin was a long term member of LGSS serving as a youth member before returning as the Group Leader. This place is named in honour of the many years Dolphin dedicated to scouting. Kay Briscoe (Dolphin) 12 December 1957 - 22 December 2016. Andrew Newbery noted in the LGSS private Facebook page on 8 Nov 2022 that he accidentally met Ian Neale (one of the people who helped build the current hall) at the hall while Ian was in Canberra on holidays. Ian and his wife shared some wonderful memories with Andrew who showed them around inside. Of interest at the time were these comments from Ian: the hall was built in 1998 the colour of the hall is “ship grey” and the hall design replicates the focsle of a war ship when viewed from the lake.

Hall Hire Availability - Calendar Check out the some of the great people who use our hall below the calendar. Information about selected Hall Hirers Tir an Oir Irish Dancing Scoil Rince Tir an Oir is a small and friendly dancing school based in the Belconnen area of Canberra. They cater to all levels of Irish dance from young beginners to championship level. Learn dance in a fun and friendly environment. Contact them to arrange a visit and experience their school first hand. Line Dancers The National Capital Bootscooters are a really friendly group of people who meet at our hall. Line Dancing is a fun and affordable way to improve fitness and meet new people. Contact them here for more information. Silver Treads The Silver Treads are a group of Seniors who meet weekly in our hall to learn to tap dance in a fun supportive environment with like minded individuals.... contact 0404 933 734. Tunde World Tai Chi Looking for a gentle and soothing way to improve flexibility, recharge your energy, and let go of stress through mindful movement? Come and experience the calming flow of Tai Chi and Qigong. Contact them here for more information. Details are coming for: Seniors Tap Classes Morris Dancers (every 2nd Sunday)

MEMBERS This Page is always Under Construction - New Information is added as it becomes available! Sign up a Scout! Parents: Scouts ACT takes protecting children very seriously. Recent ACT legislation makes provision for clearance processes required for all those who work with our youth members. To be able to do more than drop/collect your own youth members, you will need to have in place the Working With Vulnerable People card. At LGSS we love parents being involved in whatever capacity they can manage. Some parents go to camps, some people like to help out on the committee and some like to help with sailing and canoe nights and events. Whatever your skill set is we love to have you but you must be a registered adult helper with at Working With Vulnerable People card. If you haven't done this i ask that you fill in the following link asap to register. Scouts ACT will also ask you to do 2 online learning units about child safety and work health and safety. Any parent not a registered adult helper will not be permitted to attend any section night or camp. This covers us all. https://eu1.docusign.net/Member/PowerFormSigning.aspx?PowerFormId=39d737fa-3db6-4ac8-a42c-e9c43057bd6f If you need a WWVP card this is the link to apply: https://www.scoutsact.com.au/files//Forms/img-205100745.pdf Emma Georgiou, Group Leader 27 October 218 Join Scouts as an Adult Volunteer - Information Adult Helpers Join as an Adult Volunteer - Information Parking at our scout hall Group Management Workshop Materials Management Guideline Extracts 2018.pdf Lake Gin V3 Welcome Pack.pdf Join Scouts - Youth Member.doc Activity Notification Consent Form.doc Scenarios.and Suggested Talking Points.p Scout Helper Application.pdf Adult Recognition Form.pdf Management Workshop - Financual Setup - Youth Members Transfer Certificate.pdf Venturer Activity Permission Form Member Parking Other Useful Guides, Forms and Planning Documents LGSS Annual Report.pdf LGSS Group Plan 2015-18 - Draft (GSC).pdf Click to see 2016 AGM Papers Boat plan 2016.pdf Fleet Plan.pdf The Royal Charter SCOUTS 1912.pdf ACT_Branch_Constitution_2013.pdf POLICY_AND_RULES 2017.pdf The Duties of Officers and Employees in GL Report AGM 29.3.16.pdf Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts DRAFT Asset Management Plan.pdf Scouts Central Handbook.pdf More information will appear here soon

This Page has resources for Leaders and Committee Members This page is designed to provide easier access to some common resources for leaders, committee members and others involved in running LGSS. If you have documents, templates etc that you believe should be here, let the COmmittee know and provide a saqmple. 01 02 03 ACT Scouts Extranet ACT Branch runs its member system on Extranet - hosted by Scouts Victoria. Access is restricted and requires a login ID. This entry is designed to allow easy access to this site. ACT Branch Extranet (Restricted) Xero - Our Financial Management System Most ACT Scout Groups use a cloud-based accounting system called Xero. This originates from NZ but has a global user base. While not at all perfect, it nevertheless does the maths, is always available and doesn't rely on a thousand treasurers having files at home etc. It also provides selected leaders, Venturer Treasurers and ACT Branch with instant access to our accounts (look, read, reconcile, enter but not withdraw or transfer money .) This promotes transparent financial management. Access is restricted to those who need to operate the accounts, it is monitored automatically and access levels vary dependy on roles. $ Xero Scouts Australia Rules Scouts Australia provides overarching rules that apply to all of our operataions. It is ssued by the order of the National Council of The Scout Association of Australia by virtue of the powers vested in it by the Royal Charter. Vision and Mission Statement Definitions Explination of Abbreviations Policy (listed by chapter below) P1 The Scout Association of Australi P2 Aim and Principle P3 Membership of the Scout Association of Australi P4 Principal Accountabilitie P5 Personnel Managemen P6 Management of the Rover Scout Sectio P7 Duty of Car P8 Finance, Property, Insurance and Legal Protectio P9 Community and External Relation Appendices A1 The Australian Scout Environment Charter A2 Organisation Chart A3 Salute Illustraltions A4 Uniform Illustrations Rules Rules (Listed by chapter below) R1 National Organisatio R2 The Branc R3 Support for Group R4 The Scout Grou R5 Joey Scout Sectio R6 Cub Scout Sectio R7 Scout Sectio R8 Venturer Scout Sectio R9 Rover Scout Sectio R10 Scout Fellowshi R11 Adult Training and Developmen R12 Safe Practic R13 Decorations and Award R14 Uniform, Badges and Insigni R15 General Rule

Rovers - 18 to 25 years old Use the Contact form to get in touch with the Rovers. No other leisure time activity offers as much! The local Rover crew usually meet at the LGSS Scout Hall on Tuesday nights: 7:45-9:30pm in Terms 1 & 4 (summer) 7:30-9:30pm in Terms 2 & 3 (winter) Challenging outdoor activities such as bushwalking, canoeing, sailing, caving, ski-touring, canyoning, four-wheel driving, rock-climbing and scuba diving all form an important part of a Rover's calendar. Social activities such as BBQ's, bush dances, going to the movies, nights out, car rallies and "Moots" (gatherings of Rovers on a local, national and sometimes international level) also feature on an active Rover's program. A group of Rovers is known as a "Crew" and each Rover Crew is different, tailoring its activities to the requirements of its members. Crews vary in size from a handful of members to as many as fifty. Most crews meet weekly. The friends you make within this group will be lifelong! A Crew's activities are planned and run by the Rovers themselves, and there is plenty of opportunity to develop personal abilities and learn new skills. A Rover may become involved in organising a simple weekend away for just a few people, a major event involving thousands of participants, or anything in between!Anyone can become a Rover - there's no need to have any previous involvement with Scouting, or any outdoor activities experience. Take the plunge - try Rovers! Contact deets are on our public Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LakeGinnRC

The Latest News Celebrating 50 Years: The Unforgettable Success of the LGSS Anniversary Regatta The LGSS 50th anniversary regatta was more than just an event; it was a spectacular celebration of half a century of Scouting. - MLA Praises LGSS and Scouts / LGSS Crew in outstanding Siris Cup performance Follow the following link and see the speech on our website video view (the viewer is half way down the page and shows several videos -... Klaus Felsche

The friendliest Scout group in Canberra providing adventure for young people aged 5 to 25 years. Located on the foreshore, Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts focus on water activities (sailing & canoeing) as well as doing traditional Scouting. Our amazing hall is also available for groups to hire and use. Welcome to Lake Ginnindera Sea Scouts Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts (LGSS) are located on the shores of Lake Gininnderra at the Belconnen Town Centre in the Australian Capital Territory. We have a purpose-built Scout hall and being a Sea Scout group we have a well equipped boat shed with a large range of sail boats and canoes. Although our activities are based in, on or around the water in the summer months, LGSS still participate in a broad range of land based activities like camping, hiking, abseiling and lots more. LGSS compliments the family and school by providing an opportunity for young people to explore their boundaries while learning important life skills. Scouts discover the world beyond the classroom tapping into the skills of others to learn, and then passing that knowledge on. Scouting is a Movement on the move. In an ever-changing world , Scouting changes to adapt to the needs of members. Scouting is no longer just knot tying and badge work. Scouts develop skills they need for life, by encouraging fun, friendship, caring and learning. Like most Scout Groups, LGSS is completely run by volunteers. We have an amazing array of people who help to make everything happen for our Scouts: a fabulous Group Leader, amazing Adult Leaders, an industrious Group Support Committee, switched on Youth Patrol Leaders, and a very supportive group of parents and careers. If you would like to know more about the different age sections of our Group (5 to 18 years old), click on the About LGSS menu . Sign up a Scout! Please note, spaces for new members are very limited - please check availability before completing the on-line form. To protect our youth members, some formalities are required from all adults (16+) who attend youth activities. Click the button below for further details. Sign Up: Adult Helper News Updates Celebrating 50 Years: The Unforgettable Success of the LGSS Anniversary Regatta MLA Praises LGSS and Scouts / LGSS Crew in outstanding Siris Cup performance Thank you to the people and organsations who have assisted the Scouts Group - your help is invaluable! People who have helped us in the past are Canberra Labour Club, Bunnings Warehouse, Telstra, ACT Government Asset Repair and Maintenance Scheme, CBR Canberra, Boral, and Rotary International. 1/27 Facebook feeds LGSS has 2 Facebook pages: a Public Facebook that anyone can see (click on the feed below) a Private Facebook that only LGSS members can see. If you're a member and can't see the Private Facebook site, please use the Contact Us page to let us know.

How to complete the on-line membership form You will need the following information when completing the youth member application form for 2015: 1. Your Group Leader is: Emma Georgiou 2. The Group Leader email address is: groupleader.lgss@scoutsact.com.au 3. Your Section Leader is: a. Joeys: Sharon Sobey b. Cubs: Theo Karner (Pack: Baringa Cub Pack) c. Scouts: Fiona Collingwood (Troop: Orion Troop) d. Venturers: Darryl Barbour (Unit: Lake Ginninderra Venturers) 4. The first section of the form collects information about the youth member. If the youth member has a phone/email address, please provide these. If not, please provide yours. Please double-check entries as the contact details are used to keep you and the youth member informed. 5. You will need the date of the last Tetanus innoculation. 6. You will need contact information for emergencies (other than the parents). It is important that contact details and medical information are accurate. Should any of these change while the youth member is serving, please contact your leader to have these amended. Parents/carers are strongly encouraged to also complete the ACT Working with Vulnerable People form. Adults (any person 16 or older) is not able to be at scouting activities unless they have a current WWP card. For Scouts the application process is free.

LGSS Group Support Committee - Roles Chair Oversee the operation of the GSC Liaise with Group Leader, fellow GSC members and Branch staff Liaise with the Council of Elders and the Group Leader for appropriate ceremonial activities. Ensure that the committee and group operate within Scouts ACT policy and rules Attend ACT branch and region meetings (once or twice a year) Chair GSC meetings Liaise with the Group Leader and Secretary to prepare meeting agenda Prepare annual report Mentor less experienced GSC members Secretary See that the president is kept fully informed on all correspondence pertaining to the Group. See that notices of regular meetings of the GSC are sent out in sufficient time, giving date, time and place of meeting. Prepare, in consultation with the Group Leader and President, an agenda for each meeting. Keep minutes of all meetings of the GSC. Despatch a copy of the minutes, with appropriate action points highlighted for attention, to each GSC member. See that Branch and Region notices and other important notices are brought to the attention of the GSC. Assist the Group Leader and President with the preparation of the APM and Annual Report. Ensure that LGSS insurance cover is appropriate. Ensure that Workplace Health and Safety requirements are met (Hall, equipment, fire safety, security, access for disabled, first aid equipment but not scouting activity or water activity-related issues) Mentor less experienced GSC members Treasurer Operate and maintain accounts of GSC (including Sub- Committees) including receipt of money, issuing receipts, banking, presenting accounts for payment to GSC meetings Ensure accounts include the name “Scouts Australia (ACT Branch) Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts” - and require two signatories to operate accounts. Ensure all Group accounts are ready for audit annually Oversee the operation of Section accounts insofar as the way in which the books and accounts are being maintained, arrange assistance if desired/required Ensure that an annual, phased budget is produced and presented to the annual general meeting. The budget includes input from GSC and Group Council. Arrange collection of Group levies (fees), reporting position monthly to the President and Group Leader at the monthly GSC meetings Allocate fundraising credits to families as required Mentor less experienced GSC members Membership Secretary Register and update of new youth members’ details on the Scouts ACT online database (Extranet) Advise the Treasurer, Group Leader and relevant Section Leader when the registration has been completed Monitor and, where necessary, initiate address and other personnel changes on Extranet. Advise the Treasurer, Group Leader and relevant Section Leader when this has been completed Hall Manager Manage the use of the hall by external users (including hirers) Manage the use of parking spaces associated with the hall Update and maintain the hall use calendar including its use by scout sections Liaise with the hall cleaners to ensure that the hall is well maintained (all areas except for the workshop, boatshed and ‘below-deck’ spaces) Coordinate the maintenance of kitchen areas as needed with hall users (including hirers and scout sections) Maintain the hall key register and alarm system codes Identify maintenance requirements (Hall and hall equipment – e.g. tables, chairs) Arrange quotes and works. All non-urgent expenditure requires prior approval by the GSC Work with the GSC, Group Council, Boat master and Quartermaster to plan and manage Group working bees Quartermaster Maintain a register of all camping gear Monitor the serviceability of camping equipment Manage the replacement and repair of camping equipment in conjunction with the Group Council and the GSC. All non-urgent expenditure requires prior approval by the GSC Manage the equipment maintenance account Work with the GSC, Group Council, Boat master and Hall Manager to plan and manage Group working bees Boatmaster In conjunction with the Group Council and the GSC develop, maintain and coordinate the implementation of the LGSS water capabilities plan Chair the boat sub-committee Report monthly (at the GSC meetings) Maintain a register of all maritime equipment (boats, canoes, safety boat, communication equipment, boat and canoe trailers, boatshed and workshop) Monitor the serviceability of all equipment Manage the replacement and repair of equipment in conjunction with the Group Council and the GSC. All non-urgent expenditure requires prior approval by the GSC Manage the boat maintenance account Work with the GSC, Group Council, Quartermaster and Hall Manager to plan and manage Group working bees Boatmaster In conjunction with the Group Council and the Group Committee develop, maintain and coordinate the implementation of the LGSS water capabilities plan. Chair the boat sub-committee. Report monthly (at the Committee meetings). Maintain a register of all maritime equipment (boats, canoes, safety boat, communication equipment, boat and canoe trailers, boatshed and workshop) Monitor the serviceability of all equipment Manage the replacement and repair of equipment in conjunction with the Group Council and the Group Committee. All non-urgent expenditure requires prior approval by the Group Committee. Manage the boat maintenance account. Work with the Group Support Committee, Group Council, Quartermaster and Hall Manager to plan and manage Group working bees. Publicity Officer Manage the Group’s electronic and paper-based communication tools Maintain content for the Group’s website and Facebook pages (public and private) Preparing a term newsletter four times per year Coordinate with the leaders to maintain and manage the google groups email distribution list and facebook membership list Prepare the quarterly Buzz newsletter. Prepare media releases as required by liaising with ACT Branch Monitor and manage the LGSS Facebook (Private) site Monitor and manage the LGSS Facebook (public) site Coordinate the management, updates and development of the LGSS Web-site Keep Group noticeboard information up to date (Section leaders maintain their notices Webmaster Work with the Publicity Officer (and ACT Branch) to develop and maintain the LGSS web-sites Grants Officer Work with the Group Council and the GSC to identify and formulate applications for grants from government departments and other non-government organisations Fundraising Officer Maintain family fundraising credits ledger and provide this to the Treasurer every month (during the GSC meetings). Researching fundraising ideas Arranging dates for BBQs at hardware stores Liaise with fundraising coordinators for the Hall Markets and Harness Racing Liaise with Group Council and the GSC to schedule fundraising activities General GSC Members General GSC members don’t have a designated role, but act as additional helpers where needed. President Secretary Treasurer Webmaster Hall Manager Grants Officer Boatmaster Publicity Officer Quartermaster Fundraising Officer GSC Chair Secretary Quartermaster Treasurer Boatmaster Hall Manager Publicity Officer Webmaster Grants Officer Fundraising Officer General Committee Member General Committee

How to make a Tx Deductible donation to LGSS. Donations must be gifted via Scouts ACT to be tax-deductible. Making a Tax Deductible Donation to LGSS This page is under construction, but the information is correct. LGSS is part of Scouts ACT. The way to make a tax deductible donation to LGSS is to donate to Scouts ACT and advise them that the donation is for LGSS. In order to be a tax deduction, you cannot specify what the donation is to be spent on. Here are the steps that were tested and worked in 2025 to donate to LGSS: Notify the Scouts ACT Office (was Janice ) & LGSS via email that you would like to make a donation, and include: how much the donation will be and when the money will be sent; that a tax-deductible receipt is needed; that the donation is for the LGSS Group ; that there is no specific purpose the funds are to be used for. note that the funds must truly be a gift or donation - please refer to the ATO's guidance on what gifts/donations are eligible. also ask for them to confirm the bank account details that you are to transfer the money to (see below). This gives you some assurance that your gift is going to the right bank account. Use a bank transfer to send the money to the Scouts ACT bank account (details below). In the "Reference" field of your bank transfer please include your initial and surname (eg. "J.Smith - Gift"). This text shows in the Scouts ACT Account and lets them know where the money came from. Note that the ATO page above states: "You claim the deduction for your gift in the income year in which you give the gift." You email Janice and LGSS, soon after you have transferred the funds (noting that some banks delay payments if it is the first time making a payment to an account, or if the amount exceeds internal thresholds as a precaution given the prevalence of scams) once the money is in the Scouts ACT account, Janice will email you a DGR receipt. Here is the information that will be included (if you would like more information to be included please notify Janice): [add the stuff that was in the receipt here] Janice then transfers your donation to LGSS' main account (ending 6178). This account is used because it requires two signatories, minimizing risk that funds become accessible to malicious actors. Please note that it is up to LGSS whether they advise that they received the donated funds - please let Merle and/or Emma know if this is something you would like done. Donations should be deposited to the following Scouts ACT account: BSB : 633-000 Acc No : 1721 44735 Acc Name : "Scouts ACT Tx Deductible Gifts, The Scout Association of Austral" Note: If your bank checks the payee name, please type in this name until you run out of characters, otherwise your bank may give you a warning along the lines of "There's a different name more commonly used for this account".

VENTURERS - 15 to 18 years old Use the Contact form to get in touch with the Venturer Leaders. It's your life... Get on with it! Our awesome Venturers m eet Thursday nights: 6:15-8:30pm in Terms 1 & 4 (summer) 6:45-9:00pm in Terms 2 & 3 (winter) Bored? Feel like doing something with your life? Don't know where to start? Try Venturer Scouts. It's a do-it-yourself mix of fun, adventure and personal challenge that will bring you together with other young people who feel the same way. You may find yourself exploring wilderness Australia, camping above the snowline or diving on coral reefs. You could be abseiling into a limestone cave or climbing a sheer rock face. Perhaps you'll learn white water kayaking or ride your mountain bike on an expedition across real mountains. Whatever your challenge, there will be trained and highly experienced leaders to guide you through the experience, to teach you the necessary skills and safety techniques. Venturers get the opportunity to travel overseas and to organised activities, to live with a different community and to provide service to others. Manage your own program Venturers don't just develop physical skills. You will manage your own Venturer Unit, where the adult leaders are there to provide advice, not rule your life. The Unit Council makes the decisions, plans and runs the activities, drawing on expert help whenever it is required. You can even develop your own website or Facebook to promote your activities. You'll have the opportunity to become involved in staging professional shows, learning how to act, sing or play an instrument. Perhaps you'll make videos, become a sound engineer, develop your own photographs or contribute your writing for publication. You will learn responsibility for the environment and work on service projects to assist others in the community. Look Wide There are leadership and management courses that will help you in your career and personal life, when you have to make all the decisions. You'll learn how to meet new challenges, deal with new situations, and develop your own independence. Your achievements will be recognised, with the ultimate goal the Queen's Scout Award, which employers regard very favourably. Venturers really is the pathway to success. Get a social life The Social side of Venturers is up to you. There will be lots of outdoor activities, nights out and a shared interest so you will meet new people and have plenty of time to get to know them and make lifelong friends. Venturers are serious about having fun!! Venturer Scouts are for young people from 15 - 18 and you don't have to have experience in Scouts or Guides first. It's your call - come along and check us out.

The Group Support Committee Overview The Group Support Committee (GSC) handles much of the administration of the Group and is typically made of up of parents, family members and friends of youth in the Scout Group. Meetings The LGSS GSC meets monthly to coordinate the administration of the group. Committee Roles The functions of the GSC are many and varied and suit a range of interests. The complete list of the GSC functions are in the Scouts Australia Policy and Rules extract . The LGSS GSC has designated the following roles: President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Assistant Treasurer Membership Secretary Hall Manager Quartermaster Publicity Officer Webmaster (Andrew Newbery) The Group Leader is also a member of the GSC. There are also general GSC member positions for others who undertake various tasks as needed to assist the Group and GSC. It is highly desirable that GSC members are representative of all sections (Joeys, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers). Governance Scouts Australia and the ACT Branch are incorporated bodies. The governance framework is published as a set of rules, policies and guidelines. The rules are the regulatory framework for scouting. Branches may have additional or clarifying rules, policies and guidelines that are consistent with the Scouts Australia Rules. Compliance with the rules is mandatory for all leaders, Branch officials, Group Support Committee members and youth members. All Group Support Committee members should be familiar with the latest Scouts Australia Policy and Rules to ensure that they understand those applicable to the operations of the Scout Group and those applying to their responsibilities. Scouts Australia Policy and Rules extracts Here are the relevant extracts from the current Scouts Australia Policy and Rules publication: RULE 4: The Scout Group R4.3 ORGANISATION 4.3.3. The management, leadership and support of the Group is carried out by a Group Leader, Group Council and Group Support Committee, whose roles are defined. R4.6 GROUP COUNCIL 4.6.1. The Group Council consisting of all the leaders of the Group shall meet regularly to discuss and co-ordinate matters affecting members of the Group, including membership, planning, programming, training and joint events. 4.6.2. The Group Council formulates requests to the Group Support Committee through the Group Leader in respect of finance, equipment, accommodation, leadership and other matters where assistance is required. 4.6.3. Group Council meetings are normally chaired by the Group Leader. R4.7 GROUP SUPPORT COMMITTEE 4.7.1. Each Group shall have a Group Support Committee established and operating in accordance with Branch procedures to provide such support and resources as the Group may require. 4.7.2. The Group Support Committee is not responsible for the training of uniformed members, which is the responsibility of the Group Leader. 4.7.3. The Group Leader shall be a member of the Group Support Committee. 4.7.4. A Group which consists only of a Rover Scout Unit is not required to form a Group Support Committee. 4.7.5. The functions of the Group Support Committee are to: a. Ensure that the Group has adequate funding to enable it to provide high quality programs to the members at an acceptable cost. b. Ensure that proper records are kept and that all funds are accounted for in accordance with Branch procedures and statutory requirements. c. Arrange and provide suitable accommodation to enable the Group to carry out its training program. d. Provide and maintain equipment required by the Sections of the Group in liaison with the Group Council. e. Assist the Group Leader to recruit, retain and support leaders for all Sections of the Group. f. Recommend the appointment of a Group Leader, in accordance with Branch procedures, to be the senior leader of the Group, and carry out the functions prescribed in Rule R4.4. g. Ensure that all persons in direct contact with the youth members of the Group are of exemplary character and are fit and proper persons to carry out their role of leading young people. h. Assist the Group Leader with the implementation of the Group plan and receive reports on progress. i. Assist members of the Group to secure and maintain employment. j. Establish and maintain good relationships with other community organisations and community leaders generally. k. Convene an annual meeting at which the audited financial accounts of the Group and the annual reports of the Group Leader and the Group Support Committee are presented. Also, for the Group Leader to advise of the appointment of office bearers for the next period. The functions of the Group Support Committee are: R4.8 GROUP FINANCE AND PROPERTY 4.8.1. Group property, including real estate must be vested in the name of the Branch of Scouts Australia in accordance with Branch rules. 4.8.2. Subscriptions , paid by Section members for meeting the specific needs of the Section, will be held in the Group bank account with appropriate delineation and made available as required by the Group Support Committee in consultation with the Group Council. 4.8.3. Money received on behalf of a Rover Scout Unit or a Venturer Scout Unit may be held in a Section bank account and administered by the Unit concerned. 4.8.4. The accounts of Section funds, regardless of separate banking arrangements, will be consolidated in the annual audited financial accounts of the Group . Training for Group Support Committee members There are three important modules that are mandatory training for GSC members : Adult Code of Conduct Child Safe Scouting WHS for Scouting These modules can be found on the Group Support Committee page of the Scouts Australia Adult Training and Development website . In addition to the mandatory modules, the following training modules (found on the same website) are also useful learning for various GSC members: Effective Group Support Committees How to be a Scout Group Chairman How to be a Scout Group Secretary How to be a Scout Group Treasurer Effective Group Management Communication Relationship Skills and Managing Conflict