News

Abbey earns her Scouting stripes

By Jemma Jones

Aug 27, 2025

It was a night of celebrations for the crew on Racecourse Rd. From new leaders to trained leaders, and even a top honour for a Scout. Tanya Campbell, Katy Speed, Karen Brumby and Abbey Speed, 14, celebrate their own achievements. Photo by Jemma Jones

For police officers, it’s the Australian Police Medal; for firefighters, it’s the Australian Fire Service Medal — and for Scouting, the highest award is the Australian Scout Award.

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Abbey Speed, 14, found that out on Wednesday, August 20 when the award was formally presented to her in front of friends and family at the Kyabram 1st Scouts’ annual report and presentation night.

It was a night dedicated to achievements big and small, detailing camps and adventures that occurred over the past year, and thanking community members and groups for helping out in their own ways.

Representatives from each age group — Joeys, Cubs and Scouts — read out a report detailing the past 12 months, which included everything from sleepovers with neighbouring units and helping out at community events, to heading to the mountains for skiing, going on camps and abseiling.

Katy Speed and Karen Brumby recieving their wood beads, the highest honour in Scout training. Photo by Jemma Jones

Two of the leaders, Katy Speed and Karen Brumby, were presented with their wood beads, which is the highest achievement in a Scout leader’s training journey.

A new leader was also inducted into the growing unit, with Tanya Campbell presented with her Scout stripes by the Joey members.

And to wrap up the night of achievements, Abbey was formally presented with the Australian Scout Award badge, which is the highest award in the Scout section.

Tanya Campbell is welcomed to the Scouts by the Joeys. Photo by Jemma Jones

To achieve this milestone, one must: reach stage five in all core areas of bushcraft, bush walking, and camping; complete at least six projects in three areas of choice; lead an ‘Adventurous Journey’ for at least three days and two nights; undergo a unit management course; and complete a personal reflection.

The badge was presented by her unit leader — and mum — Katy, who detailed the hard work put in to get this achievement.

“The Australian Scout award is a momentous achievement for a Scout,” she said.

“It symbolises the hard work and dedication they have shown to scouting, and getting this award represents the major milestone in the Scouting journey.”

The evening was attended by community groups and leaders who have assisted the scouts over the past year, including Campaspe Shire Council, represented by Mayor Daniel Mackrell and Cr Luke Sharrock, as well as SES Kyabram co-controllers Gail and Paul Octigan and the Kyabram Freemasons.

Jessica Mitchell, who swapped her deputy mayoral hat for a unit leader’s for the evening, thanked the community groups, parents and volunteers who helped the Scouts during the year.

Before sending out the tea, coffee and cake for supper, Ms Mitchell ended on a note that I’m sure will carry into the next year: “The best is yet to come.”