Rovers Help Out In Timor

At the beginning of July, five Australian Rovers participated in the Timor-Leste project, a co-operation between Scouts Australia and Rotary Australia. The Timor-Leste project aims to improve health and sanitation in East Timor.

Chris Malam from ACT, Nicky Strachan from Victoria, Brandon Leaning from Queensland, Delshard Mozhdehinia from WA and our very own Lauren Tubby, along with Graeme Fordham from Scouts Australia and two NSW Rotarians, Jo and John, spent 11 days at Amutin Primary School in Dili, building a new toilet block and refurbishing other parts of the school.

Currently, Amutin Primary School is attended by 1,200 students, 20 teachers, and has only four toilets. As part of the Timor-Leste project, the Rovers worked with the local Timor-Leste Rovers and Rotaract Youth to paint the existing toilet block, and almost the entire school, insulate the small school kitchen and assist with laying the foundations for the new toilet block. Local builders were hired for the major construction work required during the project.

The Timor-Leste project was funded by “Dollars for Dili,” and ACT Government initiative, and the Rotary Club of South Dubbo.

“It was a fantastic project - to be able to work with locals our age, to help even just a small community and to experience the country and culture. It’s a great project with memories to last forever” said Lauren.

Written by Lauren Tubby and Scott Osborne

Western Moot - Summer Moot 2011

Over the weekend of March 11-13, over 175 Rovers from all around the east coast of Australia hitched up their wagons and travelled up to Camp Kanangra on Lake Macquarie to

“have a buckin’ good time” at Western Moot with 1st Epping Rovers for Sydney North Region’s Annual Summer Moot.

Crews from all over NSW, a few well travelled Queenslanders and even two Rovers from the nation’s capital, had a great time competing in the Cowboy 101 Pentathlon, tossing horse shoes, playing hangman, sending smoke signals and building tepees.
There was even a showdown at high noon, fortunately no Rovers were harmed in the shoot out.

Saturday night dinner was an authentic Western Style stew and diners were treated to the debut performance of the Tiny Dinosaurs Country & Western band - featuring two members of 1st Epping Rovers playing a variety of guitars, banjos, harmonicas and even a ukulele!
 

Impressive fake moustaches, cowboy hats and stylish leather chaps won Kings Langley Rovers the award of ‘Best Dressed’ crew while Turramurra Rovers were victorious over the course of the weekend, despite their ludicrous rainbow cowboy hats.
As well as the glory of winning, Turramurra took home a genuine saddle signed by all the participants, which will look great hanging in their den.

Taken from The Weekly Times
For more information about Western Moot click here

Rovers race from the Rock

Four Rover Scouts have just returned from an epic journey from the centre of Australia to Sydney in under 30 hours non-stop!

1st Epping Rover Crew members Anthony Buckley, Peter Favelle, Mark Gurd and Scott Osborne decided to put the “out” in Scouting one weekend and planned a “race” from Ayers Rock to Sydney, a distance of 2919km, with the aim of finishing in less than 30 hours.

“It sounded like a great adventure when I first heard about it” commented Anthony.

21 year old Anthony went on to say “the country we covered was varied and diverse in so many ways from the red earth of Ayers Rock and the Olgas to the flat Hay Plains. It was such a shame we were racing against the clock.

”The four Rovers took turns in driving and their entire journey was captured on video and is being produced into a promotional video and to enter “Rovering’s Greatest Adventure,” a competition with a cash prize aimed at encouraging the 18 to 26 year old Rovers to go on an adventure they will remember for life.

“Most of the things we did will be on that video and I think you will be surprised how many different things can be done to keep awake in a car for a day and a half” said Mark.

If you would like to check out your local Rover crew, visit www.nswrovers.com for local contact details.

Taken from The Weekly Times

Rovers have a blast at Mudbash

Epping and Brush Park Rovers along with their Car ‘Black Betty’ have returned from a road trip to compete in the annual Rover Motorsports event held in Yea, Victoria.

Mudbash is an annual Rover Motorsports event run in Victoria each year on a 130 hectare property called Mafeking Rover Park. Events run from sunrise to well into the night right across the property. With time trials, 4WD events, an obstacle course and even car vs car tug-of-war in the main arena there is something for everyone.

Black Betty and her Crew from Brush Park were successful, placing in many of the events over the weekend. Matt Rath, one of the drivers of Black Betty said: “Mudbash yet again didn’t disappoint, with the rain holding off for some awesome fun on the rally tracks. Minor technical problems didn’t hold us back. The car came home running and in one piece for the first time in three years so it definitely was a success. Close to 100 Rovers from NSW made the journey across the border with 5 from Epping and 4 from Brush Park. We even had time to stop along the way.

Visiting the submarine HMAS Otway in the historic town of Holbrook. We also enjoyed the ‘serenity’ at Bonne Doon, a small town in Victoria made famous by the movie The Castle. Rovers are Scouts aged 18-26 who enjoy activities like motor-sports, abseiling, cannoning, caving, four wheel driving, camping, sailing, skiing and more. They are always looking for more members. If you’re interested check website: www.eppingrovers.com

Taken from The Weekly Times

Epping Scout Group's Open Day and AGM

Epping Scout Group celebrated winning the Sirius Cup for sailing and water activities at last week's Group Open Day and Annual General Meeting at the Ray Lawrence Boatshed on the Parramatta River next to Meadowbank Wharf
Over 1000 scouts competed at the annual Sirius Regatta at Balmoral, which Epping last won in 1978. Previously they had won in 1951 and 1972.
Ryde Mayor Clr Vic Tagg presented the Cup to competitiors Jack Bewsher and Chris Mitchell with Epping Boat Activities Leader Merv Turner.
1st Epping Rovers are on the ten-seater bike which 1st Putney Rovers built and rode to Melbourne some years ago to enter the Guiness Book of Records.
TWT, April 2009

Funding Boost for Volunteers

Twelve volunteer organisations in Bennelong will receive a total of $32130 in funding from the Federal Government's 2008 Volunteer Grants Program... 
"Every day volunteers are out in their local communities working tirelessly to help the elderly, sick and those who have hit hard times," Ms McKew said. "The Government values the enormous contibution volunteers make in our community and this funding will ease the financial pressure on non-profit organisations and their volunteers."
Ms Mckew met a group of Scouts and Rovers to congratulate them on receiving more then $4000 through the grants program. The money will be used to purchase tents, heaters, IT equipment and gardening supplies.
Among the group was 21 year old Pete Favelle who, as a 1st Epping Rover, has been helping to train other Scouts. He said his group would buy useful equipment like a marquee, which, in turn, allowed the rovers to better serve the community. 
Northern District Times, January 2009

Hanging Around with Maxine McKew

Bennelong MP Maxine McKew congratulated some local Scouts and Rovers last week- including Peter Favelle, Lauren Tubby and Scott Osborne- on receiving more than four thousand dollars from the Australian Government's 2008 Volunteer Grants Program.
"Scouts and Rovers do so much work in our local community. This funding will enable volunteers working with the Scouts and Rovers to do even more to help those in need," she said.
21-year-old Rover Pete Favelle said the funding from the grant would pay for useful equipment like a marquee, tents, heaters, IT equipment, and gardening equipment.
TWT, January 2009

ROVERS GET STUCK INTO STUCCO

Scouting and Guiding includes the opportunity and training to be of service to others.

And scouting’s Sydney North Region Rovers, which include TWT territories Brush Park and Epping Rover Crews, have just completed their annual joint Sydney North Region Rover Service project - to help out the Wesley Mission at their Mangrove Mountain Retreat.

Work started early on the Saturday, setting to work on building a children’s playground and on removing old stucco off one of the lodges in preparation for recladding, digging trenches for water run-off, and cutting a bush track and laying mulch on a landscape garden.

Sunday was our turn. Brush Park Rover’s set to work on recladding the lodge and Epping Rovers helped to finish the building of the playground and also assisted with the recladding of the lodge.

By Sunday afternoon Rovers of Sydney North really had something to show for their efforts and Wesley Mission was more than ecstatic with our Rovers’ efforts and grateful that they had been able to assist them make the retreat a better place for disadvantaged youth and families.
TWT, 2006

Last Saturday the 2006 NSW Rover Ball was held at Cataract Scout Camp. The theme was 1950s and 1960s Rock ‘n’ Roll. Epping Rovers dressed so authentically that they won a heater as a prize. Hardly a more appropriate prize as winter hit Cataract.
TWT, 2006

KALANG KUP 2006

World Cup comes to North Epping... well not quite, however it was the prestigious 2006 Kalang Kup, Sydney North Region's annual inter-Crew social soccer competition held at Wood Street Oval on Sunday June 18.

This year's event was run by Mt Colah/Mt Kuringai Rover Crew and saw six teams from around the Region (Berowra, Hunters Hill, Brush Park, Mona Vale, Kissing Point/Normanhurst and Epping) plus one out-of-Region team (Razorback) and an interstate visitor (WA) compete for the infamous trophy.

The pools were drawn up and we got stuck into it. They were grueling 14 minute games but the half-time oranges kept some of the players on their feet.

Congratulations go to Mona Vale Rover Crew who took the Kup home after narrowly defeating Brush Park in a penalty shoot-out in the finals.

Nick Watson
RRC Activities Co-ordinator
Sydney North Region Rover web site – June, 2006

JOHN WILLIAMS RECEIVES "STAN BALES ROVER SERVICE AWARD"

John Williams (left) receiving his award certificate from Craig Starling, Sydney North's Assistant Regional Rover Commissioner.

John Williams, until recently a member of Epping Rover Crew, was presented with the prestigious Stan Bales Rover Service Award on April 2nd.

This award has only been presented 22 times since its inception in New South Wales in 1986, and is given to outstanding individuals who have made a major contribution to the Rover Section over and above what would usually be expected within their normal role.

John is the second person from the Epping Rover Crew to ever be honoured in such a way and only the sixth awardee to come from Sydney North. This award recognises the major role John has had at all levels of NSW Rovering including two terms as Crew Leader of Epping Rover Crew in 2002 and 2003, two terms as Chairman of the Sydney North Region Rover Council (RRC) in 2003 and 2004, and Vice-President of the NSW Branch Rover Council (BRC) in 2005.

The Stan Bales Rover Service Award is awarded by the NSW Branch Rover Council on recommendation of the Rover's peers. The Award is named in honour of the late Stan Bales, who was NSW Branch Commissioner for Rovers for 28 years and was known affectionately as "Mr Rovering".

John Williams first started in Scouting as a Cub at 1st Epping Group in 1988. In addition to holding the positions mentioned above, during his Rovering career he has been co-ordinator of several service and fundraising projects at Crew, Region and Branch levels, was a member of YACS (Youth Advisory Committee on Scouting) for two years, has presented at numerous Rover and Venturer training courses, facilitated a treasurers’ course for Sydney North Region Rovers, assisted with running various major Rover activities including Moots, Roventure and the NSW Rover Ball.

On reaching the age of 26, John was recently farewelled from Rovering by his Crew, however he continues to have involvement with the section, currently holding the role of Activities Team Leader for the forthcoming 17th Australian Rover Moot - "Aussie Moot".

John Williams has given exemplary and outstanding service to the Rover section in NSW, giving freely of his time and always being willing to use his skills to the benefit of others. He truly displays the Rover spirit of adventure and service and is a more than worthy recipient of the Stan Bales Rover Service Award.

Congratulations John!
Sydney North Region Rover web site – June, 2006

Sydney North Region Rover Council’s AGM has been held and as usual Rovers from TWT Territory have taken on significant responsibilities for the next 12 months. These include: chair Carla Griffiths (Brush Park); assistant chair Emma Joseph (Epping); activities co-ordinator - outdoor, Jordan Hodgson (Epping); activities co-ordinator - social, Nick Watson (Epping) service coordinator Bec Watson (Epping); Rover/ Venturer Liaison Stef Bell (Brush Park); BRC delegates, April Edwards and Nick Watson (Epping).

The Branch Rover Council AGM has also been held and of course some of our wonderful Rovers are in positions of great responsibility: president April Edwards (Epping); training Carla Griffiths (Brush Park).

Congratulations to all our TWT Territory Rovers.
TWT, April, 2006

ROVERS HELPING SYDNEY'S NEEDY

NSW Rovers with the 10,000 food items collected in this year's Hike for Hunger.

Sydney North Rovers contributed about 1/3 of this year's food collection.

Sydney North Region Rover web site – November, 2005

ROVERS DO THEIR BIT IN HIKE FOR HUNGER

Rovers who can spell, display some of the tins of food they collected for their annual Hike for Hunger. PHOTO by Damien Ryan.

Rovers from NSW have collected 10,000 items of food in their annual Hike for Hunger.

TWT territory Rovers from Brush Park, Epping and Hunters Hill were part of this great effort. The food is distributed by the Wesley Mission who congratulated and thanked rovers for their outstanding effort. As one rover said, “The only sad part about the Hike for Hunger is that there are people who need help just to feed themselves and their families.” Well done rovers.

1st Epping Scout Group Turns 90

Epping Scout Group has celebrated its 90th Anniversary having been founded in 1915, with the first group leader being William Hunt. Since 1915 the group has only had seven group leaders - this dedication and commitment by leaders is one of the reasons for the group thriving through the years.

Over 60 group members have achieved the distinction of Queen’s or King’s Scout.

Epping group is blessed with halls in Epping and North Epping, and a boatshed on the Parramatta River at Meadowbank. The group presently has 60 boys and girls as members spread through all scout sections - Joeys, cubs, scouts, venturers and rovers.

Epping’s 90th Anniversary celebration was attended by some 70 people representing over 80 years of scouting, with the oldest association being Frank Jacobs who joined cubs in 1930 aged 8. Nine long-serving leaders in the group received awards.
The Weekly Times - November 16, 2005

Combined North Epping and Epping Scouts celebrated their 90th birthday with an open day and party at the Essex Street Scout Hall on Sunday.
TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
TWT, November 09, 2005

It’s all go for young and old

One of the great things about scouting is you can get involved at almost any age.

Rovers is the senior section for those aged 18 to 25 years old. Rovers run their own activities and in TWT territory there are three active Rover Crews at Brush Park, Epping and Hunters Hill. Crews meet one night each week, but this is only the beginning of the busy life which is rovers.

All our groups are participating in the annual Rover’s Hike for Hunger. Crews have been collecting canned food for the Wesley Mission to provide to families in need.

On Saturday Olympic Park at Homebush will be awash with rovers as well as all the food they have collected which will be transported to Wesley’s store. In previous years the food has been carried across the Harbour Bridge, thus the name Hike for Hunger, but as rovers collect more and more food the delivery system has had to be changed. In typical rover style the day will include a barbeque and lots of socialising.

If you join one of the local Rover Crews between now and Christmas you could go swing dancing, play Pictionary, camp at Myall Lake or go four-wheel driving at Stockton.

There will be cooking nights, movie nights and games nights, and this is just in the planned activities. Being a rover seems to also include endless barbeques and parties. It is never too late to join in scouting.
TWT, November 02, 2005

Meadowbank Scout Group and Epping Rover Crew were invited by management of the new West Ryde Woolworths shopping centre to staff the barbeques on the Sunday before the centre opened for a welcome lunch for all the new staff. It was a big hit we hear. Of course, when you want something done well you ask scouts. That’s just the way it has been for a lot of years.
TWT, October 19, 2005

Epping Rovers treated themselves to a sushi night for their regular Tuesday night meeting. Everyone enjoyed participating in preparing the food - more than actually enjoyed eating it, by all reports.
TWT, 2005

Epping Rovers have continued with their busy active program this time attending an annual Bush Dance put on by Castle Hill rover crew. Publicity for the bush dance included “it’s the time of year to grab your pitch forks, pull out the flannies and square dance with your favourite cousin”. Sounds like Rovers to me.
TWT, 2005

EPPING ROVERS LOG UP SOME HARD GRAFT

When Sydney’s Royal Easter Show closes for another year there is still a huge amount of work to be done to clear the showground.

What seemed a good idea at the time was offered to rovers. All the left over wood from the woodchopping was given to rovers. All they had to do was cut the posts into sections using chainsaws, split the resulting blocks into burnable size pieces, pack the finished product away, advertise it for sale then deliver it to buyers all over Sydney.

Many, many Saturdays and Sundays, sore arms and tired bodies later and the job is nearly done. Nine Epping Rovers were among about 36 Rovers from all over Sydney.

Each Rover Crew receives part of the proceeds according to the part of the work done by their crew. Epping will receive about $1,500 for crew funds.

And next year? There was talk on Sunday about how much lighter are lamingtons. Perhaps after a massage or two, some relaxed muscles will again long for the jarring thud of splitter hitting wood again.

One of the smart moves by Rovers at NSW Office was making sure Epping Crew were involved. Once Epping Crew is involved you know they will be there to the end.

Although with already plenty to do Epping Rovers also answered a call for help from their NSW Branch Office to control parking at the NSW Branch AGM.
TWT, 2005

HOW OUR ROVERS BECOME WORLDLY CREWS

Epping Rovers Nissa Henning and James Evans celebrating their Crew’s German Carnivale night.

Epping Rovers have been enjoying the pleasures of Germany in realistic style thanks to their Rover German ‘exchangee’ Nina.

The Crew dressed up for a German Carnivale night which included playing German games and eating German food.

New members are always welcome to Epping Rovers and after their Carnivale night there is a special welcome to new Rovers who come from a different country so they can all have another Carnivale night.

There is a group of French Rovers visiting Sydney from August 1 and they are looking for accommodation and some Australian Rovers to show them around. Sounds like Epping Rovers may have a French Carnivale night soon?
TWT, 2005

There is a six-metre banner about rovers on the RTA’s Church Street bridge at Hunters Hill until July 25. The banner faces northbound traffic coming from the Gladesville Bridge or Victoria Rd and heading up to Lane Cove. This “ROVERS DO STUFF!” banner is both accurate and may encourage new members to join.

In TWT Territory there are Rover Crews at Hunters Hill, Brush Park and Epping. All these groups do stuff.
TWT, 2005

ROVERS PITCH IN AT CAMP KU-RING-GAI

Epping Rovers levelling for a new pathway.

Every year on the third weekend in May, the Rovers of the Region take on a major service project, alternating between giving service to the community and to a Scouting cause. This May, the project took place at Camp Ku-ring-gai on the Hawkesbury River at Lower Portland.

Despite threatening weather, the Saturday saw around 40 Rovers get going on a range of tasks including building steps and paths, burning rubbish, removing trees and stumps, fixing tables and clearing lantana. Over lunch, a screening of the recent ABC-TV "Australian Story" episode about Dick Smith and his old Rover mates returning to Ball's Pyramid provided a good opportunity to have a break and boost morale!

Crews who attended on the Saturday included Epping, Kissing Point, Turramurra, Gordon, Forest, Garigal and Mona Vale. Most Crews finished their tasks, but those who didn't gave assurances they'd be back to finish their job in coming weeks.

The weather on the Sunday continued to hold up as Rovers from Hunters Hill, Normanhurst, Brush Park and Platabeen all chipped in to do their bit. The guys from Brush Park seemed to have no trouble fixing up the guttering, whilst the Platabeen tilers probably struggled a bit more. Normanhurst had trouble getting their heads around the method used to clean the wooden floor, which consisted of pouring sawdust all over it - but they figured it out eventually. With 32 Rovers all up on Sunday, there was plenty of lunch to go around.

The weekend seemed pretty successful, and the camp co-ordinator, John Tibbitts, was thoroughly impressed with everyone's efforts. Well done!

Emma Joseph
Service Co-ordinator
Sydney North Region Rover Council
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sydney North Region activities web site - July 2005

ROVERS GET TRACK ACTION IN THE BUSH

Epping Rovers on a day’s four-wheel driving.

Epping Rovers are certainly a fun group to be in.

As well as service activities, fundraising for charities, and lots of camping, which with lots of practice would probably now be termed ‘camping in style’, the group also spends many days driving their 4WD vehicles while testing the limits of both vehicles and some very rough tracks.

A lot of fun but always with proper care being taken. Good exercise with the digging out and towing out which can fill quite a large part of a day out.
TWT, June 01, 2005

At the cutting edge is Brooke Blunschi from Epping Rovers who recently received her BP Award.
TWT, May 04, 2005

THE ROVER REVIEW

John, James, Nissa and Jordan
Pebbly Beach, Tasmania

Greetings to all Green & Gold readers,

The Epping Rovers have been extremely busy since the last report at the end of 2004.  Since then, we’ve run a very successful Region Moot (camp) and some of us attended the National Moot in Tasmania, all whilst running a full and varied programme.

Some of our programme highlights over the past few months have been rifle shooting, a Carnivale night, a number of 4WD-ing trips, a formal regressive Maccas dinner, attending the ‘Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Pool Party Moot’ and playing host to the Venturers at the SNR RoVenture camp.  Some of our service activities have included running a base at Dragon Skin, assisting at the Lord Mayor’s Picnic (Government House) on New Year’s Eve, Christmas gift wrapping for charity, and ‘Hike For Hunger’ food collections.

As previously mentioned we had the task of organising this year’s Sydney North Region Summer Moot, which we themed ‘Mullet Moot’.  Over 150 Rovers from all around the east coast of Australia braved the long and windy road down from Mittagong to Wollondilly River Station camp.   Crews from as far north as Queensland, and as far south as Victoria got into the spirit and joined the NSW Rovers for a weekend where bogans reigned supreme. Activities included a B & S ball, beverage and donut relay, re-enactments of quality daytime TV, thong toss, balloon relays, and the only wash these guys ended up having - a soapy sock wrestle.  Numerous people also drove back up the hill with new, but not necessarily improved, haircuts.  Check out www.eppingrovers.com/mulletmoot/ for more on the weekend including results, reports and photos.

Six Rovers from our Crew were fortunate enough to get time off work over the New Year period and headed down south into the unknown to attend the 16th Australian Rover Moot in northern Tasmania, creatively dubbed ‘Tassie Moot’.  Around 600 Rovers took part from all around Australia and as far afield as New Zealand, New Guinea, Canada, Switzerland and Great Britain.  Lake Barrington was the perfect site to hold the event not only because of its natural beauty but that it provided some great opportunities for onsite activities (such as water skiing, sailing and Tazmazia/pancake parlour tour) as well as a central base for offsite activities, to visit the major tourist attractions of the island State.  The main part was a five-day expedition where participants could choose one from a large list of activities such as a ‘Tassie In A Rush’ tour, 4Wd-ing, tall-ship sailing and white water rafting.  For everyone that was there, it was surely a highlight in their Rovering careers and something that will not easily be forgotten.

A huge congratulation goes out to Brooke Blunschi (an ex-East Ryde Rover) who has achieved the Baden-Powell Scout Award, the highest youth award in Scouting.  A lot of hard work over the years has ensured the award is well deserved!!  Her chosen activities included a study on the changes of Scouting policy in regards to religion, improving her horse riding abilities, close charity work to increase community awareness of the Eating Disorders Foundation of NSW, and further development of her piano skills.  Her award was officially presented at Government House by the Governor of NSW, and a more intimate presentation was held at East Ryde Scout Hall, both were in April.

The Crew also has some more things to be proud of.  NSW Branch has awarded us the 2004 ‘Quality Rovering Award’ for achieving an all-round high standard of operation throughout the past year.  Not to mention at last year’s Region Christmas Party, the Crew won two Region ROSCARS (Rover Oscars).  We were voted the ‘Outstanding Service Activity Award’ for last year’s Charity Trivia Night organised to raise money for the Eating Disorders Foundation of NSW, and the ‘Outstanding Rover Award’ went to John Williams recognising his tireless efforts at Crew level, Region and beyond.

Coming up on our programme in the next few months we have abseiling and caving courses, Zone 3 (indoor laser skirmish), a night hike to Kissing Point, swing dancing lessons, assisting at the Region Rover Service Project, partying it up at the NSW Rover Ball, 4WD-ing camp at Hill End, and Oliver Blunschi’s booting (another ex-East Ryde Rover) at Myall Lakes.

To the Venturers: we would like to thank you all for coming to RoVenture with us and we hope you had an awesome time.

Check out our award winning web site at www.eppingrovers.com for more information about Rovers, who we are, our programme, past activities, photos, and much MORE!

--

Jordan Hodgson
1st East Ryde Assistant Scout Leader / 1st Epping Rover
'Green & Gold' (newsletter of the 1st East Ryde Scout Group) - April-May 2005 issue

DETERMINED BROOK TAKES TOP AWARD

Epping Rover Brook Blunschi has celebrated after achieving her BP Award.

Five badges make up the Baden Powell award, including basic scout skills, mental, physical, social and spiritual development.

The Rover Skills badge requires several nights under canvas as well as other scouting skills such as knotting and first aid.

Brook included planting trees at Taronga Zoo, cooking a barbeque for the Joey Campfire and collecting cans of food for North Ryde Community Aid in her award.

For the remaining four badges Brook set her own goals - with the guidelines that they must be considerably challenging, and take at least six months to complete.

* * *

Brook started her first badge in 1999 with East Ryde Rovers, and after studying piano for nine months successfully achieved an A grade in an AMEB piano exam.

She then completed the rest of her challenges with Epping Rovers. For her social development badge Brook involved herself with the Eating Disorders Foundation of NSW.

As well as writing for the foundation’s newsletter Brook ran a trivia night which raised over $600 for the cause. Since completion of the badge Brook has maintained her relationship with the group.

For the spiritual badge Brook put together a package to be used in Rover training on Concepts of God in Rovering. This included making a short video, a slide presentation and writing an essay based on questionnaires and research on different concepts of ‘God’ within the Scouting movement and particularly in Rovering.

For the physical badge Brook learnt to ride a horse well enough to compete in dressage tests. Although this included a bad fall, which fractured her spine and put Brook in hospital and unable to ride for two months (let alone walk), she persisted and continued to gain confidence and skill, completing more complex dressage movements, as well as jumping.

Congratulations Brook, from all those in Scouting.
TWT, April 15, 2005

EPPING ROVERS CREW THE MOOT

The biggest annual Sydney North Region Rover event is the Rover’s Moot which has this year been organised by our own Epping Rover Crew.

Over 150 Rovers from all around the east coast of Australia and including even crews from as far north as Queensland, and as far south as Victoria, braved the long and windy road down from Mittagong to Wollondilly River Station to join Epping Rovers for this wonderful Moot.

Activities included a B & S ball, beer and donut relay, re-enactments of quality daytime TV, thong tossing, finding lost cans, balloon relays, and the only wash these guys get during the moot - a soapy wrestle.

Numerous people also drove back up the hill with new, but not necessarily improved, haircuts.

Forest Rover Crew won fair and square and their prize is that they get to organise next year’s Moot.  Very tired Epping Rovers were happy to pass on this honour after a year of planning and hard work.
TWT, April 06, 2005

... Epping and Turramurra Rovers were each presented with the "Quality Rovering Award" for 2004, recognising the high standard of their Crews.

Talking of awards well earnt, Brook Blunschi of Epping Rovers has achieved the highest award in Rovering, the Baden-Powell Scout Award, which was presented at Government House this month.  Well done Brook! ...
Compass - Sydney North Region's newsletter - April 2005 issue

SYDNEY North Region’s Rovers have elected their new office bearers for the coming year with three coming from TWT territory.

Congratulations to Stef Bell who has been elected as region secretary and Carla Griffiths who is Training Officer.  Both Stef and Carla are from Brush Park Rovers.  Also elected was John Williams from Epping Rovers as region treasurer.  John chose not to stand as chairman after several years of wonderful service. Congratulations Rovers.
TWT, March 30, 2005

AN AWESOME MOOT

Epping Rovers John, James, Nissa, Jordan, Brook and Oliver at Tassie Moot.

Rovers go to Moots - that’s one of the facts in scouting.

They are 18 years and older and in TWT territory there are Rover Crews at Epping, Brush Park and Hunters Hill.

Other things about Moots like lack of sleep may be just stories rather than facts.

You can check this out with your local Rover Crew.

Epping Rovers are organising the Sydney North Region’s Summer Moot which is being held in March.

As part of their training a number of Epping Rover Crew went to the National Moot held in Tasmania.

How was it?

According to John Williams “Tassie Moot was an awesome event packed full of adventure and challenges, fun and laughs while meeting so many fantastic people from around Australia and the world.

All of these great experiences were made possible through Rovers.” 
TWT, March 09, 2005

Next is Venturer Scouts, then Rover Scouts.  Epping Rovers who seem to have so much fun also support charity and other people with needs. A significant number of Epping Rovers are also leaders in their own groups.

Contact details are below.  We never seem to have to sell the idea of being a leader to someone who is already involved.

Scouting leaders seem to think that what they get out of being a leader is far greater than what they have to put in.

Being a leader is not seen as a job but as an opportunity.  Contact details below could help you discover this opportunity.
To find out more about your local scout group for boys and girls 6 years and older contact Carl Spinks on 9817 1429 and for your local guide group for girls 6 years and older contact Margot Hebbard on 9878 2070.
TWT, February 09, 2005

Last Sunday Epping Rovers were active at Westfield Chatswood working on the Rovers’ Christmas wrapping stall. All donations received from grateful shoppers are shared between Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets Charity and the Rover Crew.
TWT, December, 2004

EPPING ROVERS WIN BIG

Epping Rovers have won Sydney North Region’s Outstanding Service Activity Award for the Charity Trivia Night they organised to raise money for the Eating Disorders Foundation of NSW.

Their award also praised the Epping Rover Crew for raising the awareness of eating disorders amongst Rovers and the Scouting community.

On the same night the award for Outstanding Rover went to John Williams, also from Epping Rover Crew.

John has held the position of Region Rover Council Chairman for two years, as well as treasurer for Epping.

The award emphasised that not only is John a very active Crew member who is present at almost all Region Rover events, and some non-Region events, but John also helps co-ordinate and attends numerous service activities at Group, Region and community levels.
TWT, December 08, 2004

THE 2004 ROSCAR AWARD WINNERS!
The winners of this year's Roscar Awards - Sydney North's Rover Oscars - were announced and presented at CRAP (Christmas Rover Annual Party) on Saturday November 27.

And the winners are...

Outstanding Crew - Mt Colah/Mt Kur-ring-gai
The Crew has a varied program including outdoor, spiritual, social and service activities, regular service at Camp Ku-ring-gai, as well as Region and Group projects, attends majority of Region Rover activities, great rapport with their Group (as Leaders in some sections), very strong Venturer relations leading to increasing Crew numbers, and ran a profitable CRAP in 2003.

Outstanding Rover - John Williams
John has held the position of Region Rover Council Chairman for the second year, as well as treasurer for Epping, is a very active Crew member, present at almost all Region Rover events, and some non-Region events, helps co-ordinate and attends numerous service activities at Group, Region and community levels.

Best Activity - "The Moot Must Be Crazy"
Sydney North's 2004 Summer Moot, run by Garigal Rover Crew.

Outstanding Service Activity - Epping's Charity Trivia Night
Epping Rover Crew ran a Charity Trivia night, raising $600 for the Eating Disorders Foundation of NSW, and are continuing to support this charity, and also raise the awareness of eating disorders amongst Rovers and the Scouting community.

Outstanding Effort/Most Improved - Kissing Point
Kissing Point Rover Crew have a well balanced program which has increased membership and participation at Region and Branch Events. The Crew ran a major trip to Masthead Island for 20 people over Easter 2004 and members also attended Dragonskin. The Crew has increased their association with other youth sections - Cubs, Scouts and Venturers.

Congratulations to all the winners!
Sydney North Region activities web site – December, 2004

Epping Rovers have been nominated in four out of five categories in the annual Roscar awards which are for Rover groups in Sydney North Region.  The nominations are for Outstanding Crew, Outstanding Rover, Outstanding Service Activity and Most Improved Crew.

Meanwhile they have enjoyed a hot, but fun weekend at their recent camp at Myall Lakes.
TWT, November 24, 2004

Rovers from the South Metropolitan Region, Greater Western Sydney Region and our own Sydney North Region have collected around 7,500 food items of food for their annual Hike for Hunger.

The food was delivered to Wesley Mission where it was sorted and packed. Some Rovers hiked with a quantity of the food from Milson’s Point across the Harbour Bridge and up to the Mission in Pitt Street.

Brush Park, Epping and Hunters Hill Rovers in TWT territory all collected food so others will have a brighter Christmas.
TWT, November, 2004

Rovers are busy collecting non-perishable foods for their Hike For Hunger.  The food is distributed to those in need by the Wesley Mission.  TWT Rover Groups are at Brush Park, Epping and Hunters Hill.  They are strong young people so give them plenty to carry.
TWT, November 03, 2004

Epping Rovers are collecting food for the Wesley Mission.  The food will be used in Christmas Hampers. Donations can be left at Epping Scout Halls.
TWT, October 27, 2004

SCOUTS FLY AT THE ROSELEA SCHOOL FETE

Potential Joeys and Cubs lined up all day to experience the thrills of the Flying Fox at the Roselea School Fete held on September 18th.

The 1st Roselea Group decided to run the day both as community service and to raise our profile in our main local feeder school.

We used leaflets and stickers from NSW Branch publicity pack (available to all Groups).

As the children lined up for the experience, parents made lots of enquiries regarding Scouting before some of the mums lined up as well. We have 7 families interested in Cubs/Scouts and 10 who may form the core of a new Joey Mob.

Sydney North Region Office lent us their enormous yellow "Scouts" banner and some promotional laminated posters, which we used to identify the area.

It was really a team effort: the Sydney North Flying Fox Team led by David "Chips" Rafferty, a great bunch of Epping Rovers, Cub and Scout Leaders, Cubs and Scouts in uniform and parents all worked hard together to provide around 500 rides on the day. Cost was a gold coin donation for 2 rides, this was to help with the replacement of ropes, etc.

"Cubs and Scouts who turned up in uniform got free rides," so we had lots of uniformed members at the fete: great publicity!

Set-up was on Friday afternoon and evening, from approximately 4:30 to 10:30pm, then the Rovers had pizza and slept at the school to provide security.

Final adjustments, safety checks, harnessing teams instructed at 7:30am and we were up and running by 9:30... hard work but great fun. Finished at 3pm and packed up by 4:30pm. The rovers had been there for 24 hours! Bravo to all!

Overall it was a fantastic day. The food stalls were great as well, especially the Devonshire teas! The School has told us we were very popular and has said we would be welcome back. It was very good for Group morale, great publicity and we gave a lot of children big smiles! Thanks again to the Flying Fox Team and Epping Rovers.
Sydney North Region activities web site - September 2004

EPPING ROVERS are holding a Trivia Night on Saturday the 11th September. Cost is $10 including supper, and absolutely all profit is going to the Eating Disorders Foundation of NSW giving support to sufferers of eating disorders and their families. Guaranteed fun for all. Book a table now.
TWT, September 08, 2004

In scouting and guiding groups are established to run forever, but this is not always the case, however. Epping Rovers, which is for young men and women 18 to 25 years old, started in 1922 and is believed to be the oldest continually operating Rover Crew in the world.
TWT, June 09, 2004

SO MANY WAYS TO HELP

Brush Park, Epping and Hunters Hill Rovers have been working at Taronga Park Zoo for their regional service project.

Around 110 Rovers turned up over two days to clear garden beds, plant trees and set up irrigation systems. We are told that the Zoo staff were full of praise on a job really well done.
TWT, June 02, 2004

EPPING ROVERS WIN THEMSELVES A JOB

Epping Rovers have won the right to organise next year’s Sydney North Region’s Moot (a gathering of scouts over 18).

The tradition is that the regional winner of the ‘skin’ at each Moot takes on the organiser’s role the following year.

Held at the Colo River this year under the title ‘The Moot Must Be Crazy’, about 150 Rovers met and enjoyed themselves for a weekend while competing in such competitions as banana wrestling, a survivor puzzle and a trivia hunt. Con-gratulations Epping Rovers.

* * *

Part of Epping Rovers’ winning ways are their support and encouragement to other scouts. On a recent Friday they organised a games night for Venturers, 15 to 17-year-old scouts, from both Epping and Meadow-bank groups. Including competitive games and trust games, everyone had a great time and of course want to continue in their scouting adventures.
TWT, April 14 2004

ROVENTURE 2004 - ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES

After a great weekend of fun and excitement a few Venturers and Rovers from around the Region had a few things to say about Roventure 2004. If you or your Venturer Unit didn't make it to Roventure this year, make sure you lookout for Roventure in February 2005.

Epping Venturers (Andrew Henning) and Rovers (John Williams)
This year's Roventure saw the Venturers and Rovers of the Region combine take and defeat the killer tomatoes while enjoying everything that 2nd Gordon Rovers and Venturers had to offer!

Camp Kariong was a great location for the weekend, with the water activities a huge success with everyone - especially Mona Vale who were the winners of the water obstacle course event, and Dean Simmat who put the activities to the test.

The events of Saturday morning were an excellent chance for each team's Venturers and Rovers to get to know each other better while completing a variety of round robin activities. Box stacking and raft building only two of many initiative activities that were on offer for each team to do their best and gain points over the weekend.

"An Awesome weekend, activities, fun and great food!"
Epping Venturers
Sydney North Region Rover web site - February 2004

Thousands of young people are involved in scouting, but only a small number achieve the highest award - Queen Scout. However, two awardees have just be announced from TWT area. Congratulations to Jordan Hodgson of 1st East Ryde Venturer Unit and Alison Kohlhardt of 1st Meadowbank Venturers.

To become a Queen Scout Venturers spend most of their three years in the Venturer section working on community and scouting activities which are continually assessed.

Determination and hard work are the only qualities which lead to this success.
TWT, 2004

Epping Rovers joined in the Christmas spirit offering a wrapping service at Chatswood shopping centre with donations from grateful shoppers. This wrapping service is one of their major fundraisers. At Epping Rovers, this 18 and over years old level of scouting, has continued meeting on Tuesday nights during the holidays with activities including squash, CD nights and activities at their hall.
TWT, 2004

NSW ROVERS 2002 HIKE FOR HUNGER SUCCESS!

Over 150 Rovers from all over NSW participated with this years NSW Rovers Annual Service Project, Hike for Hunger, by collecting canned and non-perishable goods for The Wesley Mission, Sydney.

Hike for Hunger is a state-wide project that Rovers actively participate in, in conjunction with the Wesley Mission's Homeless Kids Outreach Program. Rovers had been collecting canned and non-perishable foods from everywhere and anywhere. They were in shopping centres and on the streets, talking to people about the excellent work that The Wesley Mission does for the underprivileged in Sydney, but also the great work that Rovers does in the community, and that they live up to their motto of "Service".

This years hike took place in Sydney, on Saturday, 19th October, 2002, with Rovers from across the State walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and then through Sydney to the offices of The Wesley Mission, where all the food was presented. Over 4,000 cans were collected in all, and it yet again overfilled the cupboards at the centre!!!!!!

This is the fourth year that NSW Rovers have stepped up to the challenge, and participated in the Hike for Hunger project. It aims to promote the awareness of the needs of homeless and underprivileged people in Sydney, in particular youth at risk. It also acts as a way for collecting much needed food for this worthwhile cause. Alan Bates, Volunteer Manager for The Wesley Mission said "NSW Rovers have again come to the rescue by providing over 4,000 cans and packets of food. The Hike for Hunger means we are prepared for our Christmas needy, and that’s out busiest time." 
ScoutsNSW Rover web site - 2002