1st Balgownie (still operating but now called Balgownie)
Status: Still operating
Registered: 25/07/1935
Hall: Cnr Camden and Barker Streets Balgownie
Scarf: Black with Royal Blue and Gold bands - original
History
Emerald Green with ½ in Gold border
District: North Illawarra, Kori-Mul, North Illawarra, Keirawarra
Meeting attended by more than 50 people held June 1935 , Group Committee formed, and they recommended W Druce Jnr as CM, Mr Tucker ACM and 12 boys enrolled. Pack registered 28/6/1935 (with 17 cubs, W Bruce CM), Group registered 25/7/1935 but troop may have started c May 1934 as troop celebrated its 4th birthday and cub pack’s 3rd birthday on 24/5/1938. At opening of Rocky Basin Scout camp in 1936 and Port Kembla Olympic Pool in 1937. In 1936 Constable S Watts appointed SM and in 1937 he became GSM, H Martin ASM, Miss S Druce ACM (she married & left May 1938). In 1939 Andrew Short ASM, Constable S Watts GSM, A Truscott SM. In 1945 S Johnston became ASM. Cubs attended 1936 Pax Challenge Flag competition.
In early years met under street light on Balgownie Rd and later in cool room at back of a long-gone butcher shop. Land at 3 Barker St donated / hall built. Opening of hall on 27/7/1940 by Chief Commissioner Col J Maughan was a big event with march past of cubs /scouts, a brass band and all villagers out to wave them past. In October 1938 District Association approved purchase of land by group. 1940 South Coast Annual Report said “Balgownie group purchased a block of land, and the deeds have been transferred, and a clubroom has made its appearance on the land without many money transactions having appeared to have taken place. To do this the GSM must be a magician, a bank manager, a high-powered salesman and a company director. But he is not any of these- he‘s a good scout, doing good scouting and a policemen in his spare time”.
South Coast Times 2/8/1940 said Miss Nancy Hunter new CM, hall cost £100, it was built by volunteers and was opened debt free. GSM/DSM Pop Watts / CM Mrs Watts farewelled May 1941. In October 1942 cubs won Pax Challenge Flag, Miss N Hunter CM. Meeting held 6/9/45 to form Rovers, 5 members joined at meeting and Bert Murray donated them a den. Crew registered 23/10/1945 with 9 Rovers/1 Leader (DR Shaw)/ disbanded 1951. Troop led by Pop Watts local policeman. They would collect firewood from hills and deliver it around village in hand-built cart– some sold to buy equipment, some given to people who could not afford it. On way to camp at Rocky Basin they would load gear into an open top roadster with scouts riding on running board – holding on with 1 hand and holding their hats with other. In 1947 held bazaar to raise funds to add kitchen to hall / raised £38.
Cubs 2nd at 1938 Pax Flag competition/ 3rd in 1941, equal 1st in 1943 & 1944, scouts 2nd at HR Lee Flag competition in 1939, 1945-46, 1966, 3rd in 1949 & 1950, equal 1st in 1948 and won 1940, 1943 & 1947.
Had 14 Cubs/14 Scouts/3 Leaders in 1936, 15 Cubs/29 Scouts/3 Leaders in 1937, 11 Cubs/29 Scouts/4 Leaders in 1938 (& preparing to build hall), 13 Cubs/22 Scouts/5 Leaders in 1939, 18 Cubs/23 Scouts/7 Leaders in 1940, 11 Cubs/18 Scouts/5 Leaders in 1941, 11 Cubs/14 Scouts/5 Leaders in 1942, 12 Cubs/10 Scouts/4 Leaders in 1943 & 44, 15 Cubs/18 Scouts/5 Leaders in 1945, 23 Cubs/19 Scouts/9 Rovers/6 Leaders in 1946, 20 Cubs/22 Scouts/10 Rovers/6 Leaders in 1947, 14 Cubs/22 Scouts/10 Rovers/5 Leaders in 1948, 13 Cubs/14 Scouts/3 Rovers/6 Leaders in 1949, 14 Cubs/19 Scouts/2 Rovers/5 Leaders in 1950, 7 Cubs/8 Scouts/3 Leaders in 1951, 7 Cubs/1 Leader in 1952, 13 Cubs/2 Leaders in 1953, 20 Cubs/2 Leaders in 1954, 16 Cubs/16 Scouts/3 Leaders in 1955, 18 Cubs/8 Scouts/2 Leaders in 1956, 19 Cubs/ 21 Scouts/1 Seniors/3 Leaders in 1957, 19 Cubs/20 Scouts/4 Leaders in 1958, 33 members in 1960, 43 in 1961, 39 in 1962, 43 in 1963, 47 in 1964, 51 in 1965, 50 in 1966, 59 in 1968, 68 in 1969, 74 in 1970, 76 in 1971, 57 in 1972, 61 in 1973, 98 Youth/10 Leaders in 1989, 98 Youth/16 Leaders in 1990, 48 Cubs/41 Scouts/9 Venturers/24 Leaders in 1991, 10 Joeys/30 Cubs/27 Scouts/12 Venturers/16 Leaders in 1992.
Troop reregistered 1955. 1962 SC Annual report said doing hall additions, part of land not required being sold and Joint Coal Board had donated £250 to group. In 1963 part of land not required sold and additions/ alterations to hall done. Senior troop registered May 1968 with J Adams SSL. Rover crew registered 25/8/1976 with Harry Williams RSL / deregistered 31/3/1983 and in 1991.
In April 1980 1st Balgownie Pack/Troop/Unit/Crew/Group and 2nd Balgownie Pack, Troop, Group deregistered and Balgownie Packs (A and B), Troops (A and B), Unit, Crew/Group registered. Combined group called 1st/2nd Balgownie in 1987 SC annual report /had 14 Cubs/31 Scouts/4 Venturers/6 Leaders. In July 1981 C Troop registered with David Dorrian SL. 1st/2nd Balgownie in 1981 & 1986 district Directories. Called Balgownie in 1992 Queen scout list. Joey mob registered March 1992. B Troop deregistered December 1993 / Troop 1 became Troop April 1994 /Balgownie A & B Packs renamed 1st Balgownie pack in May 1994.
In 1995 changed name from Balgownie to 1st Balgownie. Venturers deregistered October 1999 /reregistered November 2004 with Graham Slattery VL. Celebrated 70th birthday on 25 July 2005. Hall at corner of Camden & Barker Sts.
Previous leaders
1935 – 1941 · William S. Druce · Cub Master
1935 – 1947 · Charles Tucker · Assistant Cub Leader
1936 – 1937 · Samuel Watts · Scout Master
1937 – 1938 · Sheila S. Druce · Assistant Cub Leader
1937 – 1940 · Samuel Watts · Group Scout Master
1938 – 1941 · M. D. (Mrs) Watts · Assistant Cub Leader
1939 – ? · Alex Truscott · Scout Master
1939 – 1943 · James A. Truscott · Scout Master
1940 – ? · Nancy Hunter · Assistant Cub Leader
1940 – ? · R. Hall · Assistant Scout Master
1940 – 1941 · Andrew Sharp · Assistant Scout Master
1940 – 1943 · Ann Hunter · Assistant Lady Cub Master
1941 – 1944 · William S. Druce · Group Scout Master
1943 – 1945 · Ann Hunter · Cub Master
1944 – ? · Andrew Sharp · Scout Master
1944 – ? · N. Sharp · Lady Cub Master
1944 – ? · V. Ward · Assistant Scout Master
1945 – ? · Winsome Babb · Assistant Lady Cub Master
1945 – 1945 · Stanly Johnston · Assistant Scout Master
1945 – 1946 · James Cotton · Assistant Scout Master
1945 – 1946 · Kevin Godwin · Assistant Scout Master
1945 – 1946 · Stanly Johnston · Scout Master
1945 – 1947 · Betty Eagleton · Assistant Lady Cub Master
1945 – 1951 · Darrell Shaw · Rover Leader
1946 – ? · John Henington · Group Scout Master
1946 – ? · Patrick Daly · Cub Master
1947 – 1950 · Beryl Taylor · Assistant Cub Leader
1949 – ? · R. Eagleton · Assistant Cub Leader
1949 – ? · W. B. Henderson · Assistant Scout Master
1953 – ? · B. Vaughan · Assistant Cub Leader
1954 – ? · Neville Screen · Group Scout Master
1956 – 1959 · Irene M. Strangman · Cub Master
1957 – ? · C. B. Delaney · Scout Master
1957 – 1959 · Ernest J. Presser · Assistant Cub Master
1958 – 1959 · E. M. Aldrick · Assistant Cub Leader
1960 – ? · Irene M. Strangman · Assistant Cub Master
1960 – 1962 · A. R. Eagleton · Assistant Scout Master
1961 – 1962 · Alan R. Duncombe · Assistant Cub Master
1961 – 1962 · Charles W. Mackenzie · Assistant Cub Master
1961 – 1962 · W. Mackenzie · Assistant Cub Master
1962 – 1964 · Alan R. Duncombe · Cub Master
1962 – 1966 · J. Christopher Adams · Assistant Scout Master
1964 – ? · C. Wilson · Group Scout Master
1964 – 1968 · George Wilson · Group Scout Master
1965 – ? · H. D. Stalvies · Assistant Cub Leader
1965 – 1967 · Ida G. Talbot · Assistant Cub Master
1965 – 1967 · J. S. Westlake · Assistant Scout Master
1965 – 1971 · Helen D. (nee STALVIES) Cronan · Assistant Cub Master
1965 – 1972 · Jean Brokken · Cub Master
1966 – 1967 · J. Christopher Adams · Scout Master
1967 – 1967 · Peter W. Childs · Assistant Scout Master
1967 – 1968 · J. Christopher Adams · Assistant Scout Master
1967 – 1974 · James C. (Jim) Shurley · Scout Master
1968 – ? · I. R. Adams · Senior Scout Leader
1968 – 1968 · Geoffrey V. Woollett · Assistant Scout Master
1968 – 1971 · J. Christopher Adams · Senior Scout Leader
1968 – 1972 · Harry J. Williams · Assistant Scout Master
1969 – 1971 · Richard J. Hinder · Group Scout Master
1969 – 1972 · Isabel Hicks · Assistant Cub Master
1969 – 1972 · Valerie M. Shurley · Assistant Cub Master
1969 – 1973 · George Moody · Group Scout Master
1970 – 1972 · Terance Cronan · Assistant Scout Master
1971 – 1972 · Barbara J. Williams · Assistant Cub Master
1971 – 1972 · Richard J. Hinder · Assistant Cub Master
1972 – ? · Ernest J. Presser · Assistant Cub Master
1972 – ? · Kenneth J. Phillips · Assistant Scout Master
1972 – ? · Susan G. Law · Cub Instructor
1972 – ? · Valerie M. Shurley · Cub Leader
1972 – 1973 · Jean Brokken · Assistant Cub Leader
1973 – 1976 · Harry J. Williams · Venturer Leader
1973 – 1983 · Janice M. Ryan · Assistant Cub Leader
1974 – ? · Raymond D. Spindler · Assistant Scout Leader
1974 – 1980 · Helen M. Barlow · Assistant Cub Leader
1974 – 1983 · Bruce P. Barnsley · Group Leader
1975 – 1976 · John A. (Jack) Saywell · Assistant Venturer Leader
1975 – 1979 · James W. (Jim) Milnes · Assistant Scout Leader
1975 – 1983 · Patricia M. Southall · Assistant Cub Leader
1976 – 1981 · George Moody · Assistant Scout Leader
1976 – 1981 · Harry J. Williams · Rover Leader
1976 – 1981 · John A. (Jack) Saywell · Venturer Leader
1977 – 1982 · Mark A. Ryan · Assistant Venturer Leader
1980 – ? · Noel Ashley · Scout Leader
1980 – ? · Wilfred Gowle · Assistant Scout Leader
1980 – 1981 · David B. Dorrian · Assistant Scout Leader
1980 – 1994 · Alec Cowle · Assistant Scout Leader
1981 – ? · Bruce P. Barnsley · Rover Leader
1981 – ? · Martin Hinder · Assistant Cub Leader
1981 – 1982 · David B. Dorrian · Scout Leader
1981 – 1984 · Harry J. Williams · Venturer Leader
1981 – 1985 · Dorian D. Bain · Scout Leader
1983 – ? · Angelina Gaudiosi · Assistant Cub Leader
1983 – ? · Stephen Chatterton · Assistant Scout Leader
1983 – 1984 · William P. Hubbard · Assistant Cub Leader
1983 – 1986 · Stuart D. G. Cumming · Cub Leader
1984 – ? · Sharyn Byrne · Assistant Scout Leader
1984 – 1990 · Graeme J. Moses · Scout Leader
1985 – ? · Ashley Neal · Venturer Leader
1985 – 1989 · Graham P. Slattery · Venturer Leader
1986 – 1987 · Suzanne G. Haines · Assistant Cub Leader
1987 – ? · Neil Jones · Cub Leader
1987 – 1989 · David Hansell · Assistant Cub Leader
1987 – 1989 · William Sharpe · Assistant Scout Leader
1987 – 1990 · Suzanne Haines · Cub Leader
1987 – 1993 · Christian Barlow · Assistant Cub Leader
1987 – 1998 · Dennis Clark · Assistant Cub Leader
1988 – ? · Ian Donald · Assistant Cub Leader
1990 – 1993 · Suzanne Haines · Assistant Scout Leader
1990 – 1995 · Steven Harding · Assistant Scout Leader
1992 – 1992 · Noel Parkhill · Assistant Cub Leader
1992 – 1992 · Sophy Mellos · Assistant Cub Leader
1992 – 1993 · Yvette Lammers · Assistant Joey Scout Leader
1992 – 1994 · Krystyna Lee · Assistant Cub Leader
1992 – 1994 · Peter J. Smith · Assistant Joey Scout Leader
1992 – 1996 · Robyn Brodal · Joey Scout Leader
1992 – 1998 · Keith Heaton · Assistant Joey Scout Leader
1993 – 1994 · Krystyna Lee · Cub Leader
1993 – 1994 · Lesley Adams · Assistant Cub Leader
1993 – 1995 · Dennis Clark · Assistant Scout Leader
1993 – 1997 · Ronald Robertson · Assistant Scout Leader
1994 – 1995 · Charles Degabriele · Non Warranted Rank (Group Instructor)
1994 – 1995 · Krystyna Lee · Non Warranted Rank (Group Instructor)
1994 – 1998 · Leon Dickson · Cub Leader
1994 – 1999 · Simonette Bunder · Assistant Joey Scout Leader
1995 – 1996 · Dennis Clark · Scout Leader
1995 – 1996 · Neil Jones · Group Leader
1995 – 1998 · Janet Galos · Assistant Joey Scout Leader
1995 – 2001 · Deanne Cottrell · Assistant Cub Leader
1996 – ? · Terrance Clout · Assistant Scout Leader
1996 – 1999 · Neil Jones · Venturer Leader
1996 – 2000 · Gregory Duff · Group Leader
1997 – ? · Laurence Garrard · Assistant Cub Leader
1997 – 1998 · Michelle Crichton · Assistant Joey Scout Leader
1997 – 1998 · Peter Crichton · Assistant Cub Leader
1997 – 1998 · Ronald Robertson · Scout Leader
1998 – 2000 · Leon Dickson · Scout Leader
1999 – 2000 · Narelle Tugrul · Joey Scout Leader
1999 – 2001 · Robert McKnight · Assistant Cub Leader
1999 – 2002 · Glenda Wise · Assistant Joey Scout Leader
1999 – 2002 · Kyle Page · Assistant Scout Leader
1999 – 2007 · Timothy Frigo · Assistant Cub Leader
2000 – 2009 · Rodney Batkin · Assistant Cub Leader
2001 – 2009 · Deanne Cottrell · Group Leader
2001 – 2009 · Robert McKnight · Cub Leader
2002 – 2003 · Philippa Blomfield · Associate Leader
2003 – ? · Rebecca Collard · Assistant Cub Leader
2003 – ? · Rodney Brisbane · Scout Leader
2003 – 2005 · Marion Clark · Assistant Joey Scout Leader
2003 – 2006 · Elese Beaumont · Joey Scout Leader
2004 – ? · Chris Moroney · Venturer Leader
2004 – ? · Gordon Kennard · Trainee Leader (Joey Scout)
2004 – 2005 · Neil McKinlay · Assistant Scout Leader
2004 – 2006 · Murray Baker · Assistant Scout Leader
2007 – ? · Kerrie Hammond · Venturer Leader
2007 – ? · Michael Heaton · Associate Leader
2007 – ? · Susanne Atkinson · Associate Leader
2007 – ? · Timothy Frigo · Assistant Scout Leader
2007 – 2007 · Kerrie Hammond · Associate Leader
2007 – 2007 · Mark Hammond · Associate Leader
2007 – 2009 · Benjamin Low · Associate Leader
2007 – 2009 · David Scolnik · Associate Leader
2007 – 2009 · Mark Hammond · Assistant Venturer Leader
2007 – 2009 · Paul Pereira · Associate Leader
2007 – 2009 · Suzanne Woolford · Associate Leader
2008 – ? · Bernard Woods · Associate Leader
2008 – ? · Gavin Cottrell · Associate Leader
2008 – ? · Timothy Collier · Associate Leader
2008 – 2009 · Alexander Varga · Associate Leader
2009 – ? · Alexander Varga · Assistant Joey Scout Leader
2009 – ? · Benjamin Low · Cub Leader
2009 – ? · Bradley Tunstall · Associate Leader
2009 – ? · David Scolnik · Cub Leader
2009 – ? · Karen Allan · Associate Leader (Scout)
2009 – ? · Matthew Fanning · Associate Leader
2009 – ? · Paul Pereira · Assistant Scout Leader
2009 – ? · Robert McKnight · Group Leader
2009 – ? · Rodney Batkin · Scout Leader
2009 – ? · Stephen Limn · Associate Leader
2009 – 2010 · Deanne Cottrell · Group Advisor
2021 – ? · Keith Garrash · Scout Leader
2021 – Current · Tracy Grant · Assistant Scout Leader
2024 – ? · Tracy Grant · Leader in Charge
2024 – Current · Ebinee Rich · Assistant Scout Leader
2025 – ? · Maddie Dower · Trainee Youth Program Leader
2025 – Current · Simon Lee · Assistant Cub Leader
2026 – ? · Kylie Flament · Trainee Youth Program Leader
2026 – ? · Tim Hammond · Trainee Youth Program Leader
? – 1951 · J. D. Stanford · Assistant Scout Master
? – 1960 · A. E. Johnston · Group Scout Master
? – 1968 · David J. Dumcombe · Assistant Scout Master
? – 1983 · David Saywell · Assistant Scout Leader
? – 1992 · John Powlay · Trainee Leader (Group)
? – 1992 · Peter Wypych · Assistant Cub Leader
? – 1993 · Raymond H. Critcher · Assistant Venturer Leader
? – 1993 · Ronald Robertson · Scout Leader
? – 1994 · Charles Degabriele · Assistant Cub Leader
? – 1994 · Graham Hart · Trainee Leader (Venturer)
? – 1995 · Bronwyn Wilson · Trainee Leader (Joey Scout)
? – 1995 · Garry Bull · Trainee Leader (Cub Scout)
? – 1995 · Lyn Vander Linden · Trainee Leader (Joey Scout)
? – 1995 · Neil Jones · Scout Leader
? – 1995 · Sharon Jones · Trainee Leader (Joey Scout)
? – 1995 · Suzanne Mackie · Trainee Leader (Joey Scout)
? – 1996 · Heather Lord · Trainee Leader (Non Warranted Rank - Group)
? – Current · Lisa Sheedy · Venturer Leader
? – ? · Barry W. Snushall · Assistant Scout Leader
? – ? · Benjamin Low · Assistant Joey Scout Leader
? – ? · Christopher Barlow · Assistant Cub Leader
? – ? · Darryl Meredith · Assistant Cub Leader
? – ? · Duncan Inverarity · Assistant Scout Leader
? – ? · Jordan McKnight · Assistant Scout Leader
? – ? · Karla Allan · Assistant Scout Leader
? – ? · Kathleen J. Morton · Assistant Cub Leader
? – ? · Kathy Patrick · Assistant Joey Scout Leader
? – ? · Kevin Willis · Assistant Cub Leader
? – ? · Leo Kleerborn · Assistant Cub Leader
? – ? · Patricia O'Dwyer · Assistant Cub Leader
? – ? · Peter W. Shepherd · Assistant Senior Scout Leader
? – ? · Robert H. David · Assistant Rover Leader
? – ? · Roy Hammonds · Senior Scout Leader
? – ? · Sheikh M. Hugue · Assistant Cub Leader
? – ? · Susan Meredith · Assistant Cub Leader
? – ? · Valda J. Stephenson · Assistant Cub Master
? – ? · Wayne Hulbert · Assistant Joey Scout Leader
Awards
Joey Scout Challenge Award
2008 · Matthew Tunstall
2010 · Sierra Anastas, Kate Critcher, Shannon Renshaw, Isabella Rogers
2011 · Douglas Brooks
2013 · Romey Fanning, Jessica Varga, Nathan Varga
Cub Scout Grey Wolf Award
2006 · Lara Batkin
2007 · Nicholas Booth
2008 · Gareth Davies, Rhiannon Grant, Natasha Jones, Daniel McKnight, Kate Pereira, Brandon Scolnik
2011 · Brydee Allan, Blake Atkinson, Kelly Fanning, Rebecca Gonchee, Grace Howie, Ebinee Rich, Mackenzie Smith, Matthew Tunstall, Steven Varga
2012 · Lachlan Cosier, Kate Critcher, Ashton Low, Haydn Low, Mathew Varga
2013 · Sierra Anastas, Houston Johnston
2014 · Lara Sheedy, Nathan Varga
2015 · Riley Checklin, Bianca Grant, Jake Grubb, Evelyn Hay, Bennett Rogers
2016 · Romey Fanning, Lucy Misztal, Jessica Varga
2017 · Braydon Garrash
2018 · Isabel Grant
2019 · Christian Vigorito
Australian Scout Award/Medallion
2007 · Nicholas Brisbane
2019 · Jake Grubb, Bennett Rogers
2024 · Aiden Easton, Cameron Ritz
Kings/Queens Scouts
1943 · R. Campbell
1961 · John Adams
1971 · Robert Clark, Dennis Dal Santo, Gregory Huxley, Peter Shepherd
1975 · David Ian Hart
1976 · Peter Brisbane, Stephen David, Charles Hegyi, Steven Pearce, David Williams, Peter Williams, Rodney Williams
1977 · Henry Pluimers, Kevin Szysz
1979 · Kenneth Clark, Martin Hinder
1983 · Bradley Southall, Alexander Stewart
1985 · Paul Bannister
1991 · David Brooks, Stephen Thompson
2009 · Rhiannon Hughes
2010 · Samuel Harley
2013 · Kylan Low
2015 · Rhiannon Grant, Harrison Low, Lachlan Moodie
Silver Wattle
2017 · Robert McKnight
2026 · Lisa Sheedy
Meritorious Service Award
2015 · Benjamin Low
2018 · Timothy Frigo
2019 · David Scolnik
2023 · Lisa Sheedy
2025 · Tracy Grant
Special Service Award
2018 · Lisa Sheedy
2021 · Tracy Grant
2023 · Jordan McKnight, Keith Garrash, Simon Lee
2025 · Ebinee Rich
Medal of Merit
1972 · James Shurley
1980 · Harry Williams
1990 · George Moody
Certificate for Good Services
1979 · George Moody
Certificate of Merit
1994 · Alec Cowle
1995 · Dennis Clarke, Neil Jones
Thanks Badge
1975 · F. Shepherd, George Wilson
B