Recently I had the honour of attending the presentation of the prestigious Queen's

Scout Award to Goodna Scout Group member Koby Saunter. I was proud to join to Chief Commissioner of Scouts

Queensland Mr Daryl Scott; Goodna Rover Crew Chair Mr Lachlan Purcell; Group Leader of Scouts Goodna Mrs

Bernice Eickenloff; Venturer Scout Leader of Goodna Katrina Saunter; the Deputy Mayor of Ipswich Councillor

Paul Tully; Councillor Kerry Silver and the Lady Mayoress of Ipswich, Mrs Janet Pisasale.

The Queen's Scout Award is highly regarded by our community at large and the Royal Certificate is presented to

the venturer scout by a representative of the Queen. The requirements are designed to be inspiring and challenging

and to take scouts to a much higher and demanding level. To achieve this, scouts must be able to demonstrate

the following: to set a goal; to plan their progress; to organise themselves; to maintain the determination to

complete the task while overcoming setbacks and difficulties. Leadership development, which is particularly

important, prepares the venturer scout for responsibilities in a democratic society through being involved in unit

management and leadership courses.

I send my sincere congratulations to Koby, his proud parents Katrina and Jason, the Goodna Scouts and all of the

past leaders, venturers and everyone else who have helped Koby achieve his Queen Scout Award. Koby, good

luck for the road ahead, and I know you will continue to achieve great things for our local community.