Australia Day Spectacular

Youth members of the 1st Mosman 1908 Scout Group were honoured to be invited to lead 100 canoes participating in Sydney's Australia Day Spectacular on Saturday.

To launch the Year of the Scout in 2008, organizers of the annual Australia Day Spectacular, the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, invited Scouts from all over New South Wales to form a flotilla of canoes in a salute to the Governor of New South Wales, Marie Bashir AC.

As the first Scout Troop in Australia, 1st Mosman 1908 were specially honoured with the chance to lead the parade of canoes in their two boats.

Scouts Alistair Norton (12), Cleo Spear (11) and Matthew Stark (10) paddled the canoes at the head of an impressive parade. Also in the canoes were Leader Mark McEnallay, Cub Scouts Caoimhe McEnallay (10) and Matthew McEnallay (8) and Joey Scouts Benjamin Rathbone (7) and Keiran Connor (7). These were the only younger members of the Scout family to participate in the parade.

The Scouts paddled around Cockle Bay, forming in front of the Govenor to watch a video presentation and renew their Scout Promise. A large number of members of the public who are currently or had previously been members of the Scout Association joined in the renewal.

Co-artistic producer of the event, Adam Huie from Banks Events was delighted with the participation of the Scouts in the event. "It is very exciting to have so many Scouts involved in this event," he said as he addressed a group of Scouts at the rehearsal. "It will look amazing and will be a big hit with the crowds." Over 150,000 are estimated to have attended.

Scout Alistair Norton said, "It was really amazing to be in the midst of everything that was happening! I was very proud to represent Scouts, and particularly 1st Mosman, on Australia Day. I'll always remember it."

This is the first of a series of events the celebrate 100 years of Scouting in Australia in 2008, the Year of the Scout. 1st Mosman 1908 celebrate their own 100th anniversary as well with a number of activities already planned. Scouting continues to grow in New South Wales as the world's largest youth organization.

More Information

Information on Scouts Australia: www.nsw.scouts.com.au or contact the Marketing & Communications Manager, Rosalie Batistoni at Rosalie.Batistoni@nsw.scouts.com.au

Information on Australia Day Spectacular: www.banksevents.com.au or contact the managing director, Adam Huie at sales@banksevents.com.au