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Clarence Slockee visits Austi Scouts

All sections at Austinmer Scouts gathered for a night of learning and activity related to Aboriginal history. The group were joined by Clarence Slockee, from the Bundjalung Nation on the NSW North Coast, who is the education officer at the Sydney Botanic Gardens.

Clarence presented the group with an Aboriginal flag that now sits proudly alongside the Australian flag in the hall. He also provided the group with an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’, which is read out by a group member at every group meeting.

Clarence shared his knowledge of the local Dharawal country, told stories and engaged the kids in song, dance and language. We then gathered by the fire and enjoyed bush tucker including sea lettuce, paperbark-wrapped flathead, Warrigal greens and kangaroo skewers.

Some thoughts on the evening by two of our Cubs, Jack and William Allen: “Holding the implements used for hunting and digging was awesome, and I learnt how to welcome people to this place in language.”

The Scouts (12-15 years old) attended the NSW State Rally at Cataract Scout Park over a recent weekend, and Austi Scout Group has as its next cam a ski trip to Perisher in early September.

Austinmer Scout Group is looking for volunteer leaders for our Joey and Cub sections. Joeys (aged 5 to 8) meet Wednesday nights 5-6pm and Cubs (aged 8 to 11) meets Wednesday 6:30-8pm.

Jenny Yule, one of our current Cub Leaders says: “The best bits of being a leader is watching the kids grow. They come into the hall like mice, quiet and timid, but leave as confident young mini leaders.”

For more information, please contact Group Leader Steve Turner on 0409 695 575.