Cub Scouts take over restaurant

On Wednesday, 20 May a brave local restaurateur handed over the keys of Coledale’s Saltie Dog restaurant to the 1st Austinmer Cub Group.

As part of the activity, the Cubs came up with a new restaurant theme and name, designed a menu, set tables, prepared three courses and served 50 paying guests. Some of the food prepared included home-made sushi, Japanese hot pot, home-made pasta and meatballs, waffles and apple crumble.

Cub Leader, Scott Bradburn, had some apprehension: "I was surprised when Leigh, Saltie Dog’s owner, immediately said yes when we floated the idea. The reality of it was a little daunting but the Cubs have a habit of surprising us.

"Of course it was wild and chaotic, but the kids managed to deliver three courses in good time and did not break a single plate, which was a relief to Leigh as we found out afterward just how much their stoneware costs!

"Beyond what the kids got out of it, 20 local families took pause from a busy working week, sat down together and enjoyed a meal. It was a great community event.”

All proceeds are for an end-of-year camp. Upcoming Cubs’ activities include a night walk through Stanwell Park rail tunnel, a filmed drama night and a three-day Shoalhaven River camp.