Scouts have resumed operating from their site adjacent to the new St Johns Wood bridge at Ashgrove West after the devastating February floods. Group Leader Alan Brake said that this flood was the highest since 1974 with 2.3 meters of water in the lower steel den (shed). A tremendous effort by the local scout community cleaned the mud from the buildings and equipment and made the site operational. Much of the Scout equipment supports our adventurous activities such as camping and tolerates water but needed a good clean. The electrical system inside the buildings suffered some damage but the recent renovation had moved much of the electrical infrastructure above the flood line, which limited the damage. The cleaning effort was led by lifetime member Russ Davie for two weeks, assisted by a big group of helpers at the den and cleaning items at home. Local MP Julian Simmonds helped with the cleanup and MP Jonty Bush also offered support. Our group operated from the Mt Mirrimbul Scout den for two weeks whilst our waterlogged grounds dried. Scouts accepts donations of 10c containers into our red bins as a fundraiser with easy access from Waterworks Rd. The Scout movement provides lifelong learning in resilience, leadership and teamwork for girls and boys from age 5 to 26 delivered by the proven Scout method. St Johns Wood Scouts is part of the strong local Scout district that includes Bardon (Bee St), Oakleigh (High St) and The Gap (Paten park).

Architect Mark Williams has drawn our replacement scout den, published below.

Scouts has lodged a Development Approval with council for the required building works and aims to lodge grant applications in Feb 2022. If successful, construction would be complete in late 2022.

The replacement den will allow Scouts to continue to serve our local community. It is more flood resilient than the existing building and a similar size, but located further away from the creek. Scouts are using a "Design and Construct" procurement process.

You can help by speaking to our local politicians: Cr Steve Toomey, MP Jonty Bush and MP Julian Simmonds and asking them to support the building with a grant or election commitment. We are also looking for suitable community minded builders that have inhouse design capability.

Term 3 saw the Venturer den (upstairs hall for hire) pass a critical milestone with most work complete. The new ceiling is in, most walls painted and floor board replaced by Ken and Alan, followed by a floor sand and polish. The outside path has been installed creating a new activity space, and new Rover den door installed. Bunnings continue to support us with donation of materials for the partition between the toilets.

The renovation continues..

Meanwhile, our main den replacement has changed direction. Previously, Scouts had tendered to take over the neighbouring bowls club site, but council decided in Sep 2021 to provide the site to the rugby club. Hence SJW Scouts will rebuild on our existing site, which is a well developed plan due to previous work. We are discussing with our local representatives with a view to obtain quotes and apply for grants by deadline of Feb 2022.