Newsletter 2022 Term 2

Firstly, a thank you for everyone that assisted in the flood recovery, as many hands make light work. But particularly to Russ D. who spent a couple of weeks cleaning, and there are others who spent several days at the den cleaning and tidying so a very special and heartfelt thanks. The tidy up is ongoing and will take at least term 2 to get everything replaced and stored correctly. The den is operational with some minor restrictions. Expecting to have power points working in main den this week, and in the Rover den in next few weeks. Canoe and old Rover den are barricaded off, although council and insurer have inspected. Council structural engineer indicated that structure could be repaired, even though scouts is intending to demolish and rebuild.

Please return items as follows: kitchen items direct onto kitchen benches. Items known to be from QStore direct into Q Store, and everything else onto table in main den under chalkboard. The contents will take a while to sort out both in the main den and QStore so please be patient and help GL Alan if you can.

Scouts is looking for donations of writing pens, writing pencils and felt pens, sticky / packaging tape, glue sticks and craft glue. Families might have surplus at home that needs a worthwhile home.

Scouts flood insurance includes Public Liability (biggest cost), buildings and contents only if listed. Contents is valued around $35000, but mainly covers complete loss in a fire to get the group camping equipment operational quickly. Most of this equipment was cleaned and reinstated after the flood. The insurance might cover building damage, but there are restrictions and a $25000 excess for each site (ie our SJW Scout site). Scout HQ expects the flood payout and paperwork will take a couple of years. About 16 Scout properties were affected.

Earthworks have been completed to reduce overland flow entering the main den and coupled with earlier works to install an earth mound in front of main door, and clean out front drain should reduce the risk. The recent earthworks cleaned out silt from the rear and cliff side of the den. The creek side floor is already well above ground level. We’ll monitor overland flow in heavy rain and respond if more work is required. Thanks to the leader that raised the issue and I encourage everyone to raise safety issues.

Treasurer role vacant and critical. At the upcoming AGM in May, Joanna will step down and we thank her for the three years of service. Scouts needs another volunteer as money is essential to our operations. All the systems are set up including Xero. Please ask for more information from Joanna (treasurer@StJohnsWood.ScoutsQLD.com.au), GL Alan at GL@StJohnsWood.ScoutsQLD.com.au or Chair Nick at Chair@StJohnsWood.ScoutsQLD.com.au. The treasurer attends monthly online committee meetings.

Bunnings BBQ: these are an important fundraiser, raise our community profile, and allow Scouts (15 and over) to develop people skills. Please nominate for a shift on Sat 14 May.

The flagpole repairs have taken longer than expected with the flood and Alan away. A new flagpole kit costs $9000, so there is a desire to DIY replace/repair.

Joeys will be attending a water activities day at the Brownsea Scout centre including canoe, rafting, motor boat ride and pirate ship on Sat 6 May. Everyone should have received their Operoo invitation.

A Joey leader is urgently required. GL Alan Brake is running Joeys in the absence of a trained leader, but that must soon end.

New den. Council has given a preliminary approval to allow a DA to be lodged. New drawings have been prepared and the DA will be lodged soon.

We are considering a trial to mount hooks on the outside den wall for jumpers and shelf for water bottles to reduce the lost property inside the den and subsequent volunteer effort to clean up. Parents will be able to collect left items anytime.

Group calendar

Anzac day – Mon 25 April. Meet at 7:15 at Betheden Tce to join the march for a 7:45 service. Cubs are sleeping over the previous night.

Parent nights are planned for most sections in early May so look out for your invitation from your section.

Group night term 2 with climbing wall: Fri 20 May. Includes 30 min AGM for everyone and parents requested to attend. The committee is appointed by the GL, not voted in.

Perspective rendition of new building plan below