Sutherland Shire resident Tony Melville has received the highest award available to Scout Leaders in Australia.
Mr Melville, who is group leader of the Ist Woronora River Scout Group, has been awarded the Silver Kangaroo Adult Recognition Award following 33 years of service in the scouting movement.
He was one of seven people in NSW to receive the Silver Kangaroo in 2015.
The Silver Kangaroo is part of the World Scout Awards given out every year to mark the founding of Scouting in Australia in 1908.
Mr Melville started as a volunteer Rover Advisor with the Wolli Creek Crew in 1982, and has held Scouting leadership roles in St George, Yagoona District and South Metropolitan Region.
In 2010 he received the Silver Emu Award for 28 years service as an instructor, assessor and personal Leader advisor at NSW State Headquarters, as well as Regional Commissioner of the South Metropolitan Region and District Commissioner at the Yagoona District.
He is still a member of two State Committees.
Mr Melville has long contributed to the success of the Kirrawee Gang Show, the oldest NSW Gang show in which Scout groups and leaders within the South Metropolitan Region are able to show off their theatrical talents.
Scouting has been a family tradition for the Melville family.
Mr Melville’s wife, Cynthia has been involved as an assistant Scout Leader at the Ist Bangor Scout group.
His daughter Diane, 32 , was a cub and scout with the Ist Woronora River Scout Group.
His other daughter, Lizzie, 26, is an organiser with the Rover Scouts and became a Queen’ Scout in 2008.
Mr Melville said the Scouting movement teaches young people important leadership and life skills.
“We always encourage kids to stay as long as possible,’’ he said.
“But even if they say a short time they are learning about first aid, knotting and outdoor skills that gives them greater confidence to be able to look after themselves.
“They also learn leadership skills. We have had three boys from Ist Woronora River Scout Group who have gone on to be school captains.
“We always believe that Scouting has given them something a little extra.”
Last week Mr Meville was congratulated by Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce for his Silver Kangaroo Award and commended him for his past and continuing services and contribution to the positive development of the Scouts in Australia.
‘’His work over the past 33 years has helped engage and inspire young Australians and build the next generation of thinkers and leaders in our community,’’ Cr Pesce said.