Scout Heritage Victoria Centre & Archives

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Scout Heritage Victoria Centre & Archives

The Scout Heritage Centre & Archives has the largest collection of Scouting records and memorabilia in Victoria as well as fun activities for youth members.

Founded in 1972 Chief Commissioner's Award - 2018.

04/09/2026

From the catalogue of the 1924 Wembley Jamboree in the UK, we still see these devices in use at Jamborees and other major events. Collecting food from the Q- Store, gas bottles, ice and a whole of of items, the trek cart remains a key Unit resource at camp. In the past, some Jamborees had an activity where trek carts were raced over a field, dismantled to take it over an obstacle fence, reassembled and raced on to the finish.
Check out your Q Store to see if you have one hiding at the back of the store.

28/08/2026

These intrepid Scouts from Essendon are off to the 1948-49 Jamboree at Wonga Park in Victoria. In full uniform as they enter the camp, their packs seem incredibly small to contain clothes, sleeping bag and other items for the 10 day camp.
We suppose that leaders made sure they had all the essential items for the event.

21/08/2026

Hi all, meet Rupert, a Wolf Cub from 5th Camberwell North in 1953.
Rupert is fittingly dressed in the Wolf Cub uniform on the era, complete with proficiency badges.
Rupert is on display in the downstairs foyer of the Victorian Scout Centre in Mt Waverley as a part of our SHV display to celebrate the 110 years of Cub Scouts.
Drop in and say hello to him.

14/08/2026

Its winter, snow time and a chance for Rovers (and now Venturers) to visit and explore the high plains and stay at the well appointed Bogong Ski Chalet. Built in the 1930s it has been the treasured home of Rover Skiing for almost 100 years.
Of course advertising and bookings today are via Facebook and other social media outlets, but it is still the spiritual home of Rover skiing.

07/08/2026

The Scout Shop may still supply liquid soap for hikers, but this advertisement was aimed at Scouts attending the Wembley Jamboree in the UK in 1924.
Targeted as 'fragrant antitseptic soap' for the bathroom, in the kitchen and at camp, we wonder if Scouts today would find the ideal location for it - at the bottom of their pack!

31/07/2026

Congratulations to all Awardees on World Scout Day.
The Silver Kangaroo, is awarded for eminent achievement and exceptional service to Scouts Australia.
Its history goes back to 1962, with the break from UK Scouting from the Silver Wolf award to the Silver Kangaroo. The first medals were a small sitting Kangaroo which lasted until 1965 when the larger, sterling Silver Kangaroo (hopping) was awarded. Earlier recipients were offered to change to the new version. With the change of other awards in 2002 to more Australian names (Emu, Koala, Wattle), a new Silver Kangaroo with a surrounding circle matching the other awards was presented. These were not well received by recipients, and another change to the current 'Skippy' in 2012 occurred. Irrespective of the shape and design of the medal, all recipients have given sterling and sustained service to Scouting in Victoria.

24/07/2026

Stickers (and previously transfers) were great souvenir items at Jamborees and other events, a were also a good source of fundraising for an activity. The sometimes humorous 'double meaning' in Venturer and Rover stickers were tolerated as they added some flavour and fun to promoting the section to others. The problem arose when they needed to be removed and the resulting sticky mess detracted from the initial fun.

17/07/2026

This stunning photo came from a donation last week. The 1965 Hoadley Hide had the theme of Unlock the Land' and was conducted in the Labertouche State Forest. The theme re-enacted events in Victoria in 1865 when ex gold diggers (Selectors) agitated to break the hold of the powerful Squatters over valuable farming land.
Senior Scouts and leaders dressed up in their costumes and we see here in the centre, The Governor of Victoria (aka Branch Commissioner - Senior Scouts Bob Swinton) adjudicating the claims of the Settlers and Landholders (he drove around the site in a horse and buggy).
The Governor announced the Land would be 'Unlocked', with wild cheering, despite a very wet Easter.
We think the challenge is out for the 2027 Hoadley Hide for Chris 'Cheese' Anderson, the new State Commissioner - Venturers Scouts to dress accordingly with the HH theme.

10/07/2026

All you Rover people should note how the Rover Easter Hike was conducted in 1935 (post Jamboree). Fancy sleeping overnight at HQ with lights out at 11:00pm.
The gear and food and transport would be vastly different from today, but we hope the 30 Rovers had a good time hiking.

03/07/2026

The delightful series of sketches by Baden-Powell (incorporated in later editions of Scouting for Boys) follow the progress of the Clumsy Scout Tommy the Tenderfoot Who Teaches Us Lessons as he stumbles his was through the Tenderfoot tests to becoming a Scout. We will feature other of his exploits in future posts.

Address

62A Mackie Road
Bentleigh East, VIC
3165

Opening Hours

Monday

9am - 3pm

Website

https://scoutsvictoria.com.au/activities-events/activities/heritage/scout-heritage-victoria/

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