An Albanese Federal Labor Government will invest $500,000 in a purpose-built hall for the 1st Palmerston Scout Group, to be shared with other community organisations.
The 1st Palmerston Scout Group has been active since the 1980s and is the only scout group in the Northern Territory not to have a dedicated facility.
“I’m very happy to announce this funding to finally give the Scouts a proper home that meets their needs, and that will help them continue to build their relationships with the broader Palmerston community,” said Luke Gosling, the Federal Member for Solomon.
“It also offers a space to other community groups, such as Reeling Veterans, who have also spent years without a dedicated home.
“The social benefits of this hall will be felt across Palmerston.”
Scout Leader Shane Pascoe-Bell welcomed the commitment.
“It’s important for our youth in Palmerston to have a designated home where they can conduct all of their scouting activities, as there are limitations in various other ones we’ve had in the past,” he said.
“It’ll give the Scouts a sense of belonging and achievement, as the Palmerston Scout Section are the ones designing and will be involved in the project build, which teaches them new skills and adds to their personal growth and wellbeing.”
There are currently 50 Scout members in the Palmerston Scout Section, aged five to 15. Once the new hall is built they will be able to expand into the 15-18 and 18-25 age brackets.
The 1st Palmerston Scout Group have already made an agreement to share the facilities with Reeling Veterans, who use fishing as therapy for veterans and first responders in the Darwin and Palmerston region.
Over 1,100 individuals went on Reeling Veterans trips last year, and the group has boats, a BBQ trailer, 150 rods, lures, eskies, and camping equipment for multi-day trips that need substantial storage space.
“It’ll be good to have a home; we’ve been looking for a dedicated place for a few years and the community benefit will be awesome,” said Reeling Veterans President Michael Hurren.
“At Reeling Veterans, we form friendships and support groups, and provide a safe place for people to talk about mental health issues or anything else they’re struggling with.
“We’re not shrinks, we’re veterans who’ve been messed up, but we understand the system, and we can offer other veterans an understanding ear.”
Federal Labor’s social infrastructure investments in the Top End will keep strengthening the community and delivering a better quality of life so all Territorians can enjoy a brighter future.
