Scouting legend retires after more than 50 years

AFTER 53 years of being in the Scouting movement, Korumburra resident Shirley Reeves OAM retired at the recent South Gippsland District ARAP (Awards, Reports and Presentation). 

Shirley held many roles within Scouts, including being a Joey, Cub and Scout Leader, District Joey Leader, District Cub Leader, District Commissioner for South Gippsland and Assistant Commissioner for the Gippsland Region.

Shirley has been involved in running events for Scouting Youth members around Australia from local Scout meetings, to Kangarees, Cuborees and Jamborees. 

Shirley has also attended Jamborees and events in other countries around the world. There is not a Scouting Youth member in this District that does not have fond memories of Shirley, also known as Mrs Chook and Mrs Wallaby. 

Shirley has also been a member of the Leader Training Team in Victoria and for more than three decades she has helped shape, support and teach thousands of leaders within Victoria.

Shirley has received recognition within the Scout movement for her efforts with Youth members and Leaders and has been awarded the Medal of Merit, the Silver Acorn, Silver Emu and the Silver Kangaroo. 

Shirley was also presented with a 50-year Service Award.

Outside of Scouting, Shirley was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her outstanding support of Scouting and other Community organisations. 

On her last night as a Scout Leader, at the South Gippsland District ARAP, past Branch Commissioner and long time friend, Robert Taylor, had the pleasure of presenting Shirley with an Honorary Commissioner of Scouts Victoria. 

When presenting the award, Bob made reference to the fact that Shirley has had a lasting impact on thousands of Scouts and Leaders around the State, and that those who have been lucky enough to have been in Scouting with Shirley are greatly indebted to her.

The South Gippsland Scouts as a whole would like to say well done and thankyou to Shirley for the time, effort and care that she has put into the youth of this region for the past 53 years.