Terry Young (Longman, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Boys' Brigades, Girls' Brigades, Scouts and Girl Guides are just some of the team organisations for use in our nation. In Longman these groups are well attended and thriving. Although they have different names, they share many of the same values. Through these values, they help parents and educators and schools shape our future generations for the better.

Research shows that adults who have been involved in one of these organisations growing up, on average, participate less in criminal activities and substance abuse and are more likely to volunteer in community organisations in later life. They are also more acutely aware of society as a whole and are more inclined to participate in programs or initiatives that improve our society.

Last year I had the honour and pleasure of attending the ceremony where local Caboolture Scout Alexander Bromley received the highest honour a Scout can obtain, the Queen's Scout Award. On Saturday night I had the pleasure to meet three of the six local members of the Boys' Brigades who have received the Boys' Brigade Queen's Badge award. These recipients will be some of the last recipients of this award, as it will now and in the future be, of course, the King's Scout and King's Badge award.

Congratulations to Cameron Coombes, Eric Jepson, Isaac Wierenga, Ethan Vincent, Phillip Hyde and Malcolm Matthews on your badge. It recognises your hard work and commitment over many years. Well done.