Melbourne Region Scouts – Strategic Vision 2026–2028 Prepared by: Geoff Gartly & regional team, July 2026 Districts: Boroondara | Yarra | Glen Eira Stonnington | Bayside As your new Regional Commissioner, I look forward to working with our State and Regional team, leaders, youth, and parents to provide an amazing experience for our young people in our movement and to support those who help make it happen! – Geoff Gartly
1. Overview of the Region The Melbourne Region comprises four districts: Boroondara, Yarra, Glen Eira Stonnington, and Bayside, representing approximately 4,000 members across 49 Scout Groups. Like many volunteer organisations, the region has experienced periods of leadership transitions, shifts in volunteer capacity, and reduced opportunities for regional collaboration and connection. In recent years, this has resulted in: • Fewer regional gatherings and collaborative opportunities • Reduced support structures across districts • Fewer large-scale activities that bring members together across the region We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the many leaders, supporters, and volunteers who have continued to support Scouting throughout this period. The opportunity now exists to rebuild connections, strengthen support networks, and create renewed energy and momentum across the Melbourne Region. 2. Our Vision Our shared vision, aligned with the direction of Chief Commissioner Daniella and regional leadership, is to: Build the most connected, vibrant, and youth-led Scout Region in Victoria. We aim to create a Melbourne Region that: • Brings people, groups, and districts together • Encourages innovation, collaboration, and shared learning • Delivers engaging, high-quality Scouting experiences
• Empowers young people to lead, organise, and shape Scouting opportunities • Builds a culture of optimism, inclusion, and positive momentum This vision is not simply about structure. It is about creating energy, connection, community, and opportunity for every member. 3. Guiding Principles The Melbourne Region will be guided by the following principles: • Youth-led: Young people are actively involved in planning, leadership, and decision-making. • Collaborative: Districts, groups, leaders, youth members, and supporters work together and share resources. • Inclusive: Activities and opportunities are accessible, welcoming, and respectful. • Supportive: Leaders and volunteers feel valued, connected, and encouraged. • Safe: Programs, activities, and facilities are managed with safety and well- being as priorities. • Innovative: New ideas are encouraged while respecting the traditions and strengths of Scouting. • Community-focused: Scouting is visible, valued, and connected to local communities.
4. Strategic Priorities 2026–2028 4.1 Rebuild Regional Identity We will: • Promote a strong and recognisable Melbourne Region identity • Increase regional visibility through consistent communication and publicity • Celebrate success stories and achievements across all districts • Build pride and connection throughout the region • Encourage groups and districts to see themselves as part of a wider regional team Success will include: • Increased participation in regional activities • Improved engagement with regional communication channels • Greater awareness of regional initiatives • A stronger sense of pride in being part of the Melbourne Region 4.2 Strengthen Support Across Districts and Groups We will: • Provide practical support to groups requiring assistance • Work collaboratively with District Commissioners and leadership teams • Share resources, knowledge, and volunteer support across the region • Reduce duplication and improve coordination between districts • Support leaders and groups through periods of change and transition • Encourage innovation while respecting the traditions and strengths of existing groups Particular focus areas include: • Leader wellbeing and sustainability • Volunteer recruitment and retention • Group development and succession planning • Youth engagement and participation • Practical support for developing or vulnerable groups
4.3 Deliver More and Better Activities We will: • Increase the number and quality of regional events and activities • Encourage cross-district participation and friendships • Use the scale of the region to reduce the workload on individual groups • Share expertise, people, equipment, and resources • Create activities that support youth progression, adventure, leadership, and fun Regional activities should be: • Inclusive • Well-organised • Safe • Affordable where possible • Memorable • Youth-focused 4.4 Empower Youth Leadership Youth leadership will be central to the future of the Melbourne Region. We will empower Venturers, Rovers, and emerging youth leaders to actively shape regional activities, communication, and culture while building leadership pathways for the future of Scouting. This will include: • Involving youth members in leadership and planning roles • Supporting youth-led events and initiatives • Creating opportunities for leadership development and mentoring • Encouraging youth participation in regional decision-making • Establishing a Regional Youth Leadership Team The initial focus will be on Venturer and Rover involvement, with opportunities to expand participation from younger sections as the youth leadership structure develops.
Youth members will be encouraged to: • Plan events • Lead activities • Promote Scouting • Mentor younger members • Contribute ideas and innovation The aim is to build confidence, friendships, leadership capability, and long-term engagement in Scouting beyond the youth journey. Our Youth Region team The Youth Regional team will be made up of a team of youth members that will meet formally with the aim to : - Explore ideas - Report to the Regional team and DCS on activities they are to be engaged in - To assist in large events – ie ARAPS , District kick off and IWD - To help in presentations at the regional and district levels - To help promote scouts amongst the youth and districts using social media - To promote a Regional radio show Any other events will be considered only when the team has been operating formally long enough for capacity to grow and take on more projects. Ideally, the Region Youth team should have an executive team made up of Scouts, Ventures and Rovers from across the region that meets bi-monthly. Chaired by a Regional Youth Chair Other members invited to join as and when the youth regional team see fit . A youth forum should be held every 6 months that allows all youth members to be engaged in promoting ideas A Leader from the Region/District team is to act as a mentor and, together with the Regional Youth Chair, report back to the Regional team on a bimonthly basis.
4.5 Improve Leader Support and Connection We will create more opportunities for leaders to: • Connect with one another • Share ideas and resources • Access support and mentoring • Feel recognised, valued, and supported This will include: • Face-to-face networking opportunities • Online collaboration and communication forums • Leader development and wellbeing initiatives • Recognition and celebration of volunteer contributions • Practical support for new and emerging leaders A connected leadership team will strengthen the member experience and improve volunteer sustainability across the region. 4.6 Enhance Communication Clear, consistent, and modern communication will be a priority. We will: • Improve communication across the regional leadership team, districts, groups, and youth members • Maintain a clear and accessible regional calendar • Use modern communication platforms, including social media, newsletters, email updates, and community networks • Ensure members feel informed, connected, and included • Support District Commissioners and regional leadership teams through regular communication and engagement The Regional Commissioner will maintain strong engagement with District Commissioners and regional leaders to support collaboration and consistency across the region.
5. The Regional Leadership Team The role of the Regional Commissioner is to: • Implement the strategy and direction of Scouts Victoria • Build relationships, trust, and collaboration • Create opportunities for growth, connection, and positive member experiences • Support districts, groups, and leadership teams • Promote a positive and youth-led regional culture The regional leadership team will: • Support districts and groups • Facilitate collaboration forums and discussion groups • Encourage the sharing of ideas, resources, and best practice • Assist with regional planning, activities, communication, and leader support The regional team may support forums and networks for: • Developing and emerging groups • Well-established and growing groups • Sea Scout groups • Section-based leadership teams • Youth leadership representatives • Leaders with specialist skills and activity experience 6. Signature Regional Events Over the next 12–18 months, with the support of districts and the Regional Youth Leadership Team, the Melbourne Region will establish a calendar of key regional events, including: • District Kick-Off Event • Regional Leader Gathering and Conference • International Women’s Day Event • R U OK? Day Community Event for youth members and leaders • 2027 Regional RSL / Scouts Recognition Event • Regional Youth Leadership Summit • Regional Camp, as the flagship regional event, in 2027
These events will: • Build regional identity and pride • Strengthen relationships and collaboration • Provide memorable experiences for youth members and leaders • Showcase the strength and diversity of the Melbourne Region • Encourage youth leadership and shared ownership of regional activities 7. Supporting Our Foundations 7.1 Group Support We will: • Identify and assist groups requiring support in partnership with district teams • Strengthen mentoring and development opportunities • Leverage the experience and capability of the wider regional network • Support group planning, recruitment, retention, and succession 7.2 Facilities and Halls We will provide guidance and shared knowledge regarding: • Maintenance and upgrades • Compliance and safety • Funding opportunities • Sustainable hall and facility management • Sharing examples of good practice across the region 7.3 Community Engagement Each district will identify and strengthen connections with: • Community organisations • Local stakeholders • Schools and councils • Supporters and sponsors • Local service clubs and community groups This will help increase the visibility, relevance, and community impact of Scouting across the region.
8. Culture and Energy We want a Melbourne Region where: • People feel excited to be involved • Leaders feel supported and valued • Young people feel heard and empowered • Events are fun, inclusive, and well-run • Collaboration is encouraged • Innovation is welcomed • Success is celebrated • Members are proud to belong We will foster a culture built on respect, inclusion, teamwork, optimism, and shared success.
9. What Success Looks Like Within 12–18 months, success will include: • Regular regional activities with strong participation • Improved leader retention and engagement • Stronger collaboration across districts • Visible youth leadership in action • Increased support for developing groups • Growth in youth membership • Higher quality and more consistent Scouting experiences • Greater regional identity and pride • Stronger community connections • A region that feels positive, active, and future-focused 10. Review and Reporting Progress against this plan will be reviewed regularly by the Regional Leadership Team in consultation with District Commissioners and relevant regional leaders. The plan should remain practical, flexible, and responsive to the needs of members, leaders, districts, and groups. Updates may be made as priorities develop or as new opportunities emerge. Suggested review points: • Quarterly review by the Regional Leadership Team • Regular feedback from District Commissioners • Annual update to members on progress, achievements, and next steps 11. Next Steps This plan represents the beginning of a new chapter for the Melbourne Region. By working together, supporting one another, and creating opportunities for connection, leadership, and fun, we will build a region that not only supports its members but inspires them. Together, we can create a Melbourne Region that is connected, youth-led, forward-thinking, and proud of the role Scouting plays in our communities.