THE First Broadford Scout Group has made critical purchases thanks to funding from Inland Rail.
The latest grant is the group’s third in the last few years, receiving $1882, which has helped them to purchase goods that will enhance the skillsets of their members.
First Broadford Scout Group secretary Tanya Maiwald said the purchase of a gazebo, which was the most pressing need for the group, was made possible by the awarding of the grant.
Inland Rail is making sure the Broadford Scouts Groups stay covered with a generous grant.
“The gazebo was the most important item we bought with the grant, and we also got two light kits, as the scouts go camping a fair bit,” she said.
“They are battery-powered, and you hang them into the tent for evening games and craft.
“They also got eskies to carry barbecue items. That was bought with our latest grant.”
Ms Maiwald was grateful for the support Inland Rail provided groups around the Broadford community, noting how visible they were at events.
“Inland Rail have a community funding program, and every one or two years, community groups within the growth corridor are eligible to apply,” she said.
“They have a good team that go out into the community, and you get to know them. They turn up to Broadford’s Australia Day festival and they always have street stalls.
“We had a few Inland Rail representatives at our yearly December barbecue for the kids in the scouting year.”
Ms Maiwald also noted how it has helped the scouts become one of the biggest youth groups in Broadford, with new members above the age of five always welcome.
“This is one of the largest youth groups in Broadford, with 70 to 80 kids from Broadford and surrounds, and around 50 to 60 families,” she said.
“The kids meet every week during the school terms, and they go on events such as camps, excursions, travels to Melbourne, a flag raising at the Australia Day ceremony, carrying the flag at ANZAC Day.
“We do heaps of community work, and a lot of interactions and visibility. They do amazing things.”
