SCOUT’S OAM HONOUR

Neville and Sylvia Brown.

AUSTINMER Scouts leader Neville 'Nifty' Brown has been rewarded for his nearly 30 years service to the organisation with a Medal of the Order of Australia.

"I said when I grow up I'd drop out," laughs Neville, who has been a Scout leader since 1978.

"He's just a big kid," laughs his wife of 38 years Sylvia.

Neville's time with the Scout movement began as a boy with the Bankstown Air Scouts. He then became a Scout Leader for the first time back in 1978 at Wilton.

When the family moved to Austinmer Neville took on the role of 1st Austinmer Scout Leader with just one scout.

"It was pretty rundown, but we got the numbers up and now have 34 scouts," says Neville, who adds that his young charges are the reason he keeps returning to Scouts each year.

"It's the scouts who inspire me - there's just so much talent in young people."

"And it's different to, say, football or cricket - with Scouts you all get to play the game and are all winners at your own level."

When his scouts go on to be Scout Leaders it's a proud moment for Neville.

"It's just great, you feel a real sense of achievement."

Awards though, don't sit as comfortably with Neville.

"I'm a bit embarrassed to be honest. Even with the Scouts awards I've won over the years I've always thought there were other people who were more deserving.

"But it's good for Scouts."

Certainly the publicity Neville's award generates will be a bonus for the Scouts movement which is on the lookout for new members and leaders.

"Parents come along and participate while their children are there but once they leave we often lose the parents too."

"We're holding our own in terms of numbers but we need more members."

Austinmer is one of the region's most successful troops, taking out Best Patrol and Best Patrol Leader in competition last year.

Neville is also the longest continuously serving Scout Leader in the district and has participated in seven Jamborees across Australia.

To become a part of the 1st Austinmer Scouts call president Steve Green on 4283 6437.