Bianca (left) and Larissa Noble receive certificates from Manly-Lota RSL President Harry Pregnell. Photo by Harvey Shore.
BY HARVEY SHORE
Sisters Bianca (aged eight) and Larissa Noble (nine), both Cub Scouts in the Manly-Lota Scout Group, were keen to earn Scouting Australia’s ‘Creating a Better World’ badge.
The triangular badge is one of six Special Interest Areas badges that Cubs can earn in Scouting Australia’s ‘Creating a Better World’ program, which encourages young Australians to take action and become global citizens. Scouts and Cubs earn this badge by creating projects related to environmental issues, social justice, or community development, with activities typically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The projects often involve community-based work. To complete their projects, Bianca and Larissa volunteered to spend time with Harry Pregnell, President of the Manly-Lota RSL Sub Branch, and his office manager, working to support local veterans and their families.
Both girls helped organise and set up the Sub Branch’s regular ‘Veteran’s Cuppa’, a free morning tea held every Wednesday at the Sub Branch. They also conducted a survey of members for the President, helped promote the Bayside Community Raffle, and folded brochures and raffle tickets.
After completing many hours of work, both girls then prepared a detailed report on their RSL activities for Scouting Australia. Their project earned both girls the coveted ‘Creating a Better World’ badge for Cubs.
In addition, the sisters were invited to the next gathering of members at the Manly-Lota RSL, where President Harry Pregnell declared them the youngest-ever honorary members of the Sub Branch and (to the applause of all members) presented both young girls with Certificates of Appreciation.
The Manly-Lota Scout Group is currently recruiting for both Youth members and Adult Leaders to join the group. Anyone interested in joining should email the Group Leader, Albatross, at [email protected].
