New lodgings for local scouts in Albert Park

Scouts in Melbourne’s inner-south will soon have a brand-new home thanks to purpose-built hall which is now officially under construction in Albert Park.

Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman and Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor broke ground at the Ferrars Place site on April 2, signalling the beginning of the build. The hall is one of the closest scout groups available to Southbank and South Melbourne residents, along with Port Melbourne scouts.

Funding for the project was pledged by the Victorian Government in 2018, with $5.5 million put towards the building, upgrading and refurbishment of Victorian scout halls. This amount was also matched by Scouts Victoria.

The upgrade is the first of a further six planned across the state, including sites in Frankston South, Bundoora, and Deer Park.

Minister Suleyman said the government was “proud to support” the movement and looked forward to seeing how the “construction and upgrades” assisted young people in being able to “enrich their knowledge”.

Scouts Victoria currently has more than 20,000 young members, and 5000 adult volunteers. It aims to provide “an adventurous, fun, challenging and inclusive program,” according to the organisation’s website.

The halls serve as a base for scouting groups and are also often available to hire by members of the wider community.

Minister Suleyman emphasised the important role that scout groups played for young people within the state.

“Scouting is an important part of the fabric of Victoria, helping young people develop leadership skills and providing a genuine sense of community spirit,” she said.

The Albert Park Scout Hall is expected to be open by the end of June.