News
9 September, 2025
Dawning 50 years
THE Caboolture Scout Group gathered for a special celebration to honour a member of 50 years, Dawn Andrews, on August 30. Scouts from all sections, along with her family and leaders, came together to recognise the remarkable milestone.
Dawn’s journey in Scouting began in 1960 at age 16, when she joined as an Assistant Cub Leader. After moving to Caboolture, Dawn became a Cub Leader in 1978, taking on the leader name Akela, inspired by The Jungle Book. At that time, Cubs were only for boys, but Dawn witnessed and supported the inclusion of girls from 1980.
Over the years, she took on many leadership roles, before returning to Caboolture in 2004 as an adult support member. In 2017, she became Patron of the Caboolture Scout Group, a role she still holds today.
One of her most special memories over the 50-year journey is her wedding day in 1967, which was marked by a unique Scouting tradition. “When we got married, we were given a Cub Guard of Honour at the top of the church steps, with the Cubs lined up either side,” she said, reflecting on one of her fondest memories.
Her dedication to the Scouts has never wavered, even as her life changed. “Once I got married, I had a break, and then we had three sons, and once they started Cub age, they were in Cubs, and the leader left, so it was suggested I get back into uniform,” she said.
Group Leader of the Caboolture Scout Group, Sylvia Starkey, said the whole committee spent three months preparing for the milestone celebration, including setting up a photo board timeline, featuring key moments of Dawn’s 50 years.
“A lot of the younger scouts came to have a look at the board, looking at all the really old photos of Dawn and the old buildings and the way that they used to do Cubs and Scouts in the 1970s,” she said.
Sylvia described Dawn as an enduring presence in the Club, with endless support. “She’s just always there. If you ask Dawn to come to something, she’s there,” she said. “She’s there for the leaders to help them and give them a hand and she’s just this fountain of knowledge.”
Dawn’s legacy has been deeply rooted in her family: she is the mother and grandmother to four Queen Scouts, and her granddaughters have also been involved in Scouts and Venturers.
In 2019, the Moreton Bay Council also named a park opposite the Caboolture Scout Den in her honour, recognising her immense contribution to the community.
“One of the main things that scouting teaches you is to basically be a good community-minded person,” Sylvia explained. “It teaches you the values of looking after each other, having respect for other people, and helping people and the community.”
Dawn’s favourite memories are filled with company and community, naming friendships she’s made along the way as her favourite part of Scouting. She also fondly remembered cookouts and the camaraderie with Cubs and their families: “It’s just the interaction with everyone, and being outdoors that make it special.”
