Malcolm Noyle has been the leader of the 1st Doreen Scout Group for the past two years and is passionate about improving youth services in the area.
What is your connection to the City of Whittlesea?
I moved into the City of Whittlesea back in 2010 when our family came from the UK. We chose Doreen after looking at many areas around the Melbourne area. At that time I had no connection with the City of Whittlesea but very soon started to have an interest in the development of community, especially relating to youth, because of our family’s involvement in scouting.
What do you like about the area?
Having looked at many communities, Doreen captured us when we visited Laurimar Primary School. Back in 2010-11, the school was growing and at the same time offering a really good feel for youth and education. Doreen was much smaller than it is today and offered a really good “family” feel and we believed it would be a great place to raise our family. The area had a good balance of homes, lake areas and great local access to reserves and parkland, especially with access to Plenty Gorge, which is one of the most amazing places in the local region.
What, if anything, would you like to change?
Looking at the Doreen and Mernda community today, I would change the youth support. The big issue is that if you are not a sporting youngster, or you want something different, you are left with few choices. Also those few choices, such as Scouts and Guides, struggle to find a place to host our youth, and the few facilities that can be used are expensive and not very suitable for the activities. I would have some more youth-focused halls that support Scouts, Guides and other hall-based activities. I would also address our mobility issues. We have at long last now got the Mernda Rail project coming to the area, but road access is now being compromised by bad community planning between VicRoads and councils. Even when the rail station is open, I am concerned that the congestion and parking challenges around the Mernda Junction zone is going to see that area becoming a hiatus for our communities, hopefully I am wrong.
How long have you been involved with Doreen Scouts?
When we first came to Doreen I got involved with Doreen CFA as a volunteer firefighter which I had thought would be it. At the same time, in 2011, my wife helped with the launch of 1st Doreen Scout Group and became one of their first Cub leaders. With both our children being in the Cub section I found myself coming down as a parent helper. This resulted in my becoming a Cub leader as well. This is my seventh year in Scouts, I am lucky enough to have been the Group Leader for two years now, backed by a brilliant team of volunteer adult leaders. First Doreen now has approaching 85 youth supported by around 20 adults who make everything we do possible.
What do you enjoy about volunteering with the Scouts?
Fun – the core reason for doing Scouts started as having fun, being able to experience the Scout world and all it can give. But as I spend more time in Scouts I find the key reward being seeing the youngsters grow. Seeing this personal growth, the resilience development and the ability of our youth is so satisfying. As a leader of adults I spend time with our youth as I never want to lose that link and I am surrounded by passionate and dedicated leaders at all levels.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?This is an easy answer … home. My home is in the centre of Doreen and with my busy lifestyle, I love being home with the family, my home is part of the amazing community we live in and I love being a part of this community.
