Cara Horner is the group leader of Epping North Scouts, who were formed in February this year for the emerging community in Epping North and Wollert.
She talks with Laura Michell.
How long have you lived in Epping North and what brought you to the area?
I’ve lived in Epping North for eight years.
As a sustainability educator, I loved the then cutting-edge sustainability features the Aurora estate offered and also the masterplan guiding development of the estate.
The housing was affordable in an area relatively close to the Melbourne CBD and our move here reduced commuting times for my partner and I.
What do you love about your community?
I love its multicultural nature and also the strong sense of community in Epping North and Wollert.
I love the protected river red gums, stony knolls and old dry stone walls in the area, and I also love that we can drive five minutes up the road and be in the country.
How long have you been involved with Scouts? Why did you first become involved?
I rejoined Scouts in 2015 after a 16-year break to start the Epping North Scout Group.
Before that I was involved for five years.
I first got involved because my sister’s three boys and her husband were involved in scouting at 3rd Greensborough Scout Group (now Watsonia).
I used to go along to scouting events to support my nephews and was always impressed with the fun, hands-on activities.
I joined up as an assistant cub scout leader with their group when I was in my final year of teacher training.
It was a great way for me to hone my teaching skills and take part in the outdoor activities I was developing a passion for.
How many members does Epping North Scouts have and how long has it been operating?
We have 49 youth members, eight leaders and two youth helpers, with more youth members joining every week.
The group has been operating since February this year and is currently using the council-owned and operated Galada Community Centre for its meetings.
What are the challenges facing a new Scouts group?
As a new group, our fundraising task is enormous.
We are starting from scratch so we need to buy every piece of equipment that we need to run weekly activities and the adventurous outdoor activities scouting is renowned for.
Apart from buying equipment like tents, sleeping mats, cooking equipment, backpacks, tables, benches, shelters and navigation equipment, we also need to buy a shipping container to store the equipment and a trailer to take it all around in.
We then need to find somewhere to store them.
Where can people find out more information about Epping North Scouts?
You can find out more information about Epping North Scouts via our website, www.vicscouts.com.au/epping-north.html, or our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ENScouts.
