Est. 1972

About Our Group

Over 50 years of adventure, friendship, and community in Croydon North. A proud part of Scouts Victoria.

1972 Founded
5 Sections
118 Active Members
All Vol. Volunteer-Led
Who We Are

A cornerstone of the Croydon North community

1st Croydon Hills Scout Group has been part of this community since the early 1970s. What started as a small group of passionate volunteers and young adventurers has grown into a thriving 118-member Scout Group serving Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs.

We're based at Hughes Park Scout Hall on the Maroondah Highway — a well-equipped facility that's home to our Joeys, Cubs, Scouts, Chill Venturers, and Manderson Rovers.

  • Five active sections across all youth age groups
  • Dedicated volunteer leaders with Scouts Victoria training
  • Strong safety culture and child-safe programs
  • Active district and state participation
  • Inclusive and welcoming for all abilities
Get in Touch
🏕️ Group Photo Replace with a group or hall photo
Our History

From humble beginnings to five sections

A timeline of 1st Croydon Hills Scout Group — from formation to the present day.

Early 1970s

1st Croydon Hills Scout Group is founded in Croydon North, Victoria, with a small troop of young Scouts and a group of dedicated volunteer leaders.

1980s

The group expands with the addition of Cubs (then under the older program) and establishes permanent use of Hughes Park Scout Hall on the Maroondah Highway. The hall becomes a community institution.

1990s

Venturer and Rover sections established. The group begins participating in national Jamborees and builds strong ties with sister groups across Scouts Victoria's Eastern Region.

2000s

Modernisation under the new Australian Scout Method. Chill Venturers and Manderson Rovers are named. Joey Scouts section formalised. Group website launched.

2010s

The annual Christmas Tree Sales fundraiser launched — now one of our most popular community events. Group membership grows steadily through strong word of mouth in the local area.

2020s

Navigating COVID-19 disruptions with creative online programming. The group emerges stronger with refreshed leadership, updated facilities, and growing membership across all five sections.

2026

New Group Leaders and Committee appointed. Website relaunched. Group membership at 118 active youth members across all five sections — Joeys through to Rovers — continuing the 50+ year tradition of adventure in Croydon North.

📷 Historical Photo Replace with a vintage group photo
Our People

Leadership Team

All volunteer leaders — trained, dedicated, and passionate about youth development.

Group Leadership

Daniel Gosling
Daniel Gosling
Group Leader
1st Croydon Hills
JM
James Mansfield-Page
Group Leader
1st Croydon Hills

Joey Scouts

KA
Kim Aborowa
Joey Leader
Joey Scouts
NV
Nicole Vernal
Joey Leader
Joey Scouts
Daniel Gosling
Daniel Gosling
Joey Leader
Joey Scouts
CC
Chantelle Cordes
Joey Leader
Joey Scouts

Tarralla Cub Scouts

Sally Harley
Sally Harley
Cub Leader
Tarralla Cubs
David Stanhope
David Stanhope
Cub Leader
Tarralla Cubs
Bijesh Krishnadas
Bijesh Krishnadas
Cub Leader
Tarralla Cubs
SS
Steve Smit
Cub Leader
Tarralla Cubs

Scouts

Mel Pendavingh
Mel Pendavingh
Scout Leader
Scouts
James Luke
James Luke
Scout Leader
Scouts
Doug Smith
Doug Smith
Scout Leader
Scouts

Chill Venturers

RA
Ross Armstrong
Venturer Leader
Chill Venturers
Chris Park
Chris Park
Venturer Leader
Chill Venturers
Cassandra Hassenbos
Cassandra Hassenbos
Venturer Leader
Chill Venturers / 1st Woori Yallock
RD
Rahnan Donohue
Venturer Leader
Chill Venturers

Manderson Rovers

CR
Chris Ritchie-Nielsen
Rover Advisor
Manderson Rovers
?
Name TBC
Unit Chair
Manderson Rovers
?
Name TBC
Deputy Chair
Manderson Rovers
?
Name TBC
Treasurer
Manderson Rovers

Fellowship

Continuing members of our Scouting family — former Scouts and Rovers who remain connected to the movement.

Maria Armstrong Donna Anderson Rohnan Donohue Chelsea Ferguson Gemma Park

Adult Supporters

Adult members who generously volunteer their time and expertise to support the group's programs, activities, and administration.

Qi An Christopher Arnold Kate Arnold Rebecca Blowfield Nicole Davies Emma Dickman Tameka Doncon Thi Duong Gary Filby Ashley Gregory Paul Hunter Tracy Morcom Karen Sargeant Christopher Vogt Victoria Wade Glenn Williamson Stephen Smith Gerald Horkin

Want to become a leader?

No prior experience necessary — Scouts Victoria provides all the training you need. If you're passionate about young people and community, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch →

The Scout Method

What we stand for

Our framework for developing young people into confident, capable, community-minded adults.

🏕️

Adventure & Outdoors

Hands-on experiences build confidence, resilience, and a lasting appreciation for the natural world.

🤝

Community Service

From local clean-ups to national events, Scouting instills a lifelong commitment to giving back.

🌱

Personal Growth

Every badge, every award, every challenge is a step in a young person's journey toward their best self.

🧭

Leadership

From planning a camp to running a meeting — Scouting develops real leadership capability that lasts.

🌏

Global Citizenship

Scouts Australia is part of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement — one of the largest youth organisations on Earth.

🛡️

Child Safety

All leaders hold current Working With Children Checks and follow Scouts Victoria's comprehensive child-safe frameworks.

♿

Inclusion

Scouting is for everyone. We work with families to ensure programs are accessible to all young people.

🎯

Achievement

From the Joey Challenge Award to the Queen's Scout Award — every section has a clear pathway of achievement.

Group Committee

Our Group Committee

The parent and community volunteer body that supports the operational and financial management of the group.

Committee members help with everything from managing Hughes Park Scout Hall to organising fundraising events like our annual Christmas Tree Sales.

Michael Blowfield
Michael Blowfield
Chairman
Group Committee
Tom Batkin
Tom Batkin
Treasurer
Group Committee
?
Vacant
Secretary
Express interest →
Ryan Morland
Ryan Morland
IT
Group Committee
Andrew Morcom
Andrew Morcom
Quartermaster
Group Committee
TM
Tracy Morcom
Purchasing
Group Committee
?
Vacant
Social Media
Express interest →
?
Vacant
Community Engagement
Express interest →

Interested in joining the committee? New members are always welcome — get in touch.

Our Units

Named Units

Two specially named units with their own identity and history within the group.

🏔️

Chill Venturers

Our Venturer Unit for ages 15–18. Youth-led, adventure-first. Chill Venturers run their own program, organise their own camps, and operate with increasing independence under adult guidance.

Learn More
🧭

Manderson Rovers

Our Rover Crew for young adults aged 18–26. Manderson Rovers is a service and adventure unit — organising community events, supporting the group, and pursuing their own expeditions.

Learn More
Get Involved

Ready to be part of our story?

First 3 sessions are free for new youth members. No commitment needed — just come and see for yourself.

Enquire Now View Programs

Proudly Associated With

Scouts Victoria
Scouts Australia

1st Croydon Hills Scout Group is a member group of Scouts Victoria, part of the Scouts Australia family.