AV2006, the 13th Australian Venture
By Faye Burgess – Contingent Leader
Well after two and a half years of promoting and planning we were finally boarding the bus on the 2nd January 2006 to participate in the 13th Australian Venture (AV2006) at Cataract Scout Park in New South Wales, not before a few scares as two days before we were due to leave, we received a message that our camp site was under threat of being burnt out and had to be evacuated, but as in Scouting the show must go on and fortunately Cataract was spared by the bushfires and it was full steam ahead.
Wow what an experience! There was a feeling of excitement and apprehension as we headed off on our long over night journey. This being my fourth Venture I knew that nobody would be disappointed with the outcome.
The South Australian contingent consisted of fifty six Venturers and thirteen leaders attending, a great result. Our journey was smooth going on the way over, and we arrived at Cataract Park at 3.30pm on the 3rd January, all keen and raring to go. We were enthusiastically greeted by Grahame Fordham, Chief Commissioner, New South Wales, and all registered, then it was off to our campsites to set up the tents.
That night was spent familiarising ourselves with the camp area and getting to know some of the Venturers from all over Australia and Overseas, for some of us catching up with old friends made at previous Ventures. The next day saw the Venture Units competing for the privilege of being treated like dignitaries at the opening ceremony where they were waited on by Rovers and served all those nutritious tit-bits like coke and chips etc. Units bartered all day to earn dollars, yours truly received an incredible hair-do for the cost of $840 which I proudly wore to the Official function before the Opening Ceremony. The Opening Ceremony was welcomed by all the Venturers and what an enjoyable night it was, the Venture was now on the move, with bands playing and the disco happening till late.
Come morning and all the tents were pulled down, the Venturers boarded buses to depart to venues throughout New South Wales to their respective Expeditions for four days. Venturers and Leaders participated in Hiking, Bike Riding, Horse Riding, Canoeing, Canyoning, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Dolphin Watching, Sailing on the Big Ship and Boot camp, just some of the Expeditions that were on offer. While away the Contingent team fine tuned the Headquarters then headed off for some sightseeing in Sydney.
As I had never been to Sydney before, a trip by train over the bridge, ride on the mono rail, trip past the Opera House on the Manly ferry, and last but not least a visit to Paddy’s market. I enjoyed a visit to the Olympic village while others went with Kate and visited some expeditions and we can’t forget our shopping spree in Campbelltown. Rob declared he will never go shopping with three women ever again. It was great to have the company of our Branch Commissioner, Kate Ryder, with us for four days and she seemed very reluctant to leave after her short visit.
The Venturers all returned safe and sound and very tired but all spoke of the brilliant activities they had experienced and fun they had on their expedition. By now they had all made new friends from their unit. Once back in camp there was plenty to keep them busy. All Venturers were allocated two offsite activities to attend such as Sydney, Darling Harbour, Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, going to the movies, go-karting, relaxing on the beach, indoor wall climbing, sailing and if that wasn’t enough onsite there were also plenty of activities to participate in, such as Roverscope, run by the Rovers, a visit to the hairdresser for a new hair style, try your hand at crafts, have a go on the big swing, every night you could dance at the disco or listen to the live bands, or just relax and veg out as Venturers put it.
The Venture was now drawing to a close and all too soon the Closing Ceremony was upon us. Time to reflect on the past ten days of Fun, Friends and Freedom and say goodbye to all the new friends we had made. Western Australia invited us to meet with them at the Escape Venture in 2009.
The next morning it was up early, pack-up and say goodbye to all then head for home. A special thank you to New South Wales for making us feel so welcome and to the catering team for the excellent meals that they provided.
As some of you are probably not aware, I have decided to retire after eighteen years as a Venturer Leader, and for me this was a perfect way to say goodbye to Scouting. I have made many friends over the past four Ventures, and it was indeed a thrill to catch up with John Shelley after being a leader with him at Flagstaff Hill for thirteen years. It seemed fitting to finish at a Venture where I could say goodbye to the many friends I have made over the last 4 Ventures.
As always for an event like this to be successful you need to have a good support team and indeed my team was brilliant, so a few well earned thanks are in order.
Thank you Kate for trusting me with very important role as Contingent Leader which was a challenge I really enjoyed. Now for my team
Ian Golding (Deputy Contingent Leader). Goldie came into the team a little later than the rest of us but was always there to support me with his great sense of humour and positive attitude. Thanks Goldie, loved the Sturt pea outfit.
Rob Anderson (Transport Officer) Reliable Rob we have gone on previous Ventures together and Rob has always brought fun and happiness every time just one thing Rob remember when we go east the clock goes on half an hour, woops the secret is out. Thanks Rob for being such a great friend.
Shazz Weaver (Health & Welfare) This was Shazz’s first Venture and I told her the job was easy but this time provide me wrong instead Shazz had a very busy time. Special thanks for the lovely quilted wall hanger you made as a gift from the SA Contingent, it will take pride of place in my home.
Chris Wise (Administration) Chris was my ex Venturer and is a computer whiz, so I asked him to join us and nicknamed him my computer. Chris handled all the paper work for me, thanks mate couldn’t have done it without you. I am sure we will see you at another Venture.
Rose Parker (Registrations) Rose didn’t make the trip over but handled all the registrations and money for me, this is the third Venture that Rose has helped out, it has been such a pleasure to have had her on the team, a great big thanks you are a gem.
Corston Coaches once again provided transport for the Venture, the drivers with a great attitude and humour was greatly appreciated and made the long trip so much more enjoyable.
Thank you sincerely to my team above for making my last Venture such an enjoyable and memorable one.
The most important thank you goes to the Venturers, Line Leaders and Service Leaders. You all did South Australia proud. I didn’t need to ask if you had a great time, just to see the way that you participated in activities and the smiles on your faces told the story, a big thank you to all of you for your positive and cheery attitude I will have fond memories of my time that was spent with you all.
To all you Venturers that missed out, and to the Scouts who will become Venturers in the next three years, start saving and get ready to ESCAPE TO WESTERN AUSTRALIA IN 2009 – this will be an experience not to miss. Keep informed on all the latest news at their website – www.escape2venture.com
It was indeed an honour to lead such a great bunch of Adults and Youth members to AV2006. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being your Contingent Leader.
Faye Burgess
Contingent Leader
South Australian Contingent (AV2006)