Matthew Brownlie has dedicated his life to the world-wide movement
Matthew Brownlie was humbled and surprised to receive the Mosman Citizen of the Year award during the Australia Day citizenship ceremony in January.
The honour acknowledges his time spent volunteering with the organisation, the last 16 years as Scout section leader at 1st Balmoral Sea Scouts. “I was given a heads up that I was being recognised for volunteering, but I certainly wasn’t expecting it to be quite as big a deal. It is nice and it’s very humbling, but I am just one of nearly 8,000 adult helpers and leaders across Scouts in NSW,” Matthew says.
Although he acknowledges his dedication to the groups, he believes his achievement comes from a team effort where everyone contributes.
“I could pick any number of people I continue to work with or have worked with as volunteers who would be much more worthy than I,” the Mosman resident explains. “I’m always grateful for these recognitions, but we are a team and I don’t think anyone would begrudge a bit of recognition. I’m no better than any other leader. I just happen to have been here a long time in a community where I could think, hopefully, it’s made a difference.”
Since 2016 Matthew has also been the Lower North Shore Turrumburra District scout leader, responsible for the activities of 21 scout groups.
From left: Warringah MP Zali Steggall, Australia Day Ambassador Warren Kermond, Matthew Brownlie, Mayor Carolyn Corrigan and North Shore MP Felicity Wilson.
He’s played critical roles in special events such as the local annual Sirius Cup Regatta. Matthew has also attended more than 80 camps as a scout leader and has taken countless numbers of young people on hikes and canoeing expeditions both in Australia and internationally, totalling around 250 nights in a tent.
In his experience, the role of a Scout leader goes beyond camping activities. Mentoring and helping young individuals develop life skills is a fundamental part of the service.
Matthew, now 62, has been part of the Scouts since he was eight years old. He left at age 26 and returned 20 years later with his eldest daughter. He says the people who once mentored him as a young person were his inspiration to volunteer.
“My cub leader and scout leader from 50 years ago are the entire reason I’m back here doing this,” he says. “They gave me all their time, all of their energy and all of their wisdom.
“And now, what better way to give back than to pay it forward to this next generation? Hopefully some of my current Scouts might go on and do the same in another 50 years.”
To Matthew, this is also the core of the Scout’s motto, ‘Be prepared,’ helping young people to develop life skills.
“I think you can’t underestimate the impact that, as an adult, you can have on a youth member’s future life by giving them these opportunities for growth and adventure and personal development.
“We inspire and create resilient young people and adults by developing those skills for life that they can contribute to a community.”
For more information, visit 1st-balmoral.group.scoutsnsw.com.au