A TIRELESS mentor to Kerang and district’s youths has been stunned after receiving an Australia Day honour yesterday.
First Kerang Scout Group leader in charge, Carmel Tyers received an Order of Australia for her services to Scouting and to the community.
The accolade adds to the presentation of Scouts Australia’s highest long-service honour, the Silver Kangaroo in 2014, and Gannawarra Shire Council’s Senior Citizen of the Year in 2015.
“It is an honour to be recognised, but I do not see it as work. It is something I enjoy doing,” the 70-year-old said.
Ms Tyers joined the organisation in 1981 after going on a camp as a parent helper to assist the 2nd/3rd Kerang Cub Scout Pack when her two sons, Dennis and Paul were members.
Helping out at the camp spurred a 35-year association with the world’s largest youth organisation, with Ms Tyers holding roles at group and district level.
As well as overseeing 1st Kerang’s operations and working with the group’s eight to 10-year-olds, Ms Tyers is in charge of the Northern Rivers District, which spans the area between Boort and Nyah.
Ms Tyers has also attended three Scout Jamborees – which attract more than 10,000 people nationally for a 10-day camp – and six out of eight Cuborees – the Victorian Cub Scout version of a jamboree, but runs for four days – during her time with the organisation.
As of the end of last year, Ms Tyers spent two nights per week running Cub Scout meetings at Kerang and Swan Hill – a role she has held for the past 18 months – with other commitments involving meetings and ensuring leaders are meeting their training requirements.
“I enjoy working with the kids while I am still able to,” she said.
“I probably do a bit of work seven days per week, but I do what I can do.”
Ms Tyers’ OAM also recognises a 21-year association with the Gannawarra Neighbourhood House and a volunteer with the Gannawarra Shire Council Meals on Wheel service – an association developed as a way for local Cub Scouts to complete community service.
“I would look at things that are happening in the community and see if it would fit in for the kids, and usually there would be a badge involved,” she said.
