MEDIA RELEASE
28 February 2008
For immediate release
Australian High Commissioner becomes Scouts’ patron
The Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, has been chosen as the first ever patron of the Scouts for NCD and Central Province.
Mr Moraitis was made patron of the NCD and Central Province groups of the Scout Association of PNG during a ceremony at the National Scout Headquarters in Port Moresby last week to mark Founder’s Day.
Scouts around the world celebrate Founder's Day on 22 February each year because the founder of scouting, Robert Baden-Powell, was born on that day in 1857.
Mr Moraitis said it was a great honour to be chosen as a patron because he was himself a junior Scout growing up in Melbourne, Australia.
“Being a Scout is about learning the proper way to do things. It’s about being honest, friendly and trustworthy. It is also about learning skills and appreciating the natural environment,” Mr Moraitis said.
“Scouting is also popular in Australia. It is one of many things that PNG and Australia have in common.”
The Chairman of the National Executive Committee of the Scout Association of PNG, Mr Ouka Lavaki, ML, said he was very happy that Mr Moraitis had agreed to become the patron of the NCD and Central Province Scouts.
“We know that the High Commissioner is very busy so we appreciate the fact that he is prepared to take the time to act as a role model for these young Papua New Guinean boys and girls and encourage them to become good citizens.”
There are more than 28 million Scouts, youth and adults, boys and girls, in 155 countries. The Scout Association of PNG started in 1926. It was originally part of Scouts Australia and joined the World Organisation of the Scout Movement in 1976.
The aim of the scouting movement is to contribute to the education of young people and to help build a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society.
Media Inquiries: Francina Thomson, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 276