Senator the Hon Nick Sherry, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, today joined with former Governor-General Sir William Deane AC KBE, National President of Scouts Australia and Mr John Ravenhall AM, Chief Commissioner of Scouts Australia to launch a new one dollar coin to mark the centenary of scouting in Australia.
"Scouts Australia was founded 100 years ago. We all know just how big a part of our culture the Scouts have become since then, with over 60,000 scouts spread across the country.
"Launching this coin is a perfect way for everyone in Australia to remember the achievements and contributions of the scout movement founded by Lord Baden-Powell over the past century. The Government is very happy to recognise this incredible contribution and has declared 2008 the Year of the Scout", Minister Sherry said.
The Minister, Sir William and Mr Ravenhall were also joined on the Mint Oval by ten young people representing various scouting groups to reveal a giant model of the commemorative coin.
"Today, this giant coin is symbolic of the equally giant contribution that Scouts have made to Australia. The actual commemorative coin will enter national circulation in April this year so that each and every one of us can also remember and celebrate an organisation that has helped shape the lives of millions of young people around the world," Minister Sherry said.
Scouts have an incredible record of success in contributing to their communities, many becoming national and international leaders. Eleven of the 12 men who have walked on the moon, former US President Bill Clinton, Walt Disney and David Beckham were all active Scouts.
Closer to home the scouting movement has seen the involvement of world champion driver Sir Jack Brabham, TV personality Jamie Durie and adventurer and businessman Dick Smith.
For more information, or for images of the 2008 Centenary of Scouts Australia coin series, please visit www.ramint.gov.au or call 1300 652 020.