South West Rocks Scouts to get facility safety upgrade

South West Rocks Scout Group is among a range of Scout groups located on Crown land across the State that will get a spruce-up to their facilities with the assistance of $1 million in State-wide funding.

"South West Rocks Scout Hall will get $3880 for safety improvements including an upgrade to its electrical switchboard, improved lighting and smoke detectors," Ms Pavey said.

"This follows earlier confirmation that Bellingen Scout Hall would get $4405 to install wired in fire alarms, a security locking system, and for an asbestos audit.

"Scouts NSW is one of our state's largest and most successful youth organisations building leadership skills, resilience and friendship while offering an extraordinary variety of activities for young people, so it's fantastic to help secure their future."

Ms Pavey said the $1 million in assistance will support regional communities with work while strengthening Scout halls and facilities on Crown land.

"Communities have done it tough during COVID-19 which has disrupted normal activities and organisations like Scouts NSW have not been spared," she said.

"COVID-19 has had a big impact forcing Scouts NSW to put on hold meetings at Scout halls and cancel events that it relies on for fundraising.

"This stimulus will help Scouts NSW bounce back with improvements to facilities across the state, many of which are also used by other community organisations. This will also boost local economies by supporting tradies and material suppliers with spending on upgrade work."

Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Scouting, Melanie Gibbons MP, welcomed the funding announcement and thanked these organisations for their continued efforts in assisting young people through the aftermath of the recent bushfires and COVID.

"I know this funding will go a long way to helping them upgrade their facilities - providing a better space for young members of the community to get together and socialise," Ms Gibbons said.

Scouts NSW Chief Commissioner Neville Tomkins said the stimulus funding would make a huge difference during what has been the organisation's toughest period.

"We are absolutely delighted with the NSW Government support which will assist an enormous number of communities through projects to improve our Scout facilities.

"It will improve the amenity of buildings and campsites. There are many roofs that need repair, kitchen and toilet blocks that need upgrades, and campsites we would like to make more accessible including for those in wheelchairs."

Mr Tomkins said drought, floods and bushfires followed by COVID-19 had tested the resilience of NSW's 418 Scout groups and 18,000 Scouts and volunteer Leaders.

"During our 113-year history we've never had to confront such challenges. We've had to cancel activities while Scout groups have still had to pay their bills.

"But Scouts are resilient, adaptable and inventive. We developed an online Scouting@Home program during COVID and come away with a refreshed approach."