Some projects take months. Others take decades.
When the Childers Scout Den officially opened on its current site in May 1963, then Group Scoutmaster R. Fuller told those gathered that while the building was complete, “it is never finished,” listing fencing among the many projects still on the group’s wish list.
Sixty-three years later, that vision has finally become reality.
Thanks to an incredibly generous donation from Alan at ATB Mechanical, the Childers Scout Group has completed a vital new fence around its grounds, improving safety, security and the future of the much-loved community facility.
With construction costs continuing to climb, delivering the project within budget was no small achievement. The group says that success is largely thanks to the dedication of Peter Ainsworth, whose commitment ensured the fence became a reality despite the financial challenges.
Peter didn’t stop there. While on site, he also repaired the Scout Den’s benches, leaving the grounds in better shape than he found them.
The project was celebrated at the Childers Scout Group’s recent Annual General Meeting, where the strong community spirit behind the organisation was on full display.
Alan and Peter attended the meeting to demonstrate their continued support, alongside representatives from local businesses, neighbours from the Childers Wesleyan Methodist Church, the Rotary Club and the Isis RSL, all of whom continue to play an important role in supporting the local Scout movement.
While the new infrastructure is a welcome addition, Scout leaders say the fence represents far more than timber and posts.
Every improvement to the grounds helps ensure the group can continue providing young people with opportunities to develop confidence, resilience, leadership and practical life skills through Scouting. Those experiences not only shape individual lives but also help build the next generation of community-minded citizens.
More than six decades after the idea of a fence first appeared in the pages of The Isis Recorder, the Childers community has once again shown what can be achieved when local people, businesses and volunteers work together.
Image provided by Jeanette Wilkinson: Local Scouts celebrating their new fence.
Published August 2026 Chitchat Newspaper