Our History
The Early Days
The 1st Alexandria Scouts was founded in September 1908 by T Kemm of Lawrence Street Alexandria. The unit holds a distinguished place in the history of Scouting in Australia, being one of the country's oldest Scout groups. The troop was established soon after Lord Baden-Powell’s publication of ‘Scouting for Boys’, which launched the global Scouting movement.
Located in the inner-city suburb of Alexandria, New South Wales, 1st Alexandria Scouts quickly became a cornerstone for youth activities and leadership development in the community.
In its early years, the troop embraced the traditional Scouting values of outdoor adventure, citizenship, and self-reliance. Members participated in a wide range of activities, including camping and hiking, and learned practical skills like first aid, navigation, and pioneering. The Scouts also engaged in community service, a key aspect of Baden-Powell’s vision, by supporting local events, assisting during times of crisis, and helping to build a sense of solidarity within the area.
In March 1911 the Alexandria and Redfern troops combined and was led by Mr Hayes (Sunday Times 8.11.1911). The unit appears to have closed and reopened in and around 1925 as the Annual report indicated that in November 1982 the group would have been 57 years old.
Post-War One
In 1929 the unit moved to South Sydney Bakery at the rear of Heinrich Family Home in Henderson Road. And in 1930 the unit won the Winn Challenge Cum competition under SM Ben Belton’s Leadership.
In 1930 the unit moved to the Chinese Church opposite Waterloo School in Botany Road (District Hall) for approximately 1 year and in 1940 the unit met at Green Square followed by the family garage of the Breakwell family home in Mitchell Road for a period of approximately six years. The unit then moved to Moir’s open sided garage in Dudley Street Alexandria for about two years and then on to a kindergarten in Lyons Street for a period of about six years.
Throughout the decades, the 1st Alexandria Scouts have adapted to the changing social and cultural landscape, incorporating new technologies and ideas while maintaining a strong connection to the values and principles upon which the movement was founded. During both World Wars, many members of the troop contributed to the war effort, while the group continued to provide a sense of normalcy and purpose for younger Scouts during these difficult times.
Post War Two
The post-war years saw the group expand and diversify its activities, embracing new opportunities for youth leadership and community engagement. As Alexandria evolved from an industrial hub to a more residential and creative suburb, the Scouts remained a steady presence, offering young people a place to learn, grow, and challenge themselves in a supportive environment.
In 1952 land was purchased and construction of a new hall commenced in 1953. The story goes that the land was donated by someone and the construction of the hall by that persons son. (ask Iain Martin for details) The unit moved in in 1954 without electricity with the light turned on a few years later in 1955 to coincide with the March fete. The Hall is located at 130 Henderson Road on a narrow block and celebrated its 70th Anniversary dinner on the 25 of November 2025.
In 1982 the 1st Alexandria Scouts comprised of 22 cubs, 14 Scouts, 4 Venturers and 6 Leaders. In1994 there were 23 Cubs, 8 Scouts and 8 Leaders.
In July 1998 the Venturer unit was deregistered and the troop went into recess in in June 1999, and deregistered in October 2021.
Embracing a New Era of Scouting
In 2012 a group of - interested parents began the process of engaging with NSW Scouts to reconstitute a unit within 1st Alexandria Scouts. The parents were inspired by other examples of local community activism, such as Erskineville P&C. Some also had cubs and scouts at other locations and were motivated to access a Scout Hall closer to home. The hall subsequently held its first open day in the hall on 8 November, 2015, in preparation for the unit’s reopening in February 2016. Having been closed for 14 years it was like opening a time capsule. Lots of old school equipment, badges, trophies etc. We are excited to reopen this community asset, which in the past has hosted 21st parties and weddings and continues to host a variety of activities, including martial arts, dance school, puppy school, and days when the local florist is overflowing and needs extra space.
As well as the benefit of a local hall the scouting community can also access other scouting assets such as Coutts Camp at Waterfall which become a bush home away from home for inner city kids.
On Tuesday the 9 February 2016 the 1st Alexandria Scouts hosted their first Scout meeting and on Wednesday 10 February the first Cub Scout meeting was held.
Upon its reopening, the 1st Alexandria Scouts scarf is an emerald green base with a ¼ inch purple and red strip off the edge of the scarf.
Today, the 1st Alexandria Scouts continue to thrive, with programs that reflect a balance of Scouting’s traditional focus on outdoor adventure and contemporary issues such as environmental stewardship, inclusivity, and social responsibility. The group remains dedicated to fostering the development of youth by instilling values of teamwork, resilience, and community service, building a legacy of leadership that continues to influence generations of Scouts in the Alexandria area and beyond.
The Cub Scouts, Scouts, Parents and Local Community acknowledge the tireless efforts of leaders and volunteers for your community advocacy in reestablishing the 1st Alexandria Scouts Group.