By Matthew Sims
From being helpful, considerate, loyal and trustworthy, Berwick resident Robert Millen has lived a full life dedicated to the laws of the Scouts.
Serving in a number of roles across Scouts Victoria branches for 50 years, he received an Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of in this year’s King’s Birthday honours list on Monday 12 June.
Born in Seymour, Mr Millen grew up in Brunswick and joined the 3rd Brunswick Scouts at the Cubs level at the age of seven in 1944.
He received the Queen’s Scout award in 1954 while in Venturers, with recipients required to set personal goals, plan and organise activities with themselves and others, as well as maintain a high level of determination to reach milestones and complete attainment to the very best of their abilities.
His son Craig would also attain this honour in 1982 while in the 2nd Boronia Heights branch.
Mr Millen said the friendships he has built with Scouts has created an extended family of sorts.
“It provided friendships for a start,” he said.
“It did a lot for my personality.
“It provided that opportunity to travel.”
Climbing through the ranks at Brunswick, he later moved to the 2nd Boronia branch, becoming the assistant Venturers leader in 1964 at the age of 27 and then serving as the leader from 1965 to 1968 and from 1970 to 1972.
Mr Millen also served across a number of leadership roles within Scouts Victoria, including as Knox district leader for Venturers, Knox district commissioner from 1974 to 1980, Somers assistant area commissioner for Venturers, Somers area commissioner from 1982 to 1986 and North West Region assistant regional commissioner in 1986, followed by roles across the Monash district in the 1990s and 2000s.
He also attended a number of Scouts ‘jamborees’ throughout his time with Scouts, including a trip to Thailand in 1989.
Mr Millen then moved to supporting Gilwell Park in Gembrook in 2010, being a member of the support committee until 2013 then chairing the Australian Scout Fellowship’s Gilwell Park Heritage Branch, visiting Gilwell Park with other Scout leaders and members to support the preservation of the heritage buildings every Wednesday.
Mr Millen said while he had seen a number of changes to Scouts, including the introduction of female Scouts, the core values remained a constant during his 50 years of service.
“Scouting offered standards which were underscored almost weekly,” he said.
“The basis of Scouting remains.”
Mr Millen said he loved serving the wider community and Scouts members.
“It’s just part and parcel for me,” he said.
“It provides an opportunity to help others.”
Mr Millen was also twice president at the Rotary Club of Clayton and was also involved in the Brunswick and Huntingdale Freemasons.
His daughter Bronwyn said she was proud of her father’s achievements and recognition within Scouts Victoria.
“Dad doesn’t look at it as what he have done for them, he sees it as what they have done for him,” she said.
“It’s just part of his life.”
Ms Millen said there was still value in being part of organisations like Scouts or Rotary, as they revolve around social connections.
“People will approach you and introduce themselves,” she said.
Ms Millen said it was “very exciting” for the family to hear about Mr Millen receiving the OAM.
Speaking about receiving the OAM, Mr Millen said while it was “embarrassing”, it was an honour to be recognised by his peers.
“I’m proud to be inducted along with other people that have done the same or more than me,” he said.
“I’m indebted to Scouts Victoria for the recognition.”
Mr Millen said he was grateful for the support he had received from his fellow Scouts spanning back 50 years.
“Scouting is a brotherhood,” he said.
“I’ve put a lot into Scouts and the reward is being with others.
“Digging holes or helping someone is what it’s about.”
Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at www.gg.gov.au.
