Eye Spy: 1st Ivanhoe Sea Scouts Centenary Badge

Posted on Friday, 20th October 2023 by Janine Rizzetti

Did you know that Ist Ivanhoe Sea Scouts is the oldest continuously operating Scout Group in Australia? They started up as 1st Ivanhoe Scouts in 1908, meeting in a bluestone stable in Livingstone Street and undertaking outdoor activities at Rockbeare Park and what was later Wilson Reserve, where the boys could swim at the “Sandbank”. They obtained their first boat ‘The Curlew’ in 1913. When the Sea Scouts were established just prior to WWI, it was suggested that the First Ivanhoe troop combine with the Sea Scouts. The inaugural parade of the 1st Ivanhoe Sea Scouts took place at the boatshed on the Yarra on 9 November 1918.

In 1929 they secured the old Rifle Club hall in Norman Street, adjacent to the Ivanhoe Railway Station. After extensions, it was officially opened on 16 October 1931. The hall burned down a number of years ago.

This cloth badge, which would be worn on the sleeve of a Scout’s uniform, commemorates the centenary of the Ivanhoe Sea Scouts. The 100th anniversary reunion was held on 11-12 October 2008. So happy 115th birthday, Scouts!

To learn more about 1st Ivanhoe Sea Scouts, please visit https://wikinorthia.net.au/first-ivanhoe-sea-scouts-1908-2008/