Katanning Scouts stalwart departs after two decades of leadership

The First Katanning Scout Group has farewelled a valued leader after 20 years of service.

Broomehill’s David Dilley, fondly known as “Barra” among the group, has decided to hang up his uniform after volunteering every Wednesday for two decades.

“It sounds like a long time but it has gone so quickly — it's been terrific,” Mr Dilley said.

“I’d like to keep up with the kids and run around with them but I haven’t been able to do that for a while now.

“That is what I will miss the most, being involved with the kids and seeing them grow up.”

Mr Dilley joined the Scouts after more than 26 years of service as an electrical fitter in the Royal Australian Navy.

Alongside his two young sons, he joined as a sea scouts leader in Cairns before his family moved west 20 years ago and settled in Broomehill.

Even after his sons had risen through the ranks of the unit, he decided to stay on and share his diverse set of skills with the next generation of young leaders.

“I took it as sort of a natural progression from my navy days because we were always training,” he said.

“I think my biggest impact was knots and ropes.

“That was one of the things I learnt in the navy and I was keen to pass it on.”

Mr Dilley said his best memories of his time as a leader were those spent under the stars camping and seeing children challenge themselves in the outdoors.

“It kept you in the outdoors, we did a lot of camping, it was good for us and good for the kids,” he said.

“You get kids out in the wild blue yonder and they were very different people.”

The First Katanning Scout Group is always on the lookout for new members and leaders.