An adaptation of the Rovers training program is operated by Scouts Australia for adults aged between 18 and 25 years of age.
74-826: The Bogong High Plains ( / ˈ b oʊ ɡ ɒ ŋ / ), part of the Victorian Alps of the Great Dividing Range , are a section of plains located in the Alpine National Park in the Australian state of Victoria and are situated south of Mount Bogong . In winter this area is one of the largest snow-covered areas in Australia and can be easily accessed from the Hotham Alpine Resort and Falls Creek ski resort. The area
148-595: A Scout Group . Rovers are encouraged to become better citizens through training programs, developing leadership skills, participating in outdoor activities, attending national and international events, providing service to the community, and generally building their life skills. For the history of Rovers see Rover origins . Rovers began in Australia in late 1918 as young men returned home from World War One and sought outlets with like-minded others. As well as acting as leaders to youth sections, some chose to form Rover Patrols and undertake activities, many service-related, as
222-468: A Branch Rover Council level. Conversely in New South Wales, Region Rover Councils generally undertake several Region events a year and support their Units in running events and activities that are open to all Rovers. They operate bank accounts, conduct business and hold an annual report presentation. There are currently Region Rover Councils in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria which assist
296-543: A Fundraiser, Quartermaster, Training Officer, Venturer liaison/Recruitment Officer and other roles. Rovers are young adults and make their own decisions but frequently Units wish to have input and support from people over the age of 25, called Rover Advisers. The next step in the Rovers organisation ladder is the Region Rover Council. These bodies run Rovering in their geographic areas and are typically based on
370-402: A Lone Rover Unit which accepts members from country or other areas where the nearest Rover Unit is further than practical travel allows, or who cannot attend a regular Rover Unit due to work or other commitments. Currently New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia have Lones Units. The Australian National Rover Council (NRC), is the body that governs Rovering at a national Level. It assists
444-540: A cooking accident, while being used by non-members. The woodshed still remains. The National Parks and Wildlife Service which administers the land has refused permission to rebuild. This hut burnt down in the bushfires of 2006. This hut on Mount Bogong was built in 1938 as a memorial to Cleve Cole who died on a ski trip on Mount Bogong. Technically, Mount Bogong is not part of the Bogong High Plains. Also on Mount Bogong are Michell Hut, on Eskdale Spur, which
518-551: A median age of 49. The highest peak in the range is Mount Bogong at an elevation of 1,986 metres (6,516 ft) AHD , which is also the highest peak in Victoria. Other prominent peaks within the region are as follows; Mount Feathertop at an elevation of 1,922 metres (6,306 ft) AHD , Mount Hotham at an elevation of 1,862 metres (6,109 ft) AHD and Mount Buffalo at an elevation of 1,723 metres (5,653 ft) AHD ,. The majority of unique flora
592-466: A number of properties. The Victorian Branch Rover Council, through a committee, manages properties built and funded by the Rovers, including two ski lodges and Mafeking Rover Park which are used by Scouts and Rovers, some from other states. During Summer months the Bogong Chalet is maintained and supplied by Rovers, mainly from Victoria. Carr Villa ski lodge on Ben Lomond, Tasmania was built and
666-481: A resort in Australia, with full comforts and amenities for 35 people. It has been expanded and refurbished since it was built. It uses solar power , gas, wood heating and runs its own electricity generators. It has a full kitchen, showers and runs 13 winter weeks for Rovers and Venturer Scouts . This hut was built by the Ski Club of Victoria in 1929. This was one of the older huts. It was accidentally burnt down by
740-492: A scarf (or neckerchief), as well as the badges they have been awarded. The youth award scheme in Australian Scouting consists of badges for participation in the program, proficiency in adventurous activities, participation in major events, recognition of service and peak awards. In addition to these, Rovers are permitted to wear a Rover Scout Knot & Bar. The Rover Scout Knot & Bar and its colours symbolise
814-561: A school group in 1991 and rebuilt in 1993. This was burnt down in the bushfire of 2003 and rebuilt in 2008. Affectionately known as Wilky, this hut was built by the State Electricity Commission as a hydrological survey hut prior to the construction of the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme . The hut was later sold to a ski club but this sale never included title to the land on which it sat. The hut
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#1732772855683888-572: A series of aqueducts built to capture streams and bring their flows across into the catchments of the Kiewa Scheme. McKay Creek and West Kiewa Power Stations supply most of the electricity generated. Since completion of the Scheme, the area has become much more based around tourism, particularly skiing. Systematic scientific research began in 1947, when Miss Maisie Fawcett [later Mrs S.G.M. Carr] set up two grazing exclosures to directly investigate
962-462: A site called the cross, which is the highest section of sealed road in Australia; the site was a popular tourist destination with motorists in the 1920s and 1930s. The introduction of snow-sports to Victoria began in the 1910s, with the government-funded building of the Mount Buffalo chalet . The chalet is the largest wooden building in Australia and was for many years the only ski field in
1036-691: A team. During the 1920s, these became named Rover Crews. The first Australian Rover is thought to have been Eric Booth from the 1st Chatswood Scout Troop in NSW. After serving in World War One, he was invested in the UK in November 1918 and given the charge to introduce Rover Scouting in Australia. After returning home to 1st Chatswood, he invested Arthur Hindwood, who is believed to be the first Rover invested in Australia. Baden-Powell's book Rovering to Success
1110-645: A total of 485,722 visitor days. Large events such as the Peaks Challenge which sees cyclists ride 235 km through the High Plains, contribute to these numbers. The Dinner Plain Polo is another yearly event that sees a rise in tourist numbers in the area. Founded 31 years ago, the Dinner Plain Polo is the longest, and highest in altitude running polo competition in Australia. Bushwalking
1184-492: A whole at their annual meeting where each Branch sends a delegation, being their Branch Chair, Branch Commissioner/Adviser (or equivalent) plus two observers, two of these having voting power. The National Rover Council Chair is a member of the Scouts Australia National Team and attends National Team and National Operations meetings and through direct participation at the highest level possible puts
1258-569: Is Mount Hotham . Other Victorian ski fields include Mount Baw Baw , Mount Stirling , Lake Mountain , Falls Creek and previously Mount Buffalo . Ski touring within the Victorian Alps is also very popular with famed routes such as the Twin Valleys, Mount Bogong, Feathertop Ridge and other Mount Hotham side country routes. There are many converted cattleman's huts that litter the alpine landscape to accommodate such activities. On
1332-757: Is a vital component to national Rover organisation allowing Rovers to form connections that lead to stronger inter-state relationships. it is also when the elections for the years executive take place. Rovers run an Australian Rover Moot every three years which is open to Rovers, Guides and 18-25 year olds from Scouting organisations around the world. The most recent Australian Rover Moot was held in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory in December 2019/January 2020. The next Australian Rover Moot will be held in Tasmania in December 2022/January 2023. During 2005 and 2006,
1406-714: Is also a large part of summer recreation in the Victorian Alps. The recently finished Mount Hotham to Falls Creek overnight walking track, spans some of the highest regions of the Victorian Alps, with overnight stops at both Cope and Dibbins hut; the walk is 37 kilometres in total. Other summer activities that draw visitors to the Victorian Alps include mountain biking (at Lake Mountain, Mount Baw Baw, Mount Beauty, Mount Buller, Bright, Falls Creek, Dinner Plain amongst others) rock climbing (particularly at Mount Buffalo), trout fishing and horse riding . Rovers (Australia) Rovers are organised into local Units (formerly known as "Crews" ) which may be part of or associated with
1480-467: Is also the source of many of Victoria's water ways, including Murray and Yarra Rivers and the Gippsland Lakes . The valleys beneath the high plains are surrounded by wineries and orchards because of this abundance of water. The region is also home to Victoria's largest national park , the Alpine National Park , which covers over 646,000 hectares (1,600,000 acres). The establishment of
1554-578: Is an excellent opportunity for Branch Rover Council Chairs, their delegates and observers to meet with Rovers from other states and share their knowledge and ideas and learn from one another in a positive environment. It is also an opportunity for States to put forward papers, plans and ideas to the council to be voted upon so the Chair can then take the resolutions to the National Operations Meeting. The face-to-face format of this meeting
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#17327728556831628-506: Is found above the timberline at 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) AHD , the region above the forest of Eucalyptus (ADH). The unique flora includes the largest range of Tussock Grasses ( Poa spp.), Herbaceous Daisies, Eyebrights and Carexes (small sedges) in Australia. Many other small vegetation ecosystems appear on the High Plains, including but not limited to Tussock grassland, Alpine shrubby heathland, Subalpine woodland and Tall Alpine herb field. Important or notable species within
1702-538: Is now the Hume region to the Bogong high plains, settling in the area because of its abundance of natural grass fields. These early settlements were often seasonal as the harsh winter made grazing and mining impractical. The communities in the Victorian Alps were disconnected from Australian civilisation, which bred a distinctive way of life epitomised in the famed poem by Banjo Patterson , " The Man from Snowy River ". After
1776-493: Is on the endangered species list due to the severe fires in the region over the past decades. The Baw Baw frog is critically endangered with estimated number being below 1,000, the major threat to this species is a disease from the fungus Amphibian Chytrid called Chytridiomycosis. Mountain streams are also populated by species of small fish such as the Mountain Galaxia . There is very limited fauna diversity within
1850-427: Is prone to bushfires because of the large amount of native forest. The 2003 Eastern Victorian alpine bushfires devastated much of the areas of forest. Many well-known huts were destroyed. More recently the area was again threatened during the 2006-07 Australian bushfire season but due to favourable weather, damage appears to be minimal in comparison. Alpine huts in the area provide accommodation for people out in
1924-502: Is the peak award in Rovers. It encourages participation, assistance and leadership, gaining outdoor adventure skills, special interests and undertaking an adventurous journey and a personal development or leadership course. The award certificates are signed in facsimile by the Chief Scout of Australia. Award recipients in states usually receive the award from the state governor , (Northern Territory Rovers may receive theirs from
1998-485: Is very popular for both summer and winter time activities. Ski touring and all types of cross-country skiing are possible through most winter months. A trail called Australian Alps Walking Track is popular for hiking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter. Mountain biking and bushwalking are common in summer. Local towns and villages provide the best possibility for exploring the areas, including Mount Beauty and Harrietville . The traditional custodians of
2072-795: The Bogong High Plains , Bowen Range, Cathedral Range , Cobberas Range , and numerous other smaller ranges, the Victorian Alps include the Alpine Shire , parts of the East Gippsland Shire , and some parts of the Mansfield Shire local government areas . The Alps are sometimes called the High Plains or High Country. The 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics census showed that the Alpine Shire had 12,337 permanent residents with 49.2% male and 50.8% female, and
2146-608: The Gippsland and Hume regions. The Victorian Alps were a significant meeting place for multiple Indigenous tribes from all-over South-east Australia. Seasonally Indigenous peoples from many tribes would meet at the highest peaks for trade, settling of disputes, marriage and initiation ceremonies. Whilst on the high plains the tribes would feast upon the Bogong moth , a moth that migrates from breeding grounds in Queensland to
2220-648: The Territory Administrator and ACT Rovers may receive theirs from the Governor-General ) as a part of their Branch's annual or bi-annual awards presentation. The National Rover Service Award is an adult recognition award presented for outstanding contribution of lasting impact to the Rover Section over a sustained period of at least five years' by a Rover and ten years' by a Rover Adviser, leader or other supporter. In four states,
2294-749: The "Rovers view" into Scouts Australia, Rovers is the only section with this direct access. The current Chair of the National Rover Council is Eleanor Hewitt from the ACT. The NRC meet at the National Rover Council Meeting held annually usually in January following the major event for the year (Jamboree, Venture, or Moot). The Conference runs over three days and incorporates State/Territory reports, discussions and workshops as well as networking activities. The Conference
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2368-571: The Alpine National Park has meant that economic activities such as mining , logging and agriculture are limited, to preserve the natural ecosystem for visitors. Tourism within the region centres around snow sports in winter and various outdoor activities during the summer months. The Australian Alps is an Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia sub- bioregion of approximately 519,866 hectares (1,284,620 acres), and an administrative sub-region of Victoria bordering
2442-667: The Centenary of Scouting Peace Boomerang completed a journey of over 18,000 km around Australia spreading a message of peace and unity leading up to the Scouting 2007 Centenary . In 2018 many events and celebrations took place to mark the centenary of the Rover section, nationally this included a uniform badge and the sharing of Rover history with states hosting formal dinner balls, placing time capsules, reunions and countless other local events. The Baden-Powell Award (B-P Award),
2516-548: The Crew Leaders, Region chairs and Branch chairs taking up the responsibility for their Rovers. The National Rover Council, a group of Rover representatives from each state who co-ordinate interstate efforts, was founded in 1979 and just like Units, all are under 26 years old. A local Rover Unit is run by its members and led by an elected committee. The committee normally consists of a Unit Leader, Assistant/Deputy Unit Leader, Secretary and Treasurer and large Units may also add
2590-589: The National Rover Service Award is named to recognise the contribution to Rovering in that state by an early leader: District Commissioner, Scout Shop Manager, Scouts WA Board Member, Leader Trainer, Branch Commissioner Adult Training and Development and Branch Commissioner Youth Program. Ian was WA's first recipient of the Rover Service Award, which is now named in his memory. Motorsport clubs exist in several states and are
2664-732: The Second World War a growing population increased the demand for timber from the Victorian Alps. This added growth to the economy of the area with the building of a series of roads, train-lines and bridges, the most prominent of these being the Great Alpine Road , a 308 km fully paved mountain pass that connects Bairnsdale in East Gippsland, to Wangaratta in Central Victoria. The road reaches an altitude of 1,845 metres (6,053 ft) AHD at
2738-935: The Units in their region by offering community involvement activities, organising social functions, distributing information, promoting training and the Baden-Powell Award and many other tasks. The smaller states without Region Rover Councils have their Units reporting directly to their Branch Rover Council. The Branch Rover Council is composed of representatives from each of the Region Rover Councils (in states that have them) or directly from Units and may also have representatives from sub-committees (for events, property, marketing, motorsport etc.). This body approves Branch awards, co-ordinates training, liaises with other Branch Rover Councils and National Rover Council, develops policies and initiatives and encourages
2812-423: The Victorian Alps during the summer months. Baron Ferdinand von Mueller , Angus McMillan and Alfred Howitt were some of the first Victorian settlers to explore the Victorian Alps in the early 1850s. Gold was found in the region in 1852 and brought thousands to the high plains. In search of grazing pastures men such as John Mitchell, George Gray, James Brown and John Wells travelled from central Victoria in what
2886-413: The Victorian Alps originated through continental splitting; secondly the Victorian Alps were never tall enough to develop large glaciers, and it is the erosion from ice that produces jagged peaks. The Victorian Alps are still being influenced by plate tectonics today, as continental collision with New Zealand drives the range up each year. This contradicts earlier theories about the range, which assumed
2960-605: The Victorian Alps. In the decades following skiing in the Alps grew slowly, predominantly centred around ski clubs such as the University Ski club which was founded in 1929 under the name Melbourne University Ski Club. In the early 1960s skiing began to evolve as ski fields started to install tow ropes and Austrian immigrants like Hans Grimus at Mount Buller and Peter Zirknisker at Mount Hotham , opened ski rental businesses and lodges at their respected mountains. Comprising
3034-519: The Victorian alps include: The Victorian alps is home to a variety of small marsupials and mammals , many of which are found nowhere else on earth. The Mountain pygmy possum is a prime example of this as it can only be found within the alpine regions of Victoria and NSW . Thought to be extinct until they were rediscovered in the 1960s at Mount Hotham , the Mountain pygmy possum is now on
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3108-498: The Victorian alps, due to the climate, and exposed conditions. Introduced species are considerably dangerous to the delicate ecosystem that is the Victorian Alps. Red foxes are the fourth most common species found in the area due to the abundance of other introduced species such as rabbit and hare. Brumbies/wild Australian horses are also a major pest in the Victorian High Plains. The horse's hard hooves trample
3182-532: The area, including studies of hydrology, vegetation change, fire response, weed invasions, occurrence of native animals ( mountain pygmy possum , alpine skink) and introduced species (such as hares, horses and sambar deer). The area is also home to a component of the International Tundra Experiment (ITEX), which investigates aspects of global climate change . It is trying to predict the future impacts of temperature increases. This area
3256-472: The bodies responsible for the safe operation of Rover car racing . They are Confederation of Australian Motorsport -affiliated racing clubs, with strict drink-driving, safety and racing policies. They are operated by an elected and assigned team of Rovers and are under the control of that states Branch Rover Council. They oversee events like Mudbash (VIC), Sandblast (SA), Banana Bash (QLD), and Bush Baja (WA). All Rover Motorsport activities were stopped in
3330-485: The critically endangered species list due to introduced predators like the fox, reduction in habitat and lowering number of the Bogong moth . The region is also home to echidna, common wombat , wallaby, kangaroo and bush rat. Other vertebrates found within the region include common native woodland bird species such as Robins, Sparrows, Rosellas, Fantails, Currawongs and Honeyeaters ; as well as six species of frog and several variants of skink. The Alpine she oak Skink
3404-476: The cull. Other introduced species within the region include Deer, pigs, goats, cats, trout and dogs. The Victorian Government's response to these pests in the national park involves extensive trapping and baiting programs ran by the Parks managers. As well as wild pests, production animals such as Cattle and sheep were previously also found in the Victorian Alps. Cattle grazing can cause major disturbances to
3478-455: The decay of vegetable matter, and very little mineral matter. Snow patch herb fields occur in places where snow remains for a large portion of the summer and are very rare. Mount Bogong , the highest mountain in Victoria, is just north of the High Plains. Technically it is not part of the high plains because it is separated from them by the Big River . There are several huts on the mountain,
3552-506: The earliest of which was built following the death of a skier in 1936. Mount Feathertop is a much more foreboding summit in the west of the Bogong High Plains. It is a popular bushwalking destination due to its proximity to Mount Hotham but can also be approached from Harrietville . The Bogong High Plains Road runs from Mt Beauty, up to the ski resort of Falls Creek, up to an elevation of around 1720m, before steeply descending through Trapyard Gap at gradients frequently exceeding 9%. The road
3626-578: The early 2000s because of a loss of insurance, but a new affiliation with the Confederation of Australian Motorsport led to the resumption of Rover Motorsport. Victoria successfully ran its inaugural championship series in 2008/2009 and South Australia running its own five round series in 2011, Queensland's Banana Bash has faced similar insurance problems to the point a few year's events were run without actual motorsport racing taking place but as of 2012 vehicles have returned. Rovers maintain and manage
3700-523: The further development of Rovering and the Rover program. These bodies also communicate with their respective Branch organisations where the whole state is organised and Branch Rover Councils send their elected members to represent Rover interests. Branch Rover Council's Commissioners and chairs directly represent Rovers to the wider organisation in this way. Branch Rover Councils also have a number of sub-committees which organise various parts of Rovering life. For example, these may include: Some states have
3774-435: The high plains. Originally built in 1889 like most of the huts has been extended since. It has no modern facilities and so is not used for accommodation. It measures 4.5 metres (15 ft) by 3.7 metres (12 ft). This was the first lodge developed in the area, before the creation of the ski resorts in Australia. It was started in 1938 by Rover Scouts from Victoria. It has the best facilities of any hut or lodge outside of
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#17327728556833848-522: The idea of one program, one journey in Scouting, through a series of developmental age groups. It is to be presented in its entirety during an investiture. Rovers are organised from a national level down, however the day-to-day running of the section is organised at a Branch (state) level. Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland are split into Regions which in turn are made up of Units. There are around 3,000 Rovers nationally in about 250 Units. Unlike
3922-590: The impacts of animal grazing on Australian alpine and sub-alpine vegetation. These original plots have been monitored ever since, and represent the longest continuous series of ecological data of any site in Australia. All grazing was finally excluded from the area by the Victorian government in 2005, in part because of the compelling evidence provided by this particular experiment. The Bogong High Plains continues to have an important place in scientific research. In summer, large numbers of scientists conduct research in
3996-453: The land surrounding the Bogong High Plains are the indigenous Australian Bidawal , Dhudhuroa, Gunai–Kurnai and Nindi–Ngudjam Ngarigu Monero peoples. Europeans first explored and settled in the area as graziers sought pastoral land mainly for cattle. The biggest early development for the area was the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme which began construction in the 1940s. Two dams were constructed, Pretty Valley Pondage and Rocky Valley Dam, and
4070-618: The local flora, because of this the Victorian Government has extended efforts to cull the wild horses from the national park. However, Initiatives to block the culling of Brumbies claiming they are “national icons” gained traction in May 2020, seeing the 2020 seasonal cull being put on hold. A supreme court injunction led by Phillip Maguire has caused this halting of the cull, as petitions on " Change.org ", led by OCEAN LEGAL have gathered over 100,000 signatures in support of preventing
4144-539: The mountains size was due to years of erosion, in fact it is now believed that the Australian Alps are a relatively young range, forming their current peaks in the last 10 million years. The Victorian Alps receive some of the most rainfall in Victoria with locations such as Falls Creek elevation 1,765 metres (5,791 ft) AHD receiving an average of 12,273 millimetres (40.266 ft) annually from 1990 to 2020. The high volumes of water that fall within
4218-480: The natural flora and rare grass species found above the tree line 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) AHD . The effect the cattle have on the environment is amplified through the short growing season for alpine flora, which means that once they are disturbed it can take a long time to recover. Because of the severity of damage subdued to the Alpine national park flora the Victorian government banned cattle grazing in
4292-414: The other sections of Scouts Australia , Rovers are self-governing with Rovers under 26 becoming the leaders of their own section while still taking part in the program. After the 1970 Design for Tomorrow Report , instead of becoming a new section, Rovers began to admit young women into their Units (known as Crews at the time) and asked their leaders aged over 25 to step back to become Rover Advisers, with
4366-499: The park in 2015 as a part of the National Parks Amendment (Prohibiting Cattle Grazing) Bill 2015 . Cobungra station however continues the heritage of alpine cattle grazing, without damaging the flora above the tree line as it nestled between 1500m and 1000m in the foothills below Mount Hotham . Cobungra station is a significant staple of the Victorian alpine region as it boasts the largest wagyu station in
4440-517: The region, feed waterways such as the Yarra river, and Gippsland lakes. The Murray River is also fed by the Victorian Alps, and although the region only accounts for 1% of the Murray's catchment area it is estimated to provide over 29% to the annual flow. This is due to the high amounts of snow, and the unique alpine vegetation which has the ability to hold water and regulate its release throughout
4514-650: The running of Rovering conducted at a Branch level and designs policy to affect Rovering as a whole in Australia. This team works together to develop a strategic plan and then implement this over the course of their elected year/s. They also liaise with the Branch Rover Council Chairs and the Branch Commissioners/Advisers for Rovers (or their equivalent) in each state to help them with any issues, ideas or help that they may need plus implement any actions or policies that affect
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#17327728556834588-576: The same Regions as the other sections of the Scouting Movement. These Regions can also run various Branch events on behalf of the Branch and run their own where all Rovers are invited. The application and practice of Region Rover Councils varies between the three states that operate them, in Victoria this level is known as a Rovering Community and conduct few if any events and are primarily a social networking function with most co-ordination done at
4662-539: The southeastern Australian state of Victoria . Occupying the majority of eastern Victoria, it is the southwestern half of the Australian Alps (the other half being the Snowy Mountains ), the tallest portion of the Great Dividing Range . The Yarra and Dandenong Ranges , both sources of rivers and drinking waters for Melbourne (Victoria's capital , largest city and home to three quarters of
4736-570: The state's population), are branches of the Victorian Alps. The promise of gold in the mid-1800s, during the Victorian Gold rush led to the European settlement of the area. The region's rich natural resources brought a second wave of agricultural settlers; the foothills around the Victorian Alps today has a large agrarian sector, with significant cattle stations being sold recently for over thirty million dollars. The Victorian Alps
4810-419: The state. In the Victorian Alps, bedrock is exposed along the entire range. Because of the exposed bedrock, Geologists have been able to determine that the rock types at surface of the range today were formed in an ancient ocean, between 530 and 400 million years ago. The Mountains in the range are flat and round when compared other prominent ranges around the world, this is due to two main factors. Firstly
4884-509: The steeper and more wind protected areas in the high plains. The soils are typically shallow and rocky. Approximately 25% of the High Plains are grasslands, which occur in more exposed areas, on gentle slopes are typically more resistant to wind and frosts. Some of the best soils occur in wetlands, which cover about 10% of the high plains. These areas are defined as places where there is stationary water for at least one month per year. The presence of water typically leads to highly organic soils, from
4958-439: The whole nation. The NRC executive is composed of a Chair, Vice Chair, Training and Development Officer, Secretary and delegates from each state plus the Scouts Australia National Team as observers and a representative from New Zealand Rovers. NRC executive members are elected for a one-year term except the Chair that serves a two-year term. Additional project and support officers are elected from time to time. The Council meets as
5032-416: The whole the snow-sports industry brought over $ 911 million of gross state profit to the Victorian economy in the 2016/2017 financial year. Over the same period the region saw over 762,981 visitors across ski season which produced almost 1.4 million visitor nights. Summer recreation brings in lower annual visitor numbers as seen over the summer months in 2016/2017, when the region received 348,366 tourist for
5106-406: The winter ski touring and those interested in hiking or other activities in the summertime. There are tens of huts in this area, each different and equipped for different purposes. They were first built by European pastoralists moving in from NSW in the 1830s. They are no longer used by pastoralists. Many are run by ski clubs but some are not regularly used or maintained at all. This is the oldest on
5180-600: The year. Water from the Victorian Alps is also used for power generation at the Kiewa Hydroelectric scheme , although not as extensive as the Snowy Mountains Scheme , the Kiewa scheme still provides Victoria with 241MW. In the winter the main attraction in the Victorian Alps is the ski fields, the largest of which by number of lifts is Mount Buller and the largest of which by skiable terrain
5254-545: Was fully sealed in 2009, immediately gaining the interest of road cyclists as it allows a complete circuit through Nelse , Omeo, Mt Hotham, Harrietville and back to Mt Beauty. It is now used in the Peaks Challenge Falls Creek and Audax Alpine Classic ACE annual cycling events. Victorian Alps The Victorian Alps , also known locally as the High Country , is a large mountain system in
5328-476: Was published in 1922 and provided a "book of life-sport for young men", becoming the ethical foundation of the Rover section. The late 1920s saw Rovers adopt the theme of knighthood in their ceremonies and Crew structures. Rovers in Scouts Australia wear a blue uniform shirt, distinguished from other sections by the red yoke (including shoulder panels). It is compulsory for invested members to wear
5402-489: Was purchased in 1962 by members of the Melbourne Bushwalkers who then donated it to the club. The hut was renovated and maintained by the Melbourne Bushwalkers and used throughout the winter as a base for cross-country skiing. It was well-used throughout the year for research and outdoor activities by members and by many other groups. It survived the 2003 bushfires but burnt down one year later (January 2004) in
5476-472: Was rebuilt after the 2003 fires and Bivouac Hut on the Staircase Spur. Other huts in the area include Tawonga Huts, Young's Hut, Ryder's Huts, Cope Saddle Hut, Pretty Valley Hut, Edmondson Hut, Johnston's Hut, Buckety Plains Hut, Faithful's Hut, and Langford Gap Hut. The Bogong High Plains contain a mixture of various types of vegetation. About 50% of the High Plains are heathlands, which cover some of
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