Jon Willis, is a distinguished Leader within the Scouts Victoria community with over 50 years of unwavering commitment to guiding and mentoring youth. Based in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Jon has held numerous leadership positions within Scouts Victoria, demonstrating his deep dedication to the Scouting movement. His roles have been diverse and impactful, ranging from Scout Leader through Group Leader, District Commissioner, Region Commissioner to Assistant Chief Commissioner and then Deputy Chief Commissioner for six years.
Jon’s leadership was notably evident as the Camp Chief for the 25th Australian Jamboree which then, due to Covid became, VicJam 2022 and as State Commissioner of Finance and Business, where he has significantly contributed to the strategic and financial health of the organisation. Additionally, as Producer of the Melbourne Gang Show for over two decades, Jon has combined his professional expertise with a passion for integrating performing arts into Scouting, enhancing the overall experience for generations of young people.
In addition to his leadership roles within Scouts Victoria, Jon’s professional and academic achievements reflect his broad spectrum of skills and knowledge. As co-founder and Managing Director of CVP Events Film & Television, Jon has made a significant mark in specialist theatrical video and live event broadcasting. His academic background, with degrees in Arts and Business Accounting from Melbourne University and Swinburne University, respectively, and global study experiences in Japan, the USA, France, Canada, and Switzerland, have enriched his strategic approach within Scouts Victoria. Jon’s commitment to youth development is not only evident in his Scouting roles but also in his philanthropic endeavours, extending support to a range of community organisations, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Reach Foundation, and Myeloma Australia.
Jon’s service to youth and the community was recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2018.
John de Wijn AM KC
President - president@scoutsvictoria.com.au
John joined the Scout Movement at 2nd Dandenong Victoria in 1960 as a Cub Scout and progressed to achieve his Queen’s Scout award in 1969. He then continued with the Group as a Scout Leader and a Venturer Leader. In 1984 John became a Scout Leader and then Group Leader with 1st Baden Powell Park Scout Group. After John retired as Group Leader in 2006 he became a member of the Victorian BEC and then Chairman of the Victorian Branch from 2011 to 2017. As Chairman of the Branch John was instrumental in developing a program for refurbishing and developing new Scout facilities in partnership with the State Government and in particular the development of a successful programme of sharing new purpose built facilities with State Government schools. As Branch Chairman John also served on the NEC and was particularly involved in developing the National Child Protection Policy and worked closely with Neville Tomkins supporting his work in connection with the Commonwealth Redress Scheme.
John was awarded the President’s Award in 2013 and in 2019 John was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his work in Scouting and, in his other life, for significant service to taxation law.
John is a firm believer in the value of Scouting to develop resilient young folk.
Richard Simpson
Vice President - richard.simpson@scoutsvictoria.com.au
Qualifications B.App.Sci (surv), LS (ret'd), MISV (ret'd)
Other Board Positions Current: Director - Yarra Valley Grammar Foundation Pty Ltd Previous: Director - Carson Simpson Pty Ltd -&- Linear Land Surveying Pty Ltd Member - RMIT University Mathematical & Geospatial Advisory Committee State & National Councillor - Institution of Surveyors Victoria, Institution of Surveyors Australia Chair & Board - Association of Consulting Surveyors Vic
Professional Skills and Experience Recently retired, Richard brings 40 years of professional experience in matters of land and land development, as well as business management for over 30 years. In that time, he has mentored dozens of students both in Australia and Internationally in land surveying and spatial science as a career. Richard has also been a volunteer across a range of community and professional organisations for over 40 years including Scouts Australia, School Councils, Church, Surveying Associations, RMIT University, local CFA fundraising and student exchange programs.
Scouting Experience Venturer Leader - 1st Wodonga and 2nd Heathmont State Commissioner - International International Commissioner - Scouts Australia Australian Contingent Leader - 1981 Canadian Jamboree, 1995 World Jamboree Holland and 1997 Asia Pacific Conference Honorary Commissioner
Richard has also been involved in writing the National Handbook for Venturers, developed the international programs, Scout International Student Exchange Program (SISEP), and Nepal Australia Good Turn for the Environment (NATURE). He was also Director of the 1991/1992 Scout Chernobyl Program and worked on other significant events including Australian Jamborees in Perth and Ballarat, World Jamboree Sydney and World Conferences in both Bangkok and Oslo.
Honours and Awards Outstanding Service Award Medal of Merit
David Crundall
Treasurer - david.crundall@scoutsvictoria.com.au
Qualifications BA (Econ)
Other Board Positions Current: Chairman - Graco Pty Ltd Advisory Board Member - e-Pocket Pty Ltd Previous: Director - ANZ Margin Lending Limited
Professional Skills and Experience David has over 30 years' experience in banking, investment and financial markets. He has had various management and technical roles with ANZ, KPMG, Fosters Group and Challenge Bank and is currently working as a consultant to various organisations. David also has experience in commercial property investment and development and is currently working with a small technology company as an advisory board member.
Scouting Experience Group Treasurer - 1st Canterbury Cub Leader - 1st Canterbury Youth member
Other Board Positions Committee Member and former President Baw Baw Ski Club now Scout Alpine Adventure Centre (SAAC)
Professional Skills and Experience Michael has seven years experience as a Financial Accountant, including a senior position. He has spent the last 30 years managing a family business in the Hair and Beauty wholesale industry.
Scouting Experience Assistant Chief Commissioner - Program State Commissioner - Scouts Assistant Region Commissioner - Bays Region District Scout Leader - Glen Eira Stonnington Scout Leader - 5th/6th Central Moorabbin
Honours and Awards Silver Koala Silver Wattle Certificate of Merit
Master of Science (Risk, Crisis & Disaster Management) Distinction
Advanced Diploma of Public Safety & Emergency Management
Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management System IV
Certificate IV in Risk & Security Management
Honours Degree in Political Science (International Relations)
Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications/International Relations)
Awards
Australia Day Award (Medallion) for service to Defence and Indigenous Communities (2018)
Australian Operational Service Medal, Greater Middle East Operations, Iraq, Gulf States (2018)
NATO Medal, Afghanistan (2018)
Institute of Public Administration Australia Award for Risk Management (2017)
SACS Leadership in Local Government Award (2016)
Resilient Australia Award for Victoria (2016)
Professional Skills and Experience
Extensive experience working with large volunteer organisations and workforces
Senior Executive Officer in a State Government Authority (Country Fire Authority)
Led complex program management and multinational projects
Chair of the Australasian Fire & Emergency Services Authority Council Community Safety Group
Board member on government and not-for-profit boards
Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
Member of the Australian Institute of Emergency Services
Military veteran with deployments on warlike operations
Sarah McGeehan
Member
Kelly is a strong, collaborative, adaptable leader with a background in policy, and qualifications in applied science and directorship. Expertise in policy development, strategic planning, program management, risk assessment and engagement. Strong skills in financial management and reporting. Known as thorough, influential, insightful and empathetic.
