Community & Business
27 October, 2025
‘Koala’ signs off after 20 years with Scouts
Oakey Scout Group leader Jacque Barnes (alias ‘Koala’) has signed off after 20 years volunteering as a Scouts Leader in town.
Koala’s Scouting adventure began on May 25th, 1997, with the Clermont Scout Group, where she started as a Joey Leader after already spending years helping behind the scenes as an Adult Helper.
From the very beginning, it was clear that Scouting had found someone extraordinary.
In August 2004, Koala and her family moved to Oakey and that’s where the next chapter began.
On April 3rd 2004, Koala officially received her Wood Badge, and from that moment, she has been an unwavering leader, role model, and guiding force within the Oakey Scout Group.
Over the years, Koala has done it all, and we mean everything!
She’s attended three Jamborees with her children, one Cuboree, countless camps, meetings, Anzac Day marches, and community events.
If there was something to be done, you could always count on Koala to be there, sleeves rolled up and ready to go.
Her wealth of knowledge, dedication, and boundless creativity have inspired both youth and leaders alike.
Many Scouts volunteers have stood in awe watching Koala bring to life her wonderfully crazy and creative ideas that always seem to make Scouting just that bit more magical.
And of course, by her side through it all has been Koala’s husband, Garry - treasurer, groundsman, problem-solver, and all-round support system.
Whatever Koala dreamed up, Garry made sure it happened.
Together, they’ve given so much of themselves to the group and this community.
One of the most special moments in recent years has been watching Koala invest her own grandchildren into the Scouting movement, a true testament to the legacy she’s built over nearly three decades of service.
In 2022, Koala received an incredible honour from Scouts Queensland, her 25-Year Service Award.
- Oakey Scout Group
