Story of Dallas Brooks Scout Park

Dallas Brooks Scout Park – The Beginning

The story of Dallas Brooks Scout Park starts in 1952. Some forward-thinking people within the Caulfield District of the then Boy Scouts Association acquired 120 acres of bushland at the end of Harpfield Road in Upper Beaconsfield. The property consisted of the Chalet, a dam, a bridge and a few shelters and rain-water tanks spread around the site. A team of interested leaders, parents, and friends slowly developed the site. Jim Sneddon and Ken Walters took key roles in the creation of camping sites and the overall management of the site. Dallas Brooks Park was a bush site for camping, activities, adventures and the development of youth members of the Caulfield District (Boy) Scouts Association.

The Bridge

The Bridge was built by Army Engineers, one of whom perished during the building of the bridge. A commemorative plaque can be found nearby.

Development and Tragic Loss

In the early 1980s, a plan was conceived to build a Holiday Activity Centre just inside the front gate of the campsite. Many workers volunteered their skills and energy to build the facility. It included accommodation to house 40 people in two dormitories, leader rooms, a commercial kitchen, dining room and a lounge room with an open fireplace. The Centre was completed and all was prepared for the official opening to be held on Saturday 19 February. 1983. Three days before the Official Opening a huge bushfire engulfed the park and surrounding areas. The fire-storm devastated buildings, trees, vegetation and wildlife and took the lives of four local CFA volunteers and 8 (?) others from neighbouring crews. . Both South Australia and Victoria burned that day. That day is now known as Ash Wednesday (16 Feb 1983).

The Next Phase

Replacing  boundary fences and re-establishing water pipelines was the first priority. Limited funds led to the decision to not rebuild the Cub Pack Holiday Centre. Instead two Bessa Brick halls were constructed, each with a fireplace and male/female toilets. Serious erosion issues resulted from the lack of vegetation. About the same time, a parcel of land at the north of the property, managed by St Kilda District, was passed to Caulfield District.  Dallas Brooks Park expanded to over 150 acres of bushland. Leaders and friends of Caulfield District, now a part of Glen Eira Stonnington District, continue the care, promotion and development of the site. The purpose of Dallas Brooks Park remains clear – to provide the opportunity for Scouts and other youth groups to experience camping, outdoor activities and adventures  in a safe, closed environment.

Ongoing Management

The Committee of Management, consisting of Gary Hawkins, Ken Mclean, Ross Godden and Trevor Howlett, coordinate and continue the development of the site. We are looking to Leaders in the District to help us on the way forward. All ideas are gratefully received. Recent works include removing dead trees and protecting the picnic area from traffic. As always we are looking for others to assist in any way or form that they can, from building to electrical work, from painting to planting, or simply using the facility.  Staying in one of the Halls can be done at no cost by volunteering to do some minor tasks or cleaning around the park. There is always something to do! All members of the Glen Eira Stonnington Scouting family are welcome to come along and get involved. To find out more FAQ’s or  contact...

Who uses Dallas Brooks Scout Park?

The campsite is used by

• Scout troops
• Venturer Units
• Rovers
• Groups and District
• Victorian Police Search & Rescue
• Upper Beaconsfield CFA
• The Dirt Bike Mountain Bike Club
• Air Force Cadets
• Private small family groups

The Future

Dallas Brooks Park is a fantastic asset for Glen Eira Stonnington District ,Scouting and the general Community. Whilst many developers may wish to get their hands on the site, Cardinia Shire and our local neighbours support us in our quest to maintain this facility in its “raw/bush” state and a “green wedge” in the area. The story of Dallas Brooks Scout Park continues….

Who was Dallas Brooks?

Sir Reginald Alexander Dallas Brookes was born in 1896 in England. He was severely wounded in Gallipoli, mentioned in dispatches and awarded the French Croix de Guere. In the 1920’s he captained the Combined Services cricket and hockey teams. He continued his military career until his retirement in 1949. Sir Dallas was chosen as Governor of Victoria in 1949, at a time of considerable political instability.  He reportedly had a genial and approachable manner and carried out his duties in ways suited to a changing society.  Brooks served three terms as Governor, administrator of the Commonwealth. He retired as Victoria’s longest serving governor, and one of its most popular in April 1963. In retirement he lived in Frankston, Victoria and died in 1966. (reference    Australian Dictionary of Biography)