The 16-year-old Blacktown local received the award on April 24 at her 1st Kings Langley Scout Hall from David Stoops, the Greater Western Sydney Commissioner.
This comes on the heels of Lea's Blacktown Young Citizen of the Year Award for her work with the Youth Advisory Committee for both Blacktown Council and the Western Sydney branch of the youth mental health organisation, Headspace.
Lea is a high achiever, being awarded the Australian Defence Force 2020 Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award and being a finalist in the Blacktown Council's Youth Ambassador Program for 2020/21.
Her mother Marinela was a scout herself for many years back in the former Yugoslavia.
“I am very proud of Lea because she does well in everything, including her studies,” said Marinela, who comes from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Scouts actively engage and support young people, boosting their confidence and responsibility; children who join Scouts learn new skills, have fun in addition to making new friends.”
Lea, who is an experienced actor, said she is chuffed to receive the Queen's Scout Award.
“It's very overwhelming to get the Queen's Scout Award because it is the highest award for me and acknowledgement, if anything, of the hard work I put in,” Lea said.
“I love the friendships that I have made since joining the Scouts when I was nine years. I am also into performing arts and have taken part in many plays over the years.
“Personally, I am a big advocate for mental health and I have been involved with community engagement and working with disadvantaged people in the Penrith and Mt Druitt areas..
“I believe there is a lack of resources when it comes to mental health because funding is not being distributed evenly in western Sydney.”
The Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School student had to complete 17 badges and work around the Covid-19 restrictions, with her quick adaptability one of her key strengths, according to Matthew Vella, the District Venturer Scout Leader – DA.
“Lea is one of the people who took the shortest time to complete the Queen's Scout Award,” Vella said.
“They have three years for it but Lea did it in 18 months and her achievement is even more amazing because she had to deal with the complexities of Covid, when lots of outdoor activities were curtailed.
“The Queen's Scout Award is determined by her peers and Lea is the ninth Scout to receive this honour during the 18 years I have been with the organisation.
“Those who complete the badges, which includes services, outdoor activities and personal development, have to put in between 120-140 hours, which is similar requirements to complete a TAFE certificate.
“In fact, Lea's efforts in reaching her Queen's Scout Award has qualified her to receive Certificate III Outdoor Recreation.”
