A Proposal for a Traditional, Sustainable Scout Uniform Option
The issue
Ever since the uniform changed back in 2003, we have been wearing the casual blue polo shirts. While the polo works fine for running around inside the hall, it just does not really feel like it matches the rugged, outdoor style of Scouting. This is especially true when we line up for formal events like ANZAC Day marches, local community parades, or opening ceremonies.
We are proposing that the National Executive Council introduce a traditional khaki uniform option for formal occasions and ceremonial use, consisting of a durable tunic jacket and matching trousers.
This new option focuses entirely on practical use and classic scouting traditions:
Traditional Headwear: A navy beret featuring our standard section-coloured badge backings. Simple metal bars can be added for youth leadership roles like APLs, PLs, and Unit Leaders so everyone can easily recognise the structure of the unit during parades. Adult leaders could wear an olive green or black beret to keep a clear distinction between youth and adults.
The Uniform Rig: A full khaki uniform made from a heavy-duty, breathable poly-cotton or hemp twill. This provides a clean, classic look for formal events while being tough enough to resist tearing during outdoor bushcraft activities.
Practical Features: The Australian Flag and World Scout Emblem stay exactly where they are above the left pocket. The right shoulder can include a simple set of Maroon and White ribbons to show unit teamwork, and everyday comfortable shoes are perfectly fine to wear.
Keeping it Affordable: By using standard workwear twill fabrics, a full kit can be produced affordably without driving up prices for scouting families.
The Environmental and Cost Solution:
To make this transition easy for families, we suggest a uniform buy-back and recycling initiative. Families can hand in their old outgrown blue polo shirts to the Scout Shop in exchange for a voucher toward the khaki gear. The old shirts can then be sent to commercial textile recycling programs to be repurposed. This keeps waste out of landfills and helps fund the program sustainably.
Let's look back to our outdoor roots and give units a practical, traditional uniform option for our formal events.
1
The issue
Ever since the uniform changed back in 2003, we have been wearing the casual blue polo shirts. While the polo works fine for running around inside the hall, it just does not really feel like it matches the rugged, outdoor style of Scouting. This is especially true when we line up for formal events like ANZAC Day marches, local community parades, or opening ceremonies.
We are proposing that the National Executive Council introduce a traditional khaki uniform option for formal occasions and ceremonial use, consisting of a durable tunic jacket and matching trousers.
This new option focuses entirely on practical use and classic scouting traditions:
Traditional Headwear: A navy beret featuring our standard section-coloured badge backings. Simple metal bars can be added for youth leadership roles like APLs, PLs, and Unit Leaders so everyone can easily recognise the structure of the unit during parades. Adult leaders could wear an olive green or black beret to keep a clear distinction between youth and adults.
The Uniform Rig: A full khaki uniform made from a heavy-duty, breathable poly-cotton or hemp twill. This provides a clean, classic look for formal events while being tough enough to resist tearing during outdoor bushcraft activities.
Practical Features: The Australian Flag and World Scout Emblem stay exactly where they are above the left pocket. The right shoulder can include a simple set of Maroon and White ribbons to show unit teamwork, and everyday comfortable shoes are perfectly fine to wear.
Keeping it Affordable: By using standard workwear twill fabrics, a full kit can be produced affordably without driving up prices for scouting families.
The Environmental and Cost Solution:
To make this transition easy for families, we suggest a uniform buy-back and recycling initiative. Families can hand in their old outgrown blue polo shirts to the Scout Shop in exchange for a voucher toward the khaki gear. The old shirts can then be sent to commercial textile recycling programs to be repurposed. This keeps waste out of landfills and helps fund the program sustainably.
Let's look back to our outdoor roots and give units a practical, traditional uniform option for our formal events.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 23 September 2026