On the 8th of June 1956, Frederick (Fred) Forster, a bricklayer and council area foreman, became Scoutmaster. The son of Robert Forster, Fred was a major influence on the group’s leaders and members and was a highly respected member of the community.

Fred’s warranted service began in January 1953 as an Assistant Scout Leader. His dedication was recognized with numerous awards, including:

• The Long Service Decoration (1976)
• The Medal of Merit (1990)
• The Bar to the Long Service Decoration (1992)
• The Bar to the Medal of Merit (1997)
• The Chief Scout's Long Service Award (1999)
• Honorary Scouter (2003)
• The Silver Acorn Award (2004)

Using the patrol system, Fred nurtured generation after generation of self-confident Scouts, who continue to show him their respect to this day.