About Us

 Scouts Victoria Q Store

The Scouts Victoria Q Store functions under the friendly eye of the State Quartermaster (currently Trevor Howlett). This team supports, but not exclusively, the State Major Events and the State Commissioner of Major Events

Purpose of the State Q Store:

• To support youth-section leaders and their Scouting program

What do we do:

• Purchase and Hire of Equipment
• Storage and Care of Equipment
• Receiving and Distributing Donations
• Transit Facility for Goods
• Specialist Equipment Storage
• Merchandise
• Personnel (Friends of the Q Store)

Equipment:

The Scout Q Store equipment is purchased by Big Events then re-hired for subsequent Big (and less big) Events. We have equipment Hire for  Camping, Hiking and Big Scout Events and Catering

We use our contacts to find the best price to help you run your Events and then provide storage at the Scout Q Store in Dandenong South if required.

Specialist Equipment Storage:

Scouts Victoria has a range of specialist, non age-group specific sections. These sections are staffed with volunteers from within and outside scouting. Some of them will be familiar, like the Abseiling team, the Health team, and the Events Welfare team. Their specialist equipment and other specialist equipment are stored at the Q Store.

Does the Q Store Hire FREE to Scouting?

Compared to commercial rates of Equipment Hire, the Q Store consistently charges less in Hire Fees to the Scouting Community. We are often asked ‘Why isn’t it free?’. We understand the pressure that Groups and Events are under to keep the price of Scouting affordable for youth members and families. Our reality is that procuring, maintaining, storing, and transporting equipment incurs some expenses. Sadly the Q Store doesn’t have a fairy godmother sponsor to cover the expenses so therefore there are hiring charges.

Our team of volunteers is committed to the principles of reuse and recycling and all expenses are scrutinized with thriftiness in mind.

Transit Facility for Goods:

From time to time large volumes of gear is purchased for distribution to other locations. For example: bunk beds for campsites, picnic tables for campsites, and hand sanitizer for groups.

Merchandise:

Some of the merchandise for Big Events is managed within the individual event structure with the Q Store being used as a storage/ transit facility only. In this case, the event provides its personnel for sorting, packing and pick-ups.

Some of the merchandise for Big Events is sourced, designed and handled by the Victorian Merchandise Team, based at the Q Store. This can be a little confusing. The Victorian Merchandise Team may include some of the Badges, Scarves and other items for Big Scout Events as well as special orders for Groups.

We suggest that you check with your Event Director to find out  which merchandise method  is being used for that Event.

Personnel:

The Friends of the Q Store is the Team that make the Q Store tick.

• Tuesday:  10.00 am – 4.00pm

This eclectic group of people is a mix of former Scouters, current Scouters, and never were Scouters. No age, experience, or gender bias. A meritocracy….a what?  Meritocracy….everyone has something to offer. Make a cuppa…pack a crate..fold a tent …photograph stock..data entry…answer queries…..brainstorm event innovations..help youth section leaders …share camping stories (washed away/blown away/starvation/geographically embarrassed…..the stories get bigger every year) Only got an hour? That’s OK. All snippets and whisps of your time can make a difference. No need to wait for an invitation….come along…..

More questions about the Scout Q Store Team?

Have a look at FoQs page or Call in on a Tuesday

Location of the Scout Q Store

•   173-175 Ordish Road, Dandenong South
•   If coming from EastLink use the Greens Road Exit

Hours of Opening

•     Tuesday:  10.00 am – 4.00pm
•     Tuesday evenings:   6.30 – 10.00pm
•     Saturdays:               9.30 am – 4.30pm
•     Other times:            By appointment
•     Best to contact us just in case we are out and about….