Tamara received the award, the highest recognised in the scouting movement, in a ceremony at the Mudgee Scout Hall yesterday.

The award is the culmination of three years of work for Tamara, who was required to complete projects involving leadership, adventure, community service and personal growth.

At the same time she was completing Year 11 and 12, Tamara learned to abseil and explored caves, undertook a hike to Nullo Mountain, gained her senior first aid certificate, planted trees at Camp Cudgegong, and completed photography and painting projects.

She also completed projected on the Benevolent Society and Mid-Western Regional Council and worked with the church-based Pathfinders group.

Tamara showed leadership by taking on roles as chairperson and secretary of the 1st Mudgee Venturer Unit.

Presenting the Queen Scout badge, pin, woggle and plaque, Tamara’s leaders praised her competence and tenacity.

Regional Commissioner for Venturers Gary Jonassen said the goal of the Queen Scout was not so much the badge itself, but the self-confidence and self-reliance that comes with the process.

Regional Commissioner of Operations Jack Murray recalled that he was the Scout Leader when Tamara’s father was a scout.

“There is a long association in scouting with Tamara’s family and I’m proud to say somewhere along the way I’ve helped a little,” he said.

Tamara said her experiences in gaining her Queen Scout award influenced her decision to study Outdoor Recreation at Lake Macquarie in the coming year.

“Especially doing abseiling and caving inspired me to say I can do this as a job,” she said.

Tamara will receive her official Queen Scout certificate at Government House in Sydney later this year.