Plast in Australia
While Plast has recently celebrated over 110 years since the first Plast oath was taken in Lviv in 1912, Plast Australia has continued for over 70 years – as we celebrated our 70th anniversary in 2019.
The Plast Ukrainian Scout Organisation was established in Western Ukraine in 1911 by Dr.Oleksandr Tysovsky, affectionately known as “DROT”.
Banned by the Soviet regime, members forced to flee began establishing chapters in exile, first in Displaced Persons Camps in Germany.
Following WWII, the Plast spirit was carried to Australia in 1949, as it was to many other countries where our forefathers fled with their families.
Plast was established in most states of Australia, as our founders had the determination and foresight to establish a strong Plast presence. Remaining faithful to the core values of service to God, country and community, Plast Australia facilitates the holistic self-development of young people in a supportive, fun, challenging and patriotic environment.
Plast focuses on mentoring and developing leadership skills and exemplary personal qualities among young people. Non-denominational and welcoming to all who wish to participate in the Plast way of life, we are open to all ages.
The Plast program around Australia includes regular meetings, camping, regular hikes and other activities designed to challenge members to extend themselves and look for new ways to use their skills to serve others and the wider community.
While Plast has recently celebrated over 110 years since the first Plast oath was taken in Lviv in 1912, Plast Australia has continued for over 70 years – as we celebrated our 70th anniversary in 2019.
Today, camps and hikes are held across Australia, and annual summer camps continue to be held by Plast Victoria, at the campground “Sokil” – located in the Otway Ranges – which our founders had the fore-sight to purchase for future generations of Australian Ukrainian plastuny. The NSW Plast property at St.George’s Bay is used by many groups to host camps and programs for it’s members. The Plast National Museum in Adelaide, is a showpiece of the history of Plast in Australia, and a key aspect of Plast in South Australia. Plast Queensland’s programs cover all ages, with a keen focus on including the youngest of members in their fun-filled scouting program.
Plast Australia members are actively involved within the wider Ukrainian community in Australia. And, as full scale war rages in Ukraine, actively coordinate and engage in programs including humanitarian and medical aid, and keep focus on the inclusion of Ukrainian Displaced Persons in Australia and their settlement programs.
Today, Plast Australia remains an inclusive, vibrant and dynamic organisation for Ukrainian scouts of ages. Members form lifelong friendships, and recall their days at Plast camps as some of the best in their lives.
