Who is Bill Waters?

The Following is taken from: "W.F."Bill" Waters A Biography" by H.Stephenson.

William Francis Waters- "Bill" to everybody, joined the Boy Scouts in 1908, began bushwalking in 1917, Became a Rover in 1922 and joined the Melbourne Walking Club in 1923 to become in turn, Secretary, Chief Leader and President.

Bill bushwalked extensively in remote areas in the 1920's and represented the State in his chosen sport- Lacrosse in 1925.

He Skied for the first time in 1927 and quickly became a prominent ski-touring explorer, joining the first party to ski across the Bogong High Plains (west to east) in 1927 and with the same companions made first winter ascent of Mt Bogong in 1928.

After being Tours Officer of the Australian party to the 1929 Arrowe Park Jamboree, Bill was appointed Rover Commissioner in 1930, a position he was to fill with distinction for the next 35 years.

Lord Baden Powell decorated Bill with the Silver Acorn for his work at the 1934-35 Frankston Jamboree and a Bar was added after his return from the 1953 Kandersteg Rover Moot (Jamboree for Rovers) at which he was Leader of the All-Australian party.

Scouting's greatest honour was bestowed on Bill at the conclusion of the 7th world Rover Moot, of which he was Moot Chief.

Bill's retirement in 1965 brought to close his 35 years' service as Rover Commisioner- a period in which Bill's inspirational leadership lifted the Rover section of the Scout Movement to its greatest heights.