Neville Tomkins

One night isn't a lot, but it can make a whole lot of difference

2025 will be Neville's 14th year participating in the CEO Sleepout.

Neville has always been a strong advocate for youth, especially disadvantaged youth.  He is currently the President of Scouts Australia (ACT Branch).

He recently retired as Chief Commissioner, Scouts NSW, after 7 years of dedicated service.  His role was to reposition the organisation so it could play a vital and exciting role in all communities of NSW – both city and country.  His vision was to substantially increase the number of young people across NSW participating in the world-renowned Scout program.

Prior to this, Neville served as the International Commissioner of Scouts Australia.  His work across the Asia-Pacific Region attracted various international recognition awards.

As Chief Commissioner of ACT Scouts for almost 10 years, Neville played an important role in rebuilding Camp Cottermouth, which was destroyed in the 2003 Canberra bushfires.  He actively supported and promoted the Family Support Fund which helped disadvantaged youth to participate in Scouting activities.  He is currently the Vice-President of The Arthur Shakespeare Foundation for Scouting.

Neville has served the ACT community for 40 years, including as a Justice of the Peace, and as a life-time blood/plasma donor (he has made over 550 donations – a record for the ACT).  He is also a White Ribbon Ambassador for the prevention of abuse towards women and children.  In 2010, Neville received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the community, particularly his youth leadership.  In 2012, he received the Highly Commended Award in the Community Service category, as part of the ACT Volunteer of the Year Awards and was nominated in 2023 for the ABC Community Spirit Award.  In 2021, Neville was awarded Life Membership of Scouts Australia. In 2023, the Governor-General presented Neville with the National President's Award for eminent achievement and exceptional service to Scouts Australia, over a long period in a number of significant roles within the organisation.

Neville retired as First Assistant Secretary with the Department of Defence in 2015 following a 35 year career with the Commonwealth Public Service.  This included 25 years as a Senior Executive.  He is now volunteering full-time for community-based organisations.