Former TRD editor awarded OAM
As a journalist and former editor of The District Reporter, Christopher Holcroft, could always sniff out a story – but the tables were recently turned when he found himself to be the subject as a recipient in the 2023 Australia Day Honours List.
Lieutenant Colonel Holcroft, RFD (Ret’d) from Liverpool, was recognised for his services to youth and the community with an Order of Australian Medal (OAM). Mr Holcroft has received several awards over the years, particularly while in the Australian Army Reserve where he served for 43 years in Australia and overseas. The latest has been a game changer.
“It means a lot to me,” Mr Holcroft said.
“The Australia community has recognised the work of people like me for the services that we do.
“It’s not service for self, but service for others. I believe in that and I am so thrilled I was recognised.
“It shows that anyone can be recognised, but also it also recognises the work we do for others.”
Mr Holcroft, has worn different uniforms throughout his life – either as a member of Scouts Australia, NSW State Emergency Service, Illawong Bush Fire Brigade, the Australian Army Cadet and more recently heading up the communications and media unit of the Australian Naval Cadets as a Commander.
He joined the Scouts Australia in 1968 and eventually held different adult roles since 1974 that saw him become a leader. Since 2014 he has led the Canterbury Vale District Venturer Unit and 1st Burwood Unit.
In 1974 he enlisted in the Australian Army Reserve and in 1980 he became a commissioned member until 2015. During that time he headed the Australian Army Public Relations Service for Australian Cadets.
Since 2021 he has been the Director of Communications and Media, Australian Navy Cadets.
“My whole work in my life has been to look after youth and to guide them through all sorts of adventures and that’s mainly in scouting…I have been guiding teenagers for a very long time.
“I love to help push the boundaries with youth and show them they can excel if they try.”
Mr Holcroft and his wife Yvonne raised their boys, and was more than familiar with the challenges of teenagers.
He has written six fiction novels – three aimed at boys.
“So often I have seen teenagers, mostly boys not knowing how best to utilise their time.
“I wrote three adventure books for them using an unlikely teenager as the hero he never wanted to be, but the hero a nation needed.
“My hope is the books ignite a fire in youth to have more fun and adventure in our great outdoors.”
His direction in writing fiction was prompted by the centenary of scouting in Australia.
He penned ‘Only the Brave Dare’ and ‘Canyon’ in 2008 to mark the centenary.
“That was my contribution,” Mr Holcroft said.
“I am the only Australian scouting leader to write books on scouting.”
He has been a Venturer Scout leader for more than 35 years in both NSW and Victoria. He also was the creator of the annual Dragon Skin camp for NSW Venturers. Today, it’s become an international Easter camp with scouts from New Zealand taking part.
Mr Holcroft’s affinity with writing, seems to be in the blood.
“One could say I was born for it…my grandfather, M.H. Holcroft, was an author and editor from New Zealand, he wrote 37 books.”
His grandfather’s son from another marriage, Anthony Holcroft, continued with the tradition, he wrote 26 books.
“I have another 27 books yet to beat him.”
Mr Holcroft has juggled many interests including working as a journalist and editor. He worked for several metropolitan daily and community newspapers. He also played an integral role as the founding editor of The District Reporter, which was launched as a weekly on June 17, 1998.