Catriona Noble

"Scouting gives you the opportunity to build social, communication and leadership skills, all essential to be successful in life. Most importantly it is an opportunity to have fun and have multiple dimensions to your life." - Catriona Noble

As Managing Director for McDonald’s Australia, Catriona Noble is responsible for Marketing, Public Affairs, Operations, Supply Chain, the Pacific Islands and Business Planning as well as taking on a leadership role for the ongoing development and integration of McDonald’s Business Plan.

Scouts Australia works alongside McDonald’s Australia in helping to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities on McHappy Day.

Catriona was actually a member of Girl Guides, an organisation that shares a history and strong links with Scouting. Guides and Scouts participate together in many activities, and both organisations share similar goals and have a similar value system. Catriona was a Brownie and then a Guide with Baulkham Hills in Sydney. Her brother was also a Cub and Scout in the same Group.

Catriona became involved in Guiding because, she said, ‘it sounded like a fun thing to do.’ One of her favourite experiences in Guiding was earning badges for different achievements and feeling a great sense of pride and accomplishment. “The cooking one in particular sticks in my memory - maybe that’s what inspired me to join McDonald’s,” she said. She also loved camping and still enjoys it to this day. “In fact,” Catriona said, “only last week, my husband, kids and I went camping at the Basin for a few days. We had great fun fishing, kayaking, swimming and doing the whole campfire thing.”

Catriona also credits Guiding with helping her in her professional life, as it taught her to have a flexible approach and to work well with others. “Problem solving, effective communication and leadership skills are not only essential in the bush but also in the workplace,” she said.

Catriona believes that Scouting and Guiding provide an important experience for today’s young people. “I think Scouting allows young people to explore who they are independently of the school and family routine. It gives you the opportunity to build social, communication and leadership skills, all essential to be successful in life. Most importantly it is an opportunity to have fun and have multiple dimensions to your life. Whilst school is very important, having it as your sole focus provides a very narrow scope of experience.”