It was a stunning day full of bright sun as many excited Girl Guides and Scouts arrived at Government House in Melbourne on Saturday 8 February 2020. Girl Guides and Scouts were invited by the Governor, the Honourable Linda Dessau, and her husband Mr Howard to be presented with various awards including the Queen’s Guide, the Girl Guide peak achievement award, and their families.
This year a dozen Queen’s Guide Awards were presented. This was the result of well over two years dedication and focus covering leadership, community service, outdoor skills, cultural awareness, teamwork, and peer and personal development. Four Adult Awards were presented: two Asia Pacific Awards in recognition of outstanding service to Guiding in the Asia Pacific Region; and two Silver Kangaroo Awards recognising outstanding service to Guides at a world level.
The day also saw the presentation of one Citation for Bravery, which is a rarely presented award. The last recipient of the award in 2009 was 9 year old Rosebud Junior Guide, Olivia Secoulidis, who assisted in saving her grandfather from drowning. Liesel Male (see left with Lynne Emblin and Janelle Howell) was presented with the prestigious Guide Gilt Cross, whilst her brother, Bruce, received the Scout Medal for Meritorious Conduct for their combined efforts in assisting a rescue and saving a life at Rosebud beach in 2019.
This year’s presentation was an extra special occasion as the the former State Commissioner joined our new State Commissioner for a private audience with the Governor as the final formal outing. Janelle Howell along with the new Scout Commissioner, Rob Byrne, reaffirmed her Promise supported by Elizabeth Croft (see right).
Nicole Peters, Queen’s Guide 2018, was presented with Queen’s Scout Award and join a small number of Girl Guides who have achieved both peak awards for Girl Guides and Scouts.
Congratulations to all our award recipients – Girl Guides Victoria are honoured by your achievements and contributions to the community, girl and young women.
QUEEN’S GUIDE AWARD
Ebony Adam – 2nd Hoppers Crossing Guides
Kaitlyn Brown – 1st Sebastopol Girl Guides
Veronica Cervi – Warragul Ranger Guides
Sarah Clewer – Melton Thoroughbred Guides
Eliza Cowley – Brighton Ranger Guides
Elizabeth Croft – 2nd Hoppers Crossing Guides
Alannah Hunt – Warragul Ranger Guides
Paige Mann – 3rd Shepparton Guides
Elise March – Brighton Ranger Guides
Krystal Murray – Warragul Ranger Guides
Cate Oldham – Lynden Park Guides
Christiana Roussakis – Brighton Ranger Guides
ASIA PACIFIC ADULT AWARD
Cathleen O’Brien
Rhonda Wiedemann
GUIDE SILVER KANGAROO AWARD
Fiona Bennett
Margaret Devlin AM
GUIDE GILT CROSS
Liesel Male – Bentleigh Ranger Guides 14-17
