NAI
DOC WEEK SPOTLIGHT
Gwenda Freeman
What is your name?
Gwenda Freeman
Who’s your mob?
Yorta Yorta
What is your Guiding name if you have one?
Wanya
What is your role in Guiding?
Unit Leader (assisting the Unit as we have younger Leaders running it).
Where do you do Guiding?
Avoca (near Maryborough – Central Victoria).
How long have you been involved in Guiding?
I was a Girl Guide for five years 1961 – 67, and I’ve been a Guide Leader for around 20 years.
What is your favourite thing about Guiding?
The people – the friendships I have had the opportunity to make.
What is your favourite Guiding memory?
An activity that I loved and has profound Implications today, was a trip to Phillip Island, with other Guides from all over Victoria, to plant trees for the Koalas.
As a Guide – receiving my Queen’s Guide Award.
As an adult – supporting my youngest daughter (Abi) to become a Guide and in particular to attend Guide Camps.
Who inspires you?
I don’t have a particular guiding inspiration, but have a profound respect for Mrs BP Agnes and Sis Olive Baden-Powell who responded to the English girls who wanted to have a have their own ‘Scouts’, and who were visionary in expanding across the world no matter what religion (at that time so important) or skin colour.
What are you most proud of yourself for, in and out of Guiding?
My genuine commitment to supporting girls to this pathway of fun, challenge and achievement.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t be ashamed to speak out – but don’t always expect agreement 😊
NAIDOC Week runs from 6-13 July. To learn more about the meaning and celebrations of NAIDOC Week, including this year’s theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, visit the official NAIDOC website, which is a space to explore First Nations excellence, history, and how you can get involved.