Guides Queensland Gympie District Centennial Celebration

Minister for Primary Industries and Member for Gympie, the Honourable Tony Perrett MP; Gympie Regional Council Councillors Dolly Jenson and Shane Warnes; Girl Guides Queensland State Commissioner, Ms Susan Hayes, Assistant State Commissioner, Ms Amanda Nicholls, and CEO, Carmen Jenkinson; Gympie Girl Guides District Manager, Ms Annelise Hausler; Leaders; Girl Guides and your families; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we are gathered today and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this morning.

As Patron of Girl Guides Queensland, I am delighted to be in Gympie this afternoon to join in your centenary celebrations.

What a special milestone this is — because it means that generations of young girls in this region have benefitted from the skills and opportunities the Guiding movement has given them.

There is no doubt, that since the Girl Guides began here in 1926, its enduring success has relied on the enthusiasm and support of this community.

Pioneering locals, including the impressive Jean Cornes, laid a strong foundation for the future, and given Jean’s life-long dedication to the Gympie Girl Guides, and her crucial role in finding and developing this site, it is fitting that both the hall and the annual “Jacana” award are named in her honour.

It has required, however, the efforts of many to see this District empower over 1,500 young girls across its years, involving them in significant events such as the large-scale 1949 rally at Albert Park, a trip to the heart of the Australian outback in 1984, and the hosting of the Queensland Trefoil Guild Conference in 1989.

Key support from the Gympie Regional Council, clubs such as Rotary, Apex and the QCWA, local businesses, parents, and residents have enabled the Guiding movement here to grow and adapt to change.

Above all, the organisation has relied on the valuable contributions of its volunteers—including the many passionate District Managers and Leaders who have overseen its activities. Their expertise, tenacity and belief have enabled the Guides here to try new things, to build their confidence and capabilities, and to forge lifelong friendships.  

I believe over half of your current Leaders are aged 18 to 30, which demonstrates the strength of Girl Guides in providing young women with beneficial leadership opportunities.  

And, of course, the emphasis remains on encouraging positive connections with the wider community, through events such as Kids Country at the Gympie Music Muster, and by meeting other Guides in Queensland, interstate and internationally.

Along the way, there have been ups and downs; with Covid almost leading to closure, but with passionate backing from Leaders, loyal Trefoil members and parents, Gympie District Girl Guides remains as relevant and cherished as it was for the dozen or so very keen young girls who first joined, a century ago.

It has been my privilege to serve as Patron over my five-year term, and in doing so, to honour the memory of Lady Goold-Adams, who as the wife of the then Governor, was instrumental in initiating Girl Guides in Queensland.

Today allows us to reflect on a meaningful legacy that continues to enrich the lives of young girls and women across our state.

I thank the hard-working organisers of today’s event. Congratulations and enjoy this very special birthday party.