Centenary
Centenary of Guiding in Tasmania
Girl Guides will celebrate its centenary in 2010. The year will be full of activities for past and present Guides and Leaders as we celebrate the past, live the present and look forward to the future. Keep an eye on this site to find out about the centenary events that will be happening in Tasmania100 Down Under
Over 500 Girl Guides from across Tasmania came together to celebrate 100 Downunder – a hands-on day in celebration of 100 years of Guiding in Australia. Guides travelled from as far a field as Smithton, Geeveston and Bridport to gather at Quercus Park (the Agfest site) for a day of fun and adventure.
“Empowering girls and young women has been our mission since Girl Guides was founded over 100 years ago and we continue to achieve this by helping girls and young women to be their best,” said Girl Guides Tasmania’s State Commissioner, Helen Geard.
“As part of our centenary celebrations, 100 Downunder saw Guides coming together with fellow Guides to participate in a range of activities that celebrated our past, present and future. Guides of all ages experienced everything from learning to belly dance, to cooking on a campfire to climbing a rock wall” Helen said.
“There were lots of opportunities for Guides to try new challenges in a safe and supportive environment whilst celebrating Guiding’s 100th Birthday” said Lynne Watson, Leader in Charge.
“Across the site there were over 50 activities for the Guides to explore. With so much going on everyone found something that really enjoyed and something else that challenged them to go beyond their comfort zone and try something new” Lynne said.
“From taking part in a range of outdoor activities to meeting new friends from other Guide Units 100 Downunder was all about adventure, friendship and fun. It was also about providing girls and young women with the opportunity to develop skills in leadership and teamwork as they develop the confidence to be their best” Lynne said.
ANZAC Day
Girl Guides, since their inception, have supported our service men and women in times of war and peace. In recent times, that involvement has been providing service at ANZAC day ceremonies across Tasmania. In some areas our Guides act as sentries at services, at others they sing the national anthem and at yet others they act as ushers and distribute the programs.
In our Centenary year, RSL Clubs from across Tasmania recognised the contribution that Girl Guides have made and allowed Guides to be more involved than usual with ANZAC Day services. At services in Triabunna, Beaconsfield, Kingston, Sorell, Glenorchy, Lenah Valley and Forth Guides spoke during the dawn or morning service about what ANZAC Day means to them and what Girl Guides around the world have done to support our service men and women during times of conflict and peace. Each Guide researched Guides involvement and spoke of something that touched them. In some speeches the focus was on the land army and the fundraising that was undertaken at home whilst others focused on Guides International Service.
Girl Guides Tasmania thanks the RSL Clubs from across Tasmania for allowing Guides to be involved in ANZAC Day services and with helping us to recognise our service men and women.
Centenary Reception at Government House
To mark the centenary of Guiding the Governor, Mr Underwood, and Mrs Underwood hosted a reception at Government House. Nearly 200 people attended the event from across Tasmania and interstate. Joining our current State Commissioner, Helen Geard, at the reception was Assistant Chief Commissioner, Miriam Holmes, and 10 former State Commissioners.
The reception was the perfect opportunity for current and past members and supporters to reconnect, make new friends and experience the fellowship of Guiding. The Governor spoke enthusiastically about the contribution that Guiding makes to the Tasmanian community.
At the instigation of the State Commissioner the reception concluded with a heartwarming rendition of Bravo and Taps. It was so stirring it bought tears to the eyes of some attendees.
Following the reception over 100 participants journeyed back to Guide House to enjoy a meal together and continue the celebrations. Whilst this was not the original venue for the “after-party” it provided the perfect atmosphere and coziness to keep the conversations alive.