FROM THE NEWSPAPERS - 1932 An Important Day for the Yallourn Girl Guides (Brownies and Rangers)

1932 - AN IMPORTANT DAY FOR THE YALLOURN GIRL GUIDES
The following newspaper article describes the opening of the Yallourn Girl Guide Hut in December 1932. It was an important occasion for the girls of the town and a further indication of the efforts made by adults to foster activities for the children of Yallourn to enjoy.
The Girl Guide Movement was formed by Lord Baden Powell in 1910 and the first official Guide Company was formed at Pinkneys Green, Maidenhead in Berkshire (England). The idea of guides (‘girl-scouts’) and its structure/ organization spread steadily throughout the world.
By 1929 the Yallourn Girl Guides had registered with the Australian Association and, consequently, had become part of World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. The current membership of the Australian Girl Guide Association is about 31,000 girls.
The names mentioned in the newspaper extract (below) are some of those people who played an important role in establishing and perpetuating the Brownies, Guides and Rangers in Yallourn.
The footnotes provided with this story also mention other families who were involved in the Girl Guide Association during the life of the town.
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DECEMBER 22nd 1932 ‘MORWELL ADVERTISER’ PAGE: 10
Opening of Girl Guide Hut in Yallourn
Saturday last, Dec. 17th, was the date of the opening of the Girl Guide Hut, in Yallourn. A little before 3 o'clock, the Yallourn Guides, Ranges, Scouts and Cubs, with the Moe Guides gathered at St. John's Hall, and were introduced to Miss K. M. Wilson, Red and Blue Cord Diploma Guider from Imperial Headquarters, London. Miss Wilson, who was accompanied by Miss Moore, Head of Tests and Badges for Victoria, gave to the Girl Guides, messages from Guides in Scotland, and to the Rangers, a loving greeting from the 3rd Kew Rangers, with whom they are working.
The combined Companies then marched round the Town Square preceded by the Yallourn Band, who kindly gave their services for the afternoon. On arrival at the new hall, a Guard of Honour was formed, with the Brownies in front, Guides and Ranges behind them, and Scouts and Cubs in the rear.
Mrs R . D. Dixon, Girl Guide Commissioner for Yallourn, spoke to the assembled company on the great value that would accrue from the Girl Guides having their own hall. While tendering thanks to the Church of England and the Methodist Church, who have so generously lent their halls for Guide and Brownie meetings in the past, she felt sure that the Girl Guide Movement would receive a great impetus from the possession of its own meeting place. She tendered welcomes to Misses Wilson and Moore, and all whose interest had led them to be present.
Mrs Dixon then called on Mr Bridge, no representative of the S.E.C, to hand over the custody of the Hall to Mrs Kerr, president and representative of the local Girl Guides Association.
Mr Bridge spoke of the great advance in community life that was shown by the opening of the Hall, and expressed a hope that great benefit would ensue. He pointed out that the Hall was due to the S.E.C., who provided material, and the local Association, who paid for the labour.
Great thanks were due to Mr Kerr, who voluntarily built the chimney. Mr Bridge then called on Mrs Kerr to receive the custody of the hall on behalf of the Association. Mrs Kerr, in accepting the trust, expressed thanks to the Commission, especially to Mr Dixon, for the great interest shown. In speaking of the part played by the local Association in the building of the hall, the gift of £20 from the Younger Set, was gratefully acknowledged.
Thanks were tendered to Mr Kerr's helpers on the chimney, and to the parents of the Girl Guides for their interest and help. Reference was also made to the Girl Guide funds, which had been so useful, and to the work of the Social Committee.
Miss Wilson was then asked to open the hall. When the doors were unlocked and thrown open, a Brownie stepped forward and presented Miss Wilson with a carved and polished wooden vase, with a design of kookaburra and gum nuts.
Miss Wilson thanked the Guides for their gift, and congratulated them on their good fortune in having such a beautiful hall, and the responsibility, work and fun of making it a worthy headquarters. She referred to General Headquarters in London, opened last year, and built by money sent by Guides all over the world. There are now about 1,000,000 (one million) Guides in the world, any of whom are welcome at the Headquarters at any time.
International camps are held, she (the speaker) and Miss Moore having met at one held in 1930, when representatives of 20 different nations were present.
The language difficulty was great, but Miss Wilson pointed out that a smile is the same all the world over. Reference was made also to the International Chalet in Switzerland, the gift of Mrs Storrow, head of the Girl Scouts of America, and to the motto written over the door in German-Swiss-a motto which Miss Wilson passed on to the Girl Guides of Yallourn for their Hut : "God protect this House and all who go in and out."
A most interesting speech closed with an expression of good wishes and a repetition of the motto. Mr McGowan, Group Scout Master, then told of the sympathy the Scouts had felt for the Guides' homeless condition, and offered congratulations on the acquisition of the hall, which he hoped will be used for correct purposes to its fullest extent.
The speaker also spoke of the gratitude due to the S.E.C., and especially to Mr Bridge and Mr Dixon. Miss Moore, head of Tests and Badges, then referred to her last visit to Yallourn, when she saw the plans of the hall. She expressed her great pleasure at being able to bring Miss Wilson along to see Yallourn and to open the Guide Hall.
After singing of the National Anthem, the hall was thrown open for inspection. Afternoon tea was served in the marquee by the local Association, who desire to thank all those who so kindly gave cakes and helped to dispense the refreshments. Thanks are also tendered to the Yallourn Band, whose services were greatly appreciated.
FOOTNOTES
1. The origins of the Yallourn Girl Guides can be traced back to 1925.
2. Research reveals that Yallourn Guides were actively involved in various activities in the early days of the town; and it was reported that they travelled to a rally at the Pakenham racecourse in 1928…
“Troops of girl guides from Yallourn, Moe, Drouin, Pakenham, Fitzroy, North Fitzroy and Alphington held a “rally” on the Pakenham racecourse last week. They were the guests of Mrs. Macky, district commissioner, and were entertained at luncheon, after which there were games and competitions, while some of the girls went for a ‘hike” over the Pakenham hills.’ The Dandenong Journal’ October 25th 1928.
3. It is known that when the Yallourn organization was officially registered with the Girl Guide movement in 1929, Mrs Alice Wilson (not to be confused with Miss Wilson mentioned above) was the first ‘Guider’.
4. Mrs Ada Dann and Mrs Drummond were prominent figures in the association in those founding years; and Mrs Dann was also a Commissioner of Girl Guides for Gippsland in 1923.
5. During the embryonic stages of the Yallourn Girl Guides, meetings were held at the garage at the rear of St John’s Church of England.
6. In August 1933, the 1st Yallourn Rangers organized an exposition of their work and talents. Guide companies from other Gippsland towns, such as Trafalgar and Traralgon, were invited to participate…
“1st YALLOURN RANGERS An exhibition of work done by the Girl Guides and Rangers of the surrounding district is to be held in the Guide Hut on Saturday August 5th, 1933, at 3 p.m. The sections include knitting, needlework, fancy work, cooking, art and handicraft. A demonstration of Folk Dancing will take place at approximately 4.15 p m. Patronize this movement and come along and-see what the girls are doing. Admission: Adults *6d. Afternoon tea will be served by the Rangers for 6d.” * ( Note: 6d =sixpence)
7. Not only did the Yallourn Rangers organize the above exhibition but they won accolades (and the main prizes) for their meritorious efforts in the Handicraft Exhibition that day…
“…Exhibition held at the Guide Hut last Saturday was a great success. Points were allotted to the companies with 1st, 2nd or 3rd in each section. The Yallourn Girl Guides were the winners of the Silver Cup with a total of 59 points. Trafalgar Girl Guides were second with 46 points and Traralgon Guides third with 34 points. The Yallourn Rangers wish to thank the ladies who kindly came along to judge, and the members of the Rover Crew who did their brotherly deed by "lending a hand.” ‘Morwell Advertiser’ August 19th 1933.
8. The ‘new’ Guide Hut, mentioned in the newspaper article above, was referred to by Prue McGoldrick as a major achievement in that period of the town’s history…
“Among the highlights of the decade was the opening of a new guide hut behind the post office on 17th December 1932.The Commission supplied the materials and the Local Association, the labour.” ‘Yallourn Was’ Page: 106
9. Mrs R. Dixon (mentioned in paragraph: 3 above) was the first District Commissioner of Guides; and Mrs J.M. Andrew also held several important positions of responsibility in the local association. In later years, Mrs A. Cross was also a District Commissioner and during the 1930’s Mrs Bridge, the wife of the General Superintendent of Yallourn (J.M. Bridge), played a leading role in local guides.
10. The Yallourn Brownies were formed in 1931 and the Rangers (for older girls) were underway by 1932.
11. One of the important occasions for the Yallourn Girls Guides was their involvement in the procession and celebrations related to the unveiling of the Monash Memorial in the Yallourn Town Square on the 27th November 1932.
12. The Yallourn Guides also assisted men fighting abroad during World War: II. It is recorded that the girls knitted balaclavas and socks to send to various Australian military units on active duty overseas.
13. In time, outdoor adventure and camping became an integral part of the Yallourn Guides program of activities and according to ‘To Yallourn with Love’…
“Venues were various established Guide camps and on local farms, but probably the most valuable were the international camps at Britannia Park.” Page: 44.
Note: Britannia Park is situated at Wesburn near Yarra Junction in Victoria. Even today it is the main camping property utilized by the Girl Guides; but there are other venues, throughout Victoria, that are used for outdoor and camping experience.
14. A search of the early years of Girl Guides Association in Yallourn brought up the following names … Merle Fewster, Una Welfare, Gwen Colvin, Lesley Hannan, Isobel Calder, Verna Withers, Betty Watkinson, Joyce Withers, Margo McKean and Merle Allen.
15. In 1937, Catherine Meens travelled, with several other Australian Girl Guides, to witness the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey, London …
“Before the end of March all those who are fortunate enough to attend the Coronation camp at Chigwell Rowe will have left for England. Miss Lamb of Kew left last week in the Moldavia. Miss M. Cribb will leave in the Jervis Bay. Miss C. Meens (Yallourn) in the Esperance Bay, and Miss D Britten (Caulfield) …” ‘The Argus’ March 2nd 1937.
16. In 1948, the Yallourn Rangers, Guides and Brownies were part of the huge crowd that packed into the Yallourn Theatre to welcome and listen to Lady Baden Powell during her visit to the town. It was a memorable day for the local Girl Guides and the occasion received special coverage in the ‘Weekly Times’…
“Pictures of the recent visit to Yallourn of the World Chief Guide Lady Baden Powell will be published in February 1948, next week's issue of the ‘Weekly Times.’ Make sure your copy is ordered.” ‘Morwell Advertiser’
17. With the ‘baby boom’ following World War:II and the consequent rise in enrolments at the Yallourn Primary School, during the 1950’s,the Guide Hut was used as an additional classroom.
18. Yallourn women mentioned in texts and newspaper articles, related to the Girl Guides, included…Mrs Graham, Mrs Scholes, Mrs Goldsmith, Mrs Phillips, Mrs Jones and Mrs Gunn.
19. It is recorded that Mrs Graham was actively involved with the Yallourn Girl Guides for thirty five years; and her dedicated service was duly recognised by being awarded the Emu Award. Mrs Graham was praised for her leadership and organizational skills at a special gathering of Brownies, Guides and Rangers at Yallourn in February 1953…
“An impressive ceremony of ‘Thinking Day’ was held by the Central Gippsland Division of Girl Guiding at Yallourn Saturday, February 21. Guides, Rangers and Brownies came from all centres, within and including the area from Drouin to Traralgon. Guiders in charge were Mrs Porter (Drouin), Mrs Thomson (Warragul) and Mrs Graham (Yallourn) assisting the organisation.” ‘Morwell Advertiser’ February 26th 1953.
20. In 1955, the title of Queen’s Guide was bestowed upon Janet Apps of Yallourn. The Queen’s Guide is the peak award for guiding; and all guides between the ages of 14-18 are eligible for consideration for selection.
21. A photograph of Mrs Graham and three of Yallourn’s Queen’s Guides was recently (March 2016) posted on this website. In later years, Annette Long, Judy Smith, Pam Adams, Jan Daddo, Maureen Neilson, Linda Milne, Sheila Martin, Jenny McNair, Cheryl Smith and Janice Smith were also local recipients of the prestigious award.
22. By the mid 1950’s, the numbers of girls involved in Yallourn Guides had grown considerably and there were three Brownie packs, two Guide companies and the Rangers.
23. According to Prue McGoldrick’s research, the Guide Hall was relocated from Office Place to Lake Avenue (next to the Tennis Court and across the road from the Yallourn Swimming Pool).
24. A magnificent photograph of the Yallourn Brownies, waiting to welcome Queen Elizabeth:II to Yallourn in 1954, can be found on page:147 of ‘Yallourn Was’. The ‘Morwell Advertiser’, which carried a headline of ‘20,000 at Yallourn’, devoted part of its extensive press report the Royal Visit …
“The Queen and the Duke had a special greeting …The crowd near the dais at Yallourn many of whom had been in position for hours, had their first indication of things to come when the precision marching Guides and Brownies turned into Broadway and took up their positions. Every photographer in the area snapped the Brownies, who enjoyed every moment of terrific bursts of flag waving. They gave the Queen a tumultuous welcome.” March 4th 1954.
The crowd of onlookers that day at Yallourn was ‘massive.’ Further to the above, an article in the ‘Morwell Advertiser’ in November 1953 (prior to the visit) gave some clue to the number of Guides and Brownies who were involved in the organization of the arrival of the Queen and the Duke at Yallourn in March the following year …
“The District Commissioner, Girl Guides, Yallourn, advised that 233 guides and brownies would require to be accommodated on the Royal Route at Yallourn on March 3rd next, and requested information as to the location of the strong post allotted to them. The matter was referred to the Royal Visit Committee.”
25. In 1958, the Brownies, Guides and Rangers formed a guard of honour at the funeral of Mrs Andrew (mentioned above). Mrs Andrew had been a mainstay in district guiding and a driving force for many positive social and welfare initiatives in the town since the 1920’s.
26. One of Yallourn’s most famous Girl Guides was Marilyn Cox. Marilyn was awarded the Silver Cross for bravery for her heroic act in rescuing a drowning girl from the Latrobe River in 1959. At the time of saving the child, Marilyn was about 13 years of age.
Note: A photo of Marilyn proudly wearing medal was posted on this website in August 2015. Julie George would like to contact Marilyn to record and post her recollections of those events.
27. Other article and postings on this website list the following Yallourn girls as active members of the Brownies and Guides in the 1960’s…. Sandra Lee, Marlene Nyeboer, Inge Lerche, Ann Hurley, Sandra Gregory, Pamela Ferguson, Rosemary O'Connor, Betty Sims, Sandra Lee, Margaret Kelly, Tove Lerche, Joan Ashmead, Susanne Berg, Anne McLennan, Michelle Peters, Rosemary Connors, Julie Francis, Connie Berg, Dianne Watkinson and Rosalind Miller.
28. Note: The divisions/ sections and terms (Brownies and Rangers) were disbanded some years ago and all girls are now known as ‘Girl Guides’ or ‘Guides’.

AN INVITATION
Throughout the life of the town, the Yallourn Girl Guides was a popular and well-run organization with a membership of hundreds; unfortunately, very few articles and photographs about the association are posted on this website. All readers are kindly invited to send photos, stories and memorabilia of the Yallourn Brownies, Guides and Rangers to Virtual Yallourn for Julie to add to the history file. Thank you.
The photographs, presentation and posting of this extract were completed by Julie George and the story was researched and written by Roger Spaull for the Virtual Yallourn website in March 2016.

SOURCES USED IN RESEARCH & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Sources used in this story included…
• National Library of Australia.
• The Australian Girl Guides website.
• Various references including the ‘Morwell Advertiser’ ‘The Dandenong Journal’ and ’The Argus’ newspapers.
• Information and photographs from the Virtual Yallourn website.
• ‘To Yallourn with Love’.
• Prue McGoldrick’s book entitled ‘Yallourn Was’.
Sincere thanks to Heather Barton AM (Order of Australia) for her assistance with this story. Heather is the current District Manager for Guides for the Mornington Peninsula; and was also the State Commissioner of Guides (1993 – 1998) and previously National Ranger Adviser (1991 – 1993).
The above extract from the ‘Morwell Advertiser’ has been faithfully transcribed with the only changes to the original being in font size and style and spacing and to enhance the article on the Virtual Yallourn website.