By Matthew Sims
Girl Guides Victoria has always aimed to create an equal world where all girls can thrive and where they can be true to themselves.
Pakenham Girl Guides member Bianca Walsh has exemplified this effort, being this year’s Baden-Powell (BP) Award recipient from the Pakenham unit.
Bianca started her journey to securing the award in February 2022, while in the Rainbow Guides (nine to 13 years).
Unit leader Claire ’Joey’ Baker said her achievements in leading the unit including running a campfire, hosting a Mexico-themed night and co-ordinating the unit’s Clean Up Australia patrols.
“She has great leadership skills,“ she said.
“Bianca has always been a great patrol leader.
“She’s getting so much better at her public speaking.“
Bianca said she was inspired by her grandmother Helen Walsh, who was involved with Girl Guides in Harkaway.
Ms Baker said one of the highlights of Bianca’s unique look at sharing her passion was the fact that she brought along two cows from her family’s farm to the unit’s pet night.
“It was a great night because we got to hear about something she’s very passionate about,“ she said.
Bianca has recently moved on to the Pakenham Twilight Ranger Guides group for 14 to 18-year-old girls.
Ms Baker also received a certificate recognising 20 years of membership with the Girl Guides recently.
Beginning her journey with Girl Guides at the age of seven at the 1st Brighton Brownies, Ms Baker became an assistant leader when she turned 18 with the 5th Brighton Guides.
Hopping across a number of other units including Kulnra, Bentleigh and Syndal North, she took on the Pakenham Rainbow Guides leadership role in September 2021.
Receiving the BP Award herself in March 1989, her other accolades have included the Olave Baden-Powell (OBP) Award in March 2004 and a unit leader qualification.
Ms Baker said the pleasure she found in the role came from helping be part of the girls’ journey towards realising their true potential.
“I enjoy watching every part of the girls growing,“ she said.
“All of the skills they learn aim to empower.
“I like that the girls feel more comfortable to be themselves.“
Ms Baker said being a unit leader was a role she would always cherish.
“Guides give me joy,“ she said.
“I do like giving the girls that drive to be leaders.“
Pakenham Girl Guides meets on Monday evenings, with Moonbeam Gumnut Guides (five to eight years) meeting from 4pm to 5.30pm and Rainbow Guides (nine to 13 years) meeting from 6.30pm to 8pm, and Twilight Ranger Guides (14 to 18 years) meeting from 6.30pm to 8pm on Wednesdays.
For more information, visit www.guidesvic.org.au
