The Quest Community News power list is about recognising and paying tribute to the QLD Girl Guides members who are making great things happen, ranging from young girls, right through to leaders who are dedicating their lives to Guiding.

This group of 14 has been nominated by Girl Guides Queensland CEO Kim Harrington, and is just a snapshot of the wonderful work being done by thousands of women and girls all over the state, the nation, and the world.

Congratulations and thank you to all those who are a part of this stellar list. We hope you will find their work as inspirational as we at Quest do.

To find out more about Guiding and how you can get involved, visit guidesqld.org.

DALLAS LANGDON

Dallas Langdon is nothing short of a treasure in the Queensland Guiding community. At 83 years of age, she’s spent 74 years learning and leading, inspiring others along the way.

Starting out as a Brownie at the Wynola unit at Coorparoo, Dallas progressed up the ranks through Guides, the Cadets and eventually a leader, with the Langdon family playing a pivotal role in making the movement what it is today.

“Our father was on the Kindilan committee (for development of the State Guide campsite) from about 1952 ‘til around 1958.

“My sister Marian and our mother and I used to go down to Redland Bay and work to clear the land – we worked so hard to make it an effective camp site.

“It’s the spiritual home of Guiding in Queensland … we’ve got an area named after us now.”

Dallas’ mother was also a member of the Local Association in their district, and a volunteer on the Guide Association’s Hospitality Committee.

As a young teacher, Dallas was sent to Longreach, Rockhampton and Maryborough before heading to London for two years – and no matter where she was posted, she was always sure to get involved in the local Guide unit – or establish one herself.

“I can’t remember when I wasn’t a Guide. It’s given me so much pleasure. I’ve been able to help women and children, and with the teaching background I suppose that’s where my focus has been.

“It’s given me opportunities I probably would never have had. My sister Marian and I, she unfortunately not with us now, but we were overseas at the same time, and when we came home to Brisbane we took children over to England, France, Switzerland, the US and Mexico, because we wanted to share those experiences with others.”

Dallas found the question of how Guiding had empowered her a little tough to answer – but that it did afford her the courage to speak out.

“And when situations arose in professional organisations and within the community, we took on responsibilities that we perhaps I might not have done if I hadn’t been a Guide, and had experience with these things in smaller groups with people I felt comfortable with.”

Dallas believes a variety of skills are still to be gained by the younger generations – and there’s no shortage of friendships to be had, scattered all over the world.

As for globetrotting, she’s showing no signs of slowing down.

“I belong to the Olave Baden-Powell society – we meet in a different country every year -and I am also part of the Friends of Asia-Pacific – I was involved in three overseas events last year, and I’ve got friends in Belgium I’m visiting on my way to the UK when I can.

“In 1998 my sister Marian and I met the Mongolian Representative Erdee who came to the Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Queensland with a vision and hope that it would be possible to start GirlGuiding / Girl Scouting in her country.

“It was a very proud moment for me when I saw Mongolia receive Full Membership of WAGGGS at the 2014 World Conference. To this day I still enjoy contact with Mongolia.

“I see our Legacy as providing support to a country in need so that Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting could grow to give girls and women the opportunity to develop their skills and experiences to be leaders and change makers of tomorrow.”

While some may call he extraordinary, Dalls is humble about her achievements.

“We’re all just ordinary people who belong to this. It feels wonderful to help others.”

JUDY ROGERS

Riding a camel in the Mongolian desert. Writing and producing songs. Exploring castles and ruins, and attending a tea ceremony in Japan. Such adventures may seem like they’re out of a book or movie. For 57-year veteran Judy Rogers, they’re the kind of experiences Guiding has delivered.

The Sumner local started her journey as a cheeky-faced Brownie, aged 7 when she lived in the Annerley district, flying on to obtain her Queens Guide award in 1972, with her three daughters and granddaughter also attaining the prestigious award years later.

After joining Rangers aged 16, Judy became a Brownie leader at Sherwood, before her work commitments as a teacher took her all over the state, from Ingham to Canungra.

“I started units in Russell Island and Beechmont,” Judy said. “Everywhere, girls were eager to have exciting adventures, learn new things and play together.”

Now at age 64, nothing has changed. “I love seeing the sparkle in the girls eyes when I'm on camp – whether I'm in front of 600 girls or six. Enthusiasm for life is something I can share. Showing girls how to believe in themselves and teaching them to think outside the box is my passion.”

The movement has also brought Judy lifelong friendships, still meeting eight of her Ranger friends for lunch every couple of months, more than 50 years on – those bonds even shaping her family.

“I have a Guiding friend who gained her Queen’s Guide the day I was enrolled. We went to Rangers together and became good friends. Our kids grew up together … her son is now married to my daughter and we have 2 little (joint) grandsons.”

Judy said Guiding has empowered her as a way of “subconscious thinking” throughout her life.

“So many of our kids give up. I learnt so much at Guides. We had tasks to learn. We had jobs to do. We had friendships to restore – in person. It has given me the strength to work through many experiences in life.”

ZOE GREEN

After attending Guiding events her whole life with her grandma Judy Rogers and family, Zoe knew she needed to be a part of the movement that would take her beyond “just being a bystander”.

The Ipswich 17 year old made her promise when she was seven – and so began what Zoe said was the chance for her to truly be herself.

“In a world that is so fast paced and confusing it is good to step away from it and just have fun.

“Guiding gives younger and older girls a chance to learn new and exciting things, while making new lifelong friendships.

It also gives the more experienced guides a chance to pass on their skills and knowledge to the next generation of women.”

Zoe is considered as playing an active role in her Oxley district unit. Among her achievements so far was her key contribution to the Trailblazers Camp for Guiding’s Centenary last year, where she was responsible for lights and sound.

Across the last decade, Zoe feels Guiding has empowered her when it comes to using her voice and to stand up for what she believes in.

“I have used the leadership and team building skills that I have learnt at Guides to help run and organise events for several hundred people. I have also drawn my experience helping at Guiding activities to come up with fun and out of the box thinking to come up with different concepts in not just a school or workplace environment but in the real world too.”

Zoe has definitely found her voice – and what she has to say, resonates – and make her leadership qualities shine.

“The ability to not back down and to stand up for you dreams even when the rest of the world says it is impossible is something that we all need to work on.

“This ability will help you to stand out from the crowd sometimes not in the best way, but that is what makes resilience – not giving up no matter what others say.

“Guides is truly an amazing place full of lots of magical experiences that you will never forget and some that you will wish you could do again and again.”

ELIZABETH GILCHRIST AM

The tireless work and pioneering leadership of Elizabeth Gilchrist has inspired her own daughters and granddaughter to carry on the Guiding tradition – and no doubt, countless other girls and young women.

It’s an integral part of my life,” Elizabeth said.

“It is all about giving back to the community and learning new skills to make a better community and a fulfilled life. The friendships made over the years are amazing.

“Guiding has given me the skills to help raise four children and show me the way to be part of a community that enhances the ability of girls to achieve in their lives.”

After starting as a Brownie and Guide at St Lucia in the 1950s, Elizabeth returned to Guiding as a Brownie Leader in Raleigh in North Carolina in the USA in the 1980s.

Upon her return to Australia, she led from the front, serving as Auchenflower Local Association Chair, Auchenflower District Commissioner, then John Oxley Region Commissioner.

Elizabeth also started a Ranger Guide unit at Somerville House for the girls to be able to do the Duke of Edinburgh Award, before becoming the Queensland State Commissioner for five years, coming full circle as the Brownie Guide leader at Sherwood before retiring.

“I have had the fortune to have been trained to take on leadership roles within the organisation,” she said.

Our daughters’ involvement in Guiding has been very useful, such as when we lived in the USA and firstly in Washington DC where Jennifer, Carolyn and Wendy started their journey in Guiding and then when we moved to Raleigh. Guiding gave them the ability to meet new friends and be involved in the community.

“I have been to England, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, Hong Kong, the USA, India and the Philippines. This has certainly helped to broaden my view of the world.”

Elizabeth said the life skills on offer in Guiding are most certainly still relevant to today’s younger girls and women.

“I certainly learnt resilience through Guiding as have our daughters and this has stood all of us in good stead in our jobs and careers.

I find it very easy to recommend Guiding to young girls – and to women who might become leaders.”

AMELIE SYMONDS

Tarragindi’s Amelie Symonds joined the Wellers Hill district Girl Guides with a friend just four years ago – but her enthusiasm and sense of self belie her young age.

12 year old Amelie said Guiding means trying new things, learning important skills and independence – and being a responsible person.

The leadership skills she learned as a Guide also helped in her role as captain of Marshall Road State School, Holland Park.

“Guiding has taught me that I should think of what's best, not only for me, but for others, so when making important decisions, I consider others as well as myself,” she said.

“Resilience is important in today's society, and all through your life. Guiding has shown me that it is important to not be afraid to try new things, and to overcome problems by working together. If we are on a camp and one of the activities is difficult, we keep trying until we complete it. We help each other out. It's not worthwhile to just give up.”

Amelie was among those who met with former Guide, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, at last year’s 100 Years of Guiding celebration.

“I have met and become friends with many people throughout my time in Guiding, both older and younger than me,” she said.

“All of the Guide leaders I have met in my experience are absolutely lovely. They are so wise, kind and great at showing you the way.”

ALANA GREEN

12 year old Alana Green joined up at Wellers Hill in 2015 with the wish of making new friends, and joining a community she hoped to be a part of “for many years.”

A natural leader as sports captain at Marshall Road State School, the Tarragindi resident said being a Guide had empowered her in other areas of her life.

“Resilience is extremely important as life always has its challenges, and Guides has allowed me to try new skills and step out of my comfort zone” Alana said.

“Girl Guides has given me the confidence and belief that I can do anything. (It) means that I get to experience and try new things, like archery or abseiling in a fun and safe environment.”

Alana attended the Girl Guides Afternoon Tea hosted by the Premier last year, and was also a part of the Centenary Trailblazers Camp at the PGL Kindillan Adventure Camp in July, the ground considered the spiritual home of Guiding in Queensland.

As for the hope of making friends, Alana said that’s been delivered in spades.

“Guides gives you many opportunities to try new things, meet new people and have fun at the same time.

“Over the years I have made many friends including several from different schools that I know I will keep in contact with for years … we may never have met if it wasn't for Guides.”

EMILY DOYLE

While the first day at a new school is no doubt daunting, Emily Doyle knew she could call upon what she’d learned at Wellers Hill Girl Guides to get her through.

“Resilience is a skill that you can learn, it doesn't just come naturally,” 11 year old Emily said.

“Girl Guides helped me practice resilience because we had to be a little more independent. When I started High School, and knew no one, I had to put those resilience skills into use and I gave everything a go.”

Just three years into her Guiding journey, Emily was keen to sign up to follow in her mother and aunt’s footsteps after being invited to try it out by two of her friends. She has already taken part in the Centenary Trailblazers Camp and Centenary Afternoon Tea with the Premier in 2019.

Also inspired to put her hand up to be elected a sports captain at Marshall Road State School, Emily’s strength is obvious when asked how Guiding has helped her in everyday life.

“I relied on leadership skills, and I learnt that leadership when I was elected patrol second and later, a patrol leader,” Emily said.

“These leadership skills were useful when I decided to nominate for (the) captaincy position at school.

“It is a fun experience for all ages, and there is something for everyone. You do lots of fun things such as camps, canoeing and making new friends.

“My Girl Guide unit has the best leaders. Thanks Alkira, Awhina, Gazania, and Sparrow. You make Guides awesome!”

WENDY DRYSDALE OAM

Along with her family and church background, Guiding has helped form the foundation for Wendy Drysdale’s life.

A high school teacher, and later an ABC radio and television news journalist, Wendy’s Guiding journey began 57 years ago as a 1st Wellers Hill Brownie, where she first honed her leadership skills as a Sixer, then on to Guides aged 12.

“I pitted myself against the challenges provided by completing every stage of the requirements for the badges. These were structured so that my self-confidence grew with every challenge I surmounted,” she said.

“The principles of Guiding of fun, friendship and fair play remain my philosophy for life.”

While she left Guiding to pursue her Year 10 studies, Wendy returned as a leader in 1991, and was awarded an OAM on Australia Day 2017, partly in recognition of her service to young women through Wellers Hill Girl Guides.

Wendy was also chosen as a Queen’s Message Baton Relay carrier for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, handing the baton to daughter Elizabeth Drysdale-Gardner.

Guiding is truly a family affair. Wendy’s late mother Betty Hooper (nee Ball) a Holy Trinity Woolloongabba Brownie in the 1930s. Daughter Lizi joined Gumnuts under the late Iris King – the same Brown Owl her mother had as a child, while Wendy’s husband Jeffrey was the first man on the committee, supporting the group for almost 30 years.

Wendy says there are plenty of great reasons for girls today to join up.

“Guiding provides opportunities for all girls irrespective of ability to nurture friendships and develop skills across a range of activities including outdoor adventures such as camping, crafts and an understanding of the wider world.”

LIZI DRYSDALE-GARDNER

For decorated and inspiring leader Lizi Drysdale-Gardner, Guiding is more than two hours a week – it’s family.

Since Lizi joined as one of Queensland’s first Gumnuts in 1991, Guiding has taken her all over the globe, allowing her to pursue her passion for women’s rights on the world stage.

Currently a Lone Trefoil member, 34 year old Lizi has packed a lot into the last 29 years.

Since moving up through Brownies, Guides, on to leader at Wellers Hill and Ranger with the Olaves, Lizi has been a State Aide to four State Commissioners, represented Girl Guides Australia at the UN Beijing+15 Summit in the Philippines, become the District Leader at Mt Gravatt Girl Guides, and completed the prestigious Olave Baden-Powell Award while in Taiwan, Thailand & Myanmar.

Using her patrol and team-building skills learned as a Guide, Lizi also co-ordinated close to 120 P. O. W descendants over to Singapore for WWII memorials, was a Queens Message Baton carrier at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, and somehow manages to find the time to be a high school teacher.

Like her mother Wendy Drysdale and grandmother before her, Lizi said Guides helped shaped young girls and women of today – including herself- into global citizens.

“The members of WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) all have that common entity, that no matter where you go, or what you do, if you find a Girl Guide or a guide group, you are home,” Lizi said.

“Guides brings together and shapes young girls into community-minded, honest, giving strong and open-minded women. It makes you think outside your own personal bubble, and realise that your small voice can make great waves.

“Guides gave me the opportunity to speak on the world stage, travel and meet amazing people, but to also work one-on-one, making direct impact.

“I honestly believe if I had not been a Girl Guide I would not be the person I am today.”

HEIDI MCKELLAR

For Heidi McKellar, Guiding is a place she knew instantly that she belonged – and has empowered her in ways she might never have imagined.

“It gives me the opportunities to take risks in a safe place … to grow.” she said.

“It means I instantly have 10 millions sisters from all over the world that have that same feeling of connection, community, service, adventure and fun.”

Heidi started at Auchenflower as a Brownie Guide, where she enjoyed the camping, the friendships and being part of the community.

“I moved up into Guides and knew that this was for me especially being part of something where shy reserved Heidi had a voice and felt safe, and went on to be a Junior Leader.” she said.

“I left Brisbane to live on a property 100 kilometres from the nearest town so thought that my journey through Guiding would end there. Fast forward to seven years ago when my eldest daughter was 7 and I knew I wanted her to have the same experiences that I had. I became a leader as there was only one Leader with 12 girls and a parent roster of volunteers. One Leader doing all of that work – why wouldn't I help!”

The skills Heidi has learned as a valued leader has helped her branch out in other areas of her life and given her courage.

“When I finished school the university was quite a way from home and the only way to get there was by car. I decided to apply for jobs out in the country to be a nanny. So for 12 months I worked on a cattle station in a very different home to the one I grew up in. Being away from my comforts, home, family and friends was a challenge that I was wanting to give up on. I had a goal though and I couldn't let the family down so I put my mind to it and saw it for the challenge it was. Those last few months were the best out of all of them and have such wonderful memories.”

And she believes those invaluable lessons still carry through for young girls and women today.

“Life is now so much busier than it was when I was in school, children have pressure from so many different avenues making resilience such an important skill to develop and retain for the pressures ahead of them in life.

“Guiding helps girls develop those skills in a safe environment. It supports them to built their motivation, desire to do their best and to achieve their goals.”

HEATHER PETTIGREW

For Heather Pettigrew, the annual Brownie Pack holiday and Guide Camps were highlights of her childhood – and sparked a love of adventure and travel that would take her across the world.

Her mother having been a guide during World War Two, then 16-year-old Heather represented her region at an International Guide camp in Sweden, before becoming a leader at 18. In 1967, Heather took a group of Guides to the USA as part of their bicentennial celebrations and returned the following year to work in a Girl Scout summer camp as a canoeing instructor.

After emigrating to Australia in 1979, Heather joined Tarragindi Ranger Guides as a Leader, where she continues to be a mentor.

“The opportunities that Guiding offers are extensive. For example a few years ago I took my Ranger Guides to Borneo to take part in a service project with the orang-utan sanctuary and later this year, I am taking a group of Guides to India to participate in another service project.,” Heather said.

“Guiding means – friendship and fun, serving the community, giving back to the girls what I received, and having the opportunity to attempt adventurous activities in a safe environment.

”(It) promotes values of good citizenship through community service and commitment to the Promise and Law, (and) provides a non-formal educational program which teaches life skills, decision making and leadership in a supportive environment in a challenging but enjoyable way.”

In today’s often-challenging world for young people, Heather said part of the movement’s strength lies in the fact it’s an all-female organisation.

“Girls are able to be themselves and not worry about how they are perceived by the opposite sex which can certainly be a powerful influence in their teenage years.

Girls of today need to learn to respect themselves and others, be considerate, honest and trustworthy. They also learn the benefit of community and community service and hopefully by extension, to make the world a better place. These values are encapsulated by our Guide Law and Promise.”

DEBBIE LAWRENCE

Lawnton’s Debbie Lawrence is proud to declare she lives and breathes being a Girl Guide, and something she’s blessed to be a part of. “Some say my blood runs Girl Guide blue!,” she said.

After completing the challenging BP Emblem during her seven years as a youth leader at Chermside, and joining Rangers, Debbie took a break from the movement, returning years later when she was eager for her eldest daughter to join.

Little did Debbie know the unit Leader would announce she was stepping down – with Debbie and another mum taking on the Brownie unit, and eventually the older group.

A decade ago, Debbie nominated for her current role as Lawnton district leader, then five years ago as a region representative for the Andrew Petrie Region. This year she’s stepped up as Region Manager. Her decorated Guiding career so far also saw her lead last year’s Trailblazer State Centenary Camp

“My family had been in Guiding for over 45 years,” Debbie said.

“My sisters Shirley Eickenloff and Sandra Byrne have been in guides at Chermside since they were youth members and are now Leaders. My mum Hazel Byrne was a member of the-then LA until her death in 1988. My father Ernest Byrne was one of those dads that did it all, dug latts at camp, transported us girls everywhere, ran a sausage sizzle.

“For my own family, my husband Stephen has been the maintenance man of the support group for 10 years, both my daughters Nicole and Madeline were youth members, worked and received their Junior BP, BP and Queens Guide. They both continue as Olave members and leaders in training at Lawnton.”

Debbie has worked hard to build up the movement in her region, “putting her big girl pants on” and overcoming challenges.

“Guiding is a way of life, it is a method which you live by. I enjoyed my Guiding so much as a Youth member and have so many fond memories, skills I learnt, friendships I made, that I want to ensure that youth of today can enjoy what guiding can offer them.

“As a leader see the Guides grow each week, and many have been in the units for many years. You see them grow from a shy, quiet girl, to young women that are independent, strong, kind, community members and with a voice to be heard.”

The resilience and mateship of Guides has prepared and supported Debbie through challenging times over the pats two years, with health issues preventing her from working.

“My Guiding family was there and I was able if not physically, but mentally, using my skills and knowledge to carry on developing programs, trainings, camps etc. Without this I don’t know where I would be today, it was a very hard time, but being a guide and being resilient got me through it.”

KATRINA ARNOLD

Having started her Guiding journey as a seven year old Brownie in Southampton, England, Katrina Arnold credits the movement as making her feel “instantly welcome” wherever her life has taken her.

After becoming the first Queens Guide in the village of Titchfield, Katrina and her family

migrated to Sydney where she joined Sea Ranger ship Vendetta. She also became a leader there, and in Adelaide, before making Brisbane her home in 1975.

Now aged 73, Katrina remains a Brownie leader at The Gap, and is founding member of

adult group the Sylvia Ringrose Trefoil Guild.

“Guiding to me means lifetime friendships and I love the interaction which I have with my 7-10 year old Brownies – they help to keep me in touch with this generation and certainly give me plenty of opportunities to enjoy fun and laughter,” Katrina said.

“So many girls have passed through my units over the years. My Guiding name is Bioka so it is not unheard of for an adult to call me by that name and sometimes I do not recognise the person whom I had in Guides as a 12 year old.”

Resilience, resourcefulness and compassion are skills Katrina has learned during her Guiding journey.

“It’s a girls-only organisation where we encourage girls of all races, abilities and religions to have fun and learn together.”

SANDRA WILLIAMS

In a world full of challenges and unrealistic expectations, Sandra Williams believes Guiding can offer women and young girls something important: self-confidence.

“Guides is learning how to deal with yourself and other people,” Sandra said.

“It is a family that supports you and gives you opportunities to grow in skill and self. I been blessed that a number of people have believed in me and offered me opportunities to challenge myself.”

Considered an integral leader among the Guiding family, Sandra’s journey began as a little Brownie at Kelvin Grove, then on to Rockhampton for her father’s work, as a Ranger at Grovely District and Albany Creek, before she settled in her current home district of Ferny Hills.

As Leader there for the past 32 years, including 16 years as District Manager, Sandra has also held a number of Regional roles, and key roles at international and state camps.

Her mother Margaret Williams and aunt Jean Hixon are current Trefoil Guild members, while her sisters also took part in Guides as youth members.

Though her volunteer work, Sandra has learned valuable lessons she’s passed on to the many girls and young women she’s mentored over the years, to help them throughout their everyday lives.

“Resilience is very important today. There is a lot of media attention around bullying and now mental health,” she said.

“I learnt in Guiding that it is okay to make a mistake; that you can be afraid of something and you don't have to know everything – there are people around you that will help you. We learnt this through games, camps and outdoor activities.

“Guiding can built up self-confidence; self-belief; give you leadership skills all while having fun and is a fantastic sisterhood. There are many women who were Guides and who are now are very successful in the business world plus women who are just as successful working in the ‘trenches’”

Sandra said that “sisterhood” means those involved in the movement have constant support.

“Some friendships are been around for 30 years and other only 1 year – however I am confident that those friends will support, challenge and encourage me.

“I have made lifelong friends with a number of leaders of the years within Queensland and other states.

“There is always that small group or individual who are there who will back you; be your sounding board; and let you be yourself.”