Blogs
Origins of Casey District Badge
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Casey District
Content:
In <b>1999</b>, Region boundaries were realigned in Victoria, Australia and a new region was created named Casinia. (Casey and Cardinia). A Ranger group designed and made a Region Banner and the Region Badge was born from that design. In 2011 Casinia Region was realigned and became Casey District.<br>
The Casinia Region Badge Design was tweaked to become the <b>Casey District Badge</b>.
The badge depicts:
- The waters edge of Westernport Bay
- A cog to signify the industrial parts of the district, overlaid with an ancient oak tree depicting Berwick.
- Ferns reminding of the parts of the District in the foothills, including the then District Camp, Kooronga.
- Foothills shown on the horizon along with a shining star and a Guide trefoil.
- Owl depicting Moonlit Sanctuary in Pearcedale and also a nod to Brown Owl, Casinia Region Leader, who tweaked the original design.
1922 Girl Guide Victoria established
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Stonnington District
Content:
The first state Head Quarters was set up at Stonington; the then Government House in Malvern. This places the statewide centre within today’s City of Stonnington!
1923 Stonnington State Rally
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Stonnington District
Content:
In 1923 on the 10th of November the State Girl Guide Rally was held at the Government House – Stonnington, Glenferrie Rd, Malvern; ~300 attended.
This was a key early mass event for Victorian Guiding, hosted within Stonnington.
Florence Mitchell
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Stonnington District
Content:
<b>Florence Mitchell</b> (1891 - 20 July 1970) was Assistant State Commissioner for Victoria Girl Guides, Australia from 1949 to 1953. In 1953 she received the <b>Silver Fish Award</b>, Girl Guiding's highest adult honour, for her contribution to Guiding, including her work with the Guide International Service (GIS) after WWII.
<br>Florence was the District Commissioner for Melbourne's <b>East Malvern</b> and <b>Glen Iris</b> Girl Guide District from 1930 to 1938. During a 1933 trip to England she visited Waddow Hall Guide centre and the Girl Guide Association's headquarters in London. After her District Commissioner role, she was promoted to commissioner for South-Eastern Division, Melbourne, a position she held until 1949. In 1949 she became Assistant State Commissioner for Victorian Girl Guides, a position she held until 1953. In 1953 she received the <b>Silver Fish Award</b>, Girl Guiding's highest adult honour. By this time she was also chair of the Victoria Girl Guides’ finance committee.
<h>Guide International Service</h>
During and immediately after WWII, Florence worked with the Guide International Service (GIS), a voluntary organisation responsible for equipping and sending Girl Guide leaders from Britain and other Commonwealth countries to perform relief work in post-war Europe. She was also involved in the collection and dispatch of clothing and goods for distribution from Victoria to war-affected regions. By 1947 she had become the <b>President of the Victorian GIS committee</b>.
Dad Sports Night
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Narre Warren Butterfly Guides
Content:
“I like the campfire I have been to at guides, I got to try cooking marshmallows. I really really loved the bowling night. That was so much fun! It was the first time I had been bowling and I want to go again.” Erin, 5 years
“I had fun at the Dad sports night we had. The Butterfly Guides and Poppy Guides were together. My Dad had to do everything three times because I have two sisters in Poppy Guides. It was fun watching the Dads get beaten at hockey. My Dad got disqualified at the car racing because he picked up the tyre and ran. My Dad had to spin around the bottle a lot so he got really dizzy. I liked the elephant bowling the best because I won. I loved that.” Matilda, 8
Tree Day
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Narre Warren Guides
Content:
Guides from Narre Warren units joined the City of Casey Tree day event, planting trees to create a native habitat in the area.
Berwick Stars
At the beginning of term 2 Narre Warren South girl guides merged with Berwick guides. 6 Kookaburra guides went into Berwick bugs. 8 sparkle guides started a new 8-11 year old group which became Berwick stars. Berwick stars now have 12 girls.
Get Active Kids Vouchers!
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Girl Guide Victoria
Content:
Eligible Victorian families can apply for up to $200 to support their child’s sport and active recreation activities, including Girl Guides! Round 9 of the program will open at 10am on 15 October. Click below for more information!
https://www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers/
Earthkeepers Camp
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Casey District
Content:
Girls in grades 5/6 from Casey District had a great time at the Earthkeepers camp. 19 Guides and one junior leader came from Cranbourne, Hampton park, hallam, narre warren north, narre Warren south and Berwick. They completed the training to become an Apprentice Earthkeeper. They earnt 2 keys to open the secret boxes to learn the secret meaning of EM. They still need to complete a couple more challenges to earn the last two keys and open the locked boxes.The girls had a great time discovering the secrets and learning about the Earth. Thank you to Barb, Eileen and Mandy for running the program and thanks to Michele and Louise for looking after the guides.
Time at Guides
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Narre Warren North Guides
Content:
Something’s I have enjoyed this term are making candles for Mother’s Day and doing the Anzac Day service. It was so much fun.
Something else I enjoyed was making new friends. I also enjoyed trying to guess the age of the trees at our hall. It was lots of fun – Abi – Narre Warren North Guides
Snoozefest on Safari
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Casey District
Content:
I went to Snoozefest with 500 other girl guides from different suburbs in Victoria. We went on 2-5-15.
The Snoozefest is where we went to the zoo and slept the night. We slept in tents. Now I will move on to the actual thing about sleeping there.
We stayed at the <b>TextWerribee Zoo</b>. We went for a night walk and tried to see the animals, it was hard to see as it was so dark. I did see two animals though. The animals were an African Wild Dog and the Hippopotamus. I heard an Orangutan make a ‘Hoo Hoo’ kind of noise as well. After our night walk we came back and there were different activities on at different times. We also played on the playground and had dinner which was burgers. Night time snack was fruit and a hot chocolate. Well that’s all, so good night. BYE! Amber
We went to Snoozefest on the 2nd May. It was really fun and I really enjoyed it. My favourite part was going on the big swing and playing with Amy and Amber. I loved sleeping in the big tent with Amber, amy and Larissa.
When we arrived at the zoo I was really excited but it was hard carrying all my stuff because it was really heavy. At night time there were activities and Amber and I dressed up for a photo at the photobooth. I bought 3 badges and a girl guides pencil. I really enjoyed the camp because it was my first time going on a girl guides camp. Alisha
Moving Up in Guides
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Langwarrin Guides
Content:
I was going to miss my friends. But I was happy to make new friends. I was nervous at the start, but I had fun. I did my promise again and I did it off by heart. I’m looking forward to doing more stuff with Gumnuts and Juniors together.
Langwarrin Senior Guides Camp
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Langwarrin Guides
Content:
Langwarrin Senior guides camped outdoors at Britannia Park from Oct 1-4. We went on a
night walk, did a treasure hunt for vegetables which each patrol then made into their
lunch, played a night wide game with flashing light sticks, helped each other fly on the
possum flyer and had a campfire. We had some great food, all cooked on fires. Here are
some comments from the guides which Tammy collected for a camp newsletter.
About the possum flyer:
‘Possum flyer was scary’ (Carly),
‘It was awesome for me because when I was swinging, it felt like I was flying’ (Maddy),
‘The possum flyer was fun because I was a possum and I flew’ (Sienna), ‘It was amazing when I went really fast’ (Kiri), ‘It was epic because I went so fast and high’ (Alisha),
‘It was a fear overcoming heights and it was a safe environment’ (Lauren),
‘It was an amazing experience and I am so glad I gave it a try’ (Tammy).
About camp:
‘Camp is REALLY fun but the mosquitos are annoying. I have burnt my whole hand but I still had fun on the possum flyer. Overall camp was amazing.’ (Sienna),
‘I have loved spending time out in the open and with people making really random questions. It has been really good spending time and getting to know people that I didn’t really know. It has been amazing.’ (Tammy),
‘Camp is amazing. I loved the possum flyer the most. The food was amazing too.’ (Kiri)
‘Camp has been fun because I have been able to bond with others I didn’t really know. I have also loved the cooking.’ (Rhiannan)
Winter solstice sleepover
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Langwarrin Guides
Content:
In June, eight Langwarrin Senior Guides and two Overport Guides had a ‘Winter solstice’ sleepover. The activities we did worked towards two badges. The two badges were ‘Candles’ and ‘Time’, chosen because they fitted the winter solstice theme. The activities for the Time badge were playing a game that used time (we played Pictionary), cooking something that takes time (we cooked croissants), and finding out about day length in different countries. For the Candles badge, we practised lighting a candle, cooked pancakes using a candle (you lit a candle and then placed a big tin over it and cooked the pancakes on the tin – it sort of worked) and decorated candles to use as table decorations. The sleepover was fun.
ANZAC Day Reflection
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Kate from Langwarrin
Content:
Some of the traditions I observed throughout ANZAC day both during the Dawn service, and the March and service that was held at 11am, were the different men and women and men in uniform and the parts when they would stand in different formations during the ceremonies. I also noticed that they had the flame there although I think that has only been done this year to commemorate 100 years since the ANZAC’s landed on the beach of what is now known as ANZAC cove.
The symbolic items I saw during the day were rosemary and the poppies, the rosemary is worn because it is found growing along the Gallipoli peninsula therefore has significance for not only ANZAC day but also Remembrance Day as well, the poppies are worn because it is a symbol of war remembrance around the world, people all over the world wear the poppy to remember those who died in war or who still serve.
I don’t know much about the Frankston cenotaph I just know that it is a place where we can remember not only the ANZACs but all of the other soldiers who fought in different wars around the world and risked or sacrificed their lives to give us a better future, because it wasn’t just the ANZACs who sacrificed their lives to make the world we live in now better. I am glad that in the services this year I heard them mention the other people in not only the Great War but the Vietnam War, WWII and other wars throughout time, because these people need to be remembered as well.
If we forget those who sacrificed their lives how are we supposed to teach and show the younger generations what happened to these great men and women in these wars helping to create a better place for us.
I was very fortunate on the day to be asked to carry the Australian Flag as we marched. This was a huge honour because as I walked down the street with everyone else I felt connected in some way to both my Pa Brian who fought in japan and my great grandfather Arthur who fought in World War 1.
Lest we forget.
Mother's Day gifts
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Overport Guides
Content:
My name is Nikyla and I am 10 years old. I go to Overport Girl Guides. This term we have been doing lots of activities. We have made candles, ponchos for our teddies, and made scented and coloured bath bombs as Mother’s Day gifts.
My favourite thing I liked the most this term, was the biggest morning tea. There were so many fun activities, and we raised $60. Everybody brought a plate of food and it was really good.There was a raffle that you could enter, where you had to guess how many lollies were in the jar. My younger sister Karma guessed there were exactly 97, and she won. There was also a door prize raffle, and my mum won. It was a great night.
I really liked when we were able to have a sleepover at the Langwarrin Guide hall. We did lots of fun activities, had an indoor camp fire, and sang lots of songs. We made our own candles and decorated them with melted crayons. I made lots of new friends. It’s fun meeting other girl guides.
More information on how to do this for your Unit - See the Youtube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUYYDZ4LFEs
Planting at Wallace Reserve
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Overport Girl Guides
Content:
The girls enjoyed a range of activities this term at Overport Guides, including learning about guides, games, a dress up and bring a friend evening, and lots and lots of craft projects, which our group always enjoy. However, the activities that the girls loved the most were outside! Seeds which we had propagated were planted at Wallace Reserve one Sunday, which was enjoyed a lot by all who attended, and a night walk one evening was the clear highlight of the term. Waratah explained various star formations, and we managed to spot a ring tail possum and a tawny frogmouth, who patiently sat for quite a while. All of the girls admired his calm and dignified stance high on his branch.
By Heather Stewart (Helper Overport)
Environment day The LORAX
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Greater Dandenong District
Content:
Environment day The LORAX
100 year ANZAC Badge
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Noble Park Lowana Guides
Content:
One of the high lights of our term program was gaining our Centenary of the ANZAC badge. We had visit from retiring Colonel O’Dell who shared some of his personal knowledge and military memorabilia. The Guides compared the difference in a digger’s uniform to modern day uniform, their gear and weight carried, conditions of fighting, communications and shared a letter from Gallipoli, looked at medals along with other memorabilia. We then shared a typical meal/ rations the diggers would have eaten and had a billy tea. Jessica’s Dad came to share his Grandfather uniform from the WW1 RIF and we explored photos of Girl Guides experiences and contributions in War time both WW1 and WW2. We also re- in acted the famous Cooee march to recruit soldiers for the WW1. Noble Park Guides also participated in both the Noble RSL ANZAC service as well as Dandenong.
Our Program has also included -Making possum pouches for WIRES, a ‘slippers theme’ night with Mothers/ cuppa for Cancer, a printing night, scissors badges and a campfire run by Guides for their JBP.
Collecting Phones to save the Gorillas!
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Mentone Parkdale Guides
Content:
We’re calling on you….
My name is Phoebe. I am 10 years old and am a Girl Guide with the Mentone-Parkdale group. I recently completed my Junior BP Award and as part of the Service Challenge I collected old/used mobile phones for the Save the Gorilla Campaign – They’re Calling on You – which is run by the Melbourne Zoo.
One of the biggest threats to gorillas is the illegal mining of coltan, a mineral used in mobile phones. Coltan mining is destroying the natural habitat of the gorilla. Melbourne Zoo uses the money raised from donated phones to support Gorilla Doctors, an organisation which works to protect Eastern Lowland and Mountain gorillas. Donated phones are refurbished and resold or recycled for their parts, which reduces the demands for coltan mining in threatened gorilla habitat.
I ran the campaign over 2 months and called for donations from my Grade 4 classmates at school, my fellow Girl Guides, my mum and dad’s work, mum’s Book Club and friends and family. It is amazing how many old phones are out there just sitting in drawers and gathering dust. I managed to collect 108 phones for forwarding onto the Zoo!
It’s an easy thing to do – the phones don’t even need to be in working order. So why don’t you consider calling on your friends and help the environment and the gorillas as well!
Phoebe
Mentone Guides ANZAC Day
Date: September 26, 2025
Author: Mentone Guides
Content:
The weekend before Anzac Day, some of the Mentone Girl Guides attended a concert at the Shrine of Remembrance called “The Anzac on the Wall.” Written and performed by Jim Brown and Vince Brophy, the concert featured songs, stories, and poetry. The performance captured the spirit of the Anzacs and their families, “not only caring about their mates but eager to hear news from home. The Aussie ‘Have a go’ spirit was born.” A number of songs were played on the Lone Pine guitar, which was made from a limb of the Lone Pine. This beautiful instrument featured special artwork of a Digger below the Southern Cross with the words from the Ode, “At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them,” and “Lest we forget.” The guitar was made by Andy Allen of Maton Guitars and borrowed with kind permission from The Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance.
It was really interesting to listen to the songs and poems they wrote about people going to fight in WW1 and the hardships that their families faced. They had a special guitar made from Lone Pine, planted by a veteran. The tree had to be cut down due to weather. Instead of letting it go to waste, they made a special guitar. I learned that horses are sensitive animals knowing when there master won’t be coming back. Roisin
I liked the show and it wasn’t what I expected. They said that someone took some lone pine back from Gallipoli which was then planted at the shrine. Later the tree was struck by lightning but a guitar maker made it into a guitar that they played. They sang songs and told stories about World War one. I found it interesting. Mary
We went on the train and tram to the Shrine of Remembrance. I wasn’t expecting the theatre to be under the Shrine and we got great seats. The play is the story of Danny Clancy, a light horseman who travelled to Gallipoli and France in WWI. The story was told through music, humour and poetry. They used guitars and people sang along with the words on the screen. They told us the story behind the music. One of the guitars was made from a branch of the Shrines’ old Lone Pine tree. It was the called the Lone Pine guitar. We had a great time and thanks to our leaders! Chloe