General News
1 July, 2024
Dedicated Girl Guides leader reaches 40 years
Warracknabeal Girl Guides have celebrated Frances Casey after she received a 40-year long-service plaque and badge from Girl Guides Victoria.
Warracknabeal Girl Guides have celebrated Frances Casey after she received a 40-year long-service plaque and badge from Girl Guides Victoria.
A special afternoon was held at Warracknabeal Guide Hall, where past Guiding leaders, parents and Guides from across the Wimmera who shared many memories with Mrs Casey joined together to celebrate her milestone.
Her interest in Guiding was sparked in 1982 when her daughter Lisa joined as a Brownie, and she became involved as a parent.
On October 12 1982 Mrs Casey made her Girl Guides promise and soon attended Guides leader training in Kerang to become an assistant leader.
She was given the Guides name "Platypus".
In 1983 she was appointed Sea Lake district commissioner to assist all leaders to manage their units.
The Casey family relocated to Warracknabeal in 1983 when her husband Leo accepted the role of assistant principal at Warracknabeal Secondary College.
Mrs Casey then became district commissioner for Warracknabeal.
She said she aimed to provide Guiding for young girls by encouraging women to train as Guide leaders for units.
Mrs Casey said she was very passionate about Guiding and helping young girls.
"I do it because I love it," she said.
"You have to love what you're doing to be dedicated to it."
From Guide promise ceremonies, flag ceremonies on Australia Day and Anzac Day, and camps, to the annual winter sleeper for the homeless, celebrating 80 of Guiding in Warracknabeal, and Queen's Guides and Junior Baden Powell award presentations, Mrs Casey has fond memories of many highlights throughout the past 40 years.
"Frances has a strong belief that our future lies within our young people," Guides commissioner Marion Smith said.
Throughout her many roles within the region, Mrs Casey has shown her commitment and dedication to Guiding and stayed true to the promise she made right at the start.