The Girls' Brigade

Awarding our women leaders of tomorrow

Young women across the nation are being presented with the Queen's Award, which is the highest international award achieved in Girls' Brigade (GB).

Linda Coles from 3rd Hobart Company attached to the Southern Presbyterian Church New Town, is one of the 34 Queens Awardees in Australia for 2007, while Eliza Burke-Polden, who is being represented, from the 2nd Hobart Company, attached to the Bay Christian Church Blackmans Bay, completed her Queen's Award in 2006.

Mrs Coral Anderson, the National Commissioner for Girls' Brigade said, 'these girls are to be congratulated for their commitment to the two year Queen's Award program'.

'Through active service in the community and personal development, the Queen's Award prepares and develops participants' to strive towards high standards, empowering them to take responsibility for their life', she said.

'In Tasmania the girls will be presented with their Queen's Award by the wife of the Governor of Tasmania Mrs. Jocelyn Cox, which is a privilege and a highlight of the program for the awardees and their familiesî, said Mrs Anderson.

'These awardees are our women leaders of tomorrow and will not only go on to serve in their GB companies but also in their community and their church.

'They will often serve in the church through leading worship, teaching Sunday School, leading youth group, or involved in a variety of other ministries that support the work of the church,' said Mrs Anderson.

Girls' Brigade is an international Christian youth organisation for girls aged 6 - 21 years and in Australia operates through local churches from a variety denominations.

Each week young girls in Tasmania attend GB in local churches for the fun opportunities to try new things in a safe, friendly and caring environment,î says Mrs Anderson.

'We believe GB is responding to the needs of girls in our community from a variety of socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, teaching them responsibility, discipline and self control, but most importantly sharing Jesus Christ.

'Our volunteer leaders discuss with their girls about real issues based on biblical principles and provide girls' with great life skills ranging from communication, cooking, craft, sport, photography, fashion, interior design through to pet care or camping,' Mrs Anderson says.

Statewide GB has approximately 87 members, nationally 5452 members and internationally over 123,616 members.

The first GB Company in Australia was opened in 1927 in Western Australia and this year GB Australia is celebrating their 80th year anniversary.

For further information check out the GB website at www.girls.brigadeaustralia.org