ROSEBUD Girl Guide Liesel Male was presented with her Queen’s Guide Award at a ceremony at the Rosebud Guide Hall, Jetty Road, Saturday 17 April.
Leisel, who is also a Bentleigh Ranger Guide, received the highest award from Assistant State Commissioner Deb Abbs. This follows on from a Bravery Award she received at Government House in February last year.
Girl Guides Mornington Peninsula District manager Heather Barton said from the time Liesel started at Rosebud she had “systematically set herself the many new and varied goals and challenges, all the while making a significant contribution to the life of Rosebud Girl Guides”.
“This is especially significant, given the challenges presented during COVID-19, when she demonstrated her ability to change course and achieve the desired outcomes. And it is no secret that she’s had a lot of fun along the way!”
Liesel acknowledges the help of her leaders and supporters, particularly Samantha Bourke, Guide Leader at Rosebud and Cat Anderson, Ranger Guide Leader at Bentleigh.
The citation for the Queen’s Guide Award described Liesel as an “inspirational young lady who had shown much dedication and commitment”.
Glen Eira and Mornington Peninsula District Guides citation noted: “She has a strong commitment to the community, and this was shown by volunteering at her local gymnastics club and being a junior leader at the Rosebud Junior Guide unit.
“Liesel has learnt many new skills from leadership, time management, and communication while extending her interests by participating in boating activities and attending many unit and state camps and events.”
A highlight of Liesel’s Queen’s Guide journey was the online camp she ran for both units during the COVID-19 lockdown. The planned outdoor camp was unable to go ahead so Liesel looked for an alternative activity. Members of both units were said to have enjoyed camping in their backyards while building campfires, cooking, playing trivia games and craft activities over a weekend.
“Liesel not only challenges herself but also encourages her peers to do their best,” the citation noted. “This was especially shown when Liesel ran a leadership and communication night for the units. These skills assisted her to be the team leader at the Headley Hide hiking competition run by Scouts Victoria.
“Her strong leadership skills, positive attitude and determination helped her team to overcome challenges and discover their potential.”
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 27 April 2021
