General News
7 August, 2023
Girl Guides leader receives state-level accolade
Leading by example, Maryborough Girl Guides’ Belinda Pritchard has set the bar high after being recognised for her contributions to the organisation through a state-level accolade. As part of an awards presentation held earlier last month in the...
Leading by example, Maryborough Girl Guides’ Belinda Pritchard has set the bar high after being recognised for her contributions to the organisation through a state-level accolade.
As part of an awards presentation held earlier last month in the town’s Guide Hall, Ms Pritchard, the unit leader for the Maryborough guiding group, was given the Emu Award — a reflection of her impact as a role model to members, volunteers and the wider community.
The award, which assesses the achievements of all nominees at a state or national level, was an unexpected honour for Ms Pritchard.
“It was a lovely surprise to have been nominated to receive the award, I am very honoured,” she said.
Having been a leader for nearly two decades, Ms Pritchard has spearheaded many initiatives including starting an Adult Hiking Group for Girl Guides Victoria members in 2021.
“I have helped organise state events for our youth and for some of our adult members as well. I have also helped in delivering a national jamboree — those were some of the things responsible for the award,” she said.
While the Emu Award highlights the work Ms Pritchard has done within the organisation, she said the opposite is true as well with the group also contributing towards her personal growth.
“I’ve been associated with the Girl Guides for nearly 40 years and I’ve acquired a lot of confidence and learned a lot of things including important skills,” she said.
“I wouldn’t have taken up a lot of opportunities as a young person if it wasn’t for guiding. Some of those opportunities have helped me develop my leadership skills and working with other women has also been fantastic.
“From a wellbeing perspective as well, being involved in a community organisation has helped me upskill so there’s a lot of benefits I’ve gained in so many facets of my life.”
Maryborough Girl Guides’ Deb Apps and Lyn Curry celebrated with Belinda Pritchard (centre) after she was awarded the state-level Emu Award.