Old Biscuit ad, possibly from the 1990s

Given that Girl Guide Biscuits have arrived for sale in WA, we thought you might be interested to know a little about the history of Girl Guide biscuits in our state.

Here are some Did You Knows courtesy of our extraordinary Archives team.

Did you know…?

That the Biscuit Scheme commenced in Western Australia in 1958 when Mrs Rita Bartlett introduced the idea after a visit to the United States where she saw Girl Scout Cookies?

Did you know…?

That the Girl Scout Cookies scheme operating in the States involved the sale of special biscuits for a certain period each year, and largely financed the whole movement?

Girl Guide Biscuits ad (date unknown)

Did you know…?

That Mrs Bartlett managed the entire business process which, during the 12 years it operated, raised close to ₤5,000 for Headquarters and Company funds?

Did you know…?

That South Australia also participated in this venture alongside WA?

Girl Guide biscuits in the 1980s

Did you know…?

That when the Willing Shilling (bob-a-job) fundraiser was introduced, biscuits were temporarily discontinued?

Did you know…?

In the 1980s, Blood Donors received Girl Guide Biscuits along with a drink following a donation during biscuit season?

Brownies distribute biscuits at Blood Bank 1982

Did you know …?

That Girl Guides have now been selling biscuits in Australia for over 57 years to raise money for local Guiding activities, camps and events, purchase supplies and program materials, support disadvantaged girls to enjoy Guiding, provide training and support for Girl Guides Leaders, and to support international Guiding events?

Undated Biscuit ad (possibly 1980s/90s)

Did you know …?

That this year, Australians are expected to consume more than 13 million Girl Guide Biscuits, raising over $1.7 million for young Australian women?

2015’s Girl Guide biscuits campaign

That’s one deliciously interesting history!

Much of this information was sourced from the Girl Guide Courier – May, 1962.