History

‘Girl Guides have a unique distinction in that they founded themselves.’

–Robert Baden-Powell.

Girl Guides started in WA in 1915 and today has over 2,600 members.

At the first Boy Scout Rally held in London in 1909, Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, was surprised by a number of girls who insisted they wanted to be Girl Scouts. He agreed that something was needed for the girls and in 1910 the Girl Guides Association was formed.

From as early as 1909 girls in Australia were forming guiding groups and by 1920 Girl Guide Associations had been formed in six states. In 1926 the State Associations federated and formed a national organisation.

Girl Guides began in WA with a public meeting in the Perth Town Hall, on 28 June 1915. Interested girls were invited to the home of Mrs Osborne Wilson in Angove St, North Perth. According to records, girls flocked to Mrs Wilson’s home and were found all over the house, tying knots with pieces of string and other Girl Guide activities.

The first group commenced shortly after as 1st Swan Company. The girls were divided into three Patrols and for a while nine Jewish girls attended. This initial Company changed its name over time to 1st Perth Pioneer and 1st Perth. It is said that these first Girl Guides were very energetic and dedicated, and carried out many of their activities in Kings Park, including tracking and stalking.

Since that time, there have been thousands and thousands of girls and women who are or were members of Girl Guides in Western Australia, part of the global association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

This site will be updated regularly with information and news about Girl Guides WA’s history and Centenary celebrations. Check out the latest on the blog.