Robyn “DAVO” Davis
A reflection by Rosemary Derwin AM
Firm be the bond that binds us fast … the bond that many in Girl Guiding held with our Guiding sister Robyn Davis was very firm and cemented by some wonderful Girl Guiding experiences over many years. It was with great sadness that we recently learnt of her passing. Robyn was a very loved member of Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT.
Robyn Davis, affectionately known as “Davo” in Girl Guiding, first made her Promise as a Brownie in Burke. Davo lived and walked the Girl Guide Promise and Guide Law.
Davo always acknowledged that she was who she was because of Girl Guiding. Davo fulfilled many roles in Girl Guiding — including Brownie Leader, Guide Leader, Ranger Guide Leader, Ranger Counsellor, and Region roles. She attended many Jamborees and State and National events.
Robyn was a QM extraordinaire, her ability to cook up a storm — especially her lentil soup and ANZAC biscuits were well known!
She embraced everyone with love and warmth; she was generous of her time and spirit. Davo didn’t set out to make a difference in the lives of those she touched — she just did! And those of us she touched are ever grateful.
Robyn loved camping and the outdoors and gave many hours supporting and maintaining “Burrabaroo” , a Guiding property in the Northern Tablelands.
Hills where the lighted campfires gleam and glow … Davo sang the Ranger Song with great commitment. She loved the warmth of a campfire and the Guiding warmth it created. The next time you are sitting around a campfire and feel its glow remember Davo and everything she gave to Girl Guiding.
Davo created Girl Guiding magic for many of us.
Thanks Davo — a good and faithful servant, Gone Home — you will be remembered with fondness and love.
Davo made a difference in the lives of many Rangers.
Linden Edgell, former Chair of the WAGGGS World Board was one of those Rangers and shares the following:
As I sit here remembering Davo, I feel like I should have a Ranger red port in my hand.
I was surprised and deeply saddened to hear of Davo’s passing. Her generosity, open heart and ability to produce a yummy batch of Anzac Biscuits will remain with me forever. I think I met Davo as a Guide in Armidale, NSW. She was one of those important people we saw at times – with her passion from Guiding shining through. A group of us were getting to the point where we were finishing ranger guides and wanted to be rangers. In those times, you needed a Ranger Counsellor – a wise ‘friend’ who made sure we (vaguely) stayed on the straight and narrow! We approached Davo, and she agreed to take on the new England Rangers. From there we had years of fun across the Northern Tablelands as we would meet in various locations, supporting a range of activities and testing the boundaries.
An enduring memory of Davo is in Burrabaroo (the region campsite near Tamworth), in the kitchen as we QM for an event (she often roped us in to help). Its Sunday morning with Macca on ABC radio and Davo cooking up a storm to support some group or another at a training or other event. Her humour, sense of fun and willingness to serve stands out. Davo – you were by our side as we explored new things, challenged the norms and just wanted to have some fun.
We will miss you
Linden Edgell