Maryann (Coora), began her journey as a Guide Leader in 1988 along with her daughters Jacqueline and Kimberley.
During the last 35 years, Maryann has made a significant contribution to the Guiding community. From her Unit Meetings to Region and State events. In recent years Maryann held the Region Activities Outdoors Consultant role in Twin Rivers Region, and then the role of Region Manager. Maryann attended many Musters and Jamborees taking on various roles. She was the Program Team Leader at JACT 2012 in Canberra. She was renowned for her Wide Games. This one was her most daring. Each patrol, named after an early citizen of Australia went on a Choose Your Own Adventure trail based on Australian history.
In 2018 as Program Manager for the Sydney International Jamboree she again used this Wide Game but more girls were involved this time. Maryann had the “girl” at the centre of everything she organised.
Maryann loved Girl Guides and some of her favourite activities were canoeing, wide games, camping, knots, playing her guitar at campfires, foil cooks, Gang Show and mentoring younger leaders. She was awarded the Banksia in 2003 and the Flowering Gum in 2019.
Maryann’s passion, dedication and love for Guiding is and has been second to none. Your advocacy for rural girls and women and building resilience in the bush for Guiding is an inspiration. She had the ability to connect with people from all backgrounds and find the positives in each person. Maryann was down to earth, straight to the point approach to organising and running events ensured the well oiled machine chugged along nicely no matter what challenges were thrown her way.
Girl Guides as an organisation across our nation is better because of your presence in this world. You have left a huge void in our lives and in Girl Guides.