MIRABELLA WELCOMES 2010 AS “YEAR OF THE GIRL GUIDE”

31-August-2009

Sophie Mirabella MP, Shadow Minister for Status of Women, has welcomed the announcement that 2010 will be designated ‘Year of the Girl Guide’.

 “I welcome the Government’s announcement that Guiding be honoured in this manner. In fact, I called on the Government to make this decision in November 2008,” Mrs Mirabella said.

 “Girl Guides Australia – with their current membership of about 21,500 – needs recognition from the highest levels so they can continue to provide the important leadership skills that they foster in our young girls.”

 “The Girl Guides movement in Australia has been an inestimable force for good in our society. They have made an invaluable contribution over the last century towards making Australia a better place,’ Mrs Mirabella said.

 “2010 is a significant year for the movement as it celebrates its centenary.”

 “Late last year, I called on the Government to honour the Girl Guides movement by declaring 2010 as the Year of the Girl Guide. I am pleased they have finally made the decision,’ Mrs Mirabella said.

 “The former Coalition Government recognised the importance of such organisations when it proclaimed 2008 as The Year of the Scout and 2007 the Year of the Surf Life Saver. These are great community organisations that deserved to be recognised in this way. The Guiding movement will now be recognised in a similar manner – a decision that the Coalition supports and welcomes.”

 “I congratulate Girl Guides Australia for their work in our local communities and wish the movement every success as it begins preparations for their centenary year,’ Mrs Mirabella concluded.