The Queensland Olave Program will celebrate its 30th anniversary this month, with past and present members gathering at the Chermside Girl Guide Hut.
The Olave Program, a branch of Girl Guides for women aged 18 to 30, offers opportunities for personal growth, adventure, community involvement, leadership and lifelong connection.
Olave Coordinator Alise Fitzpatrick, a former Chermside Girl Guide and Aspley Olave, said the anniversary was significant because, until 30 years ago, there was no dedicated Guiding program for women transitioning into adulthood.
“The years between 18 and 30 are often a time of enormous change,” Alise said. “Many women leave school and begin university or enter the workforce, some start families, and others move away from home for study or work. These life changes can make it difficult to stay connected to communities and friendships, but the Olave Program provides a place where women can continue their Guiding journey, regardless of where life takes them.”
Now living and working in Central Queensland, Alise has remained connected with the Olaves and said the program helped women maintain friendships and opportunities.
“Whether you relocate across Queensland, interstate or even overseas, there is usually an Olave or Guide community ready to welcome you,” she said. “It means women don’t have to leave Guiding simply because they’ve grown older, moved away or aren’t in a position to become a leader.
“Through Olaves, women can participate in leadership development, travel, international experiences, community service, advocacy and volunteering, while building the confidence to pursue opportunities they may not otherwise have considered.”
Building Confidence Through Guiding
One of those opportunities was travelling to Japan to complete World Guiding leadership training.
“Without the confidence and skills I had developed through Guiding and the Olave Program, I don’t think I would have put myself forward for an experience like that,” Alise said. “It challenged me to grow as a leader, broadened my perspective and gave me confidence that I have carried into my career.”
Alise said interest in the Olave Program was beginning to grow again across Brisbane’s north.
“We hope in the next few years to see these groups begin to flourish and grow into their own to continue the Guiding spirit in the Brisbane North area,” she said.
She encouraged women to consider joining the program, regardless of whether they had previously been involved with Girl Guides.
“It’s open to all women aged 18 to 30 who are looking to connect with others, try new experiences, develop new skills or simply find a welcoming community,” she said.
Visit Girl Guides Australia to learn more.
Read more stories from the Chermside Guide’s print magazine here:
- Chermside Connect: Updates from the Community
- A Brief Affair
- Chamber Chat
- The Magic of Jim Henson Comes to Brisbane
- Organic Gardening in September
- Fresh Start: The Budget-Friendly Way to Spring Clean
- Retro Vibes to Take Over School’s Out on the Green
- Barktoberfest Celebrates 10 Years of Tail-Wagging Fun
- Burnie Brae Expo Connects Seniors with Support and Services
- Car Boot Sale With Community at Its Heart
- Dire Straits Tribute Marks 40 Years Since Iconic Tour
- Teen Musician Invests Savings Into Music Dreams
- A Walk Through Nundah’s Early Years
- Locals Help Shape Kedron Brook’s 20-Year Vision
- Shaw Park to Host Inaugural Kedron Running Festival
- Geebung Photographer’s Image Joins Brisbane Postcard Collection
- Nundah Festival Brings Community Together Once Again
- Family Fun Day Returns To Robinson Road Marketplace
- Spring into the School Holidays
- Social Mums Club Brings Local Mothers Together
- Steve Haddan to Share History of Rugby League
- Janine’s Wallet Wins: Save Money Using Grocery Apps
