She was a beloved member of the Seymour community and long-serving leader for the Seymour Girl Guide unit, as well as a member of volunteer group the Seymour Cancer Council.
Beryl, her husband, Trevor, and daughters, Naomi and Illona, were posted to Puckapunyal in 1988.
Beryl took over as the leader in charge of the local Girl Guide unit for ages 12 to 15 years and, in more recent years, those aged six to 18.
She was the unit’s primary leader for the past 35 years.
Beryl had been in the Girl Guide organisation since she was seven years old in Proserpine, Queensland. She enrolled as a Brownie, then moved up to Guides, where she achieved her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and her Queen’s Guide Award (the highest award in Guiding).
She then became a Ranger Guide, before continuing her journey and becoming a fully qualified leader, which she was for over 45 years. Her Guiding leader’s name was Reka.
Beryl’s time in the Catering Corps of the Australian Army saw her posted to Townsville, where she took over the Guide unit.
As her family posted south, she became a leader at the Waverley Girl Guide unit in Bondi and then as a leader in Holsworthy, NSW, before posting to Victoria.
The skills she learned in Guiding and in the military served her well, allowing her to mentor multiple generations of young women and leaders.
She believed in respect and honour, and leading by example. She was always thinking of new ideas to encourage the girls to achieve their best.
At the same time, she instilled a strong sense of community, friendship and support for anyone who crossed her path.
She enjoyed organising and participating in activities during her time in the Guiding; in particular, camping both locally and at state and international camps.
She enjoyed teaching the guides to cook indoors and over a campfire, usually while singing one of many Guide songs — often off key, but with great enthusiasm.
She enjoyed canoeing, bush walking and crafts, and being part of the high ropes and abseiling team at an international camp in NSW.
Many people will know Beryl from seeing her selling raffle tickets on Station St, wrapping Christmas presents outside Target, or door-knocking with her units for the Good Friday Appeal or Red Shield Appeal.
Fundraising for her two favourite volunteer organisations was never far from her mind, even while in hospital. She still talked to her family and friends about different ideas and plans to continue her support.
Her greatest achievements were her love of her family and the lifelong friends she made, who will pay tribute to her this Saturday, August 5, at 11am, at Bailey’s Funeral Services in Seymour.
Those wishing to attend are welcomed wholeheartedly by her family. Anyone wishing to wear their military medals or Girl Guide uniform or badges should feel free to do so.
Thank you for a lifetime of service, Beryl, you were an inspiration to many and a great support to all.
“Goodnight, Reka.”
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