General News
7 March, 2025
Pilmore celebrated with Guiding award
Past and present Wimmera Girl Guides have come together to celebrate Janet Pilmore and her 40 years of service to the organisation.
Ms Pilmore, who recently received Hindmarsh Shire Council's Lifetime Achievement award, was honoured with the Girl Guides Flowering Gum Award on Saturday March 1 at the Arura Campsite, surrounded by family and friends.
Hindmarsh deputy mayor Chan Uoy spoke on behalf of council to her achievements.
"For decades you have made an invaluable impact on the community through numerous roles across various organisations," Cr Uoy said.
"You have empowered countless young girls, you have instilled confidence, taught life skills and mentored future leaders, leaving a lasting legacy."
Ms Pilmore first became a Guide at 16 years of age and continued for a few years before taking a break.
She returned when she was 28, when her daughter joined the group.
"They were short on leaders so I decided to become one," Ms Pilmore said.
In 1994 she became a leader before dropping back again on duties.
She renewed her Guide promise in 2014 when she was asked to become district manager, organising camps, mentoring future leaders and ensuring the continued success of the program.
She has played key roles in organising major events including camps and jamborees such as the recent river and Wimmera region camp.
In her role she displayed great communication skills as a leader and ensured the running of the camp went smoothly while also providing guidence and support.
Wimmera district manager Leigh Younger said although she hadn't been in the role for very long, she had quickly understood what so many had said about Ms Pilmore.
"Janet is not just a volunteer; she is a leader, conventional and tireless champion for girl guiding," Ms Younger said.
"She has spent decades ensuring that young girls in the rural region and beyond have access to the same caring, enriching and adventurous experiences."
Ms Pilmore expressed her thanks to all who came to celebrate the achievement with her.
"I would like to thank Leigh for making it possible to have this here in Dimboola because it was supposed to be in Bendigo," she said.
"I love volunteering, as being with young people keeps my mind active and I'm honoured to watch them develop into young adults."
Attendees mingled during afternoon tea and, of course, enjoyed some celebratory cake.
