ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
Dallas Langdon OAM and Marian Langdon OAM
In the recent Queen ’ s Birthday Honours , Dallas Langdon and Marian Langdon were both awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia ( OAM ). They were recognised for ‘ service to youth through the Guiding movement ’.
We often hear the expression that ‘ they have given their lives to Guiding ’ in reference to women who have been involved in the Movement for many years . In the case of the ‘ Langdon Sisters ’, this could not be more factual , as apart from their working lives , all spare time has seen them involved in Guiding since they each made their Brownie Promises at the age of nine years and seven years respectively . Their other community involvement is amazing — their Guiding service is immense . The comment by one of their friends —‘ these women are workers ’ is so very true .
Dallas and Marian have selflessly contributed at all levels of Guiding — local , regional , State and National — for almost 60 years . Both ladies have held various positions during this time including as Unit Leaders , National Trainers , Advisers , Committee Members and Committee Chairs both for GGQ and GGA . They have held ex-officio as well as elected positions on the Queensland Executive Committee . Their contributions above and beyond the call of duty in all roles they have undertaken are remarkable and both ladies always do so with incredible humility .
In more recent years , whilst still supporting GGA , GGQ and Kindilan , they have also supported WAGGGS and in particular the Asia Pacific Region through their untiring efforts that have seen the membership of Friends of Asia Pacific WAGGGS grow immensely as well as others ’ involvement in the Olave Baden-Powell Society .
Whilst many of our Members are aware of Dallas ’ and Marian ’ s service to Guiding , they may not be as aware of the many other charities that are supported by these two amazing women . They volunteer for the Masters s Games and the Pan Pacific Games when held in south-east Queensland as well as the Gold Coast Marathon . They assisted at the Disabled Games held in Brisbane many years ago and have volunteered as time keepers for the Handicapped Swimming Championships for many years . They have been knitting knee rugs for the Palm Lodge Nursing Home for over 10 years .
Dallas has been involved with Meals on Wheels as a driver and deliverer as well as the Embroiderers ’ Guild , helping new members to gain the fine art skills of embroidery . She has been a judge for the RNA and other needlework exhibitions for many years . She was also heavily involved with the Home Economics Association Queensland for many years .
Marian supported the Radio for the Print Handicapped for several years by volunteering weekly to read news from the newspapers and books over the air . She was State President of the Institute for Professional Secretaries Australia and had several years ’ association with the CWA as Treasurer .
BRAVO , Dallas and Marian . This acknowledgement for your tireless effort to make the world a better place is so very well deserved . The lives of thousands of girls and women , both here and abroad , have been forever changed because of the influence of you both . Girl Guides Queensland is proud to have you both as our Members , supporters , volunteers and mentors and we thank you for your energy , your commitment and passion .
Page 10 Queensland on the Go July 2013