About the
Moonga (Gympie) Sub-Branch

A Brief History …

The Moonga (Gympie) Sub-Branch of the Baden-Powell Guild of Queensland Inc. began in principle in 1991. It was formally registered as a sub-branch in 1992. The founder of the local Guild was Mr Brett J. Green (a retired former Gympie District Leader). The inaugural Guildmaster (later called the President) was Mr Robert (Bob) E. Evans (a retired former District Commissioner for the Gympie region). The members initially were former Scout and Guide leaders from the Gympie, Theebine, Maryborough, Tin Can Bay, Pomona, Cooroy and Noosa regions. Between 1992 and 2003, memberships varied between approximately 25 to 50 members. From 2003-2004, non-Scouting and Guiding friends of existing members within the region were enrolled due to past members leaving these areas or who had sadly passed on.

Initially, the local branch of the Queensland organization was called the Moonga Baden Powell Guild after a well-known, long-standing and very popular local Gympie District Venturer Leader by the name of Ray “Moonga” Anderson. His “Scouting” name was “Moon’ga” – an old Mary River-Gympie regional Ka’bi Aboriginal term for the “Soldier Ant” – a large warrior ant that stood guard over the entrances to the ant nests and everyone inside – a protector ant that could inflict a painful bite if provoked. Sadly, Ray “Moonga” Anderson died suddenly in 1991. It was decided after his full-ceremonial Scouting funeral in Gympie that the first Baden Powell Guild would be given his name to perpetuate his memory.

With changes to the State constitution and Government legislations with regards to Incorporation laws in the early parts of the new millennium, a name change eventuated in the local guild being called the Moonga Sub-Branch of the Baden Powell Guild of Queensland Inc. To alleviate some confusion in the guild’s name, it was decided to add “Gympie” to the title. The local guild is now called the Moonga (Gympie) Sub-Branch of the Baden Powell Guild of Queensland Inc.

The members over the years have been very active and have supported many worthwhile causes and projects while maintaining a high level of social activity. It continues to do so today. Two of its members in 2005 received the Australian Guild’s high honour of the Baden-Powell Star for long and dedicated services at either Local, State and/or National level. The Guild’s major projects at the present time are the Gympie Regional Centennial Scouting Hall of Memories project and their annual Guild Tour programmes involving local Guild members, their friends, anticipated new members, and other Queensland Guild members. These annual tours have become much-sought-after social events for members who have wanted to travel and never really got around to it. Further details on current projects and tours are listed elsewhere on this website.

The “Moonga Gang’s” newest project for 2007 is this promotional website to interest possible new members into joining the local Guild (and other State Guilds) and to make Internet visitors aware of the benefits of becoming a Guild member and the role the Guild network plays alongside the Scouting and Guiding Movements and the community in general where Baden Powell Guilds currently exist.

How about joining us today … You will be made very welcome …
Go to the Contact Page for further information

Recent Guild Honours (2005)

Two of our long-standing foundation members received The Baden-Powell Star in recognition of their long and devoted services to the Gympie (Moonga) Sub Branch of the Baden Powell Guild of Queensland Inc. from the Baden Powell Guild of Australia. The Australian Guildmaster of the time (Mrs Jenny Nelson of Brisbane) presented the awards at Brisbane in 2005.