By Jonty Ralphsmith
All that Narre Warren Girls’ Brigade Leader Cheree Hemmings wanted to do as a kid was to become a chef.
Growing up, she had been part of the brigade and her parents had always empowered her to follow her passions and aspirations.
When she finished year 12 in the early 1990s, cooking was her first port of call.
Yet when she arrived, she was told to find another industry because she was a “female wanting to do a male’s job.”
“I was deflated,” she said.
“I was totally shocked because that’s not how I had grown up, it was never about restricting girls.”
After feeling forced to seek a different career, Cheree got involved in childcare. She was also involved in the Girls’ Brigade in the early 1990s and has noticed the progress in society.
When she was younger, society was lagging behind the empowerment provided by the brigade.
Now involved in the Girls’ Brigade again as her daughter comes through the program, she believes the current generation are better equipped to go after their dreams.
“There’s no limit for the girls: do what you want to do, be what you want to be and Girls’ Brigade is here to help you build up those skills, particularly leadership,” she said.
The girls are currently learning about healthy lifestyles including maintaining good hygiene practices, improving fitness levels, and having respect for body and image
Girls’ Brigade is an international organisation that was established in 1893 and is underpinned by Christian values, giving girls the opportunity to connect with others who share a common belief system.
