Fifteen-year-old Marcia de Plater, of Reid, received the distinctive Girl Guides award of Queen's Guide, reported The Canberra Times on this day 68 years ago.
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The award, the most coveted badge a Girl Guide can receive, was personally approved by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
To be awarded the badge, the Guide must have been recommended by the Girl Guides' Court of Honour and be known personally to her commissioner.
She must also have performed regular service to communities at home and overseas, accomplished three unexpected tasks set by the commissioner and have taken a final test known as the "Be Prepared" test.
Marcia, then a fourth-year pupil at Canberra High School, had joined the Guides movement as a Brownie with Fourth Canberra, St Johns Company when she was six.
Despite her studies and Guides work, she also found time to play basketball and tennis at the Turner tennis club.
She hoped to become a ranger when she turned 16.
Marcia's brother John, 9, was a "seconder" in the Cub Scouts.
Her mother was formerly a Guide and had retained her interest in the administrative sphere.
