A mural spanning the length of the eastern wall of the Muswellbrook Girl Guides Hall was unveiled to the public with the words “100 years of Girl Guides” to mark the occasion.

Muswellbrook Shire mayor Martin Rush opened the mural in front of the audience and congratulated local artist Brendan Willis on the work he had done.

Mr Willis said he relished the opportunity to paint a positive perception of graffiti.

“I needed to make sure the Waratah and Girl Guides symbol were part of it but the rest I just created myself,” Mr Willis said.

“It ended up taking me about three days to do,” he said.

“It is good to get the chance to do this kind of work

and give graffiti a bit better reputation.”

The event also served as the perfect chance to recognise one of Muswellbrook’s long serving Girl Guide leaders. Rebecca Byrnes was presented with her 10 years service badge by the mayor as part of the presentation.

District Girl Guides leader Chris Rogers said the girls would be involved in several more activities throughout the anniversary year.

“We will be going to Lake Macquarie this Sunday and then the Mount Annan Botanical Gardens in April for the state gathering,”

she said.

“And of course we will be selling our Girl Guide biscuits again in May.”

The milestone will be celebrated nationally with the release of three stamps and a one dollar coin focused on the Girl Guides.