Girls Friendly Society CentenaryPrint Page 
The tree commemorates the centenary of the Girls` Friendly Society. The plaque relating to the tree planting is now in a small garden on the median strip in Sturt Street.
Originally known as the Girls' Friendly Society, GFS Australia began as a local branch of the Girls' Friendly Society founded in England in 1875 by Mary Townsend. This was an Anglican Church group which formed to give maids and female domestic staff spiritual guidance and social activities for their days off. The Society later also functioned in part as an employment agency. The first local Australian branch was formed in Adelaide in 1879, with branches being established in all states by 1901.
Location
| Address: | Sturt Street, Ballarat, 3350 |
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| State: | VIC |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -37.561875 Long: 143.856596 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Tree |
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| Monument Theme: | Culture |
| Sub-Theme: | Religion |
| Approx. Event Start Date: | 1875 |
| Approx. Event End Date: | 1975 |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Sunday 22nd June, 1975 |
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A. M. D. G.
In commemoration of the centenary of the Girls` Friendly Society within the Anglican Communion this tree was planted by the venerable G. H. Walden Administrator of the Diocese of Ballaarat (sic). 22nd June, 1975.
Margaret J. Dent, Diocesan Secretary, G.F.S.
Gladys Beames, Diocesan Chairman, G.F.S.
