In 1977, they renamed themselves the Scavengers and gave themselves punk stage names (Cooke as Johnny Volume, Monroe as Des Truction, Simons as Mike Lezbian and Hart as Mal Icious).

In June 1977 they, along with Suburban Reptiles and the Masochists, played New Zealand's first major punk gig, at the University of Auckland.

In late 1977, bassist Hart left to be replaced by Brendan Perry, who performed under the stage name "Ronnie Recent".

The Scavengers moved to Sydney, then Melbourne, Australia, in November 1978, and renamed themselves Marching Girls, issuing some recordings and video clips.

Des Hefner) played briefly for the Birthday Party during the latter band's final tour of Australia and New Zealand.