SENIOR MANAGER, DIGITAL, MARKETING & COMMUNICATION
JAMIE@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
As the year finds its rhythm, this edition of Guiding News brings together something we see time and again across our movement—momentum built on connection.
Behind every update, every event, every resource in this edition is the same constant: people showing up. Leaders carving time out of already full lives. Girls stepping forward, trying something new, backing themselves (sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly). Volunteers holding the whole thing together in ways that don’t always make the headlines—but do make everything else possible.
This edition captures that tension—the visible and the invisible work of Guiding.
On one hand, you’ve got the energy of the Junior Guide Getaway: muddy shoes, big laughs, first-time campers finding their feet and realising they can do more than they thought. On the other, you’ve got the less glamorous (but no less important) shifts
happening behind the scenes—changes to systems, reporting, and how we manage information. Not exciting dinner table conversation—but essential if we’re serious about building something that lasts.
Here’s the thing: sustainability in Guiding isn’t just about numbers. It’s about whether this movement continues to feel possible—for the girl walking through the door for the first time, and for the Leader wondering if they can keep doing just one more term.
That’s why you’ll see a focus this month on clarity, accessibility and support. Better systems. Clearer boundaries. More intentional sharing of information. Not for the sake of process—but to make participation easier, lighter, more human.
And in between all that, there’s still room for the good stuff. Program ideas to borrow. Training to build confidence. Moments of reflection that remind us why we’re here in the first place.
So take what you need from this edition. Skip what you don’t. Come back to it when it’s useful. And if something’s missing—tell us. Guiding News is shaped by the contributions, questions and stories of our community. Please keep sharing them—we’re always listening.
State Commissioner from the
From the State Commissioner
Hello Sisters in Guiding and our community of allies,
Across our organisation, there is a shared commitment to ensuring Guiding remains strong, relevant and thriving for generations to come. At Board level, a clear priority is sustainability—of our programs, our people, and our impact—and at the heart of this is meaningful, sustained membership growth.
As we look ahead, we do so with deep pride in the generations who have come before us. For more than 100 years, Guiding has shaped confident girls into courageous leaders, thoughtful advocates, and everyday changemakers.
Guiding has created spaces where girls can discover who they are, find their voice, and know they belong. That legacy lives on in every
Unit meeting, every campfire, every moment of challenge and triumph—and it is ours to carry forward with care and intention.
At the same time, we recognise that the world around us is changing. The nature of volunteering in Australia today looks different to what it once did. People are navigating busy, complex lives and are seeking flexible, meaningful ways to give back.
While this brings challenges, it also opens new possibilities—inviting us to re-imagine how we welcome, support and value every Volunteer and Member who chooses to be part of Guiding.
What remains constant is the power of connection. When girls, young women and Volunteers feel a true sense of belonging—when they are encouraged to lead, to explore, and to grow—they don’t just stay, they flourish. They become the storytellers and champions of Guiding, inspiring others to join and strengthening our community from within.
It was a joy to see that sense of connection come to life so vividly at the Junior Guide Getaway: Great Escape last weekend. The energy, laughter and
confidence on display were a powerful reminder of what Guiding does best—creating spaces where girls can try new things, build friendships and simply be themselves. Moments like these stay with our girls long after the event ends. And for our Senior Guides, Leaders and Olaves, there is so much to look forward to.
The upcoming Regatta—one of our long-standing and much-loved traditions—captures the very spirit of adventure that sits at the heart of Guiding. It is an opportunity to challenge ourselves, embrace the outdoors and share in experiences that inspire resilience, teamwork and joy. I encourage everyone attending to get involved and be part of what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in our shared story.
A thoughtful and accessible digital approach will be key to the next chapter of this story. It will help Girl Guides, as an organisation, as a movement, meet people where they are, make it easier to get involved, and ensure that connection to Guiding doesn’t end at the Unit door. It also gives us the opportunity to better understand our reach—who
we are engaging, and importantly, who we are not yet reaching.
We are also strengthening the way we measure and learn from our impact. By integrating reporting across key cohorts and aligning this with data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and other relevant sources, we will gain a clearer, more meaningful picture of our membership. This insight will help inform our decisions, ensuring we continue to grow in ways that are inclusive, representative, and responsive to our communities. And as we honour our history, we are also looking forward with excitement. In 2026, the Guiding Movement in the Northern Territory celebrates 100 years—a remarkable milestone and a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of Guiding in communities across the Region. We are so proud of our NT sisters and all they have achieved, and we look forward to sharing in their celebrations. Stay tuned for more as this special anniversary unfolds. There is so much to be inspired by, and even more to look forward to. By staying grounded in our purpose— empowering girls and young women to discover their
potential and make a difference—we can continue to grow, evolve and reach even more lives.
Thank you for everything you do to make Guiding what it is. Together, we are not only honouring a remarkable legacy—we are shaping the future.
Yours in Guiding
Jo Tonon (she/her)
State Commissioner sc@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au
Trail Mix
A Program Feature to Pack in your Resource Rucksack
JODIE CHILVERS ( she / her ) | AUSTRALIAN GUIDE PROGRAM (AGP) LEAD | AGPLEAD@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Each month, we’re shining a light on a different Program resource—from Guiding in Australia and across the globe. Whether it’s a badge activity, a clever planning tool, or a fresh idea to energise your next meeting, this feature is here to inspire, support and add a little something extra to your Unit’s program. Think of it as your monthly dose of practical Guiding goodness—ready to pack into your Leader kit!
Resource in Focus
This months resource in the spotlight is the recently developed Easter Pack . This is resources contains a wide variety of activities and learning opportunities, many of these are simple activities that the girls could easily plan a program to share with their Unit or Patrol.
World Thinking Day celebrations have prompted me to reflect on my years in Guiding and the many opportunities, adventures, skills, and lasting friendships I’ve gained both locally and globally.
I sincerely wish every girl and woman in this remarkable organisation could gain as much as I have and enjoy so many memorable moments and adventures. I received a Thinking Day greeting and package of badges from the UK, sent by a Guide Leader whom I met nearly 30 years ago, when she attended the Youth Gathering, Kooninderie, as part of the UK contingent. After the event she stayed with me where we shared some sites of Sydney together, and we’ve remained in touch ever since. Truly, sisters in Guiding! Thinking Day itself saw me spend time with both my Guide Leader and my Senior Guide Leader—quite special!
Over the weekend, I facilitated FLY (Fun Leadership for Youth), which is among my most valuable Guiding responsibilities. I spent time with a wonderful group of girls eager to develop their leadership abilities. They approached the experience ready to learn, connect with others, and exchange ideas and skills.
My hope is that they leave feeling empowered and confident to take on leadership roles wherever life takes them. This weekend clearly demonstrates the opportunities Guiding provides for our girls, and I feel privileged to be involved.
When asked what is leadership, the girls responded:
• Leadership is taking charge & making things better for others
• Understanding what people need and adjusting to leading in a way that works for them
• Leadership is helping others, being a good role model and not being bossy but leading.
Our organisation is in safe hands!
Ask GG! Supporting Junior Leaders
Ever wished you could lean across the campfire and ask, “ Hey… how would you handle this? ”
Welcome to Ask Georgie Guide —your monthly dose of Guiding wisdom, practical ideas, and honest answers to real questions from our community. Whether you’re puzzling over Unit program, looking for fresh ways to grow membership, trying to explain Guiding in plain language to a curious parent, or navigating one of those “ this wasn’t in the handbook ” moments — Georgie’s here for it.
No question too small. No challenge too awkward. No judgement—just thoughtful advice grounded in the Promise, sprinkled with experience, and maybe the occasional cheeky wink.
This month’s query comes from Trying to be Supportive :
Dear Georgie Guide,
I have a Junior Leader on my Unit’s leadership team. Where can I find information for both myself and the Junior Leader to help us
both understand our roles and access some support?
Dear Trying to be Supportive.
Firstly — thank you for asking this. Having a Junior Leader in your Unit is a wonderful opportunity, and the fact you’re thinking about how to support them well already says a lot about the kind of Leader you are.
Junior Leaders sit in a really special space in Guiding. They’re still learning and growing as young people themselves, while also beginning to develop leadership skills by supporting younger Members. With the right support around them, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience for everyone involved.
The good news is that there are some new resources designed specifically to help both Junior Leaders and the Leaders working alongside them.
You’ll find these in My GuideBook on the website under the Junior Leader section. They cover things like:
• understanding the role of a Junior Leader;
• how Leaders can support and mentor them;
• ideas for building confidence and leadership skills; and
• practical guidance for working together as a Unit team.
It’s a great place to start so that you’re both clear on expectations and have some shared tools to draw on. You might also encourage your Junior Leader to join the upcoming Connection Session (online) on 29 March. These sessions are a fantastic way for Junior Leaders to hear from others in similar roles, share experiences, and pick up ideas and encouragement from across the Guiding community. Details and registration information can also be found on the website.
Remember — supporting young women to step into leadership is one of the most powerful things we do in Guiding. A little guidance, a listening ear, and the chance to try things out can go a long way. Keep the questions coming.
Georgie x — GG
Got something on your mind? Write in. Georgie’s listening. Email AGPLead@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au
Small outdoor things that hold everything steady
VIRGINIA F.M. BROWN ( she / her ) | OUTDOOR LEAD OUTDOORLEAD@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Girl Guides: muddy shoes, happy hearts.
Exciting Stuff
A reminder of the challenge for 2026: Everyone with a camp or expedition qualification (excluding indoor), is encouraged to run a camp or expedition in 2026. Start your planning and enjoy yourselves at a camp!
New Stuff
If you want to take your Unit on an activity, and you aren’t sure what is available, ask your Region Outdoor Consultant (ROC) or me. There are so many things out there, and remember
there are only a couple that we aren’t allowed to do, and they are:
• Caving at unapproved caving sites, which includes all caving sites on private property.
• Crossbow hunting & shooting activities involving live ammunition in an uncontrolled environment
• DIY Flying Fox or the like (eg bungee jumping)
• Fireball soccer, hockey or similar. Any activities that involve a ball, flammable fluid, and a match, all being used at the same time.
Not So New Stuff
Thank you to everyone who is using the requested naming convention when sending an OUT01.
Please check your CPR qualifications and those of your team, when you submit an OUT01. If you have booked a CPR course, include the date in your email.
That’s all for this month!
Base Camp
A CHANGE TO Pay-by-the-Month
Notifications to Unit Leaders
Pay-by-the-month (PBTM) is a fantastic way to allow Members to split the annual commitment of a Girl Guides membership into 12 equal payments. A downside to this for Unit Leaders and Supervisors in Guiding is there are 11 more times a year that a person can no longer be a financial Member if they miss a payment.
A PBTM Member’s monthly payment gets processed on the 21st day of the month. If a monthly payment fails, usually because of an expired card or insufficient funds, the Member is notified and the transaction is tried again a few days later. After the third time a transaction fails, our system removes that person from PBTM automatic processing. When a Member doesn’t pay, they are no longer
a Member, and that will be reflected in their membership status.
Starting with this month’s PBTM processing cycle, Unit email addresses will be copied on third and final failed payment notifications.
Most Units will receive no more than one failed payment notification. A small percentage may get two–three in a month and the number of failed transactions has yet to exceed four in any given Unit for any given month.
It’s reasonable to expect that Units will receive one or two emails notifying the Leaders of failed payments— if any—so for very little extra email traffic Unit Leaders get the added benefit of knowing that one of their Guides is no longer a Member.
And, if it’s an oversight by the family or an unfortunate happening due to circumstance, knowing sooner will help navigate what happens next.
Update to My Guidebook Reporting
Dashboards
Early in March we sent an email to all Leaders and Managers about upcoming updates to the My
GuideBook reporting dashboards. These changes were implemented last Thursday, 12 March, to strengthen system security and create a more consistent user experience across State, Region, District and Unit dashboards.
Most of the updates have happened behind the scenes and should not noticeably affect how you use the dashboards. However, Member and Volunteer profile pages are now read-only for most fields . This means core personal information can now only be updated by the individual Member themselves, rather than from the dashboard view.
Youth Member Badges and Awards sections remain editable, so Leaders and Managers can continue recording progress.
After the update went live, we noticed a bug that prevented a Unit Leader from entering a Youth Member’s Promise Date. Our team quickly investigated and restored the feature, so you can continue updating Promise Dates in My GuideBook. Thank you to those who flagged this with us.
If you have any questions, or have a bug to report, please contact the Digital, Marketing and
Communications team at communications@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au.
The Girl Guides Van At community Events
If you were one of the 312 readers who reached page 37 of our last edition, you may remember a teaser about hiring the Girl Guides branded van for community events and fair days.
The van is a fantastic way to raise the visibility of Guiding, connect with local communities, and start conversations with girls and adults who may be interested in joining the adventure.
The process to book the van isn’t quite ready yet, but watch this space for when it is!
Campfire Call
Join us at Upcoming Events
LYDIA MORRIS ( she / her ) | EVENT MANAGER EVENTS@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Hiking & Camping Qualification Training
Two exciting training opportunities are coming up, with registrations closing this coming Sunday, 22 March 2026. Both weekends are designed to help you build new skills while enjoying time outdoors with fellow Girl Guides!
Way To Go Hiking - Training
Ready to take your hiking skills to the next level?
Join us for Way to Go Hiking, a handson expedition training weekend designed for Adult Members and Youth Members aged 12+ who are interested in learning the skills needed for safe and enjoyable hiking adventures. Over the two days, you’ll build practical knowledge, spend a night
out on the trail, and connect with others who share a love of the outdoors.
Find out more
Conduct a Camp Qualifications Training
Would you like to take your girls on an exciting camping adventure? Take this free-to-Leaders course and get qualified!
This practical training weekend will equip Leaders and Managers with key camping skills and the confidence in planning safe, fun and well-organised camps.
Find out more
Junior Guide Getaway Delivers a Weekend of Adventure and Friendship
More than 150 Junior Guides came together for a weekend of excitement, challenge and connection at this year’s Junior Guide Getaway, held at Wedderburn Christian Campsite. With 108 overnight camper Guides and 45 enthusiastic day tripper Guides plus supporting Adults and Volunteers joining the fun, the site was buzzing from the moment girls arrived.
The weather certainly played its part in the success of the weekend, delivering warm days, cool nights and not a drop of rain —perfect conditions for a program packed with activity.
Friday evening saw plenty of excitement as girls settled into camp, catching up with friends and meeting new ones. With so much anticipation for the adventures ahead, it’s safe to say bedtime took a little while!
Saturday was a full day of action. Girls rotated through three activity sessions featuring climbing, flying and team-building challenges, testing their courage and cooperation while building confidence along the way. The afternoon offered a change of pace, with swimming, visits to the Guide Shop and quieter activities giving everyone a chance to recharge.
By the time evening arrived, campers were happily tired —and a few hopeful voices even asked if it might be time for a nap. The answer? Not yet! No one was going to miss the much-anticipated campfire, which brought everyone together for songs, laughter and shared memories before an early night across the campsite.
Sunday’s program, courtesy of Laurie Smith and her extraordinary crew of Junior Leader masterminds, added a touch of mystery with a top-secret mission. Guides travelled between up to 18 activity stations, solving challenges and games as they worked together to crack the code: Girl Guides Go Places.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of Volunteers ensured the weekend ran smoothly and that every girl felt supported. The Wellbeing Team—pictured left: Taylah Creighton, Mel Davis, and Jessica Corless—played an especially important role.
With many girls attending their first camp, there
were a few tears at drop-off, but thanks to their care and encouragement, no one stayed upset for long and everyone stayed to enjoy the full experience.
First Aider Rita Smallwood was kept busy treating the usual bumps and scrapes of an active weekend— from scraped knees to nosebleeds and a couple of ankle injuries—helping everyone get back into the program as quickly as possible.
Of course, no camp is complete without good food, and the Catering Team—Jane Cordina, Tara Cordina, and Ruth Miller—kept everyone well fed. By lunchtime on Saturday they were catering for close to 200 people, serving delicious meals that had girls eagerly waiting to hear the call for seconds.
The Junior Guide Getaway Leadership Team who made the event possible were:
• Leader in Charge: Debbie Pabian
• 2IC: Kelly Harris
• Program: Laurie Smith
• First Aid: Rita Smallwood
• Wellbeing: Mel Davis
• Catering: Tara Cordina
L to R: Debbie Pabian, Mel Davis, Laurie Smith, Rita Smallwood, Lydia Morris, Kelly Harris, and Tara Cordina
From adventurous activities to campfire moments and new friendships, the Junior Guide Getaway was a wonderful reminder of the joy and confidence that come from shared Guiding experiences.
Child Safe Child Friendly
Activity Pack - Leader Resource
GGA is happy to share the Child Safe Child Friendly (CSCF) Activity Pack – Leader Resource and encourages Leaders to run this activity on a regular basis.
What is in it?
The pack has five activities:
1. Our Unit and Camp Rules – hopefully already a regular repeat in your yearly repertoire – Guides
participate in creating a set of rules within which their Unit operates as a safe space
2. The Safety Continuum – explains that safe and unsafe exist on a continuum, helping Guides to recognise when feeling safe or taking safe risks might become unsafe
3. Recognise My Body Clues – helps Guides recognise the clues their body may be giving them when they are feeling unsafe, and put words to those clues and related feelings
4. My Trusted Adults – works to name a handful of trusted adults they can go to for support when they are feeling unsafe
5. NO-GO-TELL Personal Safety Message – results in Guides keeping in mind a clear plan for what to do if they find themselves in an unsafe situation or with an unsafe person
How do Leaders use it?
The pack has been designed to be flexible. Leaders can start at Activity 1 and end at Activity 5 OR use them as stand-alone activities and in any order. The activities could be run all in one chunk or over multiple weeks.
Each activity starts with two pages of essentials: an activity overview, activity steps, material list and some info which can be cut and pasted into a message for parents/carers.
If some Leaders are looking for a little more guidance, there are a couple of extra pages with ideas of language to use when facilitating the activity as well as example questions to ask and some more detail to the activity steps.
Who is it for?
The pack can be used for all ages. Each of the activities can be modified for different age groups, with ideas on how to do this in the pack. Leaders will know their Guides best and can choose which modifications might suit.
Why should Leaders do it?
Children have a right to safety. As a Child Safe Child Friendly community, Girl Guides has a responsibility to inform our Guides about this right and to work with them to make sure they feel and are safe while doing Guiding activities.
What if the Girls have already done it at school?
These activities are not new, but they have been adapted for the Guiding experience. If some Guides have already done activities like these at school or elsewhere, this is not a problem, it’s an advantage. Leaders can use the Guides’ existing knowledge and skills to develop the activity further and help other Guides.
Where
can I find the activity pack?
The CSCF activity pack can be accessed on the GGA website under Program Resources.
Feedback
Once Leaders have done the activities, Kate at Girl Guides Australia wants feedback!
What worked? What didn’t? Did you make any changes that worked well? Please tell us and help to make sure these activities work best for Leaders and Guides! Please send any and all feedback to: guides@girlguides.org.au.
Also, if Leaders have any other Child Safe Child Friendly activities they have run, and would like to share, please send them through!
Inspired by legacy. Driven
by girls.
It started with a simple question: What would it look like if every girl felt confident enough to back herself?
When we asked girls about their futures, they told us something powerful. They know the barriers exist—but they also believe they can lead. They want control over their lives. They want to build something of their own. They want to make a difference.
Project Compass is our answer.
On International Women’s Day, Girl Guides Australia, together with the Carla Zampatti Foundation, launched a program that turns possibility into action.
This isn’t just about business. It’s about belief.
Girls will identify problems in their communities. They’ll test ideas. Build budgets. Launch enterprises. Trade at Market Day. Pitch their vision. Donate to causes they care about.
They will experience what it feels like to create something real. And none of it happens without our
volunteers — 4,700 mentors who make space for girls to try, fail, adapt and lead.
Project Compass is more than a program. It is a statement: Girls are capable. Girls are creative. Girls can lead economies and communities with purpose.
Carla Zampatti AC believed in women who back themselves. Through this partnership, her legacy lives in every girl who dares to say, “I can.”
And we get to stand beside them as they do.
National Adults News
Updates from Girl Guides Australia’s
National Coordinator Adults
National Leadership Qualification
In November, the Australian Guiding Committee approved that each SGGOs could facilitate National Leadership Qualification (LQ) training in person for the months of May, August and November.
National LQ training will continue to be run online with national support for March, April, June, July, September and October. Dates have been set for the national online trainings and can be found on the Girl Guides Australia (GGA) website.
National Leadership Training registration will be through Girl Guides Learning (GGL). This will enable a new Leader to have their enrolment as well as completion of the training recorded on their membership profile, without the need for the GGA office to collate this information and share with State Girl Guides Organisations (SGGOs) to have to then manually record in their databases. Please refer to the GGL Enrolment for LQ Instructions.
The content of LQ has been reviewed and amended
to integrate recent developments from the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) including Growth and Learning and the Leadership Model. Resources to support this training are being finalised during February. The Leadership Passport has also been reviewed to incorporate the same as above and will be released shortly.
National Management Qualification
National Management Qualification (MQ) will be reviewed mid-year. This will include the Passport and Training.
Dates have been set for the national online trainings and can be found on the GGA website.
MQ Training registration will also be through Girl Guides Learning, yielding the same benefits as LQ. Please refer to the GGL Enrolment for MQ Instructions.
Neurodiversity Working Group
In the last edition of Guiding News (p.51 Feb 26) we announced the launch of the Introduction to Neurodiversity activity on Girl Guides Learning. Thank you, Jo Lindsay and the National Neurodiversity Working Group!
GGA will be including the Introduction to Neurodiversity activity in the next edition of both the Leadership and Management Qualification passports.
All existing Leaders and Managers will be required to complete this activity.
Exciting news! The new Girl Guides Australia ‘Adult Action the retail shops.
Girl Guides Australia websites
The table below outlines the colour for each year, similar to be on a four-year rotation.
We are currently reviewing all related content on the GGA and Guide Lines websites relating to ALQP and adult-related resources. The motivation for this is to ensure that we only one copy of a resource online (but there may be various links to that resource) and that resources online are the latest version.
Adult Action Badge
Has been amended slightly from last year, to include learning about Olaves or participating in an Olave event in recognition of their 30 th anniversary, and to learn about and run activities from a WAGGGS resource in recognition of 100 years of World Thinking Day. Please note that adults do not need to have a District or Region Manager approve completion of this badge.
For any questions regarding the Action Badges please email adults @girlguides.org.au or GGA office admin@girlguides.org.au
Adult Endeavour Awards
The Adult Endeavour Awards are also being reviewed, as they have not been updated since 2010.
Activities Manual (Guide Lines)
A review of the Activities Manual started last year under the previous National Coordinators, Youth and Adult. This will continue this year. A more detailed update will be provided in the next National Adults Update.
If you have feedback, or wish to make a contribution, please send an email to communications@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au.
