Guiding News
A GIRL GUIDES NSW, ACT & NT NEWSLETTER
A Note from the Editor
JAMIE SHEPHEARD ( he / him )
SENIOR MANAGER, DIGITAL, MARKETING & COMMUNICATION
JAMIE@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
There’s a word that shows up a lot in Guiding. Service. It’s easy to say. It’s harder to understand what it actually asks of people.
Service isn’t just the visible moments—the parade, the ceremony, the uniform worn well. It’s also the quieter, less comfortable work. Updating compliance when you’d rather be doing literally anything else. Showing up when you’re tired. Making decisions that keep girls safe, even when they’re inconvenient. Holding a standard, even when no one’s watching.
This edition doesn’t shy away from that.
You’ll see it in the reflections on Anzac Day and what it means for Guiding to be visible in our communities— not as nostalgia, but as proof that we’re still here, still relevant, still contributing. You’ll see it in the compliance updates, the operational shifts, the training expectations. Not glamorous. Not optional either.
If we’re serious about creating spaces where girls can grow into confident, capable leaders, then the structure around that experience has to be just as strong as the experience itself.
At the same time, there’s something else running through these pages. Momentum .
A new CEO stepping in with clarity and intent. Leaders sharing ideas so good they refuse to stay contained to one Unit. Opportunities opening up—for training, for leadership, for stepping forward and shaping what comes next.
And, quietly but powerfully, moments like ten girls standing up and making their Promise for the first time. No headlines. No fanfare. Just the beginning of something that matters.
That’s the balance we’re holding right now. And we must thrive in the tension of legacy and change. Responsibility and opportunity. Structure and spark.
Take what you need from this edition. Act on what matters. Happy reading!
From the STate Commissioner
JO TONON ( she / her ) | STATE COMMISSIONER SC@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Hello Sisters in Guiding and our community of allies,
As April unfolds, we are reminded of the enduring value of service—something deeply embedded in both our Guiding traditions and the spirit of Anzac Day. This is a time when communities come together to honour sacrifice, courage and collective contribution. For Girl Guides, it is also a meaningful opportunity to be visible in our communities.
Where possible, I encourage you to participate in local Anzac Day services. Our presence matters—it is a powerful way for people to see that Girl Guides continues to thrive and contribute. It also opens the door to sharing our proud history. During times of war, Guides played a vital role—raising funds for essential supplies, knitting
and collecting materials, supporting families, and in some parts of Europe, even assisting with childcare and delivering messages. These stories of quiet, determined service are part of our legacy. You can find out more in the book by Janie Hampton: How Girl Guides Won the War . Not only is it a great read it reminds us of the power of our collective movement. If you are attending community events, please take pride in presenting yourselves in full and correct
Guides from Alice Springs & Tennant Creek, joined by the State Commissioner and some of her team from NSW & ACT marching in Alice Springs, Anzac Day, 25 April 2025
I also had the great honour recently of seeing Guides from the ACT & South East NSW Region receive their Peak Achievement Awards, presented by Her Excellency Sam Mostyn at Yarralumla. It was a proud moment for our movement, recognising the dedication, resilience and growth of these young women.
This month, we also pause to acknowledge the passing of Francis Warner, a dedicated Leader for 45 years and later a valued member of the Trefoil Guild in the Camden District. Francis gave so much to Guiding and to her broader community. Her
family spoke of her deep commitment to service, and it was clear that Guiding was one of her greatest passions. We thank her for her lifetime of contribution and honour her legacy.
On another note, I would like to personally thank all Leaders and Volunteers who have been updating their compliance—particularly First Aid and CPR. I know this takes time and effort, and it is deeply appreciated. You will have seen in this newsletter updates to our Child Safe, Child Friendly requirements and those of First Aid. Our team has been working diligently to ensure our training and compliance requirements are current and robust. This work is critical. As a youth organisation, we must continue to provide safe, inclusive and supportive environments for all girls and volunteers.
Finally, I’d like to introduce and encourage you to explore the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) Mindset. At its heart, positive leadership is grounded in open, respectful and two-way communication. It invites us to reflect on how we engage—with our girls, our families, our communities and each other. There are excellent resources available on the WAGGGS Campfire
platform to support you in bringing this mindset to life in your Guiding practice.
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing commitment, leadership and service.
Yours in Guiding
Jo Tonon (she/her)
State Commissioner sc@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
3 pm, Saturday 23 May 2026
UTS and online via Microsoft Teams
NOTICE is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Girl Guides Association (New South Wales) trading as Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT which is to be held on Saturday 23 May 2026 commencing at 3 pm at UTS, Sydney.
Business of the AGM
1. Welcome, Declaration of Quorum and Acknowledgement of Country
2. Apologies
3. Confirmation of the minutes of the 2023 & 2024 Annual General Meetings
4. 2025 Year in Review
5. Close of AGM
All Elected Director Positions on the Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT Board remain filled at the time of this notice. No Director Election will be held in 2026.
Members wishing to vote by proxy on business at the AGM must provide either:
• An executed proxy form by close of business on Thursday 21 May 2026 to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Guide House, 201/55 Holt Street, Surry Hills 2012;
• by email to ceo@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au by close of business on Thursday 21 May 2026; or
• by mail addressed to the CEO, Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT, PO Box 950 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012 by last mail, Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
Members may attend the AGM by Teams link which will be provided before the AGM.
Provide your RSVP on the Event Webpage.
If you don’t have access to RSVP online, please call 1300 447 548 to lodge your RSVP over the phone. i.e. attending in person, attending online, or an apology. If you would like to attend online, you will need to provide an email address to the person taking your call so that the Teams link can be emailed to you.
Steady hands, bold future:
Kathy Chalmers appointed CEO of Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT
Leadership appointments can sometimes read as procedural. This one is anything but.
Kathleen “Kathy” Chalmers’ appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT marks more than the conclusion of an executive search—it signals a clear decision about the future of Guiding.
At a time when all youth-serving organisations are navigating changing participation patterns, rising operational pressures, volunteer fatigue, and evolving community expectations, this appointment lands with both steadiness and intent.
Kathy is not arriving to learn the organisation from the outside. She already knows where the pressure points are.
Since September of last year, Kathy
has served as Interim CEO while continuing in her role as Chief Financial Officer, leading through a period that required discipline, calm, and operational focus. Her formal appointment reflects confidence not just in her capability, but in the kind of leadership this next era of Guiding requires: financially astute, people-centred, and unafraid to tackle complexity. And complexity is exactly what sits ahead.
The challenge for Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT is not simply to preserve a legacy organisation. It is to ensure that legacy remains relevant, accessible and irresistible to the next generation of girls and young women.
That means strengthening sustainable operations while also expanding the reach and appeal of the Guide Program.
It means making sure the infrastructure behind Guiding is as strong as the experiences delivered within it. And it means growth—with purpose.
As Kathy shared following her appointment:
I am honoured and excited to have been officially appointed as the Chief Executive Officer at Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT this month. Many of you may already know me as I have been the Chief Financial Officer since November 2023.
I look forward to working with you all to strengthen our organisation to meet future demands and grow participation in our program so more girls and young women experience the joy of Guiding.
Please reach out and say hi if I have not met you, and I hope to see many of you at conferences and events this year.
What makes this moment compelling is that Kathy’s vision does not separate sustainability from mission.
The two are inseparable.
Every operational decision, every investment choice, every organisational reform must ultimately answer the same question: does this help more girls experience the confidence, connection and courage that Guiding creates?
That clarity matters.
Because the future of Guiding will not be secured by tradition alone. It will be secured by leadership willing to evolve systems, sharpen strategy, support Volunteers, and remove barriers to participation.
Kathy’s appointment signals exactly that. A steady hand on the operational wheel. A clear eye on the future.
And a commitment to ensuring more girls and young women experience not just the history of Guiding—but its next chapter.
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 month, we’re shining a light on the Girl Guides Australia Saluting Their Service 2026 Activity Pack . Each year, this resource gives us a meaningful way to connect girls with stories of service, reflection and community—and in 2026,
there’s a fresh twist. The theme of communication opens up new ways to explore how stories are shared, remembered and honoured, adding a different flavour to activities girls may have experienced before.
I recently had the absolute pleasure of attending the Steampunk Splashdown Regatta on the shores of beautiful Lake Macquarie—and what a weekend it was. Fantastic attendance, plenty of fun, and so many memorable moments. It was also a chance to reconnect, share stories, and soak up that strong sense of tradition that makes Guiding what it is.
A huge thank you to the Leadership Team behind this incredible outdoor event—their hard work and enthusiasm truly paid off.
As we move through April, many of us will attend Anzac Day services across the country. These moments matter. They give us space to reflect on our nation, its people, its history and culture—and they offer a powerful opportunity for Guiding to be seen in our communities. Wearing our uniform with pride, showing up, and participating respectfully is part of how we continue that connection.
The Saluting Their Service pack is a great
companion here. It’s full of learning activities that can help girls understand the significance of these events in ways that feel relevant and engaging. It’s also a timely prompt to brush up on flag etiquette (always a crowd favourite to get exactly right).
Looking just ahead, the beginning of May brings Mother’s Day—a perfect opportunity to open your doors and invite mums and carers into your meeting. Show them what Guiding really looks like in action, celebrate their support, and who knows—you might even inspire a few to get involved themselves.
And finally, a gentle nudge: keep an eye on the program ideas section of the website. There’s always something new popping up, and you might be surprised at what you find—or what’s evolving behind the scenes.
Take Part in Saluting Their Service 2026
The Saluting Their Service challenge for 2026 is open to all Members of Girl Guides Australia—both Youth and Adult. This year’s theme, Communication, invites Guides to explore how we connect, share stories, and honour the voices and experiences of those who have served.
Whether it’s learning about the role communication plays in times of conflict, on personal stories, or finding creative ways to express gratitude, this challenge offers meaningful opportunities for Units to engage, learn, and grow together. You can access the full syllabus here. Badges and pins for the 2026 challenge are available through Girl Guide Retail Outlets, providing a lasting reminder of participation and achievement.
We encourage all Units to get involved and make the challenge your own. Share your experiences and inspire others by posting on social media using #girlguidesaustralia #salutetheirservice #becausegirlsdo, or send your stories through to youth@girlguides.org.au.
Ask GG! Sharing your Amazing Program Ideas
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 Creative Thinker :
Dear Georgie Guide, I have come up with a great activity to do. I shared it with my Unit and the girls had a great time and learnt new skills. I would love to share this with the wider Guiding community.
How do I go about that?
Dear Creative Thinker ,
Firstly—how good is that feeling? You try something new, the girls are engaged, there’s laughter, learning, maybe a little chaos (the good kind)… and suddenly you’ve got a winning activity on your hands! And even better? You want to share it. That’s exactly how Guiding gets stronger—one great idea at a time �� . The good news is: there’s a place for that.
Head to the Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT website and look for the Program Ideas tab at the top of the page. Inside, you’ll find a section where you can contribute your own activities.
It’s as simple as submitting what you ran—for any age group, any theme, any level of glitter or mud— and once it’s in, it becomes part of the shared resource bank for other Leaders across Guiding!
Which means your great idea doesn’t just stay in your Unit—it ripples out to support others who might be looking for exactly what you’ve created.
A couple of friendly tips when you submit:
• Keep it clear and easy to follow (future-you will thank you)
• Include what worked well (and even what you’d tweak next time)
• Don’t overthink it — practical beats perfect every time
Because here’s the thing: Guiding isn’t built on one person having all the answers. It’s built on all of us sharing what works.
So go on—pass it on. Your little idea might be someone else’s game-changer.
Keep the questions (and the brilliant ideas) coming.
Georgie x — GG
Got something on your mind? Write in. Georgie’s listening. Email AGPLead@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au
Tent Pegs
Small outdoor things that hold everything steady
VIRGINIA F.M. BROWN ( she / her ) | OUTDOOR LEAD OUTDOORLEAD@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Girl Guides: building confidence, one questionable camp meal at a time.
Exciting Stuff
As you’ve read on the previous few pages, there are some great program ideas in the GGA Saluting their Service program. Many of the activities can be delivered outside, and there is a good variety of ideas.
Reminding Stuff
Our colleagues at Guide House do not approve activities or camps. This responsibility lies with your Region Outdoor Consultants (ROCs) and with me. If you ring Guide House, to find out if your
documentation is approved our staff will transfer your message to me. It is much easier to contact your ROC, or me, if you have any questions.
New Stuff
I will now require both the Leader in Charge (LiC) and the nominated First Aider of an activity or camp to have current CPR qualifications. Many Regions already require this, so it won’t be a difficult leap for many of you.
Please make sure CPR qualifications are current, before you submit an OUT01.
Not So New Stuff
If you submit an OUT01 & RA, it is the LiC’s responsibility to ensure the camp/activity is approved, BEFORE allowing the activity to go ahead. It is the LiCs responsibility to ensure any clarifying questions have been answered, and the answers sent to her ROC or to the State Outdoor Lead.
If an LiC allows a camp/activity to go ahead without approval, all risk lies with the LiC.
That’s all for this month!
Base Camp
Your Hub for Operational Updates and Support
MEMBER & VOLUNTEER SERVICES TEAM
GUIDES@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Ever wondered who’s behind the scenes making sure everything in the operations of Guiding works?
Enter the Member & Volunteer Services team—part admin wizards, part problem-solvers, part have you tried turning it off and on again? support crew. If your questions starts with who do I talk to about this? then this team is your first point of call.
They’re the friendly humans behind the inbox, the system-whisperers, the ones connecting dots, fixing hiccups, and keeping the wheels turning (and occasionally un-jamming them when things get a bit… creative ). Whether you’re a new Member finding your feet or a long-time Volunteer needing a hand, they’re here to make the practical stuff feel a whole lot easier.
Think of them as your operational support crew— equal parts problem-solvers, organisers, and calmin-the-chaos energy.
Base Camp is where they share the good stuff. Updates, reminders, tips, and the occasional “you’ll want to know this before it becomes a problem” moment.
Casual Volunteer Updates
Following recent Girl Guides Australia (GGA) Boardapproved Child Safe Child Friendly (CSCF) changes relating to Casual Volunteers, effective 1 January 2026 and to help us maintain a Child Safe Child Friendly environment for every girl and volunteer, all Casual Volunteers must now:
• hold a current, unrestricted WWCC before their first volunteering occasion
• volunteer on no more than four occasions in total
• transition to an Ongoing Volunteer after four occasions, including completion of the additional screening requirements
The other restriction for a Casual Volunteer remains the same, i.e., Casual Volunteers cannot volunteer at overnight stays and must never be left unsupervised with Youth Members.
We will be contacting existing Casual Volunteers directly to request their relevant working with children check details:
• NSW : WWCC
• ACT : WWVP
• NT : OCHRE
Where a Casual Volunteer does not yet hold the required clearance, they will be supported to begin the application process.
Please note that all new Casual Volunteers must hold the relevant clearance before they can commence volunteering .
Compliance is a lot. Overpage we’ve put together a one page visual to help steer you down the correct compliance path without the overwhelm.
Key compliance takeaway: all Adult Members and Volunteers—Member and non-member—need to be compliant and be cleared to work with children.
Compliance at a glance
Solid Ground
Caring for our Guiding Spaces
BARBARA PRICE ( she / her ) | PROPERTY MANAGER
BARBARA@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
COMMUNITY BUILDING PARTNERSHIP 2026
This major annual grant round for property-related work and purchases is now open. It is very different to previous years , and the Stage 1 closing date is only 3 weeks away.
This grant only applies to Guides properties in New South Wales .
This is now a 2 stage grant round
Stage 1 – Lodge an Expression of Interest
Stage 2 – If EOI is successful, you are invited to submit a Detailed Application
All CBP 2026 grant applications must come through Guide House/State office because:
• Our organisation can only
submit up to 2 x EOIs per NSW electorate
• Minimum grant amount is $10,000
• The CEO as Authorised Representative of the organisation must sign the Declaration in the EOI
Guide House will submit EOIs via the government’s Smarty Grants portal.
Key dates:
EOI opens 20 April 2026
EOI closes 8 May 2026
Notification of successful EOIs 26 June 2026
Detailed Applications open 29 June 2026
Detailed Applications close 17 July 2026
Successful applications announced End January 2027
Commencement date for projects Not before 8 May 2026
Completion date for projects 22 January 2028
Grant amounts of $10,000 minimum –$100,000 maximum.
3 types of projects will be funded:
1. Capital works , including:
a. New buildings and infrastructure; OR
b. Upgrades/repairs/maintenance to existing buildings
2. Equipment , including:
a. Vehicles or watercraft that don’t require registration; OR
b. Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs)
3. Vehicles that require registration, including:
a. Cars
b. Trailers
c. Boats
The project cannot have commenced before 8 May 2026 and must be completed by January 2028.
New 2 stage application process:
Stage 1—Expression of Interest
• Open to all eligible organisations
• Can submit up to 2 x EOIs per NSW electorate — so all applications must come through Guide House
• EOIs have to include:
º Project title and description
º Which of the 3 project categories your project falls into
º Each NSW electorate has a set of electoral district priorities that have been set by the local MP – you have to show how your project supports and aligns with these electorate priorities
º How much you are applying for
• MPs will select EOIs at their discretion to progress to Stage 2, and those EOIs will be invited to submit a Detailed Application
• No supporting documentation is required at this stage, but you must confirm you hold them or are getting them including landowner consent for works from Council or Crown Lands, DA if necessary, quotes for projects $30,000 and over are mandatory
• Funding requests must be based on a quote or written estimate
• CEO must sign the Declaration for each EOI – so all must come through Guide House
Stage 2—Detailed Application—InvitationOnly
• If your EOI is successful, you will be invited to submit a Detailed Application from 29 June to 17 July 2026
• Must supply supporting documentation including detailed budget and quotes, landowner consent, DA if required
• These applications will be assessed against a set of merit criteria
• NSW Premier’s Department will make the funding recommendations from this round
• Successful applicants announced end Jan 2027
To think about for your application:
• You can apply for full or partial funding for a project
• Projects with co-contributions are considered favourably – can the District or Region contribute some funds to the project?
• If you have a relationship with your local MP, or even if you don’t, now is a good time to make contact with them to let them know about the project you would like funding for, and how Girl Guides makes an important contribution to the local community
• As in previous years, Guide House will retain 5% of grant funds to cover project management costs. This 5% will be added to the funding amount requested by the District
• Whether the District is up to date with propertyrelated compliance requirements (fire safety, test and tag, emergency evac plans etc) will be taken into consideration by State office in assessing which EOIs to support
• If more than 2 Districts/campsites in one electorate wish to submit an EOI, the decision about which EOIs to support will be made by the CEO and Property Manager, in consultation with the State Commissioner team and Region Manager.
If your District or campsite is interested in submitting an EOI please email grants@ girlguides-nswactnt.org.au as soon as possible with the following:
• District/campsite name
• Brief description of the project
• Amount of funding requested
• Any co-funding to come from District or Region and we’ll contact you to start discussing and working on your application.
The Property Team are here to help Districts and campsites submit EOIs. We can help with:
• Preparing the formal EOI
• Drafting the project description
• Helping work out how the project aligns with the priorities for your electorate
• Getting landowners consent from Council or Crown Lands (this can take a long time so we need to get onto this asap)
• Chasing down suppliers for quotes or written estimates
Girl Guides Learning
April Updates
JO LINDSAY (she/her) | LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
JOL@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Three new trainings are now available in Girl Guides Learning.
Child Safe Child friendly (CSCF) Adults in guiding 2026-2027
Girl Guides Australia has released a refreshed version of the mandatory Child Safe Child Friendly (CSCF) Adults in Guiding training.
This new version, Child Friendly (CSCF) Adults in Guiding 2026-2027 is now available in Girl Guides Learning (GGL).
How to access the training:
Where: Log in to GGL – Home Page – Catalogue – National Mandatory Activities When: Available now
Who needs to complete this new training and when?
• All adults in screening are now automatically being enrolled on the new version and need to complete within 6 weeks.
• All Leaders and Managers are required to complete the new version by the end of Term 3 2026.
• All other Adult Members are required to complete the new version by the end of Term 4 2026.
• There will be an alternative delivery option for Trefoil Guild Members who do not have access to, or do not use, computers and this will be communicated in the coming weeks.
Introduction to neurodiversity
In February, Girl Guides Australia launched the Introduction to Neurodiversity activity in GGL. The feedback from learners has been overwhelmingly positive, and it is in the process of being added as a mandatory learning activity in the Leader and Manager Passports.
How to access the training:
Where: Log in to GGL – Home Page – Catalogue –
National Recommended Activities – Inclusion and Diversity
When: Available now
Who needs to complete this new training and when?
• Date to be advised - All new Leaders and Managers will be required to complete the activity as a part of their mandatory online learning in GGL once the updated Passport has been released.
• All current Leaders and Managers are required to complete the training by the end of Term 4 2026.
Food handling
There are different State and Territory Governmentrecommended online activities for Food Handling/ Food Safety. For that reason, we have two Food Handling activities available in GGL for you, and you need to select the appropriate one for your State or Territory. You only need to do one of these (not both).
If you are based in NSW – Complete:
Food Handler Basic Training (GGN)
If you are based in ACT or Northern Territory – Complete:
Do Food Safely (GGACT & GGNT)
How to access the training:
Where: Log in to GGL – Home Page – Catalogue –Events
When: Available now
Who needs to complete this new training and when?
• The Catering Leader in Charge for food handling and anyone else who handles food locally in your Unit, District, Region or at a State level, e.g. catering, icing cupcakes, camps, Bunnings BBQ
• All current Unit Leaders, Resource Leaders and Managers are required to complete by the end of Term 2 2027
Summary
Overpage is a quick overview of the new training, who needs to complete it, and in what timeframe.
Name of Training Cohort of Learners When to complete by CSCF Adults in Guiding 20262027
Adults in screening Within 6 weeks of joining
Existing Leaders & Managers By the end of Term 3 2026
All other Adults in Guiding By the end of Term 4 2026
Introduction to Neurodiversity
All Leaders & Managers in Training Date to be advised
All existing Leaders & Managers By the end of Term 4 2026
All other Adults in Guiding Recommended learning (not mandatory)
Food Handling / Food Safety
Catering Leaders in Charge of food handling and anyone else who handles food locally in your Unit, District, Region or at a State level. Before attending, assisting or running any event or activity that involves the preparation, delivery or service of food.
Existing Unit Leaders, Resource Leaders and Managers By the end of Term 2 2027
Support Guiding in Kiribati
Girl Guides Australia is proud to be partnering with local Leaders in Kiribati to strengthen Guiding opportunities for girls and young women.
In late September, a small team of experienced Australian Guiding Trainers and Leaders will travel to Kiribati to work alongside local Leaders. Together, they will focus on leadership development, practical training support and strengthening Guiding so girls can grow their confidence and have a stronger voice in their communities.
It has been approximately 15 years since Leaders in Kiribati have had access to formal Guiding training, and 30 years since our last partnership, Bus for Kiribati . Despite this, local Leaders have continued to nurture Guiding with dedication and care, and have expressed a strong desire to further develop their skills so they can confidently deliver meaningful Guiding experiences.
While the Pacific Guiding Handbook has been a valuable foundation, there is now an opportunity to work in partnership to make resources more locally relevant through:
• translation into local language
• improved access to badges that recognise girls’ achievements
• adapting challenges to better reflect local culture and community life
This initiative is about more than training. It is about strengthening sustainable Guiding in Kiribati by building local capability, adapting resources together and ensuring girls and young women can continue to thrive through the Movement.
How you can help
• Purchase the Kiribati fundraising badge through the Guide Shop at guideshop.com.au
• Donate the value of a badge or badges to provide one for a Guide or one each for a whole Unit in Kiribati
• Hold a Unit or community fundraising activity
• Include the Reach Out for Kiribati challenges in your program to help Guides explore our global Movement and the role they can play across the Asia Pacific Fundraising for the Girl Guides Australia Reach Out to Kiribati Initiative
You can help by purchasing a fundraising badge, donating, holding a Unit fundraiser or completing the Reach Out for Kiribati challenges.
Information will be available soon for how Individuals, Units, Peer Groups, Trefoil Guilds, or anyone, can set up a fundraising page and hold fundraisers to support Australian Guiding Trainers and Leaders partner with local Leaders in Kiribati to strengthen sustainable Guiding for girls and young women.
One-off or reoccurring donations may also be made through the Reach Out: Kiribati page when it goes online in the coming weeks.
Together, we can help girls in Kiribati find their voice in their communities.
Wearing the Badge
As a special commemorative fundraising badge endorsed by Girl Guides Australia’s Chief Commissioner, Guides may wear the Kiribati badge on the back of their badge sash.
This recognition celebrates participation in a nationally endorsed global Guiding initiative and reflects our shared commitment to sisterhood across the Asia Pacific.
Small badge. Global impact. Support
Guiding in Kiribati today
Campfire Call
Join us at Upcoming Events
LYDIA MORRIS ( she / her ) | EVENT MANAGER EVENTS@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
We have three exciting leadership opportunities coming up, designed to grow your confidence and strengthen your leadership skills!
Leadership Qualification Training
We’re offering Leadership Qualification (LQ) Training on Saturday 30 May at Mt Colah Guide & Scout Hall. This one-day, faceto-face course supports Leaders in Training and Adult Members to build confidence and strengthen leadership skills in Guiding. You’ll explore key areas including the Australian Guide Program, Patrol System, program planning, leadership, and safety. Highly recommended for Unit Leaders in Training and Assistant Unit Leaders in Training, and open to all Adult
Members. Registrations close 17 May, or earlier if the event fills.
REGISTER HERE
Leadership Skills Development Day
Join us on Sunday 31 May for the Leadership Skills Development Day at Mt Colah Guide & Scout Hall. This practical session builds on the LQ Training, bringing leadership to life through hands-on learning and reflection.
Open to all Adult Members and ideal for those completing their Leadership Qualification journey. Registrations close 17 May (or earlier if filled).
REGISTER HERE
Archery Qualification Training
Join us for a practical weekend of Archery Qualification Training, designed to equip you with the skills needed to safely supervise archery activities with your Guide Unit. Throughout the course, you will learn how to use a bow, take part in shooting practice, and develop
the skills to instruct others in archery. Open to all Adult Members, this course takes place on 16-17 May at Innabaanya Campsite with accommodation options available. Registrations close 3 May.
FIND OUT MORE DETAILS AND REGISTER HERE.
Steampunk Splashdown : A Regatta to Remember
Regatta 2026: Steampunk Splashdown delivered a weekend full of energy, creativity and classic Guiding adventure. As one of our biggest Regattas in recent years, it brought together an incredible mix of camping, water activities, teamwork and just the right amount of friendly competition.
From the moment cars arrived on Friday evening, there was a real buzz at camp. Clear skies made setup easy, and apart from a brief shower on
Sunday morning, the weather held steady for a packed weekend program.
Saturday set the tone early, with a vibrant opening ceremony showcasing the ingenuity of this year’s steampunk theme. Costumes were nothing short of impressive, with teams embracing the brief through detailed outfits, creative accessories and full team coordination. On the water, racing was met with enthusiastic cheers from shore, as Guides, Olaves and Leaders encouraged every team throughout the day.
Behind the scenes, the Regatta team worked tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly–from setting up equipment and managing heats to recording results and coordinating schedules.
Off the water, the energy didn’t slow down. The afternoon program offered something for everyone, from jewellery-making and reverse tie-dye to Rube Goldberg challenges and a relaxed chill-out space. As the day wound down, participants enjoyed a well-earned dinner before gathering for a lively campfire and a not-so-silent Silent Disco that kept the excitement going well into the evening.
Sunday brought a final round of racing before teams packed down and gathered for presentations, finishing the weekend on a high.
Events like Regatta are powered by the dedication of our volunteers, and this year was no exception. Sincere thanks go to the Regatta Leadership Team and all those who contributed their time, energy and expertise to make the weekend such a success. Their commitment ensured that Steampunk Splashdown was not only well run, but truly unforgettable.
The Regatta Leadership Team who made the event possible were:
• Leader in Charge: Rachael Hatton
• Boating LiC: Caitlin Manton
• Boating 2iC: Ashleigh Hansen
• First Aid: Julie Ward
• Administration: Jody Beven
• Land Activities: Samantha Brookes
Regatta 2026 was a celebration of everything Guiding does best— connection, challenge, creativity and fun.
Gang Shows - Support your fellow Guides!
A Gang Show is a distinctive theatrical variety show produced by members of Scouting and Guiding, and it’s a long - standing tradition in many countries, including Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and Canada.
A Gang Show isn’t just about entertainment. It actively supports Girl Guiding’s aims by helping young people develop:
• Confidence and public speaking
• Teamwork and responsibility
• Creativity and self-expression
• Time management and discipline
• Leadership skills It also strengthens community ties by:
• Promoting Girl Guides publicly
• Raising funds for local Guiding activities
• Showing a side of Guiding many people don’t expect
Save the date for your nearest Gang Show and support our Guides – a great end of term activity, or holiday excursion. Shows are mid-June – mid-July.
Albury Gang Show
Canberra Gang Show
Cumberland Gang Show
Hornsby Gang Show
Kirrawee Gang Show
An Invitation to Leadership Service
As several important leadership terms begin to draw to a close, we invite Members from our community to consider how they might help shape the next chapter of Guiding.
The Region Manager roles for Central West , North Pacific Coast , and South Coast & Highlands will soon become available, and the term of our Young Women Lead will conclude in early 2027.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Gemma Evans , Virginia Hey , Belinda Schmitzer , Mel Davis , and Aimee Rassouli , whose leadership has strengthened their Regions and enriched Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT more broadly. Through their dedication, they have supported girls, Leaders and volunteers alike, helping bring our shared purpose to life: building confident girls, strong leaders, and communities where everyone belongs .
Region Manager
Serving as a Region Manager is a meaningful opportunity to lead with purpose, service and vision.
In this role, you will guide and support your Region Team, nurture Leaders and Managers, and help ensure the strong delivery of the Australian Guiding Program. Region Managers play a vital role in strengthening adult development, encouraging growth, and helping Guiding flourish within local communities.
This is leadership in service of others—empowering girls, enabling volunteers, and creating the conditions for every Member to thrive.
Region Managers may also appoint one or more Assistant Region Managers (ARMs) to help share responsibilities and build leadership capacity across the Region.
To explore the role further, read the details on Guide Lines . Young Women Lead
This is a special opportunity to champion the voice, leadership and future of young women across our movement.
The Young Women Lead supports programs, pathways and initiatives that empower young
women to step confidently into leadership. The role helps create meaningful opportunities for young women to influence, contribute and lead in ways that strengthen our Mission.
By nurturing leadership pathways and elevating young women’s voices, this role helps ensure the future of Guiding remains shaped by those it exists to serve.
Expressions of Interest
Leadership in Guiding is an act of service, generosity and belief in the potential of others.
If you feel called to contribute your experience, passion and vision to the future of your Region or our wider movement, we warmly invite you to express your interest via the Office Bearer nomination form.
THe Promise that starts it
all: Queanbeyan Girl Guides celebrates 10 new girls
Recently, ten girls made their Promise for the very first time in one ceremony at Queanbeyan Girl Guides. Ten individual moments of choice, each marking the beginning of something far greater than a single evening.
Each Promise represents courage, belonging, and a commitment to grow. In a world that’s constantly changing, Guiding continues to offer something steady and powerful: a place where girls can build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover who they are and what they stand for.
A Promise in Guiding isn’t just words recited, it’s a declaration of intent. It’s where girls begin to test their voice, back themselves, and step into leadership in ways that feel real and lasting. In a world that often asks young people to wait their turn, Guiding creates space for them to lead now, to take risks and to build resilience,
A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated Leaders at Queanbeyan Girl Guides, whose time, care and
commitment make moments like these possible. Their impact reaches far beyond a single night; it helps shape confident, capable young people for the future.
Moments like these are a reminder that Guiding isn’t just relevant today, it’s essential.
If you have feedback, or wish to make a contribution, please send an email to communications@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au.
Guiding News
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