SENIOR MANAGER, DIGITAL, MARKETING & COMMUNICATION
JAMIE@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
One of my favourite things about putting together Guiding News each month is seeing the many different ways people contribute to our movement. There’s the easy to spot contributions. A Volunteer stepping forward to lead an activity or event. A Region celebrating 100 years of Guiding. A team delivering training or organising an event that brings people together.
Other contributions happen quietly behind the scenes. Hours spent maintaining records that preserve our history. Leaders sharing resources and ideas with one another. Volunteers taking the time to complete training, update compliance requirements, or support a new Member finding their feet.
This edition is full of reminders that Guiding doesn’t happen because of any one person, event,
or program. It happens because so many people like you choose, every day, to contribute their time, skills, experience, and encouragement to help girls and young women thrive.
You’ll notice a recurring theme throughout these pages: looking both backwards and forwards.
As an organisation, we’re taking important steps to preserve our history through the archives project, while also investing in the future through leadership development, volunteer learning, inclusion initiatives, fundraising, and opportunities for girls to discover just how capable they are.
Whether you’re leading a Unit meeting this week, supporting a camp, serving on a committee, mentoring a young Leader, or simply taking a moment to read this newsletter over a cuppa, reflect on the importance of the part you play in that story.
Every contribution matters. Every volunteer matters. Every girl matters.
Happy reading!
From the State Commissioner
JO TONON ( she / her ) | STATE COMMISSIONER SC@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Dear Sister’s in Guiding
As we move through another busy and rewarding Guiding year, I would like to encourage all District Managers to consider attending our upcoming Guiding Light event. This promises to be an inspiring opportunity to connect with fellow Leaders, share ideas, strengthen networks and continue developing the skills that support our Volunteers and young I was delighted to see the success of our recent face-to-face training weekend –our first in several years. The enthusiasm, collaboration and energy demonstrated by participants reinforced the value of coming together in person. Building on this success, we have two additional training weekends scheduled for August and
another in November. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities to learn, grow and connect.
One of the most important conversations we continue to have in Guiding is about being truly girlled. How do we empower young women to believe in themselves, to take on challenges, and to recognise their own potential? As Leaders and Volunteers, we have the privilege of creating environments where girls feel safe to try, to lead, to learn from mistakes and to celebrate success.
Empowerment begins with us. How do we support one another? How do we encourage our fellow Volunteers, recognise their strengths, and help build their confidence? Every positive conversation, every word of encouragement and every act of support contributes to a culture where people feel valued and capable.
Lady Baden-Powell often spoke about the importance of service, friendship and believing in the potential of every girl. In that same spirit, let us continue to be positive role models who inspire confidence, resilience and optimism. By fostering a positive mindset and supporting one another, we
strengthen not only our Guiding community but also the young women who look to us for guidance and inspiration.
Reach out Guiding Sisters
Every day, we see the confidence, leadership and sense of belonging that Guiding helps girls develop. The same potential exists for girls everywhere, including in Kiribati. What makes this project so special is that it is built on partnership—working alongside local Leaders to support their vision for Guiding in their communities. I encourage you to turn to page 20 and see how even a small contribution can help create meaningful opportunities for girls and young women across our Asia Pacific Region.
Girl Guides in the NT: 100 Years Strong–and Just Getting Started
This year marks an extraordinary milestone for Guiding in the Northern Territory: 100 years of girls, women, and volunteers
building confidence, courage,
leadership and community across some of Australia’s most unique and diverse landscapes.
From Darwin to Alice Springs, Katherine to Tennant Creek, Palmerston to Humpty Doo, generations of girls have discovered adventure, friendship and belonging through Guiding. Thousands of volunteers have given their time, talents and hearts to ensure every girl has the opportunity to grow, thrive and discover her potential.
As we celebrate a century of Guiding in the Territory, we are not simply looking back on 100 years of campfires, challenges, laughter, service and yes, plenty of biscuits. We are also looking ahead.
The Northern Territory Region’s 100 Days of Guiding the Territory campaign celebrating 100 years of Girl Guides in the NT is a wonderful example of what makes Guiding so special. Rather than treating this centenary as a single event, the Region has created a 100-day celebration that honours the past while actively building the future.
With activities, storytelling, community engagement and celebrations taking place across the Territory throughout the dry season, the campaign carries a simple but powerful message: 100 Years Strong. We Need You for the Next 100.
That message speaks directly to the heart of Guiding. Every Guide Unit, every adventure, every leadership
opportunity and every life-changing experience begins with people who choose to say “yes” to volunteering. Volunteers are the lifeblood of Guiding. They are the reason girls can discover new skills, challenge themselves, make lifelong friendships and grow into confident young leaders.
The Northern Territory Region has set ambitious goals for its centenary year: welcoming new volunteers, growing membership, reconnecting with former Guides and strengthening community awareness of Guiding across the Territory. These goals are about much more than numbers. They are about ensuring that girls in every community continue to have access to the opportunities that Guiding provides for generations to come.
What inspires me most is the ripple effect this work creates.
Every new volunteer who joins Guiding creates opportunities for more girls. Every parent who enrols their daughter opens the door to experiences that can shape a lifetime. Every former Guide who reconnects brings new energy, skills and support back into our movement. Together, these individual actions strengthen communities and create
opportunities that extend far beyond any one Unit meeting or campfire.
As the Northern Territory Region celebrates this remarkable centenary, I want to congratulate every Volunteer, Member, family, and supporter who has contributed to Guiding’s first 100 years in the Territory. Your dedication has created a legacy that generations of girls have benefited from, and your commitment continues to inspire us all.
The story of Guiding in the Northern Territory is one of resilience, adventure, community and possibility. It is a story that has been written over a century by thousands of people who believed girls deserve opportunities to lead, learn and thrive.
And the best part? The next chapter is still being written.
Congratulations, Northern Territory Region, on 100 years of Guiding in the Territory. We can’t wait to see what the next 100 years will bring.
100 YEARS OF
GIRL GUIDES IN THE NT
Make Possible: Share the Stories That
Matter This EOFY
As Adult Members in Guiding, you’ve probably witnessed a few “ look at her go ” moments.
The girl who was too shy to put her hand up, suddenly volunteering to lead a game.
The Unit member who wasn’t sure about camp, coming home full of stories and confidence.
The friendships formed over craft projects, campfires and shared adventures.
The proud smiles when a challenge is overcome or a badge is earned.
These moments might seem small at the time, but they matter. They’re the moments that help girls build confidence, resilience, leadership skills and a sense of belonging that stays with them long after they’ve outgrown their Guide uniform.
Heading into the end of the financial year, we launched our Make Possible campaign to celebrate exactly that.
Because every week, volunteers across NSW, ACT
& NT are already making incredible things possible for girls. You give your time, your energy, your encouragement and your unwavering belief in what girls can achieve.
This campaign isn’t about asking you to do more. It’s about helping others understand the impact you’ve seen firsthand.
So, if a Make Possible post pops up on your feed, we’d love for you to share it. If someone asks why Guiding matters, tell them your favourite Guiding story. Talk about the moments you’ve witnessed, the girls you’ve watched grow, and the experiences that have shaped them.
And if you know someone who believes in creating opportunities for girls and young women, encourage them to consider making a tax-deductible donation this EOFY. Whether it’s a family member, friend, former Guide or community supporter, every contribution helps make the confidence-building experiences of Guiding possible for more girls across NSW, ACT & NT.
Because often, the most powerful stories come from the people living them.
Thank you for everything you do to make friendship possible. To make adventure possible. To make leadership possible.
And most importantly, to help girls discover just how capable they are.
Now, let’s help others see what’s possible too.
From the Board Chair
SUE BELLING ( she / her ) | BOARDCHAIR BOARDCHAIR@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Thank you to the Members who participated in the Annual General Meeting on the 23rd May at UTS and also online. It was lovely to see you all and catch up over a cuppa after the event. The Board and I also enjoyed catching up with the Region and Assistant Managers post the AGM for dinner—what a vibrant and committed group of women they are!
Thank you to our guest speaker at the AGM Susannah (Susie) Williams who spoke about her service at Sangam in India (one of our WAGGGS World Centres) and her participation in the TARE program with local community groups for 10 weeks. It’s wonderful to see the opportunities that Members have to travel and enjoy the rich diversity of cultures in other countries.
In my speech at the AGM, I spoke about the National Redress Scheme (NRS) and the behind-the-scenes effort and work that has gone into responding to claims. Applications to the Scheme close on 30th June 2027. The scheme is set to end on 30 June 2028.
Claims have been very slow to be processed and sent to organisations, and it has created a steady stream of work and effort in the background for our extraordinary diligent team of women. I’d also like to acknowledge the support they have had from their families when they have been under the pump with tight deadlines to submit applications. THANK YOU.
I thought it was important that as Members you were aware of this work. We have been slow to respond to some issues, and I thank you for your patience as we work through the workload. I’m so proud of the women that came before us and gave us the standards that have ensured we remain a strong Child Safe Child Friendly organisation.
So, the directive to all Managers, Leaders, Campsite committees and Trefoil Guilds is DO NOT DISPOSE OF ANY RECORDS UNTIL FURTHER ADVISED.
To this end we are asking all Regions and Districts
to complete a survey on Archives and records—we need to know what records are held where and the years they cover. This is an important task so don’t leave this on your to-do list—plan to take action and return the requested information. If this is a challenge, then get your Guides/Snr Guides/ Jnr Leaders or Trefoil Guilds involved. The Board continues to work through our strategic priorities, and we now have a Philanthropic Working Group in place to build some key relationships and monitor grant opportunities. The Property Working Group has been in place since November 2025 and has worked to review and ensure support for the staff, the FAI Committee and the Board to navigate ongoing property challenges. We have also reduced our Board Committees from 4 to 3 and embedded risk into all the Board Committees.
I’m also excited that we have a return to face-toface training for our Leaders and Managers! I know one of my Leaders enjoyed the weekend at Mt Colah and made new friends. Congratulations to the team
who gave up their time and expertise to deliver the training!
How have you been going keeping your compliance up to date? I set a challenge to the whole Board to have the Child Safe, Child Friendly (CSCF) for Adults in Guiding 2026-2027 refresher module completed before the AGM, and we achieved that goal! I’ve also found the “Introduction to Neurodiversity” learning module very helpful. Get together with your Leadership team in your Districts and Units and make it a social affair and learn together. If we remove the barriers to helping our Guiding colleagues learn, we are all the better for it.
Thank you for your focussed commitment to maintain our high standards.
Small Badge. Global Impact.
Why Your Support Matters
Guiding has always been about creating opportunities for girls and young women to develop confidence, leadership and a sense of belonging. Across the Pacific, our Guiding sisters in Kiribati share those same aspirations.
While the Pacific Guiding Handbook has provided valuable support over the years, local Leaders have identified opportunities to make resources more relevant and accessible. These include adapting activities to reflect local culture and community life,
increasing access to recognition through badges, and ensuring training resources can be understood and used more easily by local volunteers.
This project is not about delivering solutions from afar. It is about working alongside local Leaders, listening to their experiences and supporting their vision for the future of Guiding in Kiribati.
Every badge purchased, every donation made and every fundraiser held contributes to strengthening sustainable Guiding opportunities for girls and young women in Kiribati.
Did you know?
The Kiribati fundraising badge is a special badge endorsed by the Chief Commissioner and may be worn on the back of a Guide’s sash as a symbol of global sisterhood and support.
Together, we can help ensure Guiding continues to thrive across the Asia Pacific Region. DOWNLOAD THE CHALLENGE PACK
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’s featured resource is the new Ocean and Waterways Resource Pack, created by State Leads to enhance your program. It offers many quick, easy, and girlled activities that can be done in Patrols with minimal time and resources. Download it here!
Ask GG! Why aren’t families receiving my emails?
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 Lost in Cyberspace : I’ve sent emails to families from my Girl Guides email account, but some parents say they never received them. Is there anything I can do to improve email delivery?
Dear Lost
,
Email is one of our most important tools for communicating with families, but unfortunately it isn’t always perfect. Sometimes messages can be delayed, filtered into spam or junk folders, or blocked by a recipient’s email provider before they ever reach the inbox.
While some deliverability issues are outside our control, there are several simple steps Leaders and Volunteers can take to improve the chances of their emails reaching families successfully.
1. Encourage families to check their junk or spam folders
This is often the first place to look. Ask families to:
• Check their junk, spam, or promotions folders regularly.
• Mark Girl Guides emails as “Not Spam” if they find them there.
• Add your Girl Guides email address to their contacts or safe sender list.
This helps train email providers to recognise future messages as legitimate.
2. Keep your contact lists up to date
An incorrect email address is one of the most common reasons messages don’t arrive.
Before sending important communications:
• Check that family email addresses are current and correctly entered in our systems.
• Confirm details with families if emails repeatedly bounce back or go unanswered.
• Remove duplicate or inactive addresses where appropriate.
3. Use clear, professional subject lines
Email filters can sometimes be suspicious of messages that look like advertising or spam.
Try to:
✔ Use clear subject lines such as “Term 3 Program Information” or “Reminder: Unit Meeting This Week”
Avoid:
✖ ALL CAPS SUBJECTS
✖ Excessive punctuation !!!!!!!!
✖ Language that sounds promotional or urgent,
4. Be mindful of attachments
Large attachments can sometimes trigger email filtering or exceed mailbox limits. Instead of sending multiple large files:
• Share documents through approved cloud storage links where available.
• Compress large files before sending.
• Only attach documents that are necessary.
5. Send to the right audience
When emailing a group:
• Double-check your recipient list before sending.
• Use approved distribution methods and mailing lists where available.
• Avoid repeatedly sending identical messages to large groups in a short period of time.
6. Ask families to provide an alternative email address
Some workplace, school or internet provider email
systems have very strict filtering rules.
If a family consistently misses communications, ask whether they can provide an alternative personal email address that may be more reliable.
7. Consider using more than one communication channel For important information, don’t rely on email alone. Where appropriate, consider also using:
• SMS notifications
• Parent information groups like WhatsApp or parent FaceBook groups
• Verbal reminders at meetings
Using multiple channels helps ensure families receive critical information even if an email is missed.
8. Report ongoing issues
If multiple families are consistently not receiving emails from Girl Guides addresses, there may be a broader technical issue that requires investigation.
Keep a record of:
• When emails were sent
• Which email addresses were affected
• Whether messages bounced back
• Any error messages received
Providing this information when raising a support request can help our team investigate more quickly.
The bottom line
Most email delivery issues can be resolved through a combination of good email practices, accurate contact information and helping families recognise Girl Guides emails as trusted communications.
If you’ve followed these steps and continue to experience widespread delivery problems, please contact ithelp@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au so the issue can be investigated further.
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 Guide Leaders: Our superpower? Setting up a tent in the rain while smiling.
Incredibly Exciting Stuff
I am part of a review of the ADM.27. The aim of the review is: to find out what information Leaders/Managers need on the
As part of the review, I’ll be asking Leaders/Managers what information they currently use from the ADM.27s and where they find the other information which is needed. As an example: I use the ADM.27 to see if Guides are able to be photographed for social
media; I use my Unit list on the database for contact details and any personal information such as AVOs, and health details; I ask parents if their Guides can swim and how far when they drop them at canoeing.
The first group I’ll be asking is anyone who has been an LiC of an activity or camp in the last couple of years.
I think that’s enough excitement for
this month!
Base Camp
Your Hub for Operational Updates and Support
MEMBER & VOLUNTEER SERVICES TEAM GUIDES@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
The Child Safe Child Friendly (CSCF) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Guidance Note has been updated and is now available online: VIEW THE UPDATED GUIDANCE NOTE
What has been updated?
Some of the original questions and answers remain, and new FAQs have been added which relate to:
• How the CSCF Framework applies day-to-day
• Screening requirements for adults who want to volunteer or work within Girl Guiding
• Working with Children check requirements
specific to:
• support workers
• parents
• Communication methods to use when contacting Guides outside of Guiding activities
• Supervision ratios
Who would find this useful?
The updated FAQs provide easy-to-access answers for all Adults in Guiding. They will be particularly useful for Managers, Leaders and SGGO staff responsible for CSCF screening.
I have FAQs for the next version, who can I contact?
If you have ideas for additional FAQs for future versions of this Guidance Note, please send them to katef@girlguides.org.au
Casual Volunteer WWCC UPDATE: Action
Required by End of Term 2
To help us maintain a Child Safe Child Friendly (CSCF) environment for every girl and volunteer, all Casual Volunteers are required to provide their Working with Children Check (WWCC) or equivalent clearance details.
These important national requirements were approved by the Girl Guides Australia (GGA) Board and came into effect on 1 January 2026. Under these requirements, all Casual Volunteers must:
• hold a current, unrestricted WWCC (or equivalent clearance) before their first volunteering occasion;
• volunteer on no more than four occasions in total; and
• transition to an Ongoing Volunteer after four volunteering occasions, including completion of the additional screening requirements.
The existing restriction for Casual Volunteers also remains in place: Casual Volunteers cannot volunteer at overnight stays and must never be left unsupervised with Youth Members.
Existing Casual Volunteers: Please provide your details by the end of Term 2
Existing Casual Volunteers who have not yet provided their clearance details are asked to complete the WWCC details form, online , by the end of Term 2.
The form can be accessed via the above link, by tapping or scanning the QR code, or by logging into My GuideBook and tapping/clicking on the WWCC Upload button ↗
In the form you select the tab for your state or territory to upload your Working with Children Check details:
• NSW : Working With Children Check (WWCC)
• ACT : Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) Card
• NT : Ochre Card (OCHRE)
For Volunteers in the ACT and NT, please use the link provided in the form to email a copy of the front and back of your WWVP or OCHRE card.
Important : Ensure details are entered correctly so we can validate information quickly and support continued volunteering smoothly.
What happens if clearance details are not provided?
Where an existing Casual Volunteer does not provide their required clearance details by the end of Term 2, their Supervisor in Guiding should be notified and involved to support the next steps.
If a Casual Volunteer has not provided a valid clearance by the commencement of Term 3 they will be considered non-compliant and will not be able to undertake volunteering activities until their compliance requirements have been met.
Key compliance takeaway: All Adult Members and Volunteers—whether Member or nonmember—must be compliant and appropriately cleared to work with children before undertaking volunteer activities.
Compliance at a glance
Campfire Call
Join us at Upcoming Events
LYDIA MORRIS ( she / her ) | EVENT MANAGER EVENTS@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Winter at Girl Guides is often a busy time for Events & Courses and this year is no exception! There are plenty of exciting events and courses happening at all times! Be sure to regularly check the ‘What’s On’ page on our website to stay up to date with all upcoming opportunities. I hope to see you out there this winter!
Volunteer Conference - Guiding Light - 31 July
A friendly reminder that registrations for our upcoming Volunteer Conference 2026 are closing soon (30 June!). Taking place from 31 July – 2 August in the Hunter Valley, Guiding Light: Illuminating Leadership is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers from across NSW, ACT & NT, hear the latest updates from
the State Team, Board, and Staff, and gain practical ideas and inspiration to support Guiding in your local area.
For just $100, your registration includes two nights’ accommodation, all conference sessions, and Saturday and Sunday meals. Registrations close Tuesday 30 June, so if you’ve been thinking about joining us, now is the perfect time to secure your place.
If you’re a District Manager and not available to attend, we strongly suggest you consider sending a suitable delegate from your district to make sure your District benefits!
Visit the event webpage for more information and to register.
Great Guide Sleepovers Dubbo and Sydney
Excitement is building and registrations are now open for two of our most anticipated annual events! Start fundraising, designing your badge competition entries, and planning your spectacular costumes— this year’s fundraising animal is the incredible
Regent Honeyeater!
With its striking black and yellow feathers, this critically endangered Australian bird is helping inspire this year’s activities and fundraising efforts.
Attendees will have the chance to learn more about the species and the important conservation work being led by Taronga Conservation Society Australia. Get inspired by watching this short video from Taronga Zoo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh_6hD2Q0SQ .
Nominate an Extraordinary Volunteer Today for our Volunteer Thank You Dinner
Shine a light on the Volunteers who make Guiding possible!
Every week across NSW, ACT & NT, Volunteers show up with enthusiasm, patience and care. They lead meetings after long days at work, organise camps and activities behind the scenes, mentor young leaders, support families, and create the moments that girls remember for years to come.
Our annual Volunteer Thank You Dinner is an opportunity to celebrate these incredible contributions and recognise the people who go above and beyond to strengthen our Guiding community. But first, we need your help.
If there’s a Volunteer who has inspired you, supported your Unit, encouraged others, embraced new challenges, or made a lasting difference over the past 12-18 months, please consider nominating them. Often, those who give the most are the least likely to seek recognition themselves - which is why your nomination matters.
Nominations can be submitted by Members, parents, carers, staff, supporters and anyone in our wider Guiding community. All nominees will receive acknowledgement of their contribution to Guiding, with shortlisted Volunteers invited to attend our special celebration evening,
The Annual Volunteer Thank You Dinner will be held on Saturday 7 November 2026 at Atura Blacktown, featuring a three-course dinner, presentations, and the chance to come together to celebrate the extraordinary people who make Guiding happen.
To be eligible, nominees must be compliant Adult Members of Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT at the time of nomination and on the night of the event. Each nomination must also be supported by at least one other person from the Guiding community and include examples of the Volunteer’s impact and how their contribution aligns with our Strategic Plan .
If someone immediately came to mind as you read this, don’t wait for someone to nominate them. Take a few moments to recognise the difference they’ve made.
Nominations close on Sunday 9 August 2026.
If you have any questions or would like to provide additional information, please contact the Events Team at events@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au .
Complete the nomination form today and help us celebrate the Volunteers who help girls and young women thrive through Guiding.
Guiding Opportunities
Every Great Guide Journey Needs Great People. Could someone in your network be a great fit for the positions that Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT need filled?
Office Administrator—ACT & SE NSW Region
Part-time Office Administrator role in Canberra. Flexible hybrid work, salary packaging benefits, and the opportunity to support girls and young women through Guiding.
TELL ME MORE
Region Managers
The Region Manager roles for Central West , and South Coast & Highlands will soon become available 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.
TELL ME MORE
Young Women Lead
This is a special opportunity to champion the voice, leadership and future of young women across our movement.
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.
TELL ME MORE
CULTURAL & COMMUNITY INCLUSION LEAD
Help every girl feel welcome in Guiding. Lead cultural inclusion, community engagement and belonging initiatives across NSW, ACT & NT.
TELL ME MORE
Wellbeing & Diverse Needs Lead
Volunteer as Wellbeing & Diverse Needs Lead with Girl
Guides NSW, ACT & NT. Help build inclusive, supportive environments where every girl can thrive.
TELL ME MORE
GGA COMMITTEE MEMBER
Girl Guides Australia (GGA) is seeking expressions of interest for the appointment of a young woman to the Australian Guiding Committee of the GGA Board.
Essential Skills Required
Committee members must:
• Be under 30 years of age at time of appointment to the Committee
• Have an understanding of the Australian Guide Program
• Be a current active Member of their State Organisation.
• Have a working appreciation and understanding of the requirements and responsibilities of sitting on a Board committee of a not-for-profit organisation.
• Support the vision and ethos of GGA and the World Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts
• Demonstrate a commitment to GGA’s Code of Conduct and GGA policies
Girl Guides Australia welcomes applications from diverse candidates.
Remuneration
This is a voluntary role. Committee members are not remunerated.
Further Information
Please provide an Expression of Interest of no more than 2 pages outlining what skills and experience you would bring to the Australian Guiding Committee. Send to applications@girlguides.org.au
Closing Date
Closing date for the EOI is Friday 11th July 2026
Gone Home
Helen Christian
Helen (Jacky) Christian (nee Bertram), Gone Home, 21 May 2026, aged 94.
Helen gave many years of dedicated service to Girl Guides, sharing her wisdom, commitment and love of the Movement in a range of leadership roles. She served as Guide Adviser from 1976 to 1979, Archivist from 1981 to 1983, and Deputy State Commissioner from 1983 to 1987, where she worked closely alongside State Commissioner Joan Elliston.
Throughout her Guiding service, Helen was known for her thoughtful leadership, deep knowledge of Guiding and her commitment to preserving and strengthening our organisation for future generations. Her contribution helped shape the experiences of countless girls and volunteers across the State.
Beyond Guiding, Helen was a devoted wife to John, loving mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother, and was held in great affection by her family and all who knew her.
We give thanks for Helen’s life of service and friendship, and for the lasting impact she made on Girl Guides. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.
Gone Home.
Cumberland Plains Guides
Discover Adventure Through “Let’s Go Hiking”
Boots laced, packs loaded, and plenty of enthusiasm in tow, Guides and Leaders from Cumberland Plains Region have spent the year embracing adventure through the Region’s successful “Let’s Go Hiking” program.
Created for Guides aged 10 and over ( and their Leaders), the program was designed to help participants develop the skills and confidence needed to achieve the new Achieve-a-Challenge badges, including Trefoil 1 and 2 Camping Expedition and Trefoil 1–3 Outdoors Walking. Along the way, it has opened the door to even bigger adventures,
creating pathways into the State’s Way to Go Hiking program, expedition qualifications for Leaders, and opportunities for Senior Guides undertaking Trefoil 3 Camping Expeditions and Duke of Edinburgh Award hikes.
The journey began with a skills workshop at Austral in February, where participants learned the fundamentals of hiking, navigation, packing, and outdoor safety. What followed was a series of adventures that brought those skills to life.
Guides explored local history and culture on a bushwalk to a cave painting site during the Kentlyn Thinking Day Camp, tackled the picturesque Lake Parramatta loop alongside Guides from Greater
Rivers Region, and ventured deeper into the outdoors through two overnight hikes to Kingfisher Pools campsite in Heathcote National Park.
With every walk, participants gained more than just kilometres under their boots. They built confidence, resilience, teamwork, and a growing sense of independence. For many, the hikes provided opportunities to challenge themselves, try something new, and experience the unique satisfaction that comes from reaching a destination through their own effort.
The excitement generated by the program has already sparked plans for more adventures, with a new round of activities set to begin with a skills workshop in August, followed by fresh bushwalking and overnight hiking destinations.
Behind every successful adventure is a team of dedicated volunteers, and this year’s program was no exception.
While Cumberland Plains Leaders invested countless hours building their own hiking skills and supporting participants, the program also benefited enormously from the support of the State Way to Go team. Their
assistance proved invaluable when one of the program’s organisers suffered a fractured patella and was suddenly unable to hit the trail.
Without hesitation, fellow Leaders stepped forward. Marissa Dirks took the lead on two overnight hikes, while Elise Morley, Jacqui Flood and Suzie Williams joined Lauren Hartley in supporting the Lake Parramatta walk. Their willingness to share their skills, lend a hand, and ensure the program continued seamlessly is a powerful example of the teamwork and generosity that sits at the heart of Guiding.
As the final hikes of the season wrapped up, one thing was clear: the “Let’s Go Hiking” program has inspired a love of outdoor adventure in a new generation of Guides and Leaders. Thanks to the passion and commitment of volunteers and participants alike, many more adventures are already waiting just beyond the next bend in the track.
If you have feedback, or wish to make a contribution, please send an email to communications@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au.
