Guiding News A GIRL GUIDES NSW, ACT & NT NEWSLETTER
Edition 23 | 20 Aug 2026
For all Adult Members, Trefoil Guild Members, Staff, Junior Leaders, and Youth Advisory Committee Members
In this newsletter
From the State Commissioner
Campfire Call: Join us at 5 Upcoming Events 36
Aiming High: Our CEO’s perspective on issues, opportunities, & achievements shaping Guiding
The Guide Post: Your regular signpost to member support, useful updates and what’s 12 happening behind the scenes to make Guiding easier 42
Anchor Points: Steady Leadership Essentials that keep your Unit grounded
Compliance at a 18 glance
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Trail Mix: A Program Your Recruitment Toolkit Feature to Pack in your Just Got an Upgrade 53 Resource Rucksack 24 Island Jamboree 2028 Ask GG! 27 Update 55
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Tent Pegs: Small Child Safe Child Friendly outdoor things that hold Training: National Online everything Sessions 57 steady 30 Could You Be a WAGGGS Reach Higher: Learning, Global Advocacy training and development Champion? 59 opportunities to help you build your skills and take your next step 33
A Note from the Editor JAMIE SHEPHEARD (he/him)
SENIOR MANAGER, DIGITAL, MARKETING & COMMUNICATION JAMIE@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
A bumper edition, packed with Guiding There’s a lot happening across Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT—and this month’s Guiding News is a bumper edition to match! Inside, you’ll find updates on the people helping shape our organisation, including welcoming new leaders to their roles and farewelling others after years of dedicated service. We also share an important update following the review of our property compliance function, along with some practical changes designed to make it easier for our members and teams to access the information they need. There’s plenty for our Leaders and Volunteers too, with a look ahead to 2027 learning and development, exciting plans for outdoor water activities, a strengthened Trainer Pathway and a new SharePoint hub 3
to help Trainers share knowledge, resources and ideas. And then there’s the fun stuff! We’re celebrating the Managers and Leaders who came together for the Hunter Valley weekend, catching up on the latest Great Guide Sleepover adventures—including an unforgettable night at Taronga Western Plains Zoo— and looking ahead to Sleepovers in Sydney and Darwin. You’ll also find opportunities to get involved in JOTA-JOTI, Science Week, Island Jamboree 2028 and the WAGGGS Global Advocacy Programme. As always, there are a few important practical updates to keep you on track, from Volunteer Screening and Camping Qualifications to dashboards, M365 support, training requirements and Child Safe Child Friendly learning. Most importantly, this edition is a reminder of just how much is happening across our Guiding community. From big organisational changes to a first campfire, a new qualification, a new leadership opportunity or simply finding a way to share your skills with others— there’s a place for everyone to contribute. So grab a cuppa, settle in and have a read. There’s a lot to catch up on. Happy reading! 4
From the State Commissioner JO TONON (she/her) | STATE COMMISSIONER SC@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Earlier this month, Volunteers, Staff and Members of our State Team came together in the Hunter Valley for a weekend of learning, connection, conversation and celebration. We arrived from different places, with different experiences and different roles in Guiding, but with something important in common: a belief in what Guiding can make possible. Throughout the weekend, we explored some of the big opportunities ahead of us. How do we grow? How do we strengthen our presence in our communities? How do we support our Volunteers to thrive? And how do we continue creating a Guiding experience that girls genuinely want to be part of? What inspired me most was the energy behind those conversations. 5
There was a real willingness to share ideas, learn from one another and think differently about what comes next. It was a wonderful reminder that Guiding has never stood still. For generations, we have grown and evolved because people have been willing to imagine what could be possible—and then work together to make it happen. That same opportunity is ours now. While not everyone could be with us in the Hunter Valley, the conversations that started there reach far beyond the conference. The ideas, connections and renewed energy are already making their way back into our Units, Districts and Regions, where they can continue to grow. And while all of this was happening in the Hunter Valley, Guiding was very much alive and kicking across our wider community too! In Dubbo, 178 Guides and Leaders enjoyed perfect conditions for the Great Guide Sleepover at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, sleeping under the stars and raising funds for Regent Honeyeater conservation. This year’s relaxed program gave everyone plenty of time to enjoy the animals, with visits to the 6
lions, emus and other zoo residents, as well as the chance to learn more about Taronga’s conservation work. There was plenty of time for dinner, a visit to the Guide Shop and some downtime at Billabong Camp—although the 90+ Members proudly sporting their special edition Great Guide Sleepover hoodies probably weren’t planning on staying too quiet!
Sunday brought another animal adventure, with visits to the Takhi and Siamang Ape exhibits. And there was even some very impressive camp blanket commitment, with LiC Gemma Evans stitching her Great Guide Sleepover badge onto her blanket during the event. Now that’s dedication! 7
A huge congratulations and thank you to the GGS Dubbo Leadership Team—Gemma Evans, Pauline Davidson, Vivian Evans, Amanda Manderson, Jaqui Mitchell and Jacinta Thatcher—for creating such a wonderful experience for our Members. I’m also looking forward to spending the weekend with more than 500 Members at the Great Guide Sleepover Sydney, and I can’t wait to hear more about the adventure our Members have been having at the Great Guide Sleepover Darwin.
These events are such a wonderful reminder of what Guiding looks like in action: girls and women getting outdoors, trying new things, connecting with each other, learning about the world around them—and, of course, having a little fun along the way. 8
Guiding Light was also made richer by the generosity of people and organisations beyond our immediate Guiding community who shared their time, expertise, and support with us. A special thank you to Tess Brouwer, whose inspiring Saturday evening session gave us plenty to think about and reflect on; Meg Salter, who shared her expertise in purposeful presenting and helped our Volunteers build confidence in turning their knowledge into engaging learning experiences; and Francis Davidson, who generously shared her First Aid knowledge with attendees.
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We’re also incredibly grateful to the Coastal Valleys Guide Shop and Badgeman for their generous sponsorship of our conference goodie bags. Their contributions helped make the weekend that little bit more special, and we’re so grateful for their support of our Volunteer Community. And finally, thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed so generously to the weekend—and to those who have since carried the conversations forward by sharing their experiences, ideas and inspiration with others. It was a fantastic few days, and a timely reminder of just how much we can learn from one another when we create the space to connect.
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We’re delighted to welcome Jenny Hull to the role of Region Administrator for Southern Sydney Rivers Region. Jenny brings her experience, enthusiasm, and commitment to Guiding to this important role, and we’re excited to have her supporting our Members and Volunteers across this Region. The next chapter of Guiding is ours to shape— and I’m excited to see where we take it together. Yours in Guiding,
Jo Tonon (she/her) State Commissioner sc@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au
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Aiming High Our CEO’s perspective on issues, opportunities, & achievements shaping Guiding KATHY CHALMERS | CEO
CEO@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Organisational Update Thank You to Barbara Price As our organisation continues to evolve, so too does the work required behind the scenes to support safe, sustainable, and thriving Guiding experiences across NSW, ACT and NT. Following a recent organisational review, the role of Property Compliance Manager has been made redundant. As a result, Barbara Price has accepted redundancy, with her final day at Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT being 11 August 2026. We would like to sincerely thank 12
Barbara for the dedication and commitment she has shown during her four and a half years with the organisation. Since joining the team as a contractor in 2021, later becoming an employee in her own right, Barbara has worked tirelessly alongside the Property Team to support our extensive property portfolio and navigate an increasingly complex compliance environment. To help steer our future approach, the organisation has established a Property Working Group, bringing together external expertise to support staff, the Finance, Audit and Investment Committee and the Board in navigating property-related challenges and opportunities. This work will help ensure we continue to manage our property portfolio in a financially sustainable, responsible and resilient way. Over the coming months, outstanding matters will continue to be progressed in collaboration with the Property Working Group. Members and volunteers should continue to contact the Property Team through the usual channels. We thank Barbara for her contribution to Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT and wish her every success in her future endeavours. 13
Other Operational Changes Operations, Member Services and Volunteer Development When our Senior Manager, Operations, Karen Yeo, moved on to a new opportunity at the end of last year, Volunteer Development Manager Heidi Fröhling stepped in to lead and support our Member and Volunteer Services Team on an interim basis. During this period, Heidi worked closely with State Operations Administrator Rose Salem and Development Officers Felina French and Becca Mills, who reported directly to me. Following my formal appointment as CEO in March, we began recruitment for a Finance and Operations Manager to strengthen the leadership structure across our organisation. As part of this process, Heidi agreed to step into a broader leadership role, formally taking on the position of Member and Volunteer Services Manager in April. In her expanded role, Heidi leads our Member and Volunteer Services, Event Management, and Learning and Development teams. She has built on the strong foundations of her work as Volunteer Development Manager, bringing a renewed focus on 14
how we support our Members and Volunteers and how we deliver a positive, consistent experience for everyone who engages with Guiding. Heidi works closely with Jo Tonon, Jo’s deputies and the broader State Team, helping to connect the work of these teams and keep our focus firmly on the experience we create for our Members, Volunteers and customers. Those who attended our recent District Manager Conference, Guiding Light, may not have seen Heidi’s contribution behind the scenes, but it was significant. Much of the success of the weekend came through her mentorship of and collaboration with our Event Manager, Lydia Morris, and the support and guidance she provided throughout the planning and delivery of the event. It has been wonderful to see Heidi step into this broader role and bring her experience, care and commitment to an even wider part of our organisation. I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of her leadership across our Member and Volunteer Services, Events and Learning teams.
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Welcoming Lizeth Ibarra to Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT We are delighted to welcome Lizeth Diaz Ibarra to Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT as our new Finance and Operations Manager. Lizeth joins us from Emanuel Synagogue, where she spent eight years as Financial Controller, bringing extensive experience in financial leadership, organisational operations, and supporting high-performing teams. In her role, Lizeth will work closely with our Finance team while also providing leadership across Human Resources and broader organisational operations. Her appointment strengthens the foundations that support our organisation and ensures our people, systems, and resources remain focused on what matters most: empowering girls and young women, developing leaders, and creating communities where everyone belongs. Lizeth brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and fresh perspectives, and we are excited about the 16
contribution she will make to our organisation and our wider Guiding community. Please join us in extending a warm Girl Guides welcome to Lizeth as she begins this new chapter with us. We look forward to working together and benefiting from the expertise and leadership she brings to the role.
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Anchor Points Steady Leadership Essentials that keep your Unit grounded KRISTINA TEODOROVIC | LEADERSHIP LEAD |
LEADERSHIPLEAD@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Over the next couple of months, we will be going over a few mindsets at a time to give everyone an insight into the WAGGGS Leadership Model, which is now starting to be used within our Leader Qualification (LQ) and Manager Qualification (MQ) training, and is also used within our Gold Endeavour Award. 18
Leading with Context—Worldly Mindset Practising worldly leadership requires us to have taken the first step of reflection. Only when we understand how our context shapes our experiences can we really understand why there can’t be a universal approach to leadership. Why do we practice the Worldly mindset? •
Learn more about other people
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Develop and demonstrate empathy
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Understand how our values and behaviours align
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Adapt our leadership to be relevant
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Recognise and avoid stereotyping
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Avoid adopting a one-size-fits-all approach
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Consistently encourages diversity and inclusivity
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Understand how to work with different people
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Evaluate our leadership actions
How can you practice the Worldly mindset? •
Active listening 19
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Eyes and mind wide open
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Find common ground
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Meaningful conversations
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Research other cultures
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Explore traditions
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Learn about places visited
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Discover histories
Guiding Light Conference At the beginning of August, I was privileged to be part of the Guiding Light Conference that was held at Rydges in the Hunter Valley. It was an incredible experience to be sitting in a room with amazing Region Managers, State team, fellow Leads, and of course our District Managers. The weekend was filled with leadership, guidance, new skills and knowledge learned and ideas shared across the state and territories. Felicity and I got a wonderful opportunity to speak with and collaborate with our Region counterparts, the Region Australian Leadership and Qualification Program Coordinators (RALQPC). This allowed us the 20
opportunity to seek out the needs of each Region, what training, workshops and skills they need for their Regions and leaders, and to get the ball rolling on lots of improvements coming into the L&D space in 2027. We are so excited to see what each Region develops into, and the work that will continue also. A big goal that has been set by our State Commissioner Jo Tonon is to have a District Manager (DM) in every single District across the State and Territories, and Felicity and I are looking forward to working with each RALQPC to ensure these DM’s are trained and compliant within their Region.
National Science Week 15-23 August This year for National Science Week, there are some great opportunities and resources available for the girls and Leaders to lead an amazing Unit Program. The State Leads have put together an amazing resource all about STEM activities within the science field. These activities are aged based and can be utilised and adapted to suit your Unit. You can always use this resource for your Unit Meetings, give girls ideas for badges, or something for your Junior Leaders to use to create a night’s program to run. DOWNLOAD THE RESOURCE 21
Girl Guides Australia (GGA) has also partnered with CSIRO for this year’s science week and is giving an opportunity for the girls to learn all about Robotics. GGA and CSIRO developed an Activity Pack specifically for Guides for this National Science Week. Please check GGA’s socials and the GGA website to find out about the resource pack, registration process and badge information.
Awards Recognition Leadership can be a very rewarding thing to undertake, and it is important that we show our support and appreciation to our Unit Leaders, District Managers, Region Team Members and all Volunteers within our organisation. Please ensure that you are taking full advantage of our Guiding recognition system, which can be as simple as awarding Years of Membership or applying for a bigger award via our amazing Award Committee. If you have someone in your Unit, District or Region that you think would be worthy of an award please follow the links to nominate a person or people! YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP NOMINATION GOOD SERVICE AWARD NOMINATION 22
Also check your local council’s website, and larger organisations to nominate a person for an award that is outside the organisation. These can include young women of the year awards, local not-for-profit awards, and specialised awards in different council areas. If you have any questions in regards to awards and where to start, or perhpas have an amazing recognition system in your District/Region that you would like to share, please email me at leadershiplead@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au.
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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 resources are the Science Week Resource Packs. Girl Guides Australia (GGA) have partnered with CSIRO to develop Robots Responders challenges. These activities allow girls to step into the role of a CSIRO robotics engineer. 24
The State Leads have also put together a resource pack together that offers a range of ideas and activities, from simple, fun experiences, to short projects girls can begin at a Unit Meetings and continue at home. Share the women in science facts and encourage girls to follow their curiosity by exploring further.
DOWNLOAD THE RESOURCE
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My Guiding Light is shining brightly after the State Volunteer Conference, which offered a positive atmosphere, valuable networking, and excellent takeaways. It also gave me the chance to meet with Region AGP coordinators, hear about the great work happening in their Regions, and share new initiatives. Don’t forget to check out the GGA website as there are lots on international opportunities coming up, many are offered to both Leaders and girls. Travelling and sharing abroad is unforgettable!
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Ask GG! Where can I encourage my guides to develop their Leadership skills? 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 Very Appreciative: I have some wonderful Leaders in my District who are doing fantastic things in Guiding. How do I go about recognising their contributions
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Dear Very Appreciative, What a wonderful question! Across Guiding, so much of what happens is made possible by Adult Members who generously give their time, energy, skills and care. When someone is making an exceptional contribution, recognising them is a meaningful way to say: we see you, and what you do matters. If there’s someone you think deserves recognition, start by visiting the Adult Good Service Awards and Membership Recognition page on Guide Lines. There you can: •
Explore the different awards and their criteria
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Read the guidance notes to help prepare a strong nomination
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Complete the nomination form with as much detail as you can, including supporting information where relevant
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Submit your nomination for consideration by the Awards Committee
The Awards Committee can follow up if they need
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further information, and the process can take up to two months. Most importantly, don’t wait for someone else to nominate that wonderful Leader you have in mind. Taking a little time to recognise someone can mean an enormous amount. Our Members do extraordinary things every day. Let’s make sure we celebrate them.
Georgie x — GG Got something on your mind? Write in. Georgie’s listening. Email AGPLead@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au.
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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 is finding lost ADM 27s after the activity is over.
Thank You Janice Oliver has completed her term as Region Outdoor Consultant (ROC) for Southern Sydney Rivers. For Janice this ‘term’ has been 12 years. I used to describe Janice as ‘ROC for Life’, a title she didn’t really find very encouraging! During her time in the role, Janice advocated for her Region, promoted the outdoors, especially abseiling & water 30
activities, and worked with her fellow outdoor cohort to ensure all Members, both Youth and Adult, had safe, fun opportunities, and that we promoted contemporary activities. Thank you Janice.
Incredibly Exciting Stuff The GGA ADM 27 review is progressing well. Anyone who was a Leader in Charge (LiC) of an activity or camp during 2025 & 2026 have been invited to send their experience of using the ADM 27 to me. A significant number have done so, and it is interesting to see the different experiences. The next group to be approached will be Leaders of Junior Guide Units; then Leaders of Guide Units and Leaders of Senior Guide Units.
Moderately Exciting Stuff There seems to be a bit of confusion around Girl Guides Australia’s (GGA) camp qualifications and what type of camps you can conduct with each qualification. If you hold the: •
Wilderness Expedition Qualification: you can deliver Wilderness and Controlled expeditions.
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Controlled Expedition Qualification: you can 31
deliver ONLY Controlled Expeditions. •
Bush Camp Qualification: you can deliver Bush Camps, Established Campsite Camps and Indoor Camps
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Established Campsite Qualification: you can deliver Established Campsite Camps and Indoor Camps
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Indoor Campsite Qualification: you can deliver ONLY Indoor Camps.
Sleepovers may be delivered by all qualified Leaders. Take a moment to look at the new photo at the beginning of this segment. Most of our ROCS are in it, together with a couple of ‘nearly ROCs’. That’s all for this month.
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Reach Higher Learning, training, and development opportunities to help you build your skills and take your next step FELICITY RIDDLE (she/her) | STATE LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
COORDINATOR | LEARNINGANDDEVELOPMENT@ GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
There’s plenty happening in the Learning & Development space as we continue to strengthen learning opportunities and support our Volunteers across Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT. Planning is underway for our 2027 training calendar, and we’re working with Trainers to identify the courses, locations and learning opportunities our Members need. Water Activities training will also be joining our State-supported training calendar, broadening the range of outdoor learning available. Work continues on strengthening our Trainer Pathway, including developing practical Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT resources to complement the national 33
pathway. We’re also beginning the important task of refreshing our existing training materials and further development resources, with the aim of creating an accessible library through a new Learning & Development SharePoint hub. Building our learning community is another priority. We’re exploring a quarterly Community of Practice for Trainers alongside new opportunities for Trainers to develop their skills. Nationally, Girl Guides Australia (GGA) is strengthening its commitment to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts’ (WAGGGS) Growing and Learning (GAL) project, including the WAGGGS Leadership Model and Meaningful Youth Participation.
Find out more
Want to be part of what’s next? We’d love to hear from Members interested in 34
becoming Trainers, sharing their skills, helping develop learning resources, or suggesting training they’d love to see offered. There’s lots ahead as we continue Growing Together—building capability, sharing knowledge and helping our Volunteers thrive.
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Campfire Call Join us at Upcoming Events LYDIA MORRIS (she/her) | EVENT MANAGER EVENTS@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
With the third weekend in October fast approaching I thought it timely to remind Districts and Units that Girl Guides Australia and Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT do not endorse individual Members registering on the JOTA-JOTI platforms. That being said, we did speak to Girl Guides Australia to see what information they had on this year’s JOTAJOTI and have compiled the following inormaiton to help you get prepared.
JOTA–JOTI: Connect with Guides and Scouts around the world Looking for a way to bring international friendship, communication and adventure into your Unit program? Jamboree-onthe-Air (JOTA) and Jamboree-onthe-Internet (JOTI) connect Guides and Scouts around the world each year, creating opportunities to 36
meet new people, share ideas and discover Guiding and Scouting in other countries. JOTA uses radio to make connections, while JOTI brings groups together online. Participation is designed to happen as a supervised group activity, making it a great opportunity for Guides to explore global connections while building their communication and digital skills.
Getting involved There are different registration processes for JOTA and JOTI, so make sure you check the requirements for the activity your Unit is planning. To meet our child safe and child friendly (CSCF) obligations with JOTA-JOTI being a World Organisation of the Scouting Movement (WOSM) event, each Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT Leader in Charge needs to register their group. To make this a little easier, we’ve compiled instructions on just what needs to be done. You can read the short steps with screenshots as examples in this Members’ Update on our website:
HOW TO REGISTER FOR JOTA-JOTI 37
Guides should not register individually on JOTAJOTI platforms. Participation must be organised through the Unit Leader or another Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT Member where appropriate.
Make safety part of the adventure JOTA-JOTI is an exciting opportunity to connect with people around the world, but online and radiobased communication also brings some important safety considerations. Leaders remain responsible for the safety and wellbeing of Guides throughout the activity. Guides must participate as part of a supervised group, with the same supervision ratios applying whether your activity is taking place in person or online. Before your JOTA-JOTI activity, Leaders should:
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complete the OUT .01 & Risk Assessment, including online and on-air safety considerations
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retain a register of everyone participating, including Guides, Leaders and anyone else present at the activity
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follow all GGA policies, including supervision ratios and child safety protocols
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familiarise themselves with the CSCF guidance on digital platforms, including Being Safe in the Digital Space and Inappropriate Behaviours on Digital Platforms
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talk with Guides about staying safe online before they begin connecting with others.
It is also a good idea to create some JOTA-JOTI Unit or Camp Rules together with your Guides. These could include reminders not to share personal information such as real names, email addresses, home or school details, phone numbers, or social media handles, and not to use private chatrooms. Guides should also only use the approved JOTA-JOTI activities and should not access other platforms available through ScoutLink, such as Minecraft. If your Unit is participating in JOTA activities in person, remember to consider safety in the physical environment too.
Get ready before the weekend There are plenty of ways to build excitement and confidence before JOTA-JOTI. Your Unit could take the Safe JOTA-JOTI Pledge, explore the Amateur 39
Radio Code of Conduct, or complete Being Safe Online training together. World Scouting’s JOTA-JOTI Guide also has plenty of ideas to help Leaders plan activities. If this is your Unit’s first JOTI, Scouts Australia has resources to help you get started, while VK JOTA JOTI can connect Guides and Scouts with activity sites around Australia before and during the event weekend. Once you’re connected, give your Guides some conversation starters to help break the ice:
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Have you participated in JOTA-JOTI before?
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How many Guides or Scouts are in your group?
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What is your favourite thing to do in Guides or Scouts?
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What’s your favourite badge?
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What was your last camp like?
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What hobbies or sports do you enjoy?
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Where would you love to go on holiday?
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What’s your favourite food?
The best conversations might take you somewhere completely unexpected!
JOTA-JOTI 2026 badge The 2026 JOTA-JOTI badge will be available from early September and can be ordered through Girl Guides Australia or State Guide Shops. Most importantly, have fun, stay curious and enjoy the chance to discover just how big the Guiding and Scouting community really is. Come back next month to read some fabulous Great Guide Sleepover news!
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The Guide Post Your regular signpost to member support, useful updates and what’s happening behind the scenes to make Guiding easier HEIDI FRÖHLING (she/her) | MEMBER AND VOLUNTEER SERVICES
MANAGER | HEIDI@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Trefoil Guilds to be Integrated into Your Dashboards We’re making it easier for our teams to see a more complete picture of Guiding in their local communities. In the coming weeks, Trefoil Guild information will be added to the State, Region and District Dashboards, alongside the information already available. Trefoil Guild Presidents will also soon have access to their own dashboard with Trefoil Guild Member information.
What does this mean? Once the update is live, Members who have access 42
to these Dashboards will be able to view Trefoil Guild information (including Active Trefoil Guilds and Trefoil Guild Members) as part of their existing Dashboard. This gives State Teams, Trefoil Guild Presidents, and District & Region Managers a more accurate snapshot of their local Guiding community, and this information can be used to help collaborate, plan events, and connect with some of our most experienced Members in Guiding.
Do I need to do anything? There will be no need to access a separate dashboard, run a new report, or complete any additional steps – the information will simply appear as part of the Dashboard you already use (excluding Unit Dashboards). If you have any questions, please contact Shrey Gupta, Business Analyst at shrey@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au.
M365 Support Ever wondered how to access your M365 account? Perhaps you need help setting up an automatic reply on your Girl Guides email, accessing a shared 43
mailbox, or simply figuring out where to go when something isn’t working. We’ve recently overhauled our M365 Support webpage to help make getting help easier. You’ll find helpful how-to-guides covering everything from logging into your M365 account and updating your password to setting up MultiFactor Authentication (MFA), accessing shared emails, managing multiple profiles and more. There’s also a dedicated M365 FAQ section for answers to common questions, along with information on how to contact Atarix support when you need some extra technical assistance.
How to access the M365 Support Page: 1. Ensure you are logged in on our website 2. Navigate to My GuideBook 3. Hit the big ‘Microsoft 365 Girl Guides Resources’ button on the top level of My GuideBook. EXPLORE THE M365 RESOURCE
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Our goal is to make it easier to find the answer you need, when you need it. We’ll continue to build on these resources as new questions and support needs arise.
Casual Volunteer: What Supervisors in Guiding Need to Know You may occasionally have a parent, family member, or community member offer to lend a hand to your Unit meeting or Guiding activity. We love that spirit of helping out—and Casual Volunteers can be a valuable part of making Guiding happen. There are, however, some important requirements around who can volunteer casually and what they can do. The following information is applicable to Casual Volunteers volunteering on occasions where Youth Members are present.
A quick refresher From 1 January 2026, Casual Volunteers are required to hold a current, unrestricted Working with Children Check for the state or territory in which they volunteer: •
NSW: Working with Children Check (WWCC) 45
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ACT: Working with Vulnerable People registration (WWVP)
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NT: OCHRE Card
They must provide this screening before their first volunteering occasion, and it needs to be validated and verified. Validation and verification is completed through the team at Guide House and involves contacting the responsible Government agency or office, for example, the Office of the Children’s Guardian in NSW. Casual Volunteers can volunteer on no more than four occasions in total where Youth Members are present. After their fourth occasion, they must transition to Ongoing Volunteer status and complete the additional screening requirements that apply. There are also some important limits on the role of a Casual Volunteer. They:
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must never be left unsupervised with Youth Members;
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cannot volunteer at overnight stays; and
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must remain under the supervision of an
appropriate Volunteer Member.
What does this mean for you as a supervisor? If someone offers to help at your Unit, activity or event, please don’t assume that a willingness to help means they can simply get started. Before their first volunteering occasion, check that the Casual Volunteer has completed the required screening process and that their details have been appropriately recorded. What’s the required screening process? The Casual Volunteer has registered with us, they have an ID number for the database, and they have a verified, jurisdiction appropriate, working with children check recorded on their Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT profile. During their volunteering, you are responsible for ensuring they remain within the boundaries of the Casual Volunteer role. In particular, they should not be left alone with Youth Members or placed in a situation where they are effectively operating as an unsupervised Leader. If someone has already volunteered four times with Youth Members present, they cannot simply 47
continue as a Casual Volunteer. They will need to transition to Ongoing Volunteer status and complete the required screening before continuing in that capacity.
What if their WWCC hasn’t been provided? If a Casual Volunteer has been asked to provide their screening but has not done so, please don’t allow them to volunteer where Youth Members are present until the requirement has been met and verified. This isn’t about making it harder for people to help. It’s about making sure that everyone who plays a role in creating the Guiding experience understands their responsibilities and that we have the right safeguards in place before they step into that role. If you’re unsure whether someone can volunteer, please pause and check before they participate. It’s always better to ask than to accidentally place yourself, the Volunteer or our Youth Members in a difficult position.
Thank you for helping us get this right. Our Child Safe Child Friendly commitment belongs to all of us. 48
As the Volunteer Member supervising a Casual Volunteer, you play an important role in making sure these safeguards work in practice while still giving people a welcoming pathway to discover what volunteering with Girl Guides can look like. Thank you for helping us create a safe, welcoming and trusted Guiding experience for every girl, every Volunteer and every person who comes through our doors.
New Interface for State Dashboards
and District
The Digital, Marketing and Communication Team has been working on a refreshed reports interface for District and State Dashboards, designed to make reports easier to find, navigate and use. After a soft launch and demonstration at the Guiding Light conference, these changes are now live on these dashboards. What’s Changed We are moving towards a more standardised reporting structure, including: •
Clear report categories to replace the long, hardto-navigate list 49
•
A consistent order of reports across State, Region, District and Unit dashboards
•
Improved report names for greater clarity and consistency
Below, you’ll find screenshots comparing the old and the new reporting interface. Old Report Interface:
New Report Interface:
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What Happens Next? •
Please familiarise yourself with the new reports. The old reports can still be viewed on the dashboard below the new report structure.
•
On 31 August, we’ll remove the old reports and layout.
Your Feedback Matters This is an important opportunity to help shape the reports to your requirements. Please take some time over the coming weeks to trial the new structure. If you have any requests or questions regarding the new interface, please reach out to Shrey at shrey@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au.
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Compliance at a glance Keeping our Members Safe & Compliant Two Parts of Compliance Role Compliance
Child Safe Child Friendly
For Leaders & Managers
Friend ld ly hi
Gu
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mmunity Co
ild Safe Ch C
CSCF Compliance
id e s A u str
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Checks, Training, & Financial status of membership
Check Compliance You
Supervisors in Guiding
First Aid, CPR, Training, Qualifications, & Role Reviews
Camps & Events
ALQP Qualifications
Dashboards & Reports
Member Profile
Keep Your Profile Up to Date
Key Compliance Milestones
Holding a Role
SiGs
If not Compliant...
You’ll get reminders & warnings
Your profile gets marked as noncompliant
If not resolved, you’ll be suspended
Can’t run a Unit Meeting, hold a Role in Guiding, or attend events or activities as a Member
Your compliance responsibilities
Check Your Profile
Update & Renew
Stay Qualified
SiG responsibilities: SC responsible for RM, RM responsible for DM, DM responsible for UL
All Adult Members, Volunteers, and Non-Member Volunteers need to be compliant Be Prepared, Be safe, Have Fun
Your Recruitment Toolkit Just Got an Upgrade Recruitment just got a whole lot easier! The Digital, Marketing and Communication Team has been busy refreshing the way you access branded resources to support recruitment in your local communities.
Our refreshed Recruitment Resource Hub is now available to all Members via My GuideBook, and is packed with practical, ready-to-use tools designed to help you spread the word about Guiding with confidence. Whether you’re planning a local recruitment drive, promoting your Unit at a community event, sharing something on social media, or simply looking for a 53
fresh way to start a conversation, there are plenty of resources to get you started. Explore editable Canva templates, flyers, social media tiles, ready-to-use captions, photos, helpful guides and more.
This is only the beginning! In the coming weeks and months, we’ll continue to add new tools, templates and ideas to help support your recruitment efforts. Have an idea for something that would make recruitment easier for you or your Unit? We’d love to hear it! Send your suggestion to our team via email to communications@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au and help us continue building a resource hub that works for you. 54
Island Jamboree 2028 Update It might feel a little way off, but the next Australian Jamboree is officially on the horizon! Girl Guides Tasmania will host Island Jamboree 2028 (IJ28) near Nipaluna/Hobart from 11–18 January 2028, bringing Girl Guides from across Australia together for an unforgettable week of adventure, connection and Guiding under the southern stars. While formal registrations and payments will open in October 2026, expressions of interest are now open for Members interested in attending IJ28 or being part of the team that brings the Jamboree experience to life. If Tasmania is already calling your name or you simply want to stay in the loop as more details are announced, now is the perfect time to put your hand up. Express your interest in Island Jamboree 2028 here. Follow @IslandJamboree2028 on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date! 55
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Child Safe Child Friendly Training: National Online Sessions Looking to complete your Child Safe Child Friendly (CSCF) Training for Adults in Guiding? Girl Guides Australia is offering four nationally facilitated online sessions across August and September, giving Adult Members another way to complete this important training. Hosted by National CSCF Co-Leads Jo Muller and Ro Derwin, each session will run for approximately one hour via Microsoft Teams.
rl
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• 5 September – 2:00pm AEST
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• 25 August – 7:30pm AEST
Friend ld ly i h
mmunity Co
• 23 August – 3:00pm AEST
ild Safe h C C
Choose from:
id e s A u str
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• 10 September – 8:00pm AEST Please note: These sessions are only available to Members who have not already completed the CSCF Training for Adults in Guiding 2026-7 module through Girl Guides Learning. 57
If you still need to complete your training, take advantage of one of these upcoming sessions and find a time that works for you. Register for an online CSCF training session here.
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Could You Be a WAGGGS Global Advocacy Champion? Are you passionate about making a difference, amplifying the voices of girls and young women, and creating positive change? The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) is calling for applications for its 2027 Global Advocacy Champions Network, an exciting opportunity for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts aged 18–30 to grow their advocacy and leadership skills while championing gender equality and sustainable development. Successful Champions will become part of a global network of young women creating change in their communities and beyond. Along the way, they’ll access training in advocacy, communication, and public speaking, with opportunities to contribute to international advocacy spaces, including the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Who can apply: •
Active Members of Girl Guides (GGA) between 18-30 years of age (throughout the 13-month term of engagement) 59
•
Are registered on the WAGGGS Volunteer Network. If you are not already registered, GGA must work with you to complete the Application Form (see link in how to apply). Applications from candidates who are not registered on the Volunteer Network will NOT be considered.
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For the full selection criteria, please refer to the Terms of Reference (at the link in the ‘how to apply’ section below).
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GGA will select one candidate as our nominee to WAGGGS
How to apply: 1. Read the WAGGGS Global Advocacy Champions – Terms of Reference for eligibility, responsibilities, time commitment and details on the application and Member Organisation (MO) endorsement process. 2. Applicants are strongly encourage to apply as early as possible. Processing of application forms will commence as soon as your application is received. 3. Complete the two application forms: 60
• WAGGGS Global Advocacy Champions Application Form – including a 500 word essay and two minute video. • WAGGGS Volunteer Resource Pool Application Form. 4. Arrange two written Referee Reports—one Guiding referee and one Character referee: • Referees should not be family members and should have known you for at least two years. • Referee reports must include the referee’s contact phone and email, how long the referee has known you and in what capacity. Follow-up phone calls or emails may be undertaken with referees to clarify the referee report or to seek additional information. • Referee reports should describe your experience, skills and qualifications to meet the selection criteria in the WAGGGS Global Advocacy Champions - Terms of Reference. 5. Send your completed application forms and two Referee Reports to 61
international@girlguides.org.au for GGA consideration. 6. An interview will be required—this will be arranged as soon as your application is received. 7. GGA will seek your State Commissioner’s endorsement to your nomination. GGA will also complete Membership and Compliance checks with Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT. 8. GGA will complete the Member Organisation endorsement sections and submit the application forms for the selected candidate. Applications must not be submitted directly to WAGGGS.
Key dates:
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•
GGA Closing Date: Monday 7 Sep at 5PM AEST
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GGA Interviews: scheduled to conclude by 10 Sep
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GGA Chief Commissioner Endorsement: 11-13 Sep
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WAGGGS Closing Date: 15 Sep
Further Information: Enquiries and Application to: Veronica Heard, National Coordinator, International international@girlguides.org.au.
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If you have feedback, or wish to make a contribution, please send an email to communications@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au.
Guiding News A GIRL GUIDES NSW, ACT & NT NEWSLETTER
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