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Guiding News A GIRL GUIDES NSW, ACT & NT NEWSLETTER

Edition 24 | 22 September 2026

For all Adult Members, Trefoil Guild Members, Staff, Junior Leaders, and Youth Advisory Committee Members

In this newsletter

From the State Commissioner

Everyone counts: recording attendance at Guides

Trail Mix: a Program Feature to Pack in your Resource Rucksack 22 Ask GG!

Tent Pegs: small outdoor things that hold everything steady 27 Campfire Call: upcoming events & courses

Compliance at a glance

The Guide Post

Planning for The Guiding Difference 45 131 laps, 23 Guides and $2,000 for Epilepsy ACT!

ProShop: Your one-stop shop for Girl Guides branded products 57 2

A Note from the Editor JAMIE SHEPHEARD (he/him) SENIOR MANAGER, DIGITAL, MARKETING & COMMUNICATION JAMIE@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU

There are some months where Guiding feels like one big, beautifully organised plan. And then there are months where it feels more like: Who has the risk assessment? Where’s the name badge? Has anyone seen the kayak? And why is there a cane toad hunt happening? Welcome to September. This edition of Guiding News is a pretty glorious snapshot of what Guiding actually looks like when you zoom out. There are big adventures—sleeping under the stars, paddling, hiking, dancing, exploring wildlife parks and raising more than $30,000 for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater through the Great Guide Sleepover. There are big ideas too, like The Guiding Difference, which will give girls aged 10–18 the opportunity to tell us about their experiences, in their own voices. And then there are the small things. The peer assessment conversation that helps a Guide learn how to give and receive feedback. The name badge that makes it just a little easier to know who’s who. The database change that 3

helps Trefoil Guilds stay visible and connected. The risk assessment that sits quietly behind the scenes while everyone else gets on with having an excellent adventure. None of these things are particularly glamorous. All of them matter. The magic of Guiding isn’t just found in the big, Instagram-worthy moments. It’s built in the ordinary ones too— when a girl has a go at something new, when another Guide gives her useful feedback, when a Leader says “let’s work out how we can make that happen”, or when a Volunteer does one more small thing to make someone else’s experience better. This edition is a reminder that girls aren’t just participants in Guiding—they’re active contributors to it. And, our job—as Leaders, Volunteers, staff and the wider Guiding community—is to create the space for them to do exactly that. Happy reading!

From the State Commissioner JO TONON (SHE/HER) STATE COMMISSIONER SC@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU

Let’s make Guiding impossible to miss There is something wonderfully hopeful about this time of year. We’re looking ahead. Planning what comes next. Thinking about the Guides we haven’t met yet, the Volunteers who haven’t found us yet, and the communities that don’t quite know what Guiding could bring to their girls. And that is where I want us to put our energy. Girl Guides builds confident girls, strong leaders, and communities where everyone belongs. I believe this is more than a new way of describing what we do. It is an invitation to look at Guiding through fresh eyes—and then to invite other people to do the same. We have some really encouraging signs of membership growth, and I want to thank every Guide, Leader, Volunteer and supporter who has helped make that possible. But growth isn’t simply about getting more people through the 5

door. It is about making sure people outside our movement can see themselves in what we offer. Because here’s the thing: we know Guiding. We know what a Guide looks like when she discovers she can do something she didn’t think she could. We know the friendships made around a campfire, the confidence that comes from leading a Patrol, the pride of mastering a new skill, and the extraordinary feeling of doing something together that makes a difference. But people who aren’t part of Guiding don’t know those things yet. And if we keep talking primarily to the people who already understand Guiding, we risk talking ourselves in a circle. So, this next chapter asks us to do something quite brave: step outside our own circle. Listen to how girls, parents and potential Volunteers experience their communities. Ask what they need. Notice what they value. Be curious about the words they use to describe confidence, belonging, leadership, adventure and making a difference. Then let’s make sure the Guiding experience we offer—and the way we talk about it—meets them there. That starts locally. 6

As we move towards Term 4 and on to 2027, please start thinking now about Come and Try nights and Volunteer Information Sessions in your Districts and Units. A Come and Try doesn’t need to be complicated. It needs to give someone who doesn’t know Guiding the chance to experience it. A Volunteer Information Session doesn’t need to be a sales pitch. It needs to help someone see where they could fit. Guide House has practical resources to help Units plan Come and Try meetings, including ways to prepare, welcome visitors and follow up afterwards. And as we welcome new people, we need to be just as intentional about understanding who is already in the room. Please keep a record of attendance at every Guide meeting and event—for youth and adults, Members and nonMembers (see page 12). This is not just administration for administration’s sake. Knowing who is actually participating helps us understand our communities, support our Units, improve the Member experience and, importantly, understand where people are joining us and where they may be falling away. The attendance tracker is our current practical solution while a technical 7

integration with our membership systems is being developed. Please use it consistently. If someone is in the room, record them. Because if we want to grow Guiding, we need to be able to see Guiding. And sometimes, seeing Guiding means looking at the extraordinary things our girls already do. This year’s Great Guide Sleepovers are a beautiful example. Hundreds of Guides, Leaders and supporters came together for an experience that was unmistakably Guiding—adventure, friendship, community and a whole lot of fun— while raising funds and awareness for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater. I love what that says about who we are. We don’t simply teach girls about leadership. We give them opportunities to practise it. We don’t simply talk about community. We ask girls to contribute to it. And we don’t simply tell girls to care about the world around them. We give them opportunities to make a tangible difference—whether that is raising money to support endangered wildlife, standing up for something they believe in, or working together to solve a problem. 8

That is our value proposition in action. Confident girls. Strong leaders. Communities where everyone belongs. So, as we head towards the end of another Guiding year, I want to ask each of us to carry that idea with us. When someone asks you what Girl Guides is, don’t just tell them what we do. Tell them what girls become. When you’re planning your next program, don’t only ask, “What activity are we doing?” Ask, “What could this help a girl discover about herself?” When you’re planning a Come and Try night, don’t just think about getting visitors through the door. Think about giving a new family their first glimpse of a place where their daughter could belong. And when you meet someone who says, “I used to be a Guide” or “I don’t really know what Guiding is anymore,” don’t see that as a conversation about our past. See it as an opportunity to open the door to our future. Because there are girls we haven’t met yet who are ready to discover what they can do. There are women who haven’t 9

realised that their skills, stories and time could change a girl’s experience of the world. And there are communities waiting to discover that Guiding is not something that belongs to another generation — it belongs wherever girls are ready to grow, lead and make a difference. Let’s go and meet them there. Yours in Guiding, Jo Tonon (she/her) State Commissioner sc@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au

Everyone counts: recording attendance at Guide meetings and events From Term 4 2026, every person attending a Guide meeting or event must be recorded—Youth and Adult, Member and non-Member. To support this requirement, we’re introducing a new Guide Meeting & Event Attendance Tracker as a temporary, practical solution while a technical integration with our membership database is being developed. It’s one document, but it does a few important jobs: it helps us know who was there, when they were there, what was happening, and whether anything needed to be followed up. And yes—that means everyone counts.

Why are we doing this? Knowing who is attending a Guiding activity is an important part of creating a safe environment. Our Child Safe Child Friendly approach puts the safety, wellbeing, participation and rights of children and young people at the centre of how we deliver Guiding. A clear attendance record helps Leaders and the organisation: • know who is present at a meeting or event 11

• understand who is responsible for supervising young people • respond appropriately emergency or evacuation

• identify who was present if an incident or concern needs to be followed up • maintain a record of participation by both Members and non-members • support appropriate child safe practices for adults involved in Guiding activities. It isn’t paperwork for paperwork’s sake. It’s part of knowing who is in our Guiding spaces and helping keep those spaces safe.

Who needs to be recorded? Everyone. The tracker has separate sections for Youth Attendees and Adult Attendees, but the principle is the same: If they’re attending, they’re recorded. That includes: Youth • Guides attending their usual Unit meeting • Guides visiting from another Unit • prospective Members attending for the first time

• children or young people participating in an event or activity who aren’t yet Members.

Adults • Leaders and other Adult Members • Volunteers • parents and carers helping at a meeting • prospective Volunteers • guest speakers • visitors • non-members organisation

from

• contractors or other attending the activity.

another adults

The example below shows this in practice: Members and nonmembers appear together in the Adult Attendees section, with relevant organisation and WWCC information recorded where applicable. Membership status doesn’t determine whether someone goes on the attendance record. Being there does.

What gets recorded? The tracker is designed to capture the key information we need for each activity. 1. Meeting details At the top of the tracker, record the: • Unit name and District • date • meeting address • program overview. This provides the basic context for the attendance record and creates a useful snapshot of what was happening at the activity. 2. Youth attendees Record each young person’s: • name • time in • time out. There is also space for a brief outline of the activity/program information. Don’t forget the times. Knowing who attended is important, but knowing when they arrived and when they left gives us a much clearer record of who was present during an activity. 3. Adult attendees For adults, the tracker records: • full name and Guiding name, where 14

applicable • whether they are a Member • organisation, where applicable • WWCC number, where applicable • time in • time out. This means the tracker can capture the reality of a meeting—including the Leader team, parent helpers, visitors and other people who may be present.

What if someone isn’t a Member? Record them anyway. This is one of the most important changes to get your head around. A prospective Guide visiting for the first time is still attending a Guiding activity. A parent helping with an activity is still attending. A guest speaker is still attending. A prospective Volunteer is still attending. Their presence needs to be captured even though they aren’t currently recorded as a Member in our membership database. This is also why the tracker includes fields for Organisation and WWCC/ WVP/Ochre number for adult attendees.

Don’t forget the incidents and

complaints section The tracker isn’t just about attendance. There is also a section to record whether there were any incidents or complaints, what action was taken and whether the relevant documentation was completed. For example, the sample example records an incident involving a Guide burning her hand, the first aid provided, and the parent being informed. It also records that the relevant form was emailed and the Region Manager was informed. This creates a simple connection between:

➡

What happened what we did who was informed what documentation was completed.

➡

If something happens during a meeting or event, don’t rely on memory later. Record the required information and follow the appropriate incident, complaint, or safeguarding process.

A quick end-of-meeting check Before you pack up the trestle tables, return the craft supplies to the cupboad, and discover that someone has mysteriously left a single googly eye on the floor, take a moment to check the tracker. Ask yourself: 16

✅Have I recorded everyone who attended?

✅Have I recorded their time in and time out?

✅Have I included visitors and nonmembers?

✅Have I completed the meeting and program details?

✅If something happened, have I

recorded the incident and action taken?

✅Have the relevant people been informed and documentation completed?

✅Is the completed tracker being stored securely?

A temporary solution while we build the digital one We know a Word document isn’t everyone’s dream. A technical integration with our membership database is in development, with the aim of making attendance recording more streamlined in the future. Until that solution is ready, the Attendance Tracker is compulsory for Guide meetings and events from Term 4 2026. It may take a little getting used to. That’s okay. The important thing is to build the habit now: • Who was there? 17

• When were they there? • What happened? • What needs to be followed up? Because Child Safe Child Friendly Guiding isn’t just about what we say. It’s about the practical things we do every time we open the door, welcome people in, and create a space where girls and young women can learn, grow, belong, and lead. The attendence tracker word document template is available from My GuideBook and your District’s SharePoint.

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Everyone counts. So, from Term 4, everyone gets recorded.

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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 resource is the Diwali Resource Pack, created by the State Team. It explains the Diwali celebrations, why they are held, and includes engaging activities the girls can lead and enjoy as part of a fun cultural experience. DOWNLOAD THE RESOURCE

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 Slightly Stumped: As the year draws to a close, lots of girls in my Unit are working hard to complete badges and awards. Because their work needs to be peer assessed before it can be signed off, things can sometimes get a little tricky! Do you have any tips to help peer assessment run smoothly? Dear Slightly Stumped, Ah, the end-of-year badge rush! It’s wonderful to see so many Guides 20

working towards their goals, but when there are challenges to finish, feedback to give and badges waiting to be signed off, peer assessment can certainly add another piece to the puzzle. The good news is that peer assessment is an important part of the Australian Guide Program. It gives girls responsibility for reviewing each other’s work against agreed criteria, sharing constructive feedback and playing an active role in recognising what their peers have achieved. Remember, a Peer Unit is a group of girls who are within a few years of age. To help things run a little more smoothly:

• Build time into your program specifically for assessment and feedback, rather than squeezing it in at the end. • Make sure the peer group understands what the challenge, task or activity involves, what is expected and what the Guide is aiming to achieve. • Encourage girls to ask questions if they’re unsure about something. • Support open and constructive conversations within the group. • Remind everyone that feedback should always be honest, respectful and helpful. 21

• Be there to guide the conversation when needed, while still allowing the girls to take the lead. Most importantly, peer assessment isn’t just another box to tick before a badge can be signed off. It’s another opportunity for girls to practise communication, decision-making, responsibility and supporting one another – all valuable skills they can take well beyond Guiding. Good luck with the end-of-year badge bonanza!

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: We plan

adventures for fun and risk assessments for character building. Incredibly Exciting Stuff There has been some confusion around whether an OUT01 & Risk Assessment are required when taking Youth Members to events such as the Great Guide Sleepover. Yes, they are required. The Guide House Events Team and I are working together to make this process a little easier. We are looking at including a link (or something similar) on the Event Registration page. When registering for an event as an Adult, you will have the option to

access this link, which will provide some of the key risks to consider, along with suggestions for how these risks may be mitigated. Of course, not all of the risks listed will apply to every event or situation. This is not intended to be a ‘one-stop shop’, as the risks will vary depending on factors such as the distance travelled, the mode of transport, and the individual circumstances of the event. However, we hope this resource will provide some helpful guidance and make the process a little clearer, rather than adding to any confusion.

Moderately Exciting Stuff The ADM 27 review is progressing. If you haven’t received an email from me, asking for your input, and you’d like to be involved, send me an email. I’m interested in understanding: • What information on the current ADM 27 do you use? • What information do you obtain from other sources that you think should be included on the ADM 27? • Do you make use of the ‘once a year’ ADM 27 or do you ask for a separate ADM 27 for activities? That’s all for this month.

Campfire Call Join us at Upcoming Events LYDIA MORRIS (SHE/HER) EVENT MANAGER EVENTS@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU

Another Great Guide Sleepover for the Memory Books! There’s something special about rolling out a sleeping bag, spending the night under the stars and sharing an adventure with your Guiding friends, and this year’s Great Guide Sleepover brought that much-loved Guiding tradition to life across Sydney, Dubbo and Darwin. There was dancing and fireworks overlooking Sydney Harbour, dusktime animal adventures at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, and wildlife encounters under the Territory skies. But the past part was the Guides and Leaders who came together for a weekend filled with friendship, fun and plenty of adventure. In Sydney and Dubbo, our Great Guide Sleepover community also threw its support behind the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater, raising an incredible $26,125 in Sydney and $4,848 in Dubbo for conservation efforts. 25

Darwin’s sleepover was particularly special as part of 100 years of Guiding in the Northern Territory. Guides explored Territory Wildlife Park, took on a scavenger hunt and cane toad hunt,

and even welcomed His Honour the Administrator and Ms Brosnan, who shared a special message from Her Majesty Queen Camilla congratulating Girl Guides Northern Territory on its centenary. While each sleepover always looks a little different, the spirit remains the same: Guides exploring together, making memories with friends and continuing a tradition of adventure that has been at the heart of Guiding for decades.

A huge thank you to the Leaders, volunteers, families, event teams, supporters and everyone behind

the scenes who made Great Guide Sleepover 2026 possible. From planning and fundraising to setting up, packing down and everything in between, your contribution helped create an experience our Guides will remember for years to come. And to every Guide who joined us: thank you for bringing the fun, friendship and adventurous spirit that makes the Great Guide Sleepover so special. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!

What’s Still to Come in 2026? There are still plenty of opportunities to learn, connect, celebrate and get outdoors before the year comes to a close. Here’s a snapshot of what’s coming up (don’t forget to check the ‘What’s On’ page regularly for the latest events, courses and registration information). Junior Leader Connect Session 20 September | Online | Junior Leaders aged 14–17 Connect with other Junior Leaders, share ideas and build your confidence as a young leader in Guiding. REGISTER HERE

Way To Go Hiking Training 24–25 October | Kui Kentlyn | Adult Members & Youth Members aged 12+ Ready to take your hiking adventures further? Build your expedition hiking knowledge and practical skills across a weekend of learning in the REGISTER HERE outdoors. Junior Leader Q&A Session 25 October | Online | Junior Leaders, Parents/Carers, Unit Leaders & Managers Got questions about the Junior Leader journey? Join us online to learn more about the program, understand what comes next and get your questions REGISTER HERE answered. Dolphin Day 31 October | Bayview Park, Concord | Pre-Junior & Junior Guides, Leaders, Unit Helpers & Junior Leaders Paddles at the ready! Our youngest Guides can hit the water for a day packed with canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, powerboats and plenty of fun. Dolphin Day Sunday is officially sold out – don’t wait to register and join in on the fun on REGISTER HERE Saturday!

State Guide Muster 2026—Off The Beaten Track Their adventure. Their choices. Their crew. Ready to help your Guides step off the well-worn path? State Guide Muster 2026 is calling Guides aged 10–13 to get curious, try something new and discover what they’re capable of. This isn’t a camp where everyone follows the same trail. They’ll choose their own adventure. Along the way, Guides will have opportunities to challenge themselves, build confidence, make new friends, try something different and discover strengths they didn’t know they had. Because Guiding is about more than following a map. It’s about building confident girls, strong leaders and communities where everyone belongs. And this time, we’re inviting you to help them find their way. Save the Date: State Guide Muster

2026 Off the Beaten Track

13–15 November 2026

Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures Guides | Ages 10–13

A change to registration

For Muster 2026, Unit Leaders will register first, from Thursday 24 September. Guide registrations will then open with Guides only able to register if their Unit Leader has already registered. Unit Leaders: this is your cue to lead the way. Start talking to your Unit about the adventure ahead and encouraging your Guides to get involved. Mark the date, rally Patrols, and get ready to register. The adventure starts here: girlguides-nswactnt.org.au/ Muster2026

Compliance at a glance Keeping our Members Safe & Compliant

CSCF Compliance

Role Compliance

Child Safe Child Friendly

For Leaders & Managers

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Two Parts of Compliance

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Checks, Training, & Financial status of membership

First Aid, CPR, Training, Qualifications, & Role Reviews

Check Compliance You

SiGs Supervisors in Guiding

Member Profile

Dashboards & Reports

Keep Your Profile Up to Date

Key Compliance Milestones

Camps & Events

Holding a Role

ALQP Qualifications

If not Compliant...

You’ll get reminders & warnings

Your profile gets marked as non-compliant

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

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 & VOLUNTEER SERVICES MANAGER HEIDI@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU

Name Badges Made Easy: Your Complete Ordering Guide What do they cost? $15. Shipping costs from $10 Price reduced when bulk orders placed. (5+ = $13.10 each, 10+ = $12.65 each). Who can order? District Manager can order for all District Members. Region Manager can order for any Members within their Region. Who can get a name badge? Any Adult Member Generic “Volunteer” name badges can be requested with District or Region name. What is the processing time? 32

Two (2) weeks from payment How do I place an order? For bulk orders, please use this spreadsheet template. Email all orders to rosemarie@ girlguides-nswactnt.org.au Adult formatting options: Format 1:

Guiding Name Full Name (Preferred Name & Last Name) Role Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT Format 2:

Full Name (Preferred Name & Last Name) Guiding Name Role Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT Format 3:

Full Name (Preferred Name & Last Name) Role District/Unit Name Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT

Example 1:

Brown Owl

Gigi Guide Unit Leader Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT Example 2:

Gigi Guide

Brown Owl District Manager Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT Example 3:

Gigi Guide

District Manager Surry Hills District Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT

Volunteer Formatting Options Format 4

Role Region/District Name Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT

Example 4:

Volunteer

Surry Hills District Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT

How Trefoil Guilds are recorded has changed—they’re back in the Regions Well, they’re visible to the Regions and Districts at least. We’ve made a small change to how Trefoil Guilds are recorded in our membership database, following feedback from Region Managers and Trefoil Guilds. Trefoil Guilds’ data have been added back into Regions, with the change endorsed by the State Commissioner. This gives Regions better visibility of their Trefoil Guilds and makes it easier 33

to connect, collaborate and celebrate Guiding together. What’s changed? Trefoil Guilds are now visible in the District Dashboard. Access to this information is limited to the people who need it for their role: State Trefoil Guild Advisor • Can access Trefoil Guild Member information across Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT. Region Team • Can view Trefoil Guild information within their Region. District Manager • Can view all Trefoil Guild information within their District. Trefoil Guild President and Secretary • Can view information for Trefoil Guild Members within their District to support their role, including managing compliance. What hasn’t changed? This update is about visibility and connection—not management structures. It does not change how Trefoil Guilds or Districts are managed, including reporting structures or financial arrangements. Youth Member information also remains protected and is not shared through this access. 34

Why the change? The aim is to bring Trefoil Guilds back into the Region structure so they can be more visible and connected to the wider Guiding community. Keeping Trefoil Guild information at District level provides District Managers with the visibility they need while ensuring Youth Member information remains separate. What does this mean for Trefoil Guilds? This change makes it easier to:

💙 Connect with your Region and

District Region and District Managers can more easily contact Trefoil Guilds about gatherings, ceremonies, events and other Guiding opportunities.

💙 Support Trefoil Guild leadership

Trefoil Guild Presidents and Secretaries can use the database information available to them to support their role, including keeping track of compliance.

💙 Strengthen the Guiding

community The State Trefoil Guild Advisor can now access Trefoil Guild Member information directly, making it easier to support and connect with Trefoil Guilds across NSW, ACT & NT. It’s a small database change, but an important step towards keeping Trefoil Guilds connected and visible across our Guiding community. 35

Planning for The Guiding Difference A quick briefing for Leaders and Managers What do girls really experience through Guiding? That’s what Girl Guides Australia wants to find out through The Guiding Difference—a new national initiative designed to better understand girls’ experiences and measure the impact Guiding has across Australia. Developed in partnership with Resilient Youth Australia, the survey will invite Guides aged 10–18 years to share their experiences of wellbeing, resilience, belonging, friendships, support networks and Guiding. The survey will be completed during Unit meetings between 26 October and 13 November 2026, so now is the time to start thinking about how it could fit into your Term 4 program.

The essentials Who? When? How long?

Girl Guides aged 10–18 years 26 October–13 November 2026 Approximately 10–15 minutes

How?

Online survey

Participation

Parent/carer opt-out

Survey access

Distributed from 12 October

How to make it work for your Unit The Guiding Difference has been designed to fit around your existing Unit program. There’s no need to dedicate an entire meeting to the survey. You could: • complete it during one Unit meeting; • spread it across two meetings; or • have Guides complete it at different points during the three-week survey period. You can incorporate the survey into your existing program, use the optional Guiding Difference activity resource, or run a dedicated survey activity—whatever works best for your Unit. The important thing is simply making space for eligible Guides to participate during the survey period. Think about your devices now The survey is online, so your Unit will need access to one or more internetconnected devices. This could be:

💻 a laptop; 📱 tablet; or 📱 mobile phone.

You don’t need one device per Guide. A single device may be enough, with Guides rotating through during the 37

meeting. As you plan your Term 4 program, have a quick think about what devices are available to your Unit and whether you’ll have reliable internet access. Where appropriate, and in line with your District’s device-use arrangements, Guides aged 14 years and over may also choose to complete the survey using their own mobile device. What if we don’t have enough devices? The survey is designed to be completed online, but a paper survey option is available for Units with limited access to suitable devices or internet connectivity. If your Unit expects to need paper surveys, please contact Girl Guides Australia at guides@girlguides.org.au by 12 October 2026 so materials can be prepared and distributed within the project timelines. Please include: • Unit name • State Girl Guides Organisation (Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT)

• estimated

number of participants aged 10–18 • Unit contact person

Completed paper surveys can be scanned to guides@girlguides.org. au or mailed to Girl Guides Australia, Suite 201, 55 Holt St, Surry Hills NSW

2010. Postage is at the Unit’s cost. Please aim to return paper surveys by 27 November 2026.

Communicating with Parents and carers A parent and carer information notice will be sent by Guide House during the week of 5 October. Promotional posters will also be available, so please put these up around your Unit when you receive them. The survey uses a parent/carer opt-out process. Parents and carers who do not want their child to participate should email their Unit Leader before Monday 26 October 2026, providing their child’s name and stating that they do not want them to participate in The Guiding Difference. If a Guide does not participate, they will continue with the normal Unit program or an alternate activity while the survey is being completed.

What Guides and families need to know Participation in The Guiding Difference is: • voluntary—a Guide can choose not to participate, skip questions or stop at any time; • anonymous/non-identified— responses will be analysed as a group; 39

• confidential—Unit Leaders will not see individual responses; and • short—it should take approximately 10–15 minutes.

Why it matters We see the difference Guiding makes in girls’ lives every week—but hearing directly from girls helps us understand that impact in their own words and experiences. The findings from The Guiding Difference will help Girl Guides Australia better understand girls’ experiences and inform future program development, strategic planning and advocacy. For Leaders, the most important thing you can do right now is simple: make a plan for how your Unit can participate.

Your Term 4 checklist Add The Guiding Difference to your Unit planning

⃣

⃣ Check your access to internetconnected devices

⃣ Consider whether your Unit needs paper surveys

⃣ Look out for the parent/carer

information and promotional materials from 5 October

⃣ Share information with Guides and families

⃣ Make space for the survey 40

between 26 October and 13 November

⃣ Keep an alternate activity

available for Guides who do not participate

Questions? For questions about The Guiding Difference or the parent/carer opt-out process, contact guides@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au.

131 laps, 23 Guides and $2,000 for Epilepsy ACT! What happens when you give 23 Junior Guides 60 minutes, an obstacle course, and a cause they’re passionate about? 131 laps and an incredible $2,000 raised for Epilepsy ACT! 3rd Tuggeranong Junior Guides recently took on their very own Obstacle-a-thon at Ninja Parc Fyshwick, challenging themselves to complete as many laps as possible in one hour.

From zip lines and climbing walls to moving obstacles and slippery steps, the girls threw themselves into the challenge, completing an impressive 131 laps in just 60 minutes and reaching their $2,000 fundraising goal. The girls chose to support Epilepsy ACT throughout 2026 as an ongoing service project, giving them the opportunity to learn more about the organisation and find different

ways to make an impact in their community. Their year of support began with a Purple Party and a visit from Epilepsy ACT CEO Fiona Allardyce in March. In June, the girls held a Purple Art Auction, raising $527, before taking their fundraising to new heights with September’s Obstacle-a-thon.

Hear from the Guides Georgia, 7 What was the best part of the Obstacle-a-thon? “The steps at the end because you have to jump on them and they are pretty slippery.” Why do you think fundraising is important and how have you helped Epilepsy ACT? “We helped by doing as many laps as we can. I feel like fundraising is important because if you 43

get epilepsy you can pay for the treatments.” Kiara, 9 What was the best part of the Obstacle-a-thon? “The zip line rope.” Why do you think fundraising is important and how have you helped Epilepsy ACT? “We’ve helped by raising money.” Ziya, 9 What was the best part of the Obstacle-a-thon? “The ninja obstacles and running laps with friends. The most challenging thing for me was to keep up the energy, but the lollies helped!” Why do you think fundraising is important and how have you helped Epilepsy ACT? “Fundraising is important to help people in our community who are in need. I am asking neighbours and friends for donations.” Libby, 9 What was the best part of the Obstacle-a-thon? “I really liked going through the cheese obstacles because they moved while you climbed along them and it was like climbing a rock wall. It was lots of fun doing the obstacle ninja challenge with my friends.” 44

Why do you think fundraising is important and how have you helped Epilepsy ACT? “I think fundraising is important so we can help people get the help they need. We’ve helped Epilepsy ACT by doing an obstacle-a-thon and an art auction. As a unit we’ve raised over $2000 and together we have made a big difference.”

Girls turning ideas into action 3rd Tuggeranong Junior Guides have shown just how much can happen when girls are given the opportunity to lead, contribute and take action in their community. And they’re not finished yet! While the Unit has reached its $2,000 Obstacle-a-thon goal, their donation page will remain open for the rest of September, giving the Guiding community an opportunity to help them take their fundraising even further. Support 3rd Tuggeranong Junior Guides and Epilepsy ACT: 45

DONATE HERE

ProShop: Your one-stop shop for Girl Guides branded products Need a new Hall Sign, banner or other Girl Guides branded product? ProShop makes it easy to order official Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT products online, whenever you need them. Launched in 2023 in partnership with VistaPrint, ProShop gives Regions, Districts, Guide Halls, campsites and other Girl Guides groups a simple way to order branded print and promotional products—without needing to wait for office hours.

Ready to shop? If you already have a ProShop account, you can jump straight in and browse the available products. Visit ProShop You’ll need to be logged in to place an order.

Need an invitation? If you’re setting up ProShop access for your District, Region, campsite, Guide Hall or another Girl Guides group, you can request a new invitation. Some accounts were originally set up using District Manager shared inboxes, such as YourDistrict@ girlguides-nswactnt.org.au. Those original invitations have now expired, but getting a new one is easy. 46

Request a new ProShop invitation The Digital, Marketing & Communication Team will send a new invitation to your nominated email address.

What can I order? ProShop includes a range of official Girl Guides branded products, including Hall Signs, banners and other print and promotional items. The range will continue to evolve based on what our Regions, Districts, Volunteers and teams need.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? If you’ve spotted a product on VistaPrint that isn’t currently available through ProShop, or you’re planning a bulk order, get in touch with the Digital, Marketing & Communication Team before placing your order. We can work with you to find the best solution.

Need help with an order? For questions about ProShop, including placing an order, order issues, or artwork and technical questions, the VistaPrint support team is available to help. VistaPrint Support 8am–8pm AEST, Monday–Friday Email: anzinternalcare@

vistaprintcorporate.com

Have an idea for a new product? If there’s something you’d love to see in ProShop—or you need a product with Girl Guides branding—let Jamie at Guide House know. Email Jamie New product requests will go through our standard approval process to make sure anything carrying the Girl Guides brand meets our requirements for quality, consistency and brand standards.

Your brand, made easy From the sign on your Guide Hall to the banner at your next event, ProShop is designed to make getting the right Girl Guides branded materials simple, accessible and selfservice. Already have an account? Visit ProShop Happy shopping!

If you have feedback, or wish to make a contribution, please send an email to communications@girlguidesnswactnt.org.au.

Guiding News A GIRL GUIDES NSW, ACT & NT NEWSLETTER