Jo Tonon Gearing up for Growth in Guiding with appointment as State Commissioner Elect

14 August 2024

Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT has appointed Jo Tonon as State Commissioner Elect. Jo will become the 22nd State Commissioner of Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT at an official handover ceremony later this month. This appointment adds to a very long list of accolades of this multifaceted professional with a rich background in education, community leadership, and environmental management. 

Residing with her family near Branxton in the Hunter Valley, Jo has dedicated 30 years to the Rural Fire Service and holds a deep passion for the outdoors. Her journey with Girl Guides began at age seven and continued into adulthood with 28 years as an Adult Member, where Jo has held various leadership roles, including Region Outdoor Coordinator and Learning and Development Facilitator. A Special Education teacher by profession, Jo also manages a biodiversity property and a small retail business with her husband. She values kindness, courage, and honesty, and is driven by a love for travel and continuous learning.

The opportunity to work alongside so many incredible and amazing women fills me with so much excitement to be able to bring the Australian Guide Program to girls and young women of New South Wales and the Australian Capital and Northern Territories,” said Jo of her new appointment.

The role of State Commissioner is an initial appointment of three years and can be extended for a further two years if mutually agreed between the incumbent and the Association's Board of Directors. 

As State Commissioner Jo will oversee the transformation of Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT into an organisation that thrives in a rapidly changing world in order to grow Guiding and empower girls and young women to grow their potential as leaders of their world for many years to come.