Building a Better Tomorrow, Today: Girl Guides' Leadership Transition

18 September 2024

Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT highlighed a pivotal leadership transition within the organisation in hosting a significant event to mark the handover of the State Commissioner role. The event, hosted in the Boardroom of Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT and streamed online, was viewed by scores of Members, Volunteers, and supporters, and was an opportunity for organisational reflection, introducing a new era of stewardship with a renewed strategic verve.

Left to right: Acting State Commissioner Sarah Neill OAM, State Commissioner Jo Tonon, Board Chair Sue Belling, Deputy State Commissioners Rachel Fife and Kirstyn Taylor

Reflections of a caretaker

Sarah Neill, the outgoing Acting State Commissioner, reflected on her tenure and expressed gratitude to the Girl Guides Members, Volunteers, Board, and staff for their support. Sarah also introduced the State Commissioner Elect, Jo Tonon, as the new State Commissioner, praising her as a strategic, forward-thinking leader who embodies the Girl Guides’ values of inclusivity, empowerment, and teamwork. Sarah handed over the role by welcoming Jo into her new responsibilities.

 A Guiding mission personified

Jo Tonon, the incoming State Commissioner, shared her personal connection to the Girl Guides, which began at the age of seven and continued for over 28 years. Jo emphasised that Girl Guides had shaped her values and fostered a sense of belonging, community, and purpose. Her speech centred around the empowerment of girls and young women, which remains the core mission of the organisation. 

Jo highlighted the importance of leadership in helping Members grow and achieve their potential, and she underscored her commitment to reversing the decline in membership by making Girl Guides irresistible to future generations.

Jo also introduced her Deputy State Commissioners, Kirstyn Taylor and Rachel Fife (pictured below), recognising their shared values, complementary skills, and strong friendship. Together, they are set to lead the organisation toward a bright future.

A roadmap for the future

Jo expressed her aspirations for Girl Guides to remain a vital community organisation, striving for membership growth and broader public recognition. She called for collective efforts from all Members, Volunteers, and Leaders to embrace leadership, inspire others, and continue the legacy of Girl Guides. Jo’s leadership vision centres on collaboration, shared learning, and fostering a strong, supportive community.

Endorsed direction

Sue Belling, Board Chair, representing the board, offered her congratulations to the incoming leadership team and thanked Sarah Neill for her dedication as Acting State Commissioner. Sue emphasised the challenges and opportunities the organisation faces, particularly in improving systems and growing membership. 

Sue concluded the event with a presentation of plants as a symbolic gift to the new leadership team, representing the continued growth of Girl Guides under their stewardship (pictured below).

The handover underscored the Girl Guides’ commitment to empowering girls and young women through leadership, community, and shared values, while addressing the importance of adapting and thriving in the future.

You can watch a recording of the State Commissioner Handover below.