As we all move into school holidays and look to take a well-deserved break I do hope that you get the opportunity to share time with friends and family. We often take for granted the little things that bring us so much joy and this year we have certainly been reminded of how precious our social connections are.
I know I share this sentiment regularly with you all, but it doesn't mean it is any less heartfelt. I continue to be in awe of the way every single volunteer within NSW, ACT & NT has pulled together to continue to offer Guiding this year. We have faced so many challenges and proven, once again, how we are able to adapt and move quickly to ensure Guiding is able to provide fun and friendship for our girls. It has been so wonderful to see how Leaders and Managers have worked together to support each other by sharing and assisting in the delivery of both online and socially distanced Guiding.
BRAVOOO!!!
Tech Savvy Expressions of Interest
As we continue to ramp up the online delivery of Guiding, we are on the lookout for some volunteers who are, as they say, 'tech savvy'.
We are currently using the Zoom platform to bring in our trainee Leaders (and very soon trainee Managers) and we are inviting anyone with some skills in managing Zoom to help out, either as a one-off or more regularly.
Tech support for our Trainers will support them to focus on delivering the best possible training experience to the trainees in the room. Trainings are currently held on a Saturday or Sunday and would require your involvement for a bit over half a day. We would of course ask you to make a bit of time available before the training so we can provide you with all you need to assist in making sure the training is delivered smoothly.
If you would like to put your hand up, please email
[email protected].
Lark in the Park
Lark In The Park, our second virtual State Event this year, is on this weekend. How exciting for everyone who has registered. We will have over 450 girls taking part in a great afternoon of activities, some run by Guides and some run by our friends at Centennial Park.
This has also been a fantastic opportunity for our girls to 'bring a friend' to introduce them to Guides, and we have about 50 friends joining us. As always an event does not just happen, it takes a willing and committed team to bring it about and on behalf of us all I thank the entire team who have given all of these girls a chance to come to Lark In The Park in 2020.
Association Award Ceremony
Congratulations to each of the Queen's Guide, Olave Baden-Powell, and Commonwealth Awardees who are being recognised in a very special virtual ceremony tomorrow, hosted by Her Excellency Margaret Beasley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales, and Mr Dennis Wilson in what promises to be a wonderful celebration of the achievements of these girls and young women. Each of the awardees has challenged themselves and are to be especially commended for completing their Awards this year.
Payments by Cheque
Earlier this year it was announced that the Association will no longer be accepting cheques as payments for membership. As we near the end of the three month grace period (1 October) I would like to remind you all that the easiest way to pay is online through
My GuideBook or by clicking or tapping the link in the renewal email that you are sent when it is time to renew.
Guide Uniforms
The COVID pandemic has affected every aspect of Guiding, and that includes the chain of people and processes that affects our uniform deliveries. Many of our uniform items are showing as not available in our online Guide Shop, which means just that—we’re out of stock. Guide House has received increasing levels of calls to see if items are in stock, and unfortunately the answer is no. I do have good news however, and that is that we are expecting to take delivery of uniforms starting mid to late October, and rest assured we’ve ordered plenty. Once uniforms are back in stock The Guide Shop will let everyone know via the Girl Guides Facebook page and over emails.
Handbook Survey Reminder
Last week you will have seen the survey from GGA regarding the review of the usage of handbooks in the Units. Thanks to those who have provided feedback, if you haven't yet been able to do so I have included the information and link for you to join in and answer the few simple questions enclosed.
Girl Guides Australia are currently reviewing Guide Handbook usage across Guiding in Australia. Below is a link to a survey which will take approximately 2 minutes to complete and will give insight into how Guide Handbooks are currently used at a Unit level.
This survey is to be completed by Friday, 2 October, so please
click or tap here to participate.