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In this edition:
2025 Jamboree
General Meetings
Appointments
Saluting their Service Challenge
Values Framework
State Roles Expression of Interest
Juliette Low Seminar News
Upcoming Events
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Dear all,
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This weekend I am looking forward to joining a special Flying Camp in Narromine (west of Dubbo) led by Michelle O’Hare. What a wonderful initiative to provide a unique opportunity to our Members and inspire girls to take to the skies! In Guiding, we dream big and there are so many ways to look wide and look wider still. Have you considered this adventurous activity?
An exciting nationally coordinated membership recruitment campaign will launch soon, building on the successes of our state campaigns last year and prior. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!
With May just around the corner, and National Volunteer Week zooming up, you’ll hear more details soon about changes in our role review process and people strategy – focussing more on recognising the incredible work our Volunteers do, celebrating your achievements, focussing on your self-development and supporting you in your roles. May will be a time for us to concentrate on this work and I invite each of you to think about how you can connect with your teams (the people you lead, and the people who are your leaders).
Lastly, Share the Dignity has launched the Big Bloody Survey and you are invited to share your experience with periods! Your voice will help shape Share the Dignity’s advocacy as they work to ensure menstrual equity. Follow the link here.
In the last two years, our SGGO has contributed to period poverty advocacy with the voices of our Youth Advisory Committee front and centre. We were pleased to see the changes in ACT legislation to provide free period products and help reduce barriers to access. The ACT Government consulted with us on the bill prior to it becoming law. Did you know the ACT is now only the second jurisdiction in the world to enshrine free period products in law?
WAGGGS has published several menstrual hygiene and period resources available here, if you or others are interested in learning more and taking action on period poverty. |
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Jamboree 2025 Announcement Coming Soon... |
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The next Australian Jamboree for Guiding will be held in Northern NSW from 28 September until 5 October, 2025. Between now and my next newsletter the location and theme will be announced across social media and to those who have eagerly subscribed to the mailing list at 2025Jamboree.com.au! Can you decode the hint below to guess the theme? You’ll get the answer to that question very soon… |
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General Meetings |
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At the Annual General Meeting of our organisation on 2 March this year a motion was resolved to defer the proposed vote on amendments to our Constitution until a to be determined date in May. That date has now been determined. A Board called General Meeting (GM) is being held on 19 May where the results of the Constitutional Changes Vote will be announced and the 2023 Financial and Annual Reports will be presented. This GM may be attended in person or virtually over Zoom.
A Member called General Meeting will be held virtually on Thursday 23 May.
Notices of Meeting have been sent to Adult Members and Trefoil Guild Members over email. You can also view these notices in My GuideBook for 19 May and 23 May.
RSVPS are being taken through the event pages of our website.
View them here:
GM 19 May Event Webpage | GM 23 May Event Webpage |
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I am delighted to announce, congratulate and welcome several Members to new roles. Bravo all!
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Emily Logan - National Coordinator, Olave |
In this national role, Emily will coordinate and support the growth of the Olave Program and the participation of young women. |
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Assistant Region Manager Appointments |
The following Members have been appointed as Assistant Region Managers:
Race Barstow and Natalie Lane in Coastal Valleys Region
Sam Ashmore in Northern Territory Region
Stephanie Dilger in Greater Rivers Region
I know their impact in these roles will be extensive, and I look forward to seeing all the tremendous contributions. |
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Saluting their Service Challenge 2024 |
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The Saluting Their Service challenge for 2024 is available for all Girl Guiding members within Australia - both Youth and Adult members. The theme for this year’s challenge is ‘Animals in War’.
A copy of the syllabus is available on the Girl Guides Australia website. The 2023 Saluting Their Service badges and pins are available through Girl Guide Retail Outlets. |
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Message from the National Values Framework Working Group, an initiative sponsored and co-chaired by our SGGO: |
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In term 4 2023 and term 1 2024, Youth and Adult Members, Guiding staff and Parents from around Australia participated in either youth consultation activities or the Value Survey, providing valuable feedback on what values are important to Guiding. We appreciate the time and effort that has gone into providing your thoughtful replies and comments. These will all help inform the successful outcomes of this project and we value your input!
Thank all particularly to those who ran our Youth Consultation activities with your Units - ensuring that Girl Guiding remains girl led.
The Values Working Group is currently working through all the data and responses. Responses were received from across each State and Territory and across all key Guiding groups and demographics. As a sneak peak, it has been lovely to see how the responses from girls are similar to those of our Adult Members, Trefoil Guild Members, Guiding families, Volunteers and staff.
Our new Values Framework will support identifying who we are, particularly for all of the wonderful people involved in Australian Guiding who may not make the Girl Guide Promise. These values will intertwine with the existing Girl Guide Promise and Law. They will strengthen our Guiding culture and enable all who participate in Girl Guiding to be their authentic self, no matter their role or responsibility. In addition, the values will support current and future work on partnerships with other organisations, corporate groups and individuals and ensure the Girl Guide Promise and Law are central to our Guiding future.
Stay tuned for further information when the Values Framework is launched later in 2024!
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State Roles - Expressions of Interest |
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Interested in your next challenge? Apply now to make a positive impact in 2024!
The following roles are open for EOIs:
• Outdoor Lead
• Outdoor Training Coordinator
• Young Women Lead
• Tertiary Engagement & Student Volunteering Lead
• Culturally and Racially Marginalised (CARM) Inclusion Lead
• Sustainability Coordinator x2
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Read more about the positions and submit your EOIs here. |
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Juliette Low Seminar News |
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Six Members of Guiding in Australia have been selected to participate in the 2024 Juliette Low Seminar, an inter-cultural, inspirational and international experience that builds border-spanning friendships and empowers young women to step out of their comfort zones. Read about the two Member participants from our State Girl Guides Organisation and their Australian Sisters in Guiding here.
Congratulations Ashleigh Hansen and Isabella Metcalfe from our SGGO. |
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Upcoming Events |
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Accidental Counsellor |
Adults 18+ | 11 May | Yarralumla ACT 2600 |
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With better mental health literacy and support skills, we can be equipped to assist those who may be having a difficult time. Upskill your support skills with the Accidental Counsellor mental health training.
Available to anyone 18+ (Including non-Members)
Read more and register here. |
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Archery Qualifications Training |
Adult Members | 18 May | Mittagong NSW 2575 |
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Learn to aim and inspire at the Archery Qualification Training! This practical training will equip you with the necessary skills to supervise archery activities with your Guide Unit.
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Read more and register here. |
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Olave Cook-Off & Campfire Weekend |
Olaves & Senior Guides | 31 May | Mt Keira NSW 2500 |
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Experience a thrilling weekend packed with exciting cooking challenges that will put your outdoor culinary skills to the test! Senior Guides are welcome to join in on the fun on Saturday, 1 June, from 9am - 3pm! |
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Read more and register here. |
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Gratefully yours,
Emily Milton Smith (She/Her)
State Commissioner
Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT
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