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In this edition:
Outdoor Lead and Young Women Lead
2024 Events Calendar
Launching Our Values Survey
Board Director Nominations
Your 2024 Story
Cash's Back to School Fundraiser
GGA's 2023 Recap
World Thinking Day
Annual General Meeting
Australia Day Honours |
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Celebrating Diversity and Unity in Guiding - Welcome to 2024!
As we embark on a new year of adventure in Guiding, thank you for your dedication and positive impact in shaping the lives of girls and young women.
In 2023, we aimed to elevate our efforts, increase relevance, and foster a stronger, more inclusive community.
Guiding, led by girls, embraces diverse program activities reflecting the rich tapestry of the Australian community. This summer, amidst various celebrations, we emphasise unity, goodwill, and the opportunity to reach more communities.
Looking ahead to 2024, the focus is on expanding outreach and positioning Girl Guiding as a vital element in community cohesion. Let's ensure Guiding adapts to meet the evolving needs of current and emerging generations.
Thank you for your invaluable contributions. May the coming year bring new opportunities, renewed hope, and a shared purpose for a brighter future.
Happy New Year!
I also wanted to acknowledge the mixed community sentiment surrounding the public holiday this week and reaffirm the position of Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT as one firmly grounded in the principles of reconciliation and justice.
While I hope the day will be a chance to celebrate the impact our Guiding community makes at various award ceremonies with the focus on citizenship, I am conscious of the pain and heartache Friday will bring for many. Not just for First Nations communities, but for the many who stood firm for justice and recognition.
The Story of Australia is a complicated and complex one – histories always are, and the impact of histories live on in the lives of people today. We are shaped by the stories of our past, but we can also shape the future through the stories we tell about who we are and who we want to be.
Reflect. Respect. Celebrate. |
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State Leads + State Team Recruitment Announcements |
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Over the next month there will be some updates to the State Leads and the broader State Team with transitions in roles and new opportunities available for Members to put up their hand.
Sally Woodhouse and Cassie Talbot have completed their terms as Outdoor Lead and Young Women Lead on 20 January 2023. On behalf of the State Commissioner Team, we share our deep gratitude for Sally and Cassie’s outstanding service. As they conclude their Lead roles, Sally and Cassie are now gearing up for their next adventure as Joint Jamboree Leaders in Charge for the 2025 Jamboree.
New Opportunities
Young Women Lead + Outdoor Lead
With Sally and Cassie’s terms ended we are now calling for expressions of interest (EOIs) from suitable candidates. If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, please get in contact with Shaylah McClymont, Deputy State Commissioner at [email protected]
Submit your EOI to Michelle Duncan, Executive Assistant by Wednesday 7 February 10pm at [email protected].
Sustainability Coordinators
The search is on for 2 amazing people to join Janice Johnstone, Sustainability Lead, as Sustainability Coordinators! Are you passionate about inspiring Members to learn more and take action for a better world? Interested in supporting the incredible initiatives Janice is leading? Join the team now as a Sustainability Coordinator to help drive the sustainability strategy forward!
Submit your EOI to Janice directly by Wednesday 7 Feb 10pm at [email protected].
More opportunities will be advertised in the next newsletter edition and on the opportunities page on our website – stay tuned! |
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2024 Guiding Events Calendar |
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In case you missed it–our 2024 Guiding calendar is live! This includes the full list of State events and courses. Get excited and start looking at what events you will attend or, if you are a Leader, the opportunities available for your Unit!
Please note that specific details for each event will be added to each webpage once finalised. Look at the calendar now and save the dates for your most preferred events! You can also head to our website to check out the 2024 Course Calendar! |
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Visit the 2024 Events Calendar |
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Launching Our Values Survey |
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As you are aware, we are in the middle of an exciting Values project being run across Guiding Australia. For the first time in our history, we are running a series of consultations to identify a set of national Values for our organisation, surveying Youth and Adult Members, staff, Volunteers and Guiding families across all States and Territories.
As part of our Adult Consultation, we would like to invite you to complete a short online survey.
The survey is quick, and only open for a short period, so get in fast!
Read more about the Values Survey. |
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Board Director Nominations |
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Think about what you can contribute to the strategic direction and future of our organisation. Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT is dedicated to providing contemporary and respected corporate governance and leadership. Committed to securing and maintaining a skilled and balanced Board to represent its Members and their interests, applications are currently being sought from suitably qualified and eligible Members who wish to be considered for election as a Director to the Board. What choices for a better world can you contribute to shaping a brighter future for Girl Guides?
Nominate by 5pm, Monday, 29 January 2024.
Nominate here.
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Your 2024 Story |
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You may have seen across our social channels (and Region and Unit social channels, too) – that we have launched an exciting new recruitment campaign initiative! The campaign is called ‘Your 2024 Story’, and it is precisely what it sounds like – a recruitment effort for both Youth Members and Adult Members that encourages Guiding as an outlet for creativity, self-expression and community in 2024. If you remember our ‘We Need You’ campaign last year, this campaign runs in a similar way.
A handful of valuable materials have also been made for use outside of Unit and Regional social channels, including flyers, banners, email signatures, and so much more! Make sure you check it out, and if you haven’t gotten involved yet – it's never too late to start. 2024 is your story to write, and we need all hands on deck!
Access the Your 2024 Story material. |
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Cash's Fundraiser - Back to School |
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With school just around the corner, it's time to think about back-to-school preparation. Perhaps your daughter needs a new lunch box or water bottle? Why not support your local Guiding District in the process?
You can select your item, choose a design, and then add a name. By buying one of these products, you will be supporting Girl Guides in your local community – don't forget to add your local District's code! Proceeds go straight back to local Girl Guides and all funds across NSW, ACT & NT stays in NSW, ACT & NT. |
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Shop here |
Look up your District's code |
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Girl Guides Australia's 2023 Recap |
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In case you missed it, Girl Guides Australia sent out an email to all Members across all SGGOs, highlighting the myriad of outstanding events, achievements, and memorable moments of 2023. From the Kani-Kurrung Jamboree in January, to the 'I Go Places' Awareness campaign in October, 2023 truly stood out as a remarkable and unforgettable year. You can view the email, and take a moment to celebrate the fabulous year that was, by clicking here. |
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World Thinking Day |
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Our global Guiding community celebrates World Thinking Day on 22 February every year. A day to reflect on friendship and the bonds that bind us as a movement. If you’re new to Guiding, tap here to learn about the history and purpose of this special day. 2024’s Our World, Our Thriving Future is the final in a three-year celebratory theme that has put girls and young women at the centre of gender equality and climate change.
Explore how we can support a more environmentally sustainable world with WAGGGS’ Our World, Our Thriving Future activity pack.
Download our template letters for school or work that explain a bit about the day and request permission to wear Guide Uniform to work or school on 22 February. It’s a great conversation starter!
World Thinking Day Fund Donations
A tradition since 1932, the World Thinking Day Fund collects ‘pennies and coins’ from Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all around the world,. All donations help fund WAGGGS activities to support fellow Guides and Scouts and are used where the need is greatest in our global Movement. |
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Annual General Meeting |
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The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Girl Guides Association (New South Wales) has been brought forward to the earliest practical date in 2024. You’ll see a mixture of names on documents and Five Elected Director positions on the Board will be filled. Start time is 2pm ADST, 12.30pm ACST, and Members may attend in person at UTS, a short walk from Guide House, or online via zoom. RSVP to attend or submit an apology for the AGM online. |
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Australia Day Honours |
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If someone from your District receives special recognition this Australia Day, making the Honours list, named citizen of the year, or honoured in any way, we want to hear about it! If you hear of someone tag @girlguidesnswactnt on social media or let Guide house (and me) know be emailing [email protected]. |
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Gratefully yours,
Emily Milton Smith (She/Her)
State Commissioner
Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT
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Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians and Owners of the lands on which our office, Guide Halls and properties are located and where we deliver and promote Guiding. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present. Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT celebrates the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ and their unique and ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to the land, waters and seas of NSW, ACT & NT. |
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