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In this edition:
Anzac Day FAQs
Saluting their Service Challenge
Awards Committee EOI
Admin Update
Lark in the Park Registrations Open
SoundSisters
Regatta Wrap Up
What's On?
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Dear all,
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It is a deeply spiritual time for many in our community and I would like to acknowledge these celebrations. Some of us are celebrating Ramadan, or the festival of Holi, or the festival of Purim, or Easter, or simply enjoying some time with family and friends afforded to us by upcoming public holidays. We may have different festivals, but we are united by our humanity.
This season serves as a canvas upon which we paint the colours of various customs and traditions, weaving a tapestry of unity, threaded with the values of peace, resilience, and togetherness.
Earlier this month we embraced the theme of "Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress." set by UN Women for International Women's Day 2024, we recognize the pivotal role of empowering women in shaping a more equitable world.
Girl Guides exemplifies this ethos, nurturing changemakers who embody leadership and empowerment. As we honour the contributions of women, let us renew our dedication to fostering environments where every individual can thrive and lead.
Happy holidays from all of us at Girl Guides, as we continue our journey towards a future filled with limitless possibilities for all. |
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Wearing medals in Guide Uniform on Anzac Day |
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The Australian Government Department of Defence advice to family members of a deceased recipient is that when worn by others, medals are worn on the right side to show that the wearer is not the original recipient.
When a Guide is in uniform, if no sash is worn, medals are worn in a horizontal line on the right side, in line with the Girl Guides Australia (GGA) logo.
If a girl is wearing a sash, medals should be worn in a horizontal line across the sash, in line with the GGA logo.
Leaders/parents should consider pinning/fixing the sash under the collar to prevent the weight of the medals shifting the sash.
If you see a fellow Adult Member with their medals on the left, don't race to correct them—they may have served themselves! |
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Is it Anzac or ANZAC? |
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The word ‘Anzac’ has a unique place within Australian culture. To stop the misuse of the word ‘Anzac’, a set of regulations (Protection of Word 'Anzac' Regulations 1921 (Cth)) was put in place to ensure this important word is treated with respect and dignity. We hear and see debated whether the word should be all capitals or not, especially around this time of year.
There is no rule or law that indicates how the word ‘Anzac’ should be capitalised. At Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT we follow the Department of Veterans’ Affairs example, and only use ‘ANZAC’ when referencing the Corps itself and uses ‘Anzac’ in all other circumstances; so when we talk about Anzac Day marches, Anzac biscuits, service activities, and the wearing of a family member’s medals, we use Anzac. |
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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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Call for Expressions of Interest: State Awards Committee Positions |
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We are pleased to announce that there are currently two positions available on the State Awards Committee. As an organisation committed to inclusivity and diversity, we welcome expressions of interest from individuals of all age groups and backgrounds and strongly encourage Members under 30 years of age to apply.
We invite interested Members to submit their expressions of interest to Marg Rudwick, the Chair of the Awards Committee, at [email protected]. |
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Update to Certificate of Currency |
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The Primary Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency for Guiding in Australia has recently been updated to include jurisdictional and geographical scopes. The policy number and 30 June 2024 expiry date remain the same. The latest version can be downloaded from the Running Your Unit page in My GuideBook, accessible with your login details for our website.
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It's time to Lark in the Park! |
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One of our most anticipated events of the year is back, It’s time to Lark in the Park!
Early bird registrations are now open for Pre-Junior, Junior, Junior Leaders and Adult Members (Discount closes on Sunday, 7 April at 11.59pm).
Join us for a day (or two) at Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands for a day of outdoor discovery, friendship and wonder!
Find out more about the exciting activities here.
Purchase tickets here. |
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SoundSisters |
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You may have seen the latest buzz on our social pages... We are thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting new initiative for all Guides to get involved!
Introducing SoundSisters, the official mixtape for Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT! We’re calling on girls and their Units to unleash their creativity and compile a selection of tunes that ignite feelings of excitement, empowerment, and readiness for adventure.
The songs will find a home on our dynamic Spotify playlist, where it will be used at state Guiding events like Lark in the Park and the Great Guide Sleepover. However, we encourage you to listen along whenever you fancy a dance party!
Sounds of all genres, and all artists are welcome (as long as they are appropriate!)
Submit your songs here.
Listen to the SoundSisters mixtape here.
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Regatta 2024 Recap |
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Two weekends ago, girls and Volunteers across all Regions travelled to Myuna Bay for an unforgettable weekend of incredible fun and adventure! Competitive spirits were high as the girls set out in their various water races, including kayaking, boating, and sailing. There were also nightly campfires, rock climbing, and so many creative costumes that have created cherished memories for all at Regatta 2024.
Thank you to the Regatta Leadership Team, who organised this year’s event; your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. The fun that the girls experienced across the weekend is a true testament to all your hard work and dedication. Bravo!
Read this year’s Regatta recap and upload your photos here!
Check out our Regatta Insta post! |
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What's On? |
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From State events, to amazing courses, you will always have something to look forward to at Guides. For those looking for adventure, our What’s On webpage is a fantastic place to start. Here you can find all the relevant information about upcoming Events and Courses all in one spot! |
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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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