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12 October 2023 |
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In this edition:
Financial Transformation Project
Jamboree 2025 Announcement and Call Out
Recent News
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This week and next you will receive further communications post the Town Hall information meeting that the Board held on Saturday last, where the refresh of the Strategic Plan was launched to Membership, and Members asked various questions regarding strategy, governance, and planning. Thank you to all who attended and participated. The Board and the Deputy State Commissioners and I very much value and recognise the high engagement of so many of our Members.
On Monday I travelled to Corowa in Twin Rivers Region where I paid my respects at the memorial service of Maryann Herbert who recently passed following a lengthy battle with cancer. Maryann served Guiding in several roles over her 35 years as an Adult Member, and most recently was the Region Manager of Twin Rivers – a role she finished with at the end of last year, following a three-year term, due to her health. Kerrey Williams, Deputy State Commissioner, and I worked very closely with Maryann in her Region Manager role where she was an important and valued part of our broader team. She will be very much missed. Her Guiding light will continue to shine a way forward for so many of us.
This week also marked Jewish New Year, the most important date on the Jewish calendar, and I wish everyone well who celebrates this holiday. Jewish New Year offers many Australians the chance to reflect on the year that was, and to be mindful of setting intentions for the year ahead.
On Friday, we also mark International Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Day – and an important opportunity to raise awareness and take action on food waste. Food waste is a global problem, and a major issue in Australia. Wasting food wastes everything. It also contributes significantly to global warming and climate change, and research shows the most impactful thing you can do as an individual to make a difference to climate is by fighting food waste and adopting practices at home, work, and in Guides to ‘Use It Up’ and save food, save money, and save the planet!
A key initiative our Sustainability Lead has been driving is the roll out of new waste solutions across campsites to support mindful waste management practices and the implementation of worm farms – inspiring composting practices and educating people to boost food literacy. All aligned with our Promise & Law where we promise to serve our communities and make choices for a better world. Climate change and the environment remains the number 1 issue for young people in Australia and for Girl Guides across the world. Educating on sustainability and food waste goes so far to demonstrating our relevancy today for girls and young women and empowering them to take action on the things that they care about most! |
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Financial Transformation Project (FTP) |
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A big thank you to the 71% of our 500+ Districts who have commenced the transition of District accounts onto the Financial Transformation Project (FTP). It’s an ambitious but necessary project that streamlines processes and ensures compliance at every step, positioning us at the forefront of contemporary Guiding practices, and giving you—the volunteers administering Guiding in the Districts—more time to spend on quality Guiding by alleviating administrative burden.
If you’re one of the 29% yet to commence transition or just want to find out more about what the FTP involves, talk to your Region Manager and read this Members update. |
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Jamboree 2025 Updates |
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Exciting news! Over the weekend, Sally Woodhouse and Cassie Talbot were appointed as Leaders in Charge for Jamboree 2025. On behalf of the Board, I am thrilled about this appointment and the challenge it provides Sally and Cassie. Sally is the current Outdoor Lead, and Cassie is the Young Women Lead, roles they were appointed to at the beginning of 2022 when the shift to State Leads came about, and they have provided valuable contributions in these roles. Cassie is under 30.
A successful planning weekend was held in the Newcastle area last weekend which brought together Members currently part of the Jamboree Event Leadership Team.
We are well underway with planning for Jamboree and it is full steam ahead! |
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Want to get involved? |
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Interested in living for the challenge and lending a hand to the Jamboree Event Leadership Team? All Adult Members are invited to apply now! There are many established teams that could benefit from YOUR help! Program, Risk, Hygiene, and Transport are just a few of the teams that require additional hands to make light work. I encourage you to throw your hat in the ring. Plus, we are open to receiving applicants from other State Girl Guiding Organisations! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with likeminded women on a hugely significant Guiding event for our nation. |
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Apply Now |
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Recent News |
In case you missed anything... |
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We realise there’s been a high volume of Member communications sent in recent weeks. While we try to limit the amount of emails sent to all our Members, it is sometimes imperative we contact you regarding key updates and changes – as with all Member organisations!
To make staying up to date easy, below is a snapshot of recent news and updates.
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Notice of meeting |
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Notice has been given of a General Meeting of the Girl Guides Association (New South Wales) which is to be held on Saturday 28 October 2023 commencing at 11.00am in person at the University of Technology Sydney. Read more. |
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Helen Storrow Seminar 2024 Volunteer Opportunities |
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WAGGGS is looking for young women aged 18-25 who are passionate about the environment to join Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from around the world for the 2024 Helen Storrow Seminar! Learn more. |
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International Day of the Girl: Youth Competition! |
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All Leaders are encouraged to pass on the details of our brand new IDG 2023 Youth Member Competition! Girls are asked to unleash their creativity and ask themselves, “How can I change the world?” Impressive WAGGGS prize packs are up for grabs! Competition details. |
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ProShop: Promotional Material on Demand |
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Our branded ProShop is an online print and promotional branded shop providing 24/7 self-serviceable material for Regions and Districts! Learn more. |
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Yours in Guiding,
Emily Milton Smith (She/Her)
State Commissioner
Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT
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