Youth Advisory Committee

The Youth Advisory Committee is a chance for girls to shape Guiding now and in the future. 

The Committee is open to girls aged 12-21 who are passionate about making Girl Guides a truly ‘Girl-Led’ organisation. One where girls get to advocate, collaborate and consult on projects and events, and one which listens to youth voices to really make a difference.

Meet the current Youth Advisory Committee Members below and learn their journey as part of the Committee.

The Expression of Interest window is now closed. More information to follow.

Meet the 2021 Youth Advisory Committee


Anneliese Rothe

Central West Region 
Young Opal Guides

I have really enjoyed being the YAC secretary for 2021. It has helped me develop time management and leadership skills and I have also had a lot of fun while doing it. It was a great experience and it felt good to feel like I was actually helping to make a positive change in Guiding in our state. We got to bring attention to the issues that we were passionate about and everyone got to have a say. 


Brooke Young

Greater Rivers Region
Warrimoo Odyssey Senior Guides

I am the Chairperson for the Youth Advisory Committee. I've been a Guide for 11 years now, and the reason I joined the YAC is because I am super passionate about young people have a direct voice in matters that affect them. An added bonus that I've found during this year of the YAC is meeting all the beautiful people on the Committee, and being able to hear their unique viewpoints and experiences! 


Elizabeth Butcherine

Central West Region 
Dubbo Koala Guides 

I'm Elizabeth, or Liz. I enjoy rock climbing, playing clarinet and hanging out with friends. I joined the YAC because I wanted girls to be able to get the best out of Guides, and do what they love too. 



Morgan Clyne

Coastal Valleys
Maitland-Rutherford District 

My name is Morgan and I am the vice-chairperson of the Youth Advisory Committee! I really loved being able to contribute to making guides a more inclusive and well-rounded place for young people, bringing my own ideas to the table to collaborate with the other awesome committee members to see real change happening in this organization I am so proud to be a part of! Now, don't let the title scare you - we're actually just a bunch of young women who sit around and have a pretty chilled-out chat, no prior experience necessary! 


Melinda Henderson

Northern Territory Region
Darwin Phoenix Senior Guides

My name is Melinda, I am from the Northern Territory and are a member of the Youth Advisory Committee. The most enjoyable thing about being a part of the YAC was sharing my experiences about Guiding in the Territory and learning about guiding as a bigger picture. I also enjoyed seeing and comparing the differences of Guiding in the NT, NSW, and ACT, and realising it's the similarities that bring us all together. 


Natalie Neshev 

ACT & SE NSW Region
Gungahlin Senior Guides

My name is Natalie, and I am a senior guide in the ACT. I have been a guide member for the past 11 years and am now a member of the Youth Advisory Committee. I believe that the YAC is a fantastic opportunity for all guides, as it provides us a means to speak up about the things we are passionate about, and create a more comforting and welcoming environment for other guides. Moreover, it allows us to connect and share experiences with guides from all over NSW, ACT and NT, an aspect that I have particularly loved and just one of the many reasons I would recommend the YAC to other youth members.
 
  

What's Involved 

The role of this Committee is to enable meaningful youth participation in governance and decision making processes and provide youth voice on matters that concern girls and young women. This includes providing strategic direction on improving youth outcomes and the youth member experience.

Term

The Committee Members will be appointed for 1 years and appointments are renewable for a maximum 6 consecutive years with the exception of Committee Members appointed to the Committee by cause of their Office.

Eligibility

To be eligible to be appointed to this Committee there are two conditions:
1. Must be a Member of Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT at time of appointment and for the duration of term
2. Must be aged between 12-21 years of age at time of appointment with the exception of Committee Members appointed to the Committee by cause of their office. 

Meetings 

● The Committee shall hold  regular meetings  in  order  to  fulfil  its  objective, duties and responsibilities.
● Meetings may be virtual, face to face or a combination, and can be held, as required, at a time and location convenient to Committee Members.
● Recommended meeting frequency is quarterly. 

Roles & Responsibilities

● Provide youth insight and advise on the strategic direction of Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT. This will include observations on youth needs/youth issues, emerging trends, policy, strategy development, impact evaluation, education, partnership and collaboration opportunities, and brand management and communication. 
● Advocate for and encourage the implementation of youth representation and meaningful youth participation on Committees and working groups, including specifically for events. 
● Provide ideas for initiatives which can improve the Member experience including the recruitment and retention of Members, with particular regard to girls and young women. 
● Consult on projects and activities run by Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT, and other stakeholders as appropriate. 
● Cause to conduct forums and consultations to engage the broader youth membership in decision making. 
● Advise on opportunities to enhance the delivery and relevancy of the AGP, this includes advising on implementation of relevant global initiatives that align with the Mission. 

Questions?

Reach out to Cassie Talbot, State Youth Leadership Development Liaison via [email protected] for any specific questions you have.
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