Board Director Election 2024

Adult members of Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT are eligible to have their say in who leads their Association. Careful consideration of candidates and casting a vote is important to ensuring viability, and continued success, for Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT.

In 2024, up to five (5) Directors are to be elected for a term of three (3) years. At least one nominee elected to the Board must be an Adult Member under 30 years of age. Candidates under 30 years of age are marked with an infintiy symbol (∞) next to their name. 

To cast your vote, you may select up to five (5) candidates you wish to see fill the available Board Director vacancies. Each Adult Member may exercise up to one (1) vote for the candidate/s they would like to be elected as a Director to the Board. You may vote for less than five (5) candidates. If a position on the Board is not filled by election, the vacancy may be filled as a casual vacancy by appointment. Please note if you vote for more than five (5) candidates your vote is rendered invalid. 

Our Constitution deems a vote is only valid if received by the Chief Executive Officer at least 48 hours before the Annual General Meeting. 

Votes must be received at the offices of Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT, Level 2, Suite 202, 55 Holt Street, Surry Hills 2010 by 2pm, Thursday 29 February 2024.

CAST YOUR VOTE

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Belinda Allen

I would be honoured to serve the membership of GGN as an elected Board Member. I bring extensive experience and expertise from 35 years volunteering as an Adult member ofGGN in many Leadership roles - at the community level, Leader of Youth and Adults, Region

roles, State roles- State Commissioner, six years Director, National roles including 5 years Director, and WAGGGS roles. As well as experience from volunteering with other NFPs and 28 years of experience in Executive Search.

Growing Membership is complex and important in our changing world. It is vital to support our volunteers and listen to their concerns and practical solutions as they facilitate the delivery of Guiding in their communities. As a team player, with good communication skills, it
is important to engage with our volunteer management teams to look for reasonable and practical solutions in line with our strategic objectives.

I would like to be part of the Board that helps to reunite our Guiding community so everyone is valued and respected. Supporting all girls to thrive to be leaders in their lives and community. The 'Girl' is always central to my decision making.
 

Please tap the button below for more information, including Candidate Name's full Nomination Form including skills and experience and supporting statement from a nominee. 


  Download Belinda Allen's full Nomination Form   

Susan Belling

I have been heavily involved in all facets of Guiding leadership and management in my adult life. Having lived in both regional and metropolitan areas, I’ve seen the impact quality Guiding provides for all Members. I have previously trained and currently mentor new Managers and Leaders and understand the impact of policy and technological change on our Volunteers. I have been at the face of transformational change in my professional career, and as an Adult Member in Guiding, I have a sound track record of leadership and collaboration and can provide a sounded sounding board for strategic change in the organisation. I also have the skills for detailed analysis, the delivery of programs, and change management. Having previously been involved in strategic decisions and change on the State Team and as a precious Director, I have a sound understanding of the challenges to steer the organisation to an improved outcome for every Member. Our Youth members need quality programs and our Adult Members require the right tools and resources to continue to deliver exceptional programs for the Leaders of the future. We must value and acknowledge our membership base to ensure our future as an organisation.

 


 
 
Please tap the button below for more information, including Susan Belling’s full Nomination Form including skills and experience and supporting statement from a nominee. 


  Download Susan Belling’s full Nomination Form    

Prue Carpenter

I have held a variety of roles in Guiding over 35 years, firstly as a Leader of Youth and thereafter in managerial roles including but not limited to State Commissioner. I am passionate about education for girls and life long learning. This led me to being a Director on the Board of a large Anglican School for Girls. The importance of a strong education for women compliments my passion for Guiding and service. I have initiated and overseen marked changes in Guiding involving structure, management, training, property and culture. With hard work and dedication I was able to lead the Board of GG NSW & ACT to make tough strategic decisions. 

The face of volunteering across Australia has changed enormously over the past decade. I have solid experience from my role as GGA Volunteer Services Manager in this area. Many legal requirements for volunteers were introduced and the volunteer became responsible for their actions. These changes are still being adapted today and I believe we must continue working towards making the Guiding Volunteer Experience truly desired by women today. 

With excellent governance and strategic planning skills I look to assisting in securing GGN's future.  

Please tap the button below for more information, including Candidate Name's full Nomination Form including skills and experience and supporting statement from a nominee. 


  Download Prue Carpenter's full Nomination Form   

Anna Cook

I have been a member of Girl Guides since re-joining as an adult in 2011. I have held several support and directional roles. including almost 5 years as Assistant Region Manager for the ACT & SE NSW Region where I was recognised with both a Boronia and Banksia Award for my contribution. I have also represented Girl Guides at a number of national and international events.

Since leaving the Royal Australian Navy, I have specialised in governance, committee management and strategic planning roles in the Federal Government. This expertise and previous experience directly supporting Federal Governance Minister has given me a good understanding of how the Government works and will transfer well into the not-for-profit sector supporting Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT as we implement our Strategic Plan 2023-2026.

I am passionate about Girl Guides being a safe, supportive place for girls and women to grow and develop. I particularly believe in participation in decision-making at all levels and if elected it would look to bring this, as much as practical and appropriate, to the role.


Please tap the button below for more information, including Anna Cooks’s full Nomination Form including skills and experience and supporting statement from a nominee. 


  Download Anna Cooks’s full Nomination Form   

Michelle Kothe

I am honoured to submit my nomination for the Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT Board of Directors. Having previously served on the Board from 2019 to 2021 and continued in a casual vacancy, including chairing responsibilities since September 2023, I bring a deep understanding of our organization’s intricacies and challenges..

My experience extends beyond the boardroom, with a successful track record in both commercial and non-profit sectors spanning over 30 years. Having served on both our Governance and Risk Committees, I possess insights into strategic planning and the current challenges facing Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT. I am dedicated to steering our organization towards a future that aligns with the needs and expectations of today’s youth.

Recognizing the significance of board continuity, I propose to serve for just one year, fostering a seamless transition while allowing for the inclusion of new perspectives in 2025. My extensive history with Girl Guides, coupled with leadership roles in community-focused organizations, has equipped me with the skills to contribute meaningfully.

I am fueled by a passion for empowering girls, youth, and the community for positive social change. With your support, I aim to ensure Girl Guides remains at the forefront of nurturing the potential with our young women.







Please tap the button below for more information, including Michelle Kothe’s full Nomination Form including skills and experience and supporting statement from a nominee. 


  Download Michelle Kothe’s full Nomination Form   

Aine Leonard

Over the last 2 years I have served on our Board and Finance Committee and was recently appointed as the Chair of the Governance, Nominations and Remuneration Committee.

I believe the skills I bring to the Board are what we need right now as we move to make necessary changes to ensure we are relevant to our members (and future members), ensure we continue to modernise our organisation, and, most importantly, support our purpose and the girl of tomorrow. The last number of years has not been easy and certainly changes made in the last 6 months has allowed the organisation to make more progress with day to day things that should be easier. There are still challenging times ahead, but good foundations have been laid to continue on the journey to deliver our strategic goals.

Personally, I have been a Guide for over 40 years and have been a Brownie, Guide, Ranger and Young Leader. I went on to run Brownie, Guide and Ranger units when back in Ireland, I served as Grant Secretary for the Irish Girl Guides and sat on their Finance Committee and Program and Development Committee. More recently, I’ve been a Leader with Haberfield Junior Guides since I decided to stay here in Australia 15+ years ago. Guiding has given me confidence and skills that has been invaluable in my career.  It gave me the desire to explore the world, volunteer at Pax Lodge and participate at WAGGGS events worldwide.  Most importantly, it connected me with Guides from many different communities and countries around the world, many of whom are lifelong friends.

Professionally, I am an experienced Executive, Company Director and Company Secretary and have worked with a range of different organisations (including several not-for-profits) and have helped them grow, transform and become financially compliant and sustainable. In addition, I’m a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Institute of Chartered Accountants (Ireland and ANZ) and the Governance Institute of Australia.  

Please tap the button below for more information, including Candidate Name's full Nomination Form including skills and experience and supporting statement from a nominee. 


  Download Aine Leonard's full Nomination Form   

Alexandra McFadyen ∞

I am a passionate Guide Leader and am involved in Guiding at the Unit, Region and State levels. One of my favourite parts of the week is going to Unit meetings and interacting with the girls. It’s amazing to see what they can achieve when they learn a new skill.

I have a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science. In my professional life, I am a performance auditor at the Australian National Audit Office. In this role, I access the performance of Federal Government agencies and report on their performance.

In my role as the sales manager at Bakers Delight, I was responsible for managing a large team of staff. This role mainly required coordination, people management and conflict resolution - people only raise things with the manager if there’s an issue, and I was there to support them and help them find a solution.

I have the judgement and strategic focus to make a difference as a Board Director, and I’d love to develop the future of Guiding, and to support girls to develop leadership skills as they grow into amazing young women through their Guiding experience.

 

Please tap the button below for more information, including Alexandra McFadyen’s full Nomination Form including skills and experience and supporting statement from a nominee. 


  Download Alexandra McFadyen’s full Nomination Form   

Kerry Rymer

I believe that Girl Guides is a real force for good in the lives of Girls and young women. I have skills and experience as a former Director, CEO or manager in not for profits that would allow me to make a real contribution to our strategic direction and governance. I also have years of experience in guiding at grassroots level leadership as well as in State and National roles that are relevant to the challenges facing us today.

While my passion over the last ten years has been for developing, training and delivering outdoor adventurous programs, I consider the need to allow our organisation to undergo the necessary changes structurally and at governance level to equip us for the challenging future ahead is of far greater priority. This allows for the development of a relevant organisation that is meeting the needs of today’s girls and young women.
 







Please tap the button below for more information, including Candidate Name's full Nomination Form including skills and experience and supporting statement from a nominee. 


  Download Kerry Rymer's full Nomination Form   

Luisa Simeonidis (McDiarmid)

I have been fortunate enough to experience everything Girl Guiding has to offer at all levels, and would like an opportunity to again contribute at Board level. 

I am an open, honest and energetic operator, with extensive career experience across local and state government, small business and education. My passion and belief in Guiding to empower girls to be their best is evident from my solid participation over a number of decades and the pleasure in seeing my Guides still active in leadership roles throughout Guiding. 

With my knowledge of Guiding extending from the Unit level to WAGGGS, I have an excellent understanding of the inter-relationship between Girl Guide entities and the role of the Board and am confident of being able to make significant contributions to future governance in the best interests of our Youth Members. 

The skills I’ve gained in Guiding have supported me in my professional careers and I am keen to return the contribution my skills and expertise offer to Guiding, by continuing to provide a safe space for girls to grow. As a mother of a Girl Guide and three Scouts, I am well-equipped to help shape and drive the continued success of our organisation.  

Please tap the button below for more information, including Luisa’s full Nomination Form including skills and experience and supporting statement from a nominee. 


  Download Luisa Simeonidis (McDiarmid)’s full Nomination Form     

Dakshata Sharma ∞

My Guiding journey began as a Junior Guide in India, to Brownies, Guides, and Rangers in the UK, Senior Guides and now dedicated Unit Leader in NSW. Guiding has been a journey of personal growth and profound connection to the organisation’s values. Balancing grassroots leadership and contributing to high-level projects has given me a unique appreciation for Guidin’s impact

Guiding has shaped my professional pursuits, focusing on women and children’s wellbeing. From developing women’s policy at the federal level with the Equality Rights Alliance to advocating for financial literacy in a DV service, my journey led me to a state government role overseeing policies and projects for accessible playspaces in NSW.

I am a team player with strong communication skills, honed through my experiences in policy, advocacy, and leading teams in project, program and change management in various contexts.

Joining the Board is more than a role: it’s an emotional investment. My professional experiences, coupled with a dedication to women and youth wellbeing, reflect my commitment to Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT’s ongoing success. I am eager to contribute my strengths, genuine love for Guiding, and diverse expertise to set the strategic direction and ensure the organisation’s continued success.

Please tap the button below for more information, including Daksharta Sharma’s full Nomination Form including skills and experience and supporting statement from a nominee. 


  Download Dakshata Sharma’s full Nomination Form   

Kirstyn Taylor

My roles within Guiding, particularly as an immediate past Assistant Region Manager (2018-2023) have provided me with an exceptional understanding of the current volunteer environment within the NSWACTNT organisation. Additionally, my extensive knowledge, understanding and application of the Australian Guide Program as a Trainer of Managers (and previously Leaders) provides a platform on which to advocate for the continued implementation of the AGP. I have dedicated myself to our Promise and Law, and have had the privilege of designing the current qualification within their Promise. I am deeply committed to ensuring that our core Promise and law foundation remains at the very heart of Guiding. I am a Girl Guide to my very core. Professionally I am a History teacher at a comprehensive high school. With 18 years of teaching experience, I have deep knowledge and understanding of young adults. In particular, I mentor female students to develop their confidence and social skills to navigate adolescence and young adulthood. I believe I am well placed to contribute to the future of Girl Guides in our States as a result of my experience.



Please tap the button below for more information, including Kirstyn Taylor’s full Nomination Form including skills and experience and supporting statement from a nominee. 


  Download Kirstyn Taylor’s full Nomination Form   

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CAST YOUR VOTE