SENIOR MANAGER, DIGITAL, MARKETING & COMMUNICATION
JAMIE@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Welcome to Edition 12, the latest edition of Guiding News!
This month is brimming with stories of connection, opportunity, and celebration. From our State Commissioner’s reflections on motivation and the Board Chair’s call for a collective membership growth mindset, to program gems like the Cyber A.C.E.S modules, there’s inspiration for every corner of our community.
You’ll also find important updates on award changes, exciting calls for volunteers, and news of sales on Guiding gear to keep you warm (and stylish!). Plus, we look ahead to JOTA/JOTI 2025—a global celebration of youth leadership and friendship. As always, this is your space to stay informed, get involved, and feel inspired. Let’s dive in!
Happy reading!
State Commissioner from the
From the State Commissioner
Hello Sister’s in Guiding,
I had a lovely time at the Greater Rivers Region conference called GRREAT! This year the theme was motivate and it was very motivating to listen to Members give their two minute slots on different topics of what motivates them.
I spoke to them about what motivates me. I was thinking about this while constructing my talk. I thought we all take motivation from different things .
It’s always great to have something that will motivate us. And, it’s great to have someone who might motivate us. How do we motivate others? It’s a good reflection
Maybe take some time to think about how do you motivate or how are you motivated in Guiding?
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Region Personnel gathered together in Sydney to have some quality time with their State Lead counterparts. We looked at State and Region planning. The State Leads Virginia, Jodie, Aimee, and Kristina, with their coordinators Simone and Felicity, facilitated some wonderful sessions on the Saturday and we thank them for their effort in putting these sessions together.
A communication (separate from this newsletter) will come out with how you can be reimbursed for your First Aid and CPR, as well as your National Police Checks. These communications will include how to upload your certificates and receipts, what the requirements are for First Aid and CPR, and some compliance points.
Were you able to have the opportunity to, or are you planning to, have a campfire with your local District and community this term?
Iknowithasbeenverywetformanyofus.Itwould’ve reallytestedthosefire skillsifyoucouldlightafire with damp wood! I hope nobody used some firelighters to start their Girl Guides fire. I have fun memories of
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being given one match to start my fire when doing my campfire badge. I am so pleased that our expectations have shifted and we allow girls the opportunities to succeed and have a more positive mindset while supporting girls to achieve their best.
I hope everyone attending the Great Guide Sleepovers in Dubbo, Alice Springs, and Sydney have a dry and fun experience. I look forward to joining the girls in Sydney.
Yours in Guiding
Jo Tonon (she/her)
State Commissioner sc@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au
from the
Board Chair
Board Chair
From the Board Chair
So many exciting events and opportunities have beenkeeping Units busy. Have you been out and about in your community? Board Directors took the opportunity to connect with RegionteamsfordinnerafewweeksagoattheRegion PersonnelConferenceinSydney.Itwasgreattocatch up with old friends and meet many new Members of the Region Teams and listen to their successes and challenges! I was very pleased to see so many new faces and enjoyed chatting to younger women who are stepping into Region roles.
Thank you for all you do for Guiding in your Regions. The Board has a strategy day coming up in early Septemberwherewewillreviewtheprojectsthatwill be our focus for 2026. We are looking at strategies to
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continue to build membership. This is a critical factor that we should all be focusing on.
You may be interested in the recent World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) Census Report on membership:
Census report 2025
For the third year in a row total membership across WAGGGS has increased! However, the Asia Pacific Region has had a 1% drop in membership. India has shown very strong growth however the trend in Australia sees membership dropping.
As an organisation we need to have a membership growth mindset but also focus on retention. We are mindful that many of our Adult Members wear multiple hats in Guiding (I'm guilty of that too!) and we all have to work out ways of sharing the load. This includes mentoring people to take on a role that they may have never considered before and supporting them to success. That takes commitment from all of us!
A wise Guiding friend once said membership growth is everyone's responsibility!
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We could easily grow Guiding if we had more adults in Regions, Districts and Units. This is not a new problem—we have tackled this over the decades with varying success.
As Martine Robins said last month: when we have great programs the girls come from word of mouth through their friends. The Leadership team should plan strategies on proactively connecting with parents and carers throughout the year and ensure they have a positive experience too.
When you have a bigger leadership team the sharing becomes easier if someone has to dip out for a night and we still have enough qualified Leaders and Volunteers to maintain safe ratios; after all we are a Child Safe Child Friendly (CSCF ) organisation!
Retention is the other half of the coin. Giving our older Guides flexibility as they study and start careers means discussing options proactively. Think outside the Unit and District and have the conversation to keep them as Members, not necessarily in their old Unit.
The same thought process applies to Adult continued over page
Members. If something isn't quite working for them in a particular role—then have the conversation. Discuss alternative options. To retain we have to be flexible in our own attitude to helping people belong. We are stronger together.
On another note I'd like to thank Aine Leonard for her hard work and commitment to the Finance Audit & Investment (FAI) Committee in the past three years. Aine recently completed her term on the committee and we thank her for her extra service to the organisation.
Michael Silman will join the FAI committee this month and is currently in a senior role at Macquarie Bank.
I'm looking forward to spring—new growth and opportunities. How about you?
Trail Mix
A Program Feature to Pack in your Resource Rucksack.
JODIE CHILVERS ( she / her ) | AUSTRALIAN GUIDE PROGRAM (AGP) LEAD | AGPLEAD@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Each month, we’re shining a light on a different Program resource—from Guiding in Australia and across the globe. Whether it’s a badge activity, a clever planning tool, or a fresh idea to energise your next meeting, this feature is here to inspire, support and add a little something extra to your Unit’s program. Think of it as your monthly dose of practical Guiding goodness—ready to pack into your Leader kit!
Cyber A.C.E.S Modules
Help your girls to demystify cybersecurity through interactive learning and equip them with resources to have safer online experiences, become good digital citizens, and maybe even pursue careers in cybersecurity.
This collaboration, with Palo Alto Networks, delivers age appropriate cybersafety modules to our different Guiding groups through some great challenges. Each
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challenge has a workbook for Leaders to download and materials to be distributed to Guides, and there are supporting tips to deliver some activities online. These modules can be found on the “Running Your Unit” page of My GuideBook. Find out more at:
girlguides-nswactnt.org.au/cyberaces
Withdrawal of the Commonwealth Award
AWARD
After considering feedback from Youth and Adult Members, Girl Guides Australia will be retiring the Commonwealth Award. This decision has been made to reflect the retirement of the award by Girl Guiding UK as well as considerations regarding the contemporary relevance of the award in Girl Guiding in Australia.
The cut-off for new registrations to commence this award will be 30 December 2025. The award will be removed from the youth award books on that date. The cut-off for completing the award will be 30 June 2026. All activities must be completed, approved by an assessor, signed by the State Award manager and submitted to GGA prior to that date for the applicant to be successful.
AIMEE RASSOULI ( she / her ) | YOUNG WOMEN’S LEAD YOUNGWOMEN@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Are you our next Olave Awards Coordinator?
Our Committee is ever-changing and always growing and now is our chance to grow further! We are seeking any Olave who is interested in our Awards Coordinator role to contact the Olave Committee. The Awards Coordinator is responsible for managing the award submissions that get sent to the committee, including the AGP-OP Link Badge, Commonwealth Award, Olave Challenge, and Olave Baden-Powell Award, and responding to award enquiries.
If you’re interested or would like more information, please reach out to the Olave Committee via email at olaveprogram@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au
Gone Home
Ida Luke
Ida past away on 30 July 2025, aged 92. She is remembered as a dedicated Guide, who served as District Leader in the Chatswood area.
Ida served on State Council and was Chair to both RTS Tingira and Glengarry committees. Her commitment to the State properties was outstanding.
Ida was on Security at many Jamborees, where Ida and Barbara Westaway came to be known as the ‘two cops’.
Ida was a senior police officer and was appointed Chief Inspector, NSW Police. In 1989 she was awarded the Australian Police Medal.
Ida was and remains respected by many both in Guiding and the NSW Police Force.
Pay By The Month (PBTM)
Continues to Grow!
The number of Members choosing the flexibility and convenience of PBTM continues to grow, proving this method of payment has been a welcome addition to making Membership more affordable and accessible.
Here’s some exciting stats:
• In July alone , we processed 564 monthly payments , with a 96% success rate .
• Since the start of the year, 391 new Members joined using PBTM, and 296 renewing Members made the switch to monthly payments.
We’ve worked through the early teething problems and now have solid systems in place to handle common issues like failed payments due to expired or cancelled cards.
Need to explain PBTM at a Unit, District, Peer Group or Trefoil Guild meeting?
Display the PBTM poster to make things simple
We thank you for all your efforts in helping us introduce this new payment method to our Members.
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Call for Applications
Are you ready for a new challenge?
Archives Working Group
We are calling for expressions of interest from Members that would be able to contribute to the management of archives, including records and memorabilia, for Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT.
The Archives Working Group will be responsible for:
• Developing the Archive Strategy and Policy.
• Review options for a suitable A rchives and Register and Memorabilia Catalogue and make a recommendation to the Board.
• Identify all current archive and memorabilia requirements.
• Review current Archive documents and memorabilia, prepare them for storage, and add them to the register.
• Develop and implement a process for the management of Region Archives.
• All related tasks and actions.
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To lead and manage this project we need a few good people with relevant experience and expertise that are able to undertake this project as part of a team. With document retention becoming an increasingly critical requirement, and an everincreasing amount of information needing to be retained, this Working Group will be important in ensuring we retain the heritage of Girl Guiding as well as reducing the future risk to the organisation.
If you are interested please send an email detailing you relevant experience to exec.assist@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au
Chair for the next WAGGGS World Conference: Applications close soon—20 August!
Applications are now open for the role of World Conference Chair, for the 39th WAGGGS World Conference, taking place in Cambodia from 16–21 June 2026.
This is an exciting opportunity for a young woman aged 18–29 to lead one of our most important global events - helping bring our global vision ‘Compass continued over page
WAGGGS World Conference Chair
2032’ to life by placing girls and young women at the heart of decision-making.
1. Apply to join the WAGGGS Volunteer Pool
2. Apply for the role
I GO PLACES CAP SALE
Girls and young women all over Australia are building their confidence and capability for life through Guiding. With each meeting they are empowered to find their inspiration and face any challenge, in the company of friends.
Girl Guides Go Places!
We are encouraging Guides to buy these fabulous caps to remind themselves that they really can do anything and go anywhere! These sustainably, and ethically made caps are perfect for every day, continued over page
or for exploring new places, camping out in nature, visiting new communities or even taking off for adventures overseas!
No better way to keep this top of mind – than proudly wearing this cap!
Better still, these limited edition 100% recycled I GO PLACES caps are now on SALE so more Guides can get them – down from $28 to $15!
Purchase caps at the Girl Guides Australia Noone Shop:
More sales news over page!
If you have any questions, please email admin@girlguides.org.au
Hoodies & Polar Fleeces Sale
Starts 18 August—save the date!
Winter is almost over so Girl Guides Australia are having a MASSIVE WINTER SALE for hoodies and polar fleeces - limited sizes and stock available.
This sale opens on Monday 18 August and runs until all items are sold at the same Noone shop as the Go Paces caps above!
Caps, hoodies and fleeces are only while stocks last, so get in quick!
JOTA/JOTI 2025 – A World
Shaped by Youth
Registration and Child Safety Guidelines
Dates: 17–19 October 2025
About JOTA/JOTI
Jamboree-On-The-Air and Jamboree-On-TheInternet (JOTA-JOTI) is the world’s largest annual digital and radio event, connecting Girl Guides and Scouts from around the world. Held on the third weekend of October, the event promotes global friendship, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment.
2025 Theme: A World Shaped by Youth
This year’s theme celebrates the passion, creativity, and leadership of young people around the world.
JOTA/JOTI is an event that can be participated in as a group online (JOTI) and by citizen band radio (JOTA). GGA does not support individual registrations on JOTA/JOTI platforms. Registrations for both will open late August. Depending on which of these you want to participate in the registration process is different.
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Registration for JOTA
JOTA (radio-based) registration is managed through your State Girl Guide Organisation (SGGO). Units should not register directly with Scouts Australia.
• Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT will soon share how to request registration.
• Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT will register on your behalf and send back confirmation details.
Registration for JOTI
1. If you wish to participate in the virtual camp site, watch the online content and speakers and take part in the associated activities, webinars, games etc. they offer, then Leaders –not Youth Members - should register at this link www.jotajoti.info.
2. Please register using an official Girl Guides M365 email address, not your personal email account. Registration is managed through World Scouting, so when you select the organisation from the list provided, select Scouts Australia and identify as a Scout organisation.
3. Once you submit you will receive a verification email and once you approve that, you will receive a confirmation email with links to all the exciting continued over page
information about the event as well as the Child Safety reminders.
4. Start getting ready now to join the world’s largest digital and radio Scout/Guide event:
• Start conversations with your Unit and plan your participation for this year’s event!
• Familiarise yourself with the program ahead of time, to see, which activities you will find interesting.
5. During the JOTI weekend, take part in the activities, tune in to the live shows or meet fellow Guides and Scouts on the different channels.
6. To access the webchat Leaders are asked to sign Units in using ScoutLink www.scoutlink.net
• Choose a nickname – no full names please.
• Choose a channel from the channels list. English or Youth are a great starting point. To see a full list of the available channels once you are connected just type: /list.
Child Safe Child Friendly Guidelines
The following actions for Leaders support Unit participation in JOTA/JOTI in line with Girl Guides
Australia’s Child Safe, Child Friendly Framework.
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Leaders are required to closely supervise Guides while online. Leaders are responsible at all times for the safety and well-being of the Girl Guides despite Scouts running the event.
• World Scouting offers an online safety course the Be Safe Online e-learning course Leaders can complete the course with girls in a group, and commit to the Safe JOTA-JOTI Pledge, Be safe
JOTA-JOTI 2025
• The Leader in Charge is required to retain a register of all youth and adult participants and provide this to their State Office or retain as per State requirements.
• The Leader in Charge is required to complete the OUT .01 risk assessment form including online safety considerations.
• Camp/Adventure-based Activity / Event Application Form (OUT.01) 2025
• The Leader in Charge must adhere to all GGA policies, including supervision ratios and child safety protocols as detailed in the CSCF section of Guidelines. In particular:
• section 10.8 Digital Platforms – Including social media and internet – quick links below: continued over page
• Child Safe Child Friendly Elements for Girl Guiding
• Guidance Note: Being Safe in the Digital Space
• Guidance Note: Inappropriate Behaviours on Digital Platforms
• Guidance Note: Breaches and Consequences
• Leaders could consider creating a set of JOTA/ JOTI specific Unit or Camp Rules prior to the event to reinforce the following:
• Girl Guides are not to use private chatrooms.
• Girl Guides are not to access the other platforms via ScoutLink including Minecraft.
• Girl Guides should never share personal details, including real names, email addresses, home/ school information, phone numbers, social media handles
Conversation Starters for Guides
• Have you participated in JOTI before?
• How many Scouts/Guides are in your group?
• What’s your favourite badge you’ve earned?
• What do you enjoy most about Guides/Scouts?
When and where was your last camp?
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• What are your hobbies or favourite games?
• Do you play sports or follow a team?
• What’s your favourite food or holiday destination?
• What do you like to watch on TV?
JOTA/JOTI Badge
This year’s badge will be available in October. Badges can be ordered through Girl Guides Australia Shop and State Guide Shops.
For any questions regarding JOTA/JOTI please reach out to Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT care of guides@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au.
For any guidance on Child Safety please email admin@girlguides.org.au.
If you have feedback, or wish to make a contribution, please send an email to communications@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au.
