From the State Commisioner

August 2025

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 point.

Maybe take some time to think about how do you motivate or how are you motivated in Guiding?

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?

I know it has been very wet for many of us. It would’ve really tested those fire skills if you could light a fire with damp wood! I hope nobody used some firelighters to start their Girl Guides fire. I have fun memories of 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