SENIOR MANAGER, DIGITAL, MARKETING & COMMUNICATION
JAMIE@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
This edition of Guiding News brings together the very best of what makes our Movement strong: connection, collaboration and a clear sense of purpose.
November has been a month of big conversations and bigger momentum. Read on as our State Commissioner reflects on a powerful series of gatherings that centred on what it means to be a truly unified Guiding community. Those conversations have sparked something significant: the creation of a new, large-scale Community event for 2025, designed to bring every corner of our Movement in NSW, ACT & NT together.
You’ll also read from our Board Chair about a decision grounded in compassion for families and Volunteers, paired with a clear-eyed focus on sustaining the quality, safety and impact of Guiding for years to come.
This edition also highlights new resources and initiatives that strengthen the Member experience—
from the AGP Lead’s practical new program tools, to the launch of the Junior Leader framework that will support the next generation of young women in leadership. And our Trefoil Guild community continues to shine, sharing a vibrant report from their inspiring 2025 Gathering in Wagga. Across every section, one theme stands out: our Movement is growing—not yet in numbers, but in connection, capability, and confidence.
There is so much good work happening in every Region, District and Unit. Thank you for the heart, the time, and the creativity you bring to Guiding each week. I hope this edition leaves you informed, energised, and proud of all we’re building together.
Happy reading!
State Commissioner from the
From the State Commissioner
Hello Sisters in Guiding,
The newsletter is a little bit later this month, and that is because November has been an incredibly busy month! My team—the deputies and Guide House management—met to discuss foundations of membership strategy at the beginning of the month, and mid-month we came together again with each of the State Leads and Region Management from every Region for a working weekend we called Community.
The focus of this weekend was how we can move forward as a connected, collaborative, and confident community and the success of this weekend has triggered the addition of a largerscale Community event to be added to the Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT calendar in 2025. This conference of Guiding will be open to participation by representation from every Guiding District and Region that makes up our State Girl Guides
organisation and we will share more details in the New Year, as planning progresses.
As I reflect on the conversations from this month (and my entire history with Guiding), my thoughts are drawn to the difficulties of maintaining balance as a Membership organisation. How do we keep Guiding accessible, sustainable, and true to purpose?
In Guiding, we often talk about balance — balancing courage with care, adventure with safety, independence with teamwork. But there is another kind of balance that every member organisation must navigate, and for us it is becoming increasingly important:
The balance between keeping Guiding affordable for families and Volunteers, and ensuring the organisation is resourced to deliver the safe, vibrant, high-quality program our girls deserve.
This is the Membership paradox that sits quietly behind every Hall light we turn on, every badge syllabus we create, every Adult Volunteer we train, and every safety requirement we meet.
It’s the truth no youth organisation can ignore: participation keeps us alive, and yet participation relies on membership fees that sustain our operations.
We are not immune to the pressures facing families today. We know that household budgets are tight, and that for many, every dollar must stretch a little further. And at the same time, we carry the weight of our own very real responsibilities — safeguarding, Leader development, insurance, compliance, digital systems, Hall maintenance, program resources, and the community expectations that come with being the largest girl-only youth organisation.
This is the delicate balance we hold as a Movement.
Why participation matters more than ever
When a girl steps into a Guide Hall for the first time, she steps into more than a program — she steps into possibility. She learns to lead, to speak up, to be heard. She tries new things, she takes risks, she develops skills that stay with her long after she’s earned her last badge. These aren’t just weekly activities; they are experiences that shape confidence, resilience and identity.
When Volunteers stay engaged, connected and supported, entire communities benefit. They carry our history, our culture and our continuity. They teach girls to build campfires and build character — often at the same time.
Participation isn’t merely a metric; it is the heartbeat of our organisation.
Without girls and Volunteers, there is no Guiding.
And when cost becomes a barrier, we risk losing the very people we exist to serve.
Why sustainability matters just as much
At the same time, Guiding cannot run on goodwill alone.
Behind every moment of joy or courage in a Unit meeting is a structure — largely invisible — that makes it possible. That structure costs money.
Membership fees support the foundations:
• child safety and wellbeing frameworks
• insurance and risk management
• training and compliance for Leaders
• program development
• Hall infrastructure
• digital systems that allow our Movement to run
• the staff who support Volunteers so they can focus on delivering Guiding
These aren’t luxuries; they are non-negotiable foundations.
Without these systems, we cannot offer safe, highquality Guiding.
And without the revenue to support them, we cannot meet our obligations to girls, parents or Volunteers.
Holding the tension with honesty and care
This is why every decision about fees must hold two truths at once:
We must keep Guiding affordable.
We must keep Guiding sustainable.
Not one truth, but both.
When we freeze fees, we do so because we recognise the real pressures families and Volunteers
face — and because participation today will sustain us tomorrow.
When we introduce targeted help like the Guides Support Fund or the option to pay by the month it is because we know that equity isn’t about treating everyone the same; it’s about removing barriers where they are highest.
When we seek to strengthen alternative revenue streams — grants, partnerships, venue hire, and digital efficiencies — it is because we refuse to place the full burden of sustainability on our Members.
And when we speak openly about costs, trade-offs, and future planning, it is because transparency isn’t a courtesy; it is a responsibility.
Our value is—and always will be—in the experience
No fee can capture the true value of Guiding.
How do you cost the moment a shy girl finds her voice?
Or when a Patrol works together to solve a problem they didn’t think they could tackle?
Or when a teen discovers she can lead a group, navigate a challenge, or stand confidently in who she is?
Guiding has always been, and will always be, an investment in girls and young women — in their leadership, their wellbeing, their future.
That is what we protect when we make careful, thoughtful decisions about membership.
That is what we preserve when we seek balance rather than extremes.
And that is what our fee structures must always reflect: the value of belonging, the importance of access, and the gravity of our duty to provide a safe and supported environment for every girl.
Walking forward together
The dichotomy of membership will never fully disappear, but we can navigate it with clarity, compassion and accountability. Our path forward lies not in choosing between participation and sustainability, but in holding them both at the centre of our decisions — because they are two halves of the same premise.
Guiding has navigated 100 years of change because we adapt, we listen, and we lead together. We will continue doing just that.
For our girls.
For our volunteers.
For the communities we serve. And for the Movement we all steward, together.
Yours in Guiding
Jo Tonon (she/her)
State Commissioner sc@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au
Have you seen the short video that set the scene for our Community weekend?
We’re pleased to share that the Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT Board has decided to freeze Membership fees for 2026 . That means there will be no increase to the standard Youth, Adult, or Trefoil Guild Membership fee for 2026 memberships.
We know many Members and families are doing it tough with rising living costs. This decision is part of our commitment to keeping Guiding open, welcoming, and accessible for every girl who wants to join, and every Volunteer who chooses to lead. What this means for you
• Youth Membership fees stay the same for 2026
• Adult Membership fees stay the same,
including for Leaders, Volunteers, Adult Members, and Trefoil Guild Members
• Hardship support will continue to be available
• Payment options remain flexible with the choice to pay annually or by the month
Why we’re doing this
Guiding is all about building confidence, connection and courage—and we believe every girl deserves those opportunities, regardless of financial pressure. Freezing fees helps ensure more families can stay engaged, and more Volunteers feel supported.
A focus for Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT in 2026 and beyond is recruitment and retention.
If you have questions, our Member & Volunteer Services Team is always here to help: guides@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au | 1300 447 548
Thank you for everything you do to keep the spirit of Guiding alive in your community.
Sue Belling (she/her) Board Chair boardchair@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au
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!
This month I would like to introduce you to some new resources that have been created and will be available on the website in the near future. These are going to be the first of many!
The first is SPICE UP YOUR COOKING ACTIVITIES . This resource was put together by the Region AGP
Coordinators at the recent conference. It has got lots of great ideas to change or vary your ordinary cooking activity and make into a fun and fabulous one.
�� Spice up your Cooking Activities
The second is END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONS and STARTING THE NEW YEAR . There are lots of ideas and activities to see out the year and welcome in the new one, as well as some tips and hints for programming!
�� End this year & start the new one with a
Thank you to everyone who has contributed their ideas and activities to these resources. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed putting the together – people have such great ideas!
Clean
Up Australia
Girl Guides Australia (GGA) have just released the Clean Up Toolkit (available on the GGA website). Girl Guide Units can take part in clean-ups all year round— no need to wait for Clean Up Australia Day! This toolkit is designed to support Girl Guide Leaders and their Units plan and host fun, safe, and impactful Clean Up events.
Clean Up Australia Day will be held on Sunday, 1st March 2026 so get your gloves on and register now! If you register your Unit to host a Clean Up Australia Day event before 31 December you’ll automatically be entered into the Early Bird Competition, to win one of five donated Coles vouchers . T&C’s apply. This is both a fabulous service opportunity and PR event for our girls.
Register here –> register.cleanup.org.au
Anchor Points
Steady leadership essentials that keep your Unit grounded.
KRISTINA TEODOROVIC ( she / her ) | LEADERSHIP LEAD | LEADERSHIPLEAD@GIRLGUIDES-NSWACTNT.ORG.AU
Junior Leader Program
It is with great pleasure that I share with you our new Junior Leader program and resources, which will help ensure girls are getting all the opportunities and support required for this important role. Junior Leaders are key in our future leadership this is an important step in continuing to support this group of young women.
3. A Junior Leader Checklist to help guide Junior Leaders and their supporting Leaders clearly outlining goals and introducing a sign off process. Along with these resources, we will also be launching two new online sessions for Junior Leaders in 2026:
1. Junior Leader Q&A, for Junior Leaders and their supporting Leaders.
2. Junior Leader Connection Session for Junior Leaders. This will provide opportunities to talk to each other, work on problem solving, discuss how their Units are run and share ideas on how they can contribute.
A big thank you to the Guide House Team and State team who have worked hard to bring these materials together. This has been an important goal for me and I am delighted to formally launching these resources. We encourage you to share with your Leaders. We are looking at the best way to save these documents on My GuideBook until then you can save the link below. If you have any questions or your teams do, please do not hesitate to contact me.
�� Junior Leader Documents
Over the weekend 12 -14th September 2025, 60 Trefoil members met together the Guides NSW, ACT & NT biannual Gathering. The venue was the wonderful Turvey Park Guide Hall, and the catering was provided by the very talented members of Turvey Park District Group . The weather was perfect and the hospitality the same.
From the State Commissioner
From the State Trefoil Guild Advisor
State Trefoil Guild
Trefoil Guilders are such a generous lot, and I was so proud of the result s of the here in Sydney and in Wagga Wagga – well done everybody!
Advisor
- the Friends of Sangam Australia report that they have processed 8 new memb members and one Trefoil Guild ), the 5c for Sangam appeal received $16.50 with more to come, the Sangam stall $467.50, and sales from the HUGE collection of badges donated during the gathering $25.50 so far.
State Gathering Report 2025
- Wagga Wagga Trefoil Guild held a raffle that realised $410.00 profit.
- both the Australian and State merchandise stalls reported excellent sales.
- there were lots of donations to the Ukraine Beanie appeal, Badges for Sangam and “Shine” project
- Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre received donations that filled 2 washing baskets and $275 in cash and have sent a note of thanks.
Thank you to all who attended - you made it a most enjoyable event! We have put together a collection of photos for you to remember.
from Susan Wakefield OAM
(State Trefoil Guild Adviser NSW, ACT & NT)
Over the weekend 12-14 September 2025, 60 Trefoil Guild Members met together in Wagga Wagga for the Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT biannual Gathering. The venue was the wonderful Turvey Park Guide Hall, and the catering was provided by the very talented members of Turvey Park District GG Support Group. The weather was perfect and the hospitality the same.
Trefoil Guilders are such a generous lot, and I was so proud of the results of the teamwork both here in Sydney and in Wagga Wagga – well done everybody!
• The Friends of Sangam Australia report that they have processed 8 new memberships (7 personal members and one Trefoil Guild), the 5c for Sangam appeal received $16.50 with more to come, the Sangam stall $467.50, and sales from the HUGE collection of badges donated during the gathering$25.50 so far.
• Wagga Wagga Trefoil Guild held a raffle that realised $410.00 profit.
• Both the Australian and State merchandise stalls reported excellent sales.
• There were lots of donations to the Ukraine Beanie appeal, Badges for Sangam and “Shine” project
• Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre received donations that filled 2 washing baskets and $275 in cash and have sent a note of thanks.
Thank you to all who attended - you made it a most enjoyable event! We have put together a collection of photos for you to remember.
Susan Wakefield OAM
State Trefoil Guild Adviser TrefoilGuild@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au
VENUE: Turvey Park Guide Hall , Wagga Wagga with discounted accommodation at the Quality Rules Club Motel
THURSDAY: collecting donations in Wagga Wagga Including n ote pads & pens for our “ goodie bags” from Micheal McCormack (MP for the Riverina)
FRIDAY: setting up the hall – registration station and health forms , the state banner, merchandise stall s, raffle, tables for collections etc.
Collection stations: (beanies for Ukraine, donations for the Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre, badges for Sangam etc.)
FRIDAY: welcome, program and slideshow
FRIDAY: indoor campfire (led by Chris Woodward from Eastern Creek TG )
SATURDAY: GUEST SPEAKER
Deputy Mayor of Wagga Wagga (Georgie Davies) – including the hilarious story of Wagga Wagga being the origin of the chico roll!
SATURDAY: GUEST SPEAKER
Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre (Vicki Burkenshaw )
SATURDAY: GUEST SPEAKER
SANGAM (Annette Swaffield OAM) – with innovative ideas for fund -raising, and a presentation to Wakehurst TG in recognition of their ongoing support
SATURDAY: GUEST SPEAKER
“Stronger Together” (Emily Logan, National Olave Lead and one of the Australian delegate s to the 15th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference in New Del hi, August 2025 )
SATURDAY:
SATURDAY: round robin activities - even a world ji gsaw puzzle to do in our spare time
card-making (presented by Bar bara Hopkinson)
colourful mandalas (Annette Swaffield)
Kokodama cactus plants (Pam Oliver)
SATURDAY: together at dinner
SATURDAY: international quiz during dinner
SATURDAY: entertainment between courses (Persian dancer ) – continuing our international theme
SATURDAY: costume parade
SUNDAY: Reflections (Pamela
SUNDAY: Collections Archivist from Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga (Jill Kohlhagen)
Noal)
SUNDAY: Christine Brill (Brindabella T G) – “Beanies for the Ukraine” Project
SUNDAY: Presentations
- Barbara Hopkinson (Eastern Creek TG) - 45 years service
- Beverley Halburd OAM (Horizons TG ) - 65 years service
- Appreciation certificate to Wagga Wagga T G president Lisa Foley - thank you for being such fine hostesses for the Gathering !
SUNDAY: Forum
Other queries to be addressed in future newsletters
SUNDAY: What fun we had – a wonderful experience!
National Event
30 Years of the Olave Program: Our Home Away from Home
For 30 years, the Olave Program has been an opportunity for Guides aged 18-30 to either continue or commence their Guiding journey in a safe and warm community. The Olave Program is a place for young women to be themselves and work towards self-development, community engagement and discover the outdoors. The Olave Program has been a safe community for young women to celebrate achievements, find support. build friendship and travel the world. It is a Home Away from Home.
As part of our celebrations in 2026, there will be a National Event, hosted by Girl Guides South Australia
and Girl Guides Australia at Douglas Scrub, Adelaide between 4pm on 16 July 2026 and 1pm on 19 July 2026.
This event welcomes all Members who are Olave aged (18-30), and recently “aged out” Olaves who have been highly connected with Olaves. Persons aged 30-31 who wish to apply should reach out to their State Olave Manager before applying to discuss.
Members of Girl Guiding New Zealand aged 18-30 are also invited to attend.
Registrations are now open for this event
Find out more on the event’s Facebook page
If you have feedback, or wish to make a contribution, please send an email to communications@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au.
