Issuu

Issue 46 - Term 2 2021

in this issue... Art Meets STEM Relay for Life

Messy Fun

Leaders Honoured

Guiding in 2021

Wagtale is the quarterly magazine of Girl Guides Western Australia. Address: 265 Great Eastern Hwy Belmont WA 6104 Phone: 08 9479 9800 Web: www.girlguideswa.org.au Email: info@girlguideswa.org.au Postal: PO Box 780 Victoria Park WA 6479

Cover photo: Armadale Active Guides at the York Public Pool Photo credit: Diane Smith Back cover photo: Campwest Guides cratestacking Photo Credit: Megan Lydeamore Send articles and photos to communications@girlguideswa.org.au.

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Contents Coming Events

State Commissioner's Report

National Team Report

Olave Summer Camp

City Beach Guides Orienteering

Huntingdale Guides Best Dressed

Leaders Honoured

Lesmurdie's Messy Day In

Campwest 2021

National Jamboree 2023

New Patron Appointed

Art Meets STEM in Joondalup

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Coming Events

Nibbles & Noms Enjoy some wine and nibbles with the Awards Committee during their open meeting. Ask questions and receive help with your Adult Award nominations. Who & Cost: All adult members - free When: 6pm 18 June, 2021

Where: Guide House, Belmont

Sew-N-Tell Grab your camp blanket and that bundle of badges you’ve been meaning to sew on. Enjoy a night of food, fun and laughter with your Guiding sisters. Adults-only sleepover. Who & Cost: Guide Leaders / Adult members - $25 When: 6-7 August, 2021

Where: Guide House, Belmont

Youth Dinner 13+ A fun evening for girls aged 13-17 to meet other girls, play some games and eat good food. Who & Cost: Guides 13-17 years - $15 When: 5.30pm 3 July, 2021

Where: Guide House, Belmont

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Coming Events

Leader Qualification Day Essential training for new/unqualified Leaders. Register for the August training session. Who & Cost: Leaders in Training - free When: 8am to 2pm 21 August, 2021 Where: Guide House, Belmont

Finance & Cashbooks Training Register for your training in how to manage the cashbooks and bank account for your Unit. Who & Cost: Leaders and Leaders in training - free When: 6pm 27 August, 2021

Where: Guide House, Belmont

JOTA-JOTI Save the date! Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet will be back this October. In-person events are planned for Regions and Guide House. Who: All Guides and Scouts

When: 15 to 17 October, 2021

Where: Online and in-person events Registration will open soon.

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State Commissioner's Report

We have experienced a few COVID hiccups of late but nothing that the Guiding community can’t handle! We continue to be flexible, resilient and prepared for all situations. We held celebrations for World Thinking Day at a Region level this year and many amazing events were run under the 2021 WTD Theme of Peacebuilding. Peacebuilding is at the heart of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting and is as vital and relevant today as for the last 100 years. Along with many other Western Australians, we were saddened that we were not able to take part in ANZAC activities over the long weekend. A record number of vigils, sleepovers and camps were planned but were unable to go ahead because of the snap lockdown. Although these events did not happen, we joined with thousands of other WA residents in paying our respects at the end of our driveways. The Annual General Meeting of GGWA has been conducted for another year, which saw our governance requirements completed. It was a lovely morning of business and pleasure. It was good to see many new faces amongst those who always take a keen interest in the proceedings. The morning tea provided by the Our Barn Committee and was delicious, as always. The GGWA Water Team has been out on the water for a number of

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"Guiding in Western Australia does not just happen. it is because of the dedication of our Volunteers, Unit Leaders, Supporters and Staff."

Canoeing Trefoil days. These are very popular and provide opportunities for Guides to challenge themselves and increase their skill level. A great day was had at Adrenaline Vault Indoor Rock Climb venue, where Guides of all ages scaled the walls and had a go at bouldering. The amazing staff and plenty of parents were on hand to help, which made for a very enjoyable event. We celebrated our Volunteers during National Volunteer Week, but know that we don’t need a special week to say thank you. Guiding in Western Australia does not just happen; it is because of the dedication of our Volunteers, Unit Leaders, Supporters and Staff that we are able to continue to empower girls and young women to become confident, self-respecting, responsible community members. Katrina Lane State Commissioner Girl Guides WA Paula Dunn Laura Ives- Hicks Claire Veen Assistant State Commissioners

National Team Report Hello Guiding Sisters all around Australia, There is so much happening in the world of Girl Guiding in Australia. It is also wonderful that there are so many activities for our volunteers – strong connections amongst our volunteers is an important contributor to enthused, positive Leaders who facilitate exciting programs for our members. Volunteers are such a vital part of the fabric of Australia AND integral to Girl Guiding in Australia. National Volunteering Week provided an opportunity for us to pause and RECOGNISE all the many volunteers who give so generously to support others and enrich their communities. I am always pleased to RECOGNISE and acknowledge the thousands of volunteers in Girl Guiding who work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of girls and young women. YOU make our communities stronger. Your versatility, enthusiasm, energy, compassion and resilience are endless. It takes energy and commitment to keep giving. Well Done, Bravo and thank you.

whilst directors on the GGA Board. During their time on the Board they have also been in key leadership roles within their State organisations.

National and State Appointments Congratulations to Sarah Neill on the completion of a five-year term as State Commissioner for Girl Guides NSW ACT & NT. Welcome to Emily Milton Smith as the 20th State Commissioner for Girl Guides NSW ACT & NT. Emily commenced in the role on 22 May 2021. Welcome and congratulations to Linda Durran on her appointment as State Commissioner of Girl Guides Tasmania as of 1 June 2021. Thankyou to Kate Alcorso for acting as State Commissioner of Girl Guides Tasmania for the first half of this year.

State Annual General Meetings have all been held it was encouraging but not surprising that in a year that had many challenges Guiding shone. The leadership of our State organisations are to be commended for their leadership through the challenges of the global pandemic.

Welcome to Sarah Neill who is joining the National Coordinator team as the National Coordinator- Adult. Sarah will commence in this role on 1 July 2021 and will work closely with State Girl Guide organisations to coordinate and support leader development in Girl Guiding in Australia. Sarah brings a solid understanding of the important role adult volunteers play in Girl Guiding.

Congratulations to the many leaders who were acknowledged with Guiding awards at AGMs for their commitment to empowering girls and young women. In particular congratulations is extended to Kate Alcorso (Girl Guides Tasmania) and Sarah Neill (Girl Guides NSW ACT & NT) on being awarded a Red Kangaroo for their

Please see the rest of Rosemary's report at girlguides.org.au.

sustained intensive service to Girl Guiding within their State and nationally. Sarah and Kate have made a substantial contribution to the governance of Girl Guides Australia

There have also been some changes to the Girl Guides Australia Board – welcome Kate Alcorso as an Appointed Director and Joanne Muller (GG NSW ACT & NT) and Georgina Gaffney (GG TAS) as organisational appointed directors.

Rosemary Derwin Chief Commissioner Girl Guides Australia

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Olave Summer Camp Olave Summer Camp

"I am very grateful that I had the opportunity of going on summer camp this year. I got to know so many different people and build on current friendships. Everyone was so friendly, and I really enjoyed spending the weekend with them. My highlights of camp have got to be canoeing, quiz night, dolphin watching and of course the amazing sunsets over the river each evening. It was such a fun experience, and I loved every minute of it." ~ Emily Reichenbach

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City Beach Guides Orienteering

City Beach Dolphin Girl Guides went orienteering at a ScoutGuide event in Red Hill on Sunday 9 May 2021. The group won the Guides with Leaders category! They earned themselves an awesome handmade wooden trophy decorated with a compass. The girls got 24 out of the 40 challenging checkpoints, gaining 500 points, which was incredible work from the girls aged 10-13.

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Huntingdale Guides Best Dressed

Huntingdale Freedom Girl Guides participated in the 2021 Relay For Life Perth in May and raised over $2,350 for the Cancer Council WA! They dressed up as Women of Power, coming as inspiring women from history and now. This effort won them the Best Dressed competition. They also sold a huge number of raffle tickets to add to the donation. Bravo! Wallaby (Leader Kiara Hayes) even dressed as Olave Baden-Powell!

Photos and information from Sara Hayes.

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Leaders Honoured

Local Leaders from Huntingdale, Mundaring, Bunbury and Australind have been honoured for their volunteer work. Unice Robinson (below right) was presented with the Senior Citizen of the Year Award at the City of Gosnells Australia Day Awards. Maggie Hegney (top right) was recognised for her significant contribution and outstanding service to the community over a number of years in the Shire of Mundaring. Then in National Volunteer Week in May, Robynne Mummery (left) was awarded Volunteer of the Year (Southwest region) for her work with Bunbury Earth & Ocean Girl Guides, her school P&C and other community organisations. Congratulations to these amazing women, who have contributed to Guiding and their local communities in so many ways! Special congratulations to Dr Brenda Hamlett (bottom left) on receiving a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her outstanding contribution and significant service to Girl Guides. Brenda's involvement with Guiding as an adult began in 1967 as a Guide Leader in the United Kingdom at the 4th Wallasey South Guide Company. During her Bachelor of Science and Education studies at Durham and Bristol Universities she continued as a Leader before heading to Sierra Leone to teach for several years, where she continued being a Leader. In 1975, Brenda became a Trainee Trainer for Girl Guides UK and then the following year travelled to Bunbury in Western Australia. There, she continued her career firstly as a teacher in mathematics and physics, then worked at TAFE and then finally at Edith Cowan University. She married Bill Hamlett, had two children and expanded on her role in Guiding by becoming a qualified trainer in 1976. In 1986 she qualified as a Diploma Trainer, which led her to train overseas. Over the last 50 years Brenda has held many roles within Guiding both in Western Australia and Australia. These include: Unit Leader, District Leader/ District Manager, Region Leader/Region Manager, Australian Training Adviser, WA State Commissioner, Director - Board of Girl Guides Australia, Chair of GGWA State Council, Vice President of GGWA, Member of State and National Training Team, Guiding Partner/Learning Partner and Member of Asia Pacific Training Pool with WAGGGS. She has also served on many committees. Her commitment to Guiding is outstanding and this honour is well deserved (information about Dr Hamlett AM supplied by Dianne Hodgson).

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Lesmurdie's Messy Day In

Lesmurdie Girl Guides sure got their hands dirty at their messyday-in meeting in Term 1. The heat didn't stop them from trying some new activities, including self-portraits in sand. Then when the heat got too much, the girls found lazing in the foam pool was a great way to cool down.

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Campwest 2021

In the April School holidays, over 800 WA Scouts and Guides descended on the campsite at Manjedal, near Byford, for a week-long adventure known as Campwest. For many Guides, this was their first bigscale event. This can come with challenges. Learning new skills and dealing with lessthan-idea weather conditions can be difficult, but every Guide handled these challenges with a smile and determination. The Guides expanded their comfort zones, embraced the camp environment, tried a huge number of activities and made new friends along the way.

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A fantastic program included the Perth Zoomazing Race, Beach Party, Market Day, Adventure World, Trees Adventure Dwellingup and paddling grade-2 rapids on the Murray. There were also four onsite activity zones, including an escape room and MasterChef, chill time and evening entertainment each night, with movies, discos and wide games. Girl Guides WA Contingent Leader and coordinator, Lynn Wood (Wren) did an amazing job and wished to express a huge thank you to the brilliant team of Leaders who supported the Girl Guides at Campwest: • VO3 'Forbidden Forest' Subcamp Leader Gecko (Julie Brooks) Albany • VO3 Kookaburra (Janice McEwen) North Dianella • VO3 Snugglepot (Megan Lydeamore) Katanning • VO3 Dolphin (Robynne Mummery) Bunbury • VO4 'Redbacks' Subcamp Leader Karuah (Colleen Grant) Lesmurdie • VO4 Wombat (Carolyn Cunningham) Katanning • VO4 Tigerlily (Geri Peglar) Albany • VO4 Goanna (Cassie Brooks) Albany

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National Jamboree 2023

Join us for a week-long enormous Girl Guide camping experience in Ballarat, Victoria! Jamboree is a large-scale, week-long International Girl Guide event generally held in tents with hundreds and hundreds of Girl Guides, made possible through volunteer Leaders and community organisations. Jamboree 2023 - KANI-KARRUNG - is being planned with an expected attendance of more than 1,500 Girl Guides. The last Jamboree was held in Sydney in 2018, and Girl Guides Victoria are committed to building on the success of this and other past events to create a lifetime memorable experience for the Guiding community. Expressions of interest for support from volunteers willing and able to facilitate an unforgettable week for Girl Guides are welcome. Contact Helen Reid: helen.reid@ guidesvic.org.au Now is the time to start fundraising and planning! Talk to your Leader and other Guides to form a group or sign up on your own. Follow Girl Guides Victoria on Facebook or Instagram to keep up-to-date with Jamboree news. #Jamboree2023 #KANIKARRUNG #BallaratVictoriaAustralia #EverythingSheWantsToBe

Local adventures, cultural discovery, outdoor activities, friendship and connections … that’s Jamboree 2023 and more! When: 15-21 January 2023

Where: Victoria Park, Ballarat

Who: Girl Guides aged 10-17 (on 15 January 2023) and their Leaders www.girlguides.org.au

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New patron Appointed

Girl Guides WA is proud to announce the appointment of a new Patron. Alicia Curtis is one of Western Australia’s most inspiring social and business entrepreneurs, an award winning speaker, leadership facilitator and community change maker. Living the life of a revolutionary has always come naturally for Alicia. Her leadership journey started at 12 years old, attending the first International Children’s Conference organised by the United Nations and then co-founding her own children’s conference in Perth. Alicia was keen to get involved with us because she believes that Girl Guides WA is doing incredibly important work - empowering girls to find their voice, be proactive in their community and develop their leadership skills. Alicia says, "I'm excited and inspired by the vision of GGWA. I love that GGWA wants its diverse young members to drive the future direction of the organisation. It's also a global organisation activated locally, which is powerful! It's a huge privilege to accept this role and lend my support to GGWA." With a knack for inspiring crowds and empowering people to discover their own potential to be leaders, Alicia established her leadership development company, Alyceum, in 2001. Her presentations and programs have received many awards for challenging the stereotypes of who can be leaders and the difference they can make. She is also co-author of the book, Difference Makers: A Leader's Guide to Championing Diversity on Boards. Alicia has a Masters in Business Leadership and was inducted into the WA Women's Hall of Fame in 2020, named EY's Social Entrepreneur of the Year for the Western region in 2018, and named in the Westpac and Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence List across Australia in 2014. Alicia continues pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. She is the co-founder and inaugural board chair of a women’s giving circle called 100 Women which inspires everyday people to become powerful philanthropists. Alicia is passionately driven by her purpose to ignite leaders to transform the world for the better - whether that be in the workplace or broader community. Alicia has this tip for girls who want to be leaders: "Start today! For me, true leadership is born from a strong desire to make the world a better place in some way. So start exploring your local community and how you can contribute your best strengths and talents. When you're young, it's a great opportunity to try new and different experiences, whether it's volunteering, dancing, camping or speaking in front of a group. Just give it a go!"

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Art Meets STEM in Joondalup Tie-Dyed T-shirts Joondalup Destiny Girl Guides (aged 13 to 17) had been wanting to try tie-dying for some time and decided to give it a go on camp. After a delay due to Covid-19, camp took place on 7-9 May at Ern Halliday Windmill Site. The Guides looked at a number of different techniques and different dyes. They selected: • Rainbow Package dyes (add water, shake and apply to the damp t-shirt). • Turmeric simmered for an hour, then cooled. The shirts were then added to the liquid and soaked overnight. The colour in one tub was changed from yellow to red/orange by adding some bi-carb soda. • Boiling red cabbage for 4 hours gave us a vivid purple dye (although they didn’t enjoy the smell!). Some girls helped to squeeze the rest of the dye from the cabbage and for one Guide, this was her favourite part of camp! Guides were also able to make pink by adding some vinegar, or blue then green by adding bicarb soda to the purple dye. The rainbow shirts were amazing and the turmeric was very successful. The red cabbage was not as vivid as they had hoped so they might try this again. They then wore their tie-dyed shirts as active-wear to abseiling at Mountain Quarry later in the month.

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Red Poppy Tutorial The Joondalup Destiny girls have enjoyed a video painting tutorial before, so the Leaders linked this with Anzac Day and challenged them with a Red Poppy Tutorial. They mixed colours and blended the background of the sky using a few different techniques and add the bushes at the base of the image in the first session. Their easels were recycled pizza boxes. The second session involved adding the poppies, where Guides discovered techniques of incorporating perspective and distance, using object size and blending the colours differently. The Guides were justly proud of their amazing artworks.

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