Wagtale Issue 43 Term 3 2020

Issue 43 - Term 3, 2020

in this issue Online Guiding Covid-19

Driveway at Dawn

Fundraising for Units

Embracing Change

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: Joondalup Twilight Guides making Mother's Day gifts at an online Unit meeting (by Helen Matusik) Back Photo: Olave High Ropes Day (by Hannah Woodward) Send articles and photos to communications@girlguideswa.org.au.

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contents

State Commissioner's Report

4

National Team Report

5

Coming Events

6

Clean Up Australia

8

World Thinking day 2020

9

Olave Camp

10

Olave High Ropes

11

Driveway at Dawn 2020

12

Embracing Change

14

Camp at Home

16

State Team Challenge

17

Unit Fundraising in 2020

18

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State Commissioner's Report As I sit at my kitchen table, surrounded by favourite and familiar objects, I pause to reflect on the very unfamiliar circumstances we have been experiencing.

This time will be remembered for many different things – the virtual Unit meetings held over Zoom, how quickly Guide Leaders become experts in the online space, the drive-by Guide meetings with lots of waving and honking of horns, the Guiding activities done at home, the new skills learnt and the sharing of ideas and resources.

As we always do at this time of the year, we’ve paid tribute to our veterans on ANZAC Day by standing in our driveways and placing a wreath on our door. Although not the traditional Dawn Service or Parade of previous years, it is a time of reflection and respect.

We took time during National Volunteer Week, from 18 May until 24 May 2020, to pat ourselves on the back for the amazing work we do throughout the year. The events planned to celebrate the contribution of volunteers were unfortunately cancelled but we gratefully acknowledge what you do week in and week out for our organisation.

During this period, we also remember our Guiding sisters around the world, who are experiencing this pandemic in many different ways. We know their Guiding spirit is strong and will see them through these challenging times.

Our period of hibernation has come to an end and the memories of isolation will fade with time, but Girl Guides Western Australia will return stronger for the experience.

I must take a moment to mention Linda Elezovich and Tammy Flett, who were both honoured recently. Linda was awarded a Red Kangaroo for providing a sustained intensive level of good service to Girl Guiding in Australia.

This award recognised Linda’s commitment and dedication to her work as State Commissioner of Girl Guides Western Australia and Director on the Girl Guides Australia Board.

Tammy Flett was awarded an Order of the Medal of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June. Tammy has been a member

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“The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.”

- Lord Baden Powell

of Girl Guides WA since 1988, first as a Brownie, then a Girl Guide, a Guide Leader and since 2009 as Region Manager for Country South/ Greater Southern Region. She has also been a member of Redmond Bush Fire Brigade since 1998 and is involved in many other community activities.

A gigantic BRAVO to both of these energetic women.

Lastly, a big thank you to all of you for your understanding, patience, support and laughter.

Please continue to look after yourself and your loved ones.

Katrina Lane, State Commissioner Paula Dunn, Laura Ives-Hicks and Claire Veen, Assistant State Commissioners

National Team Report I know there is great excitement looming as the date gets nearer to when we start to return to meeting together and sharing in outdoor adventures. I know for some of you this date has already come! 'Together we can do this' was a focus of the last few months AND TOGETHER YOU DID! Your resilience, determination, initiative and boundless energy - not to mention your passion for Girl Guiding - enabled girls and young women all around Australia to continue their Guiding connections and enjoy time with their friends.

Congratulations and well done to all.

GGA AGM Girl Guides Australia has just held its Annual General meeting using an online platform and it was wonderful to be able to welcome so many Guiding friends from around Australia. I think we mastered the technology ok! Lots of new learnings for all. We have all adjusted to some new ways of sharing in Girl Guiding. And maybe it has given you some new ideas on how to meet the needs of the girls in your Units, Districts, Regions and States?

I was pleased to announce some very special awards at the GGA AGM. Congratulations to Natasha Hendrick on being awarded the Silver Kangaroo for significant service to Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting globally. Natasha who has been a member of the WAGGGS Board for the last six years and who has given extensively to Girl Guiding in Australia is an exceptional leader, role model and mentor.

Congratulations to Anne Crummy and Linda Elezovich on being awarded a Red Kangaroo for the significant good service they have given to Girl Guiding in Australia. Their commitment, dedication and passion for Girl Guiding has made a difference in the lives of many girls and young women.

At the GGA AGM we gained further insights into JLS 2019 from two JLS participants Sally Woodhouse and ClaireMarie Pepper and Bronwyn Hughes who was a JLS facilitator. A requirement of the JLS program is that the young women who attended develop a 100 Girl Project to share their leadership learnings with 100 girls aged 12+. There are some exciting programs being planned. Keep your eyes open for opportunities for Guides in your to area to experience a 100 Girl Project. There is a special badge for those who attend.

I was absolutely delighted to present Janet Torney

with an Asia Pacific Leadership award for her service to Girl Guides Australia - and to Girl Guiding in Australia. Janet joined the Board of Girl Guides Australia as Treasurer in 2012 she served six years as Treasurer before being appointed to the role of Chair. Girl Guides have benefited from Janet’s passion and professionalism, she has mentored many of us in organisational management and governance. Bravo Janet!

New National Roles Girl Guides Australia is excited to be advertising four new roles and are looking for four Adult members to join the National Volunteer Team. The roles are: National Coordinator – Youth, National Coordinator - Adult, National Coordinator – International and National Travel Coordinator. If you are keen to share your passion and Guiding experience collaborating with Guiding members in all States to support and co-ordinate Leaders delivering and facilitating a high-quality, inclusive, girl-led Australian Guide Program (AGP) – one of these roles might be for you! All details can be found by clicking here.

A reminder - applications for grants from the GGA Bushfire Emergency Relief Fund are now open. More information can be found on our website.

Biscuits 2020 Girl Guide biscuits go online in July and we will be selling them direct to the public via the Girl Guides Australia biscuit website. Buy your biscuits in either single flavour boxes of 16 biscuits including: Triple Choc, ANZAC or Coeliac Australia approved Gluten Free Lemon, Lime and Coconut or a combination box of Triple Choc and ANZAC. Boxes can also be sent as gifts to loved ones across Australia. More details to follow in the coming weeks.

And finally, Girl Guides will be in the July Nat Geo Kids magazine so make sure to keep an eye out for this two page spread and more on their website too! And for those of you who may have missed it, Girl Guides also appeared in a Total Girl EDM that was sent out to all their subscribers in Australia on the 9th May. Girl Guides had an activity that was in a downloadable activity book circulated to 240,000 subscribers in their readership network. As we look to enjoy more great Girl Guiding - please stay well, stay connected and stay Girl Guiding.

Rosemary Derwin Chief Commissioner Girl Guides Australia

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Coming Events

state archery day 90 minute sessions - four to choose from! Archery is exciting, adventurous and fun! Girls can develop hand-eye coordination and build their confidence by trying something new.

Who & Cost: $20 for girls aged 5 to 17 years When: 4 sessions on Sunday 26 July, 2020 Where: Baldivis Archery Club

Register: on the What’s On page at www.girlguideswa.org.au

leader qualification training day This training day will include several components of your LQ passport and will provide you with a much better understanding of the role, your support network and your next step towards the completion of your Leadership Qualification.

Who & Cost: free for all Leaders in Training When: 8.30am on 2 August, 2020 Where: Guide House, Belmont

Register: Upcoming Training page at www.girlguideswa.org.au

first aid training The one day Provide First Aid course provides an excellent general grounding in First Aid and will enable you to perform appropriate First Aid procedures and basic life support skills.

Who & Cost: $89 for Leaders and girls aged 14+

When: Wednesday 5 August, 2020 8.30am to 4.30pm Where: Belmont Training Centre

Register: Upcoming Training page at www.girlguideswa.org.au

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state campfire Come and sing your favourite Guide songs at this great big Guiding campfire for all members across the state. Families may stay and join in the fun for free!

Who & Cost: $5 for members; free for families

When: 6pm to 8pm Saturday 5 September, 2020

Where: Cambridge Guide Hall, Perry Lakes Reserve

Register: on the What’s On page at www.girlguideswa.org.au

annual general meeting The 2020 Annual General Meeting will take place at South Perth Guide Hall. All members invited to attend. Please RSVP for the post-meeting morning tea.

Who & Cost: free for all members of Girl Guides WA When: Saturday 24 October, 2020 at 10am

Where: John McGrath Pavilion, South Perth

Register: on the What’s On page at www.girlguideswa.org.au

rescheduled events and training We're aware that members were expecting some events that had to be cancelled due to Covid-19. We're doing our best to reschedule activities within the new guidelines for holding events.

To stay informed about new or rescheduled events, please keep an eye on our social media and check in regularly on the What's On and Upcoming Training pages at www.girlguideswa.org.au

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Clean Up Australia positive changes noted during 2020 efforts Clean Up Australia Day is an annual service activity for Girl Guides all over Australia. In line with the 2020 theme, members of Girl Guides Western Australia and their families were invited to 'Step Up and Clean Up'.

This year, we held our Clean Up event on Saturday 7 March at the Dianella Guide and Scout Hall.

We started with a barbecue breakfast, funded through a gold coin donation by participants.

Profits were donated to Clean Up Australia.

47 Guides, Olaves, Scouts and Leaders then joined together to clean up the Dianella Open Space, covering the sports fields, playground, carpark, bushland and walk trails around the hall.

The total amount of rubbish collected was less than 2019, which was very pleasing to see. In particular, there were far fewer plastic bags, which shows that the single-use plastic bag ban implemented in July 2018 has had a positive effect on the environment.

They did find an abandoned shopping trolley, which was quite handy for transporting the pieces of furniture that had been dumped! Participants managed to collect two bags of recyclables, which were passed on to the local council along with the other items for disposal.

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World Thinking Day 2020 World Thinking Day has been celebrated by Girl Guides every year on 22 February since 1926. It is a day of international friendship, recognising that Guides respect each person for who they are, regardless of their race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, ability, appearance, gender identity or experience - on this day and every day.

The theme for the 2020 World Thinking Day was Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - the perfect theme in this time of increased awareness of racial and gender inequality, and efforts towards social change.

Our Units ran their own Thinking Day celebrations this year. Some of their activities are showcased below.

The Bayswater Units held an all-ages sleepover, with 35 girls aged from 6-17 participating in collaborative activities to celebrate the theme, including skits, discussion, activities and games.

Tuart Girl Guides and Olaves played team games and made WAGGGS-themed chalk drawings.

John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School students Angela and Tia asked if they could wear their uniforms to school in support of the day and the Principal agreed. They were featured on the school's Facebook page.

12 girls from Oakford Courageous Guides had a sleepover in Byford with a banana choc cupcake challenge, a nature walk to spot kangaroos and watching the sunset.

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Olave Camp

Olave Summer Camp From 31 January to 2 February, a small group of Olaves and 14+ Guides ventured off on an amazing weekend away, up in the hills of Chidlow.

We pitched up our tents, ate dinner and enjoyed a starry night walk on our first night camping in the hills. The next day after breakfast we did a service project, cleaning up bushland around Lake Leschenaultia. With gloves and garbage bags, we worked in small groups to pick up rubbish all around the lake.

That afternoon we made a raft. With four barrels and five wooden staves, we creatively knotted the barrels together, making sure the raft was secure. Then once the raft was made, we tested it out on the lake. Sitting on the staves didn’t work out very well, so we problem-solved, turned the raft upside down and sat on the barrels!

We had four people paddling the raft across the lake while two others held on and started kicking!

That evening we prepared an Olave Link ceremony overlooking the lake. There was an amazing pink sunset that night, which made it extra special. We welcomed those who recently turned 18 to Olaves, and wished them a wonderful journey full of adventures, fun and long-lasting friendships. Even though they are leaving the days of youth Guiding behind, there are many exciting opportunities to explore in Olaves, such as camping, awards, service and advocacy.

As the new Olaves renewed their promise, the ceremony finished with certificates and bubble-blowing into the sunset. We watched the sinking sun, then enjoyed dinner and board games.

The next day we took down our tents, ate breakfast, packed up, and played some more board games before we had to leave the campsite.

We had many memories captured and friendships created. Though the camp may have ended, the adventures are only just beginning for a year of Olave activities. Come journey with us, and live for the challenge!

Written by Amy Jean Meagher

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OlaveTitle High Ropes

Olave high ropes adventure Olaves invited members 16+ for a linking experience at Yanchep Trees Adventure.

The course was exciting but also challenging and we were able to choose the level of difficulty we wanted to complete. Some Guides made it all the way through to the top level! Having the different levels was really good as everyone was able to challenge themselves.

After the course we all sat down together for lunch. We enjoyed sandwiches, brownies, cookies and fresh fruit. We look forward to doing something similar in the future.

Written by Jasmine Paine

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Driveway at Dawn 2020

Photos supplied by parents and members showing Guides from Albany, Katanning, Quinns Rocks, Carlisle, Guildford, Bunbury, Joondalup, Geraldton, Ballajura, Mandurah, Baldivis, Carine, Rossmoyne, Kalamunda and so many more WA locations!.

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For ANZAC Day 2020, normally a significant event on the Girl Guide calendar, we asked members to wear uniform and stand at the end of their driveways or on their doorsteps with their families.

Members gave the Guide salute and stood for a minute's silence to reflect on the sorrows of war, the lives given in service and our hope for world peace.

Guides made wreaths for their front doors and handheld lamps from recycled materials and not even rain deterred our members from the #drivewayatdawn service! Girls in several Greater Southern Units even participated in a Virtual ANZAC Camp, experiencing a Zoom session with a servicewoman who was a Leading Seaman Radio Operator in the RAN.

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Embracing Change

The Impact of Covid-19 on Guiding We had not even finished our work raising funds for bushfire-affected communities when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and life as we knew it changed drastically in a very short space of time.

What had at first seemed like a distant threat became startlingly real and present in the lives of our members, volunteers and community. Girl Guides WA's Board responded to the risk of the virus' spread by suspending face-to-face meetings as of 20 March, 2020. This meant cancelling a number of events and trainings, Unit camps and weekly Guide meetings.

The decision would impact not only our ANZAC Day activities via Zoom dedicated volunteer force of 270 women, but also our Girl Guides - over 2,000 Western Australian girls from the ages of five to 18. And let's not forget the Trefoil Guild (our wonderful alumni group) and the Olave Program (young women aged 18-30), as well as the committees and managers who meet regularly to help run Guiding in WA.

Aubin Grove Unit's virtual camp

As a state, our first concern was for the safety of our members.

It was hard to explain to enthusiastic little girls why they couldn't go to Guides that week, although they would soon also be affected by school closures and social distancing precautions in all public spaces of WA. Initially we hoped the suspension would only last until the start of Term 2, but as the numbers rose we resigned ourselves to a longer period of shutdown.

The Response from Volunteers Our Leaders immediately started to think of innovative ways to keep delivering Guiding to girls.

Many quickly adopted online meeting platforms such as Zoom or Google Classroom, as well as learning platforms such as Seesaw. Some Leaders found opportunities to brighten their Girl Guides' days by delivering packages of activities that could be completed independently or in online meetings. One Unit in Joondalup even hosted a drive-by meeting.

Leaders dressed up and blew bubbles or held up signs, maintaining safe social distance outside their Guide Hall, and invited their Guide families to drive past and honk or wave. The general public also enjoyed the spectacle, with plenty of horns beeping in support!

Although they were under no obligation, Guide Leaders rose to the challenge of adapting what is normally a practical, hands-on program to the online medium.

Some of the unexpected difficulties included audio delays when singing, and learning to take turns to speak

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Drive-by Guide meeting, Joondalup

with online Title guiding in a busy Unit of over 20 excited little Girl Guides. But as always, the Leaders came through, adapting their programs and delivery to ensure as many Girl Guides as possible didn't miss out on the confidence-building and skills development of the Guide Program - and to give them connection and fun during a frightening time.

The Response from the State Not all volunteer Leaders were equipped to switch seamlessly to online delivery and we wanted to ensure every girl had the opportunity to join in, as well as giving paying members value for money. The Board voted to offer a four-month extension on all memberships, meaning youth and adult members had an additional quarter added to their rolling annual memberships. This decision was made to recognise the financial hardship, loss of jobs and general downturn associated with the pandemic.

Mother's Day gifts via Zoom

Additionally, Girl Guides WA committed to delivering Term 2 weekly meetings online to three age groups of Girl Guides: five to nine year olds, 10 to 13 year olds and the 14 plus age group. Each week, all girls across the state could sign into one of our Zoom webinars run by an experienced volunteer Leader. These meetings included a visit from a vet, online escape rooms, Zentangle, I-spy, singing, tying knots and even cooking.

Older girls were invited to use the Mural app during the meeting, where they could brainstorm ideas together. Guides could text-chat as a group and contribute verbally when permitted by Leaders, and each meeting had a team of Leaders in the background to monitor the chat stream and answer questions. The meetings were recorded and placed on our Youtube channel for girls who couldn't make the live time.

Lastly, each family received a weekly email of Guiding activities for those girls who did not have access to the devices required to attend the online meetings - or for Girl Guides who simply couldn't get enough of guiding!

Unit meetings resumed 15 June and while we are delighted to be back to face-to-face activities, using innovative delivery methods was a worthwhile adventure and we anticipate incorporating lots of what we've learned into future programming.

We are extraordinarily grateful to our energetic Leaders and to the Guiding community for showing loyalty and support during the suspension of face-toface activities.

Girl Guides WA Youtube Channel

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Camp at Home

In late March, things were rapidly changing in WA society due to Covid-19. Clubs and sports were going into suspension, people were working from home and many children were schooling at home.

Scouts WA invited Girl Guides WA to take part in a month-long camp-at-home event. The goal was to support the Northumberland Scouts in the UK, who had decided to attempt a record for the world's biggest camp.

Girl Guides were keen to join in the fun. We invited our members to pitch a tent or create an indoor fort, build a virtual campfire (or a real one, if conditions and local rules permitted) and to help cook a meal for their families.

From April 6 to April 30 2020, thousands of Guides, Scouts, siblings and parents took part in this activity, holding their own home-based adventures. On 30 April, the day of the world record attempt, WA had 1501 Scouts and Guides under canvas - with 95,342 camping at home worldwide!

68 Countries took part and we ultimately broke a world record for the largest camp ever held!

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State Team Challenge The State Team Challenge is back!

The previous State Team Challenge was to take part in the Outdoor Muster event - but this year in recognition that many of us are Guiding at home, the State Team has developed a challenge you can do by yourself in your own space.

For 2020, the challenge theme is Guides@Home to commemorate these interesting times and the way we adapted Guiding for isolation life. It's also a great way to remind girls that they are always Guides, not just at their Unit meetings!

The challenge is open to youth and adult members of Girl Guides WA but you can also collect the badge without doing the challenge. A printable flyer is available on the WA Guiding News blog with everything you need to know about the challenge.

The Guides@Home Badge is now available to buy from the Guide Gear shop at a cost of $2 per badge.

It can be presented in recognition of completing the State Team Challenge or just as a collectable souvenir blanket badge.

We encourage all members to take the challenge - from Girl Guides to Trefoil Guild Members and everything in between. This challenge is the perfect way to stay in touch with the spirit of Guiding, keeping you mentally and physically healthy, during times when your life may feel quite different from normal!

The 2020 State Team Challenge Guides@Home Badge

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Unit Fundraising in 2020

The challenges of fundraising in 2020 One of the unexpected side effects of the pandemic was the loss of key fundraising opportunities our Units normally use throughout the year.

Girl Guide Units run on a tight budget, with most Units charging a low term fee of around $3 to $5 per week per Guide. To provide camps and adventures that all Guides can afford, as well as purchasing equipment to deliver an exciting weekly program, Units are required to do regular fundraising. The big fundraiser for most Units is the annual Girl Guide Biscuit campaign. Units back this up with Bunnings sausage sizzles, cake stalls, and other event-based fundraisers.

Biscuits 2020 For over 60 years we have proudly sold Girl Guide Biscuits to raise funds to cover the costs of equipment, camps, outings, adventures and learning programs. We were excited about a new range in 2020 including Triple Choc, Anzac and Lemon, Lime and Coconut (glutenfree) cookies. However, due to the pandemic and business shutdowns, the national biscuit order was delayed.

Next, we had to suspend face-to-face Guide activities. Along with cancellations of many events where we could sell, and uncertainty around Australia about when normality will resume, Girl Guides Australia had to make the difficult decision to cancel all Unit orders. This means Units cannot sell biscuits as usual in 2020, which in turn means lots of disappointed Girl Guides and the loss of a relied-upon fundraiser for Units and Regions.

For 2020, Girl Guide Biscuits will be only available via online sales from a national webstore, starting in July 2020. Anyone can buy biscuits from the website and they will receive them delivered directly to their nominated address. Buyers can nominate a local group or state to receive the profit from their purchase.

The changes bring up a set of new challenges for Guide Units, who have tended to rely on face-to-face sales at Saturday morning sports, in shopping centres and through door-knocking. Units are already thinking of innovative ways to maximise their biscuit fundraising, including contacting local businesses to request they purchase and sell biscuits from their counters or reception desks. We hope to see lots of online support for the biscuit fundraiser this year!

Please keep an eye on GirlGuideBiscuits.com.au.

duck derby Girl Guides WA was lucky to be selected as a recipient of the Rotary Club of Heirisson's Duck Derby in 2020. The Duck Derby is an annual lottery with awesome prizes including a car, electric bikes and cash. Every ticket purchased is allocated a rubber duck tagged with the ticket number, and the draw is a grand Duck Race at Hillary’s Boat Harbour.

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The derby was planned for March but also had to be postponed due to Covid-19. The event has been rescheduled for 20 September, 2020. Any tickets already sold are still eligible and Units should still be encouraging people to buy their lucky ducks.

Each Guide Unit is listed alphabetically in the dropdown of subbeneficiary recipients on the Duck Derby website and anyone is eligible to buy or sell tickets at $10 each. Guide Units will receive from 30% to 40% percent of tickets sold, depending on how many Girl Guides WA sells overall (40% if we exceed 501 tickets sold).

Units may use the funds raised for equipment, outings or events that directly benefit Girl Guides.

Tickets are now available for purchase from DuckDerby.com.au.

container deposit scheme Containers for Change will provide a new and exciting opportunity for community groups, sporting clubs and charities to raise funds by encouraging members of the community to donate their 10c refund when the scheme commences in October 2020. Girl Guides WA will be taking the opportunity to fundraise in a variety of ways and we want all Units to get involved.

Unit meeting venues can become a physical Donation Point by having a bin or cage on-site where people can safely drop off their eligible containers. Units will then need to arrange to return the donated containers to a local Containers for Change Refund Point to receive the 10c refund per eligible container. Some WA Units have already successfully applied for grants to purchase a cage for their sites. A list of Refund Point Operators will soon be available online and Guide House is developing partnerships with Refund Point Operators across WA. Alternatively, Units can become a virtual Donation Point. Distribute a unique Unit Scheme ID number to supporters, friends and family. Anyone returning eligible containers to a Refund Point can then donate their refund to the Unit via this Scheme ID, with refunds transferred via direct deposit into the Unit's nominated bank account. Girl Guides WA will be asking all Units to provide their preferred bank account details so that a Scheme ID can be generated for that Unit.

We hope this will be a significant ongoing fundraiser for local Units. Contact the General Manager of Girl Guides WA on 9479 9800 or manager@girlguideswa.org.au for more information.

Despite the incredible challenges of 2020, our Units continue to rise to the challenge and adapt to the 'new normal'. We hope the general public will support local Guide Units in fundraising to provide an exciting range of opportunities and activities for WA girls.

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