good times in 2015, getting ready for 2016, and …...meeting in may 2016. as the year comes to a...

Edition 11| December 2015 | 100002222

A look back at Guiding good times in 2015, getting ready for 2016, and other Guiding news.

Edition 11 | December 2015

G-news

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CONTENTSFOREWORD FROM THE STATE TEAM 1

FROM GUIDE HOUSE 2

FROM THE NATIONAL TEAM 3

BRAVO 3

GUIDING GOOD TIMES 2015 5-8

MANAGER AND CONSULTANT NEWS 10-11

PROGRAM IDEAS: GETTING READY FOR 2016 12-13

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UPCOMING EVENT DATESEvent Location Event Date Closing

DateSummer Sailing School RTS Tingira 11–14 Jan 9 Dec

Vispera Sydney 16 Jan 16 Closed

Olave Program Conference

Mt Keira 5–7 Feb 15 Jan

World Thinking Day 22 Feb

Region Manager Weekend

Glengarry 27–28 Feb 5 Feb

District Manager Conference


International Womens Day

14 Feb

Mad Hatter Regatta Myuna Bay 18–20 March

TBC

Harmony Day 21 March

Science in the Garden The Australian Botanic Garden Mt Annan

9 April 18 March

UPCOMING COURSE DATESCourse Location Event Date Closing

DateLearning Partner Connect Yagoona Guide

Hall12 Dec 20 Nov

Summer Sailing School RTS Tingiria 11 Jan 9 Dec

Adult Canoe/Kayak Lake Gininderra College

9–10 Jan 9 Dec

Leadership Qualification Glengarry 6–7 Feb 15 Jan

Becoming a Manager (pt 1)

Glengarry 6–7 Feb 15 Jan

Learning Partner Connect Glengarry 7 Feb 15 Jan

Low Ropes Glengarry 6 Feb 15 Jan

Conduct an Expedition Nattai National Park

27–28 Feb 5 Feb

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General information you may wish to use

ecoStar is a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified recycled paper made from 100% post consumer waste fibres. FSC is a not-for-profit organisation encouraging the responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC certification

is recognised as a global standard in forest management practices and the Chain of Custody certification process enables the final printed document can be traced back to a certified source.


Other logos which apply to ecoStar paper

Minimum height of Landscape Logos = 12mm Colour can not be changed from what is shown

Minimum width of Portrait Logos = 17mm Colour can not be changed from what is shown

1 Edition 11 | December 2015

In November, Girl Guides in NSW and the ACT received advice that Gillian Garsia had resigned from the position of State Commissioner. Therefore Renée Bianchi and Kate Moore also complete their term as Deputy State Commissioners. Consequently the Board of Girl Guides NSW & ACT took the step of immediately appointing an Acting State Commissioner as required by the Constitution. The baton was passed to me. Whilst I may have accepted this role somewhat reluctantly, I wish to assure the Guiding community that I will do my very best to serve you while fulfilling this interim position.

I wish to convey the Board’s appreciation of the work that Gillian, Kate and Renée have done for Guiding over many years and especially during their term as the State Team. I do believe no one will ever know how much time and energy our volunteers expend in delivering Guiding at all levels and I wish to acknowledge the huge amount of work they have done so that we can enjoy Guiding both in our own Units as well as our big State events such as The Great Guide Sleepover.

I am very grateful to be able to advise that Renée Bianchi has accepted the role of Acting Deputy State Commissioner. Her knowledge will be invaluable. The Board has appointed Kate Moore as Chair of the Member Management Committee.

Over the coming months the Board will continue the process of reviewing our organisational structure and work on ensuring the governance structure meets the needs of Guiding. This will include a re-evaluation of the position of State Commissioner. In order to do this, two appointments have been made.

1 The role of Chair of the Girl Guides NSW & ACT Board. Anne Kerle is already in this role. Anne is a passionate advocate for country and regional Guiding. She has been a director of the Board since 2013, and has a wealth of experience both in Guiding, having held leadership roles in the Central West of NSW and Alice Springs, and professionally as a member of a number of Government Boards and Advisory Committees.

2 The role of Girl Guides Australia Director appointed from Girl Guides NSW & ACT. Rosemary Derwin is currently the Honorary Treasurer for Girl Guides NSW & ACT and as a committee member on the Girl Guides Australia Finance and Risk Committee. Rosemary is highly skilled and passionate about Guiding and has held a variety of leadership and governance positions.

I am very grateful to both Anne and Rosemary for taking on these roles. As Acting State Commissioner my goal is to have in place a new State Commissioner by the Annual General Meeting in May 2016.

As the year comes to a close it is a good time to reflect on the wonderful opportunities Guiding offers young women through events such as GirlMade, Adventure in the Garden, The Great Guide Sleepover and the Jamboree, but also to remember the everyday challenges which the AGP offers through our Unit meetings where our girls are encouraged to grow new skills.

A big BRAVO to our volunteer Leaders who willingly deliver Guiding each week and to all those who support them; District Managers, Region Teams, State Committees and our administration staff. It is only with your enthusiasm and energy that we can achieve our goal of empowering girls and young women to grow into confident, self-respecting, responsible community members.

Renée and I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy holiday season with family and friends, and we look forward to meeting many of you over the next few months—especially at activities such as the District Managers’ and Region Managers’ weekend in February.

...FOREWORDFROM THE STATE TEAM...

Elizabeth StarrActing State Commissioner

Renée BianchiActing Deputy State Commissioner

UPCOMING EVENT DATESEvent Location Event Date Closing

DateSummer Sailing School RTS Tingira 11–14 Jan 9 Dec

Vispera Sydney 16 Jan 16 Closed

Olave Program Conference

Mt Keira 5–7 Feb 15 Jan

World Thinking Day 22 Feb

Region Manager Weekend


District Manager Conference


International Womens Day

14 Feb

Mad Hatter Regatta Myuna Bay 18–20 March

TBC

Harmony Day 21 March

Science in the Garden The Australian Botanic Garden Mt Annan

9 April 18 March

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SE As the year draws to a close we have our last two strategic priority areas to cover off: streamlined business and financial sustainability.

People are often surprised to learn that income generated from membership fees only equates to around 20% of the cost of running the organisation. Other activities, such as donations, fundraising, state property income, retail and events equate to around 29% of the running costs, with the remainder—a significant 51%—being generated through investment income. Our Finance Management Committee (FMC) and investment fund managers work hard to ensure that our investments are earning as much income for us as possible, however as we all know the investment market is far from stable.

Our strategic objective around financial sustainability is therefore to be financially secure and sustainable through a more diverse range of contemporary income streams. This will enable the organisation to actively invest in the ongoing development of Guiding while also supporting our volunteers in accordance with our best practice principles. To do this, key activities that will evolve over the coming years include: developing and implementing a fundraising strategy that incorporates multiple state-based campaigns; and identifying and establishing corporate partnership and sponsorship opportunities. By 2020 our goal is to have increased income generated through fundraising by 20%, and to have at least three formalised partnerships in place that provide long term, mutually beneficial outcomes for the organisation.

As well as increasing our income streams, I’m sure you would all agree that we need to make sure that the way we spend the income—our business operations—is as efficient and effective as possible.

Our objective in relation to streamlined business is to develop and deliver user-friendly, integrated business systems and processes that support our membership and enhance our organisational capability and capacity. To achieve this, our focus will be on further utilising technology to enhance our volunteer experience, refining processes to ensure volunteers have access to clear, current and contemporary operating policies and procedures and ensuring our operating structure reflects the diverse and changing needs of our membership base. We have already managed to achieve one of the target actions through the launch of electronic banking for Districts earlier this year—always good to have a few early runs on the board!

The strategic plan in its entirely is an ambitious one and I’m sure at times will bring its own share of challenges. However the Board and Management believe in it, and are absolutely committed to seeing it come to fruition. We look forward to reporting our progress along the way, as well as opportunities for you to participate and get involved.

After a huge year, I don’t doubt that you are very much looking forward to the end of year break! My genuine thanks and BRAVO to each of you for all of your efforts throughout 2015—efforts without which Guiding would cease to exist. The time, passion and commitment that our Volunteers give never ceases to amaze me. I wish each of you and your families a wonderfully refreshing and safe break.

Until 2016—all the best,

Peta GilliesChief Executive [email protected]


Guide House will be closing from 12.00pm on Friday 18 December, reopening at 9.00am on Monday 4 January, 2015.

If you have any urgent matters arise during this time, please contact your District or Region Manager. They will know what to do and who to contact in case of emergency.

BRAVO to this edition’s newly qualified Leaders and Adult Members who have marked long service milestones.

Newly qualified

Outdoors Leader — Laura Humphries

Unit Leaders — Kirsty Warren, Helen Hardie

Long service milestones:

5 years — Anja Kennedy, Heather Pinning, Michalla Baumann

10 years — Michelle O’Connor, Dianne Gates

20 years — Jennifer Bearman

30 years — Ann Gibson, Margaret Harrison

35 years — Sue Carr, Cynthia Murphy

40 years — Rhonda Beach, Cheryl Waller

50 years — Ann Miles

55 years — Anne Cain


Reflecting on the year that was makes us feel very privileged to be a part of Girl Guiding in Australia. Across our vast country, in many and varied ways, we know our volunteers are providing inspiring and relevant programs for girls and young women in leadership and personal development. Our Member Organisations, the State Associations, play a vital role in supporting, managing, growing and leading Guiding, and together we are doing all we can to empower girls and young women to grow into confident, self-respecting, responsible community members.

We take this opportunity to personally thank each of you for your significant commitment to Girl Guiding throughout 2015. In whatever capacity you choose to make your contribution, we want you to know we appreciate your efforts and the part you have played. While great Guiding happens every day, 2015 can also be defined by the highlights, which include the Great Bunya Gathering, Guiding at the House, Spark! Re-igniting the Olave Program, World Thinking Day, the ANZAC Centenary Challenge and Girl Guides Western Australia 100th Birthday to name just a few.

A hallmark of a vibrant and forward-looking organisation is that from time to time, it steps back to look in depth at what it is doing to guarantee the relevance, quality and outcomes of its work. This year Girl Guides Australia (GGA) has undertaken a number of reviews including Adult Awards, Australian Guide Program, Olave Program, Risk Management and Policy and Procedures. We have been delighted by the engagement of Members across Australia who have so willingly given their time to answer surveys, attend feedback sessions and caravans, as well as working with girls to add their voices to the conversations to ensure our research is robust, thorough and informative.

GGA is proud of the partnerships it is developing, and International Day of the Girl Child provided an opportunity to strengthen our ties with UN Women by celebrating the day together in Canberra. The theme of the event, The Power of the Adolescent Girl, was a perfect platform to highlight the amazing work Girl Guiding is doing to empower girls and young women

and address issues of violence. We were delighted to be joined by the Minister for Women, Senator Michaelia Cash, along with other interested parliamentarians and a number of young women including local Girl Guides.

GGA CEO Kit McMahon has recently returned from London where she was both a participant and guest speaker at A Movement of Ideas for Growth Results. This World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) Roundtable event with representatives from 52 countries was an opportunity to empower Member Organisations with knowledge and tools for membership growth and for them to engage with each other, external experts and speakers. Additionally it was an invaluable opportunity to make and strengthen existing connections for further collaboration.

We have also welcomed back our four representatives who attended the WAGGGS forum, Friend, Fun, Freedom, Future, held in Oman. This was a joint project between WAGGGS’ Global Program Team and the Arab Region, and was an exciting opportunity for our delegates to explore new ideas and work collaboratively with other Leaders from around the world.

We believe 2016 is going to be amazing for Girl Guiding and we look forward to it with great excitement. We wish you, your families and your Guiding communities the very best for the festive and holiday season, and again thank you for being a part of Girl Guiding.

Robinette EmonsonChief Commissioner

Susan Campbell & Miranda CummingsAssistant Chief Commissioners

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Get your sea legs to this floating property! RTS Tingira is situated on picturesque Hen and Chicken Bay in Cabarita, and is the hub of Girl Guides water and boating activities. It’s perfect for your next District or Family Day, especially if your Guides are happy to get their feet wet.

There are still a number of weekends available for boating. Get in quick!

Call or email to make a booking.

If you’re looking for somewhere noice, different, or unusual, Araluen Lodge is an excellent venue for District camps in early 2016. The quiet Snowy Mountains property is located just 200m from Lake Jindabyne. In summer and autumn months, your Guides can indulge in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horse-riding.

Call or email to book your summer or autumn visit to Araluen.

If you’re looking for a place to host a camp, but don’t want to venture too far from Sydney, this must be the place.

Glengarry sits on the fringes of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, North Turramurra. The secluded bushland property has covered accommodation and campsites, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor District camps. We’ve recently installed outdoor table and chair settings within our campsites shelters, so you and your Guides will have an adventurous but comfortable stay.

Email for availability.

Glengarry

RTS Tingira

Araluen

What, when….and where? Planning exciting Guiding activities for the new year can be a logistical challenge, and securing an appropriate venue is no mean feat. Make the job a bit easier by booking a Girl Guides state property. Note that rental prices will remain the same for 2016.

Here’s our list of some excellent properties to host your 2016 Guiding events.

Visit Our State Properties in the New Year

Contact details:Donné LevyProperty & Events [email protected](02) 8396 5257


At Guide House we cannot believe that we’re at the end of 2015 already. It seems as if it was only yesterday that we were preparing for Adventure in the Garden. Jumping on the cliché train, we guess it really is true what people say: time flies when you’re having fun, and if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life!

We have so many memories of Guiding good times this year. As we near the summer break our thoughts turn to the journey that was in 2015 and all those whose interactions, help and patronage has made all that we do possible; making the world a better place for girls. We’ve dusted off the old Pensieve and plucked a few of our favourite memories from the year, splashing them across the following pages for all to enjoy! Reminisce, and if you’re feeling a little sentimental yourself, we’d love you to reciprocate. Send through your awesome photographs and amazing tales to [email protected] or share to the Girl Guides NSW & ACT Facebook page.

So many Guiding good times in 2015!

Adventure in the Garden at The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan was held on a glorious autumnal day. Thankfully we had Hamilton on board as sponsors; the 10 litres of sunscreen they donated was put to some really good use!

sisters around the world

world thinking day camp 2

015

Our biennial World Thinking Day camp was considerably drier than our 2013 effort and almost 200 Guides raised money for the World Thinking Day fund and learnt all about International and World Guiding and the amazing things achieved through the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals.


GUIDING GOOD TIMES 2015

The GirlMade Project was launched at World Thinking Day Camp Sisters Around the World and was amazingly successful for a program in its inaugural year. With a view to be held biennially GirlMade was developed by the State Program Team as a result of recommendations put forward by Girl Guides who participated in the Imagine More 2013 Youth Forum.

GirlMade showcases the diverse creative and artistic talents of the girls and young women of Girl Guides NSW & ACT. The project is open to all Guides and Olaves who are active financial Members of Girl Guides NSW & ACT and there are five categories for entry: Pre-junior Guides (ages 5–7); Junior Guides (ages 7–10); Guides (ages 10–14); Senior Guides (ages 14–17) and Olaves (ages 18–30).

The GirlMade Project theme in 2015 was empowerment—what are girls made of ? Entries were open for five months and each Region held an exhibition of submissions. From these Region exhibitions, finalists were selected and shipped to the State exhibition held in Sydney and the 2015 category winners (shown above) are now on display at Guide House.

Sophia StefoulisWinner – Guides

Grace LeeEmpowerment Champion

Rachel SchmitzerWinner – Senior Guides

Micheala CollinsWinner – Olaves

Jessica BeckerWinner – Junior Guides

Micheala CollinsWinner – Olaves

The 2015 them

e is Empowerment

GirlMadeGirlMade

Wha

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you made of?

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hat are girls made of?

Annual Caving Weekend 2015

years


The Caving Weekend, under the watchful eye of Pam Bedford and the amazing team she pulls together, celebrated 25 years of speleological splendiferousness!

OUTSPEAK

The 2015 Youth Forum—Speak Out—was held over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. Senior Guides and Olaves from across NSW & ACT came together at Girl Guides NSW & ACT’s State Training facility Glengarry to have fun, make new friends and change the world—all in one weekend.

2015The Great Guide Sleepover


Speaking of magnificent milestones, Rejectamenta notched up 21 years of service in 2015! 122 Guides and helpers from 21 Districts collected clothing discarded by the 78,614 participants in the City2Surf fun run. 9,270kg of clothing was donated to The Smith Family.

GUIDING GOOD TIMES 2015

Booking out in record time this year was RTS Tingira’s Dolphin Day. Pre-junior and Junior Guides experienced canoeing, rowing and power boat rides alongside special land-based activities.

The Great Guide Sleepover continues to be the largest event on the calendar. 1040 participants bunked down for a night under the stars in homemade bedrolls on the concert lawn at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. Not only does the event educate about animal conservation, it also features activities and advocacy information with a little help from UNICEF and the Office of the Children’s Guardian; Keeper talks; a disco and a moonlit cinema under the stars. This year we presented a cheque to the Taronga Conservation Society for $25,828.71.

RETA

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Can’t find what you are looking for online?

Chances are you have met our Retail Gremlins! We have experienced intermittent issues with the search function and product lists appearing in our Online Shop, causing newly added products to sometimes not appear. If you’ve seen something online and can’t find it again, please contact the Alexandria Guide shop on (02) 9317 4200.

Aluminium Torch

$5.00 each. Requires 3 x AAA batteries (not included). Let this pocket-sized gem be your Guiding light!

Christmas Badge

$0.80 each. A great Guiding keepsake your girls can sew on their camp blankets evoking memories of what a great year Guiding was in 2015!

Christmas Lucky Dip $2.00 each. Let us do the thinking for you! Each of our Christmas lucky dips contains a random Christmas-themed novelty item and two retro Christmas badges.

Summer shutdown

This summer our retail arm will be closed for stocktake and a New Year break. Last day of trading at Glengarry's Trading Post will be Saturday 5 December, and the last day of trading at Alexandria and through the online Guide shop will be Thursday 10 December.

The online Guide shop and our Alexandria shop will reopen on Tuesday 19 January. Dates for Glengarry Trading Post are still to be confirmed, and will be advised in G-news and online.

Season’s Greetings/Christmas Cards

$5.00 for a pack of 5 or $15.00 for a pack of 20 assorted cards. The cards feature illustrations of Girl Guides with an Australian take on the festive season, complemented by special finishes like shiny tree trimmings and glittering sparkly sand on the beach! Cards are A5 in size and feature the message: Best wishes for the festive season and a happy, healthy New Year.

Christmas Guide Brooch

$8.00 each. Each brooch is unique and handmade and yours will be selected at random.

Guide Shop

Looking for some last minute Guiding gift ideas? Girl Guides NSW & ACT's Retail Manager has picked out some of her favourites and we’ve listed them below. Shop online, give Retail a call or pop in to the Alexandria Shop, Sydney… but hurry—our Guide Shop’s last day of trading for 2015 is Thursday 10 December!

Drawstring Bags

$4.00 each. These drawstring tote bags are available in Guide pink and bright Guide yellow and are perfect as mess kit bags, wash bags, shoe bags or to keep smalls separate when out and about enjoying Guiding good times!

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It’s the end of the year and also the end of my five year term as the NSW & ACT International and World Guiding Consultant! I’ve had a wonderful and enriching experience in the role.

I’d like to thank the State International and World Guiding Committee: Mae Reed, Belinda Anderson, Karen Mitchell, Lorraine O’Hare, Sarah Rees, and Amanda Cooper, and to Wietske Bruinsma, who’s been on leave this year as she is developing the growth of Girl Guides in the Solomon Islands. I also want to thank past members of the committee: Lynda Hurford, Sue Folpp, Sue Randall and Emily Smith. Without their continued support State International and World Guiding events would not happen.

Girl Guides, and in particular World Guiding, opens many doors. In the last five years we had terrific State events: two World Thinking Day (WTD) Camps, two Friends of World Centres (FOWC) Fundraisers, IGNITE: Global Guiding Expo and two EXPLORE: Global Guiding Days. These events raised funds for the WTD Fund, FOWC and the Irene Fairbairn Fund (IFF). Members have shared their amazing experiences with others such as being a TARE in India, learning to speak fluent Spanish after four months in Mexico, volunteering at World Centres, making a change at the United Nation’s Commission on the Status of Women in New York, attending Stop the Violence workshops and World Conferences. We’ve also heard about different camping & outdoor experiences in other countries.

I’ve interviewed and/or checked references for many Youth and Adult Members who have applied for events in all WAGGGS regions. I have issued WAGGGS Introduction Cards for Members who were selected for events and to Members who have visited Girl Guides and Girl Scouts while holidaying in countries such as Turkey, Japan, Germany, France and Cambodia. Our State Members have welcomed our sisters

from other countries into their Units when they’ve holidayed in Australia and learnt from them.

There are so many people to thank! In this role I’ve been supported by two State Commissioners; Belinda Allen and Gillian Garsia, Members of our State Program Team and Guide House staff, in particular, Lisa Harris (huge thanks). I’ve attended five GGA Management Meetings, State Program face-to-face meetings, Region Personnel Conferences and last year went to Melbourne for the Friends of Asia Pacific WAGGGS gathering. In Melbourne, I attended the inaugural Asia Pacific Region Conference for Leaders of Girls and met members from this region (and a Malaysian Princess).

I hope you all get the chance to apply for an international event or volunteer at a World Centre, attend an International Jamboree and make friends with a Girl Guide or Girl Scout from a different country, or bring the World of Guiding to your own Region and District events, or Unit meetings. I encourage you to join the FOWC for just $10 a year to hear all about life at our World Centres, contribute to the IFF to support our Members who are selected for international events, donate to the WTD Fund to help our sisters in poorer countries and for a one-off fee join the Friends of Asia Pacific WAGGGS.

Look out for the International and World Guiding Committee at the IGNITE: Global Guiding Expo pop-up stall at next year’s Regatta!

Wishing all of you the very best for the end of year break and World Thinking Day next year.

Don’t forget to think World Guiding!

Kerrey WilliamsState International and World Guiding [email protected]

2015 seems to have flown past. It doesn’t seem that long ago I accepted the role of Learning and Development Manager and I have almost completed a full year!

This is a wonderful opportunity for me to thank all the people, including yourselves, who have supported me this year. It has been a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to 2016 and implementing the changes we have made to training courses.

I would like to thank all the people who put a training courses together. Firstly our trainers—without these dedicated ladies there would be no training courses. They bring a wealth of knowledge and spice it up with fun activities to make the whole weekend an enjoyable experience.

Thanks to Tracy Byers and the staff at Guide House, who ensure we have all the resources we need for a training course. Our catering teams are also invaluable and I thank them for giving up a weekend to feed us with beautiful food.

Thanks also goes to the teams in the Regions, the Region Learning and Development Advisers for hosting the training courses and

providing accommodation for the trainers and trainees. This certainly helps to make a successful weekend.

Last, but not at all least, to all the Leaders and Managers who attend the training courses, thank you for making the effort. From reading the evaluation forms, I can tell you all enjoyed the experience.

This year we had 131 Leaders attend Qualification Training, and 27 attend Becoming a Manager Training. I look forward to signing all these certificates to show you have completed your passports. Thank you ladies for taking on this commitment.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, enjoy the last month of 2015 and the parties with girls and families. Have a break and come back ready for another exciting year with Girl Guides.

Elizabeth BakerState Learning and Development [email protected]

L&D


Need a small gift for girls leaving your Unit. Why not consider something for the Outdoors! Backpacks, sleeping bags and stretchers fit the bill but are quite expensive. So why not a microfibre towel?

The Guide Shop and all the camping stores, such as Kathmandu, carry them. These gifts would also be great for those girls doing their Duke of Edinburgh. A cutlery set is another useful gift, and again most camping stores have them.

If you are into making things, consider a sit-upon, an emergency first-aid kit, a proper mess kit bag or a special pillow case signed by the girls in the Unit. Any of these will certainly add to their memories of Guiding.

After the holidays are over and you are thinking about your 2016 program, keep in mind the wide range of adventurous activities being offered at or close to our Guide campsites. For example, archery at Glengarry, Bebrue and Queanbeyan, or canoeing at Bindaree and RTS Tingira. Tree Tops Adventure Park is located near Camp Austral and close to Random Cottage are all kinds of hiking opportunities in the Blue Mountains.

Then there is the Scout Air Activities Centre in Camden, this is sure to be a hit. Why not camp somewhere different in 2016? It can be a Guide or non-Guide property. Your Region Outdoor Activity Consultant (ROAC) has a list of approved sites. There are adventurous activities out there to be had and you can make these happen for your girls.

Reminders:

The following activities are not approved or covered by Girl Guides Australia insurance: cross bow hunting, paintball, unguided caving, bungee jumping and DIY flying foxes.

Paperwork for camps and activities needs to be sent to the correct people in the correct amount of time as per the paperwork. This is usually three to four weeks in advance for normal Unit activities.

Life is great outdoors—so get out there.

Carol MeiklejohnState Outdoors, Environment & Earth Education [email protected]

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Our wonderful archives have just received the Log Book for the 1st City Rangers 1938–1945 from Dorothy Newland. The first six of these Members were originally from 1st Arncliffe Guides with one from Bexley Guides. Their Guide Leader was Miss Olga Wood, and as Guides they met in a concrete garage beneath an old cottage in Arncliffe. On leaving Guides they joined 1st Arncliffe Ranger Company who met in St. David’s Church Hall at Arncliffe. Unfortunately there was no Captain (Leader).

The girls were attending the Ranger Moot at Mona Vale during December 1938 and January 1939, when on 8 January, 1939, they were enrolled as Rangers by the Commissioner for Rangers, Miss Meek. Miss Meek, on hearing of their leadership plight, offered to be their Leader if they would meet in the City of Sydney. They all agreed as they worked in the City—so began the 1st City Rangers. Meetings were held in the Cottage Weavers rooms in the Rocks area. According to the Log Book, Miss Meek was Captain and Miss Savage the Lieutenant. Between April and July 1939, weekly subscriptions were three pence per girl. They held a Ranger Dinner on 11 May, 1939, and they learnt First Aid on the first two weeks in June 1939. On 20 July, 1939, they had a Theatre Party instead of a meeting.

The Log contains handwritten stories of their various outings and camps which make for a very interesting read. One I particularly like is the Push Bike Hike on the October long weekend in 1940. A group of two Guides and four Rangers with their bikes left Central Station bound for Mount Wilson.

They would change trains at Richmond for another train to Kurrajong. This train was called Pansy and was a familiar site in the Hawkesbury District until 1952 when Pansy ceased operation, and the line from Richmond to Kurrajong was closed. Alas, when they arrived at Kurrajong one of the bikes belonging to a Leader was missing. This bike had a name – Mercury! It was nightfall when they reached Kurrajong Heights and stopped for tea. By this time there were only two bikes able to be ridden and still many miles to ride up and down hills on a dirt road.

The two cyclists reached Bilpin at 11.40pm, with the rest of the party following a short time later. Their tiredness quickly vanished when they found a dance in full swing, so they joined in dancing until 1am, and then slept out under the stars. At 6am the next morning, the group were up and cooking breakfast prior to moving on.

The rest of the story unfolds and there is a page titled Casualty List as well as a poem about the hike written by Mavis Manson, one of the intrepid Push Bike Hikers. I particularly liked the General Casualty List – squashed tomatoes and eggs, tired legs and feet and countless scratches and bruises.

Monday saw the group on the return journey:

On arrival at Kurrajong we made ourselves presentable as best we could –the train came and we were on our way home after a very enjoyable weekend.

Chesne JonesState Archivist

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9 April 2016

SC ENCEin the garden


Follow the white rabbit through the looking glass for a weekend of boating, camping and nonsensical frivolity. Just don’t be late.

This event is great if you’ve got Guides looking to progress to Senior Guides and they need a little injection of excitement and adventure to ensure they hang in there. Get them linked and registered. It’s also an opportunity for Olaves to recruit Senior Guides to their Peer Groups.

Mad Hatter RegattaMarch

18–20

You’ve got the calendar from the last edition of The Waratah and you’re getting excited. You’ve dusted off last December’s Waratah with its tips for preparing a Unit Master Plan and thumbed through the pages on planning in your Leader’s Handbook.

The groundwork is done. You’re psyched. You’re ready. Don’t wade into the waters of procrastination—read on. Put down the shiny things and see what we’re excited about in 2016

Okay, so registrations have closed, but we are still excited and cannot wait to see what creative gems come out of this summer camp!

If you thought Adventure in the Garden was awesome—it just got cooler. This event features the unbelievably amazing Dr Karl (thank you University of Sydney’s Science Alliance) and workshops by inspiring young women like the Robogals. If your Patrol creates the best Rube Goldberg Machine they will win a telescope! Other activities include building a Mars Rover and searching for ET, along with a bunch of old favourites that have helped cement this event in the annual calendar.

Leaders, bring your loudest Dr Karl style shirt. In the ultimate mark of respect and to say thank you, we want as many of you as possible donning Dr Karl style shirts just before he comes on stage.

Science in the Garden

April 9

Vispera January

16–19 PROGRAMIDEAS:GETTING READY FOR2016


2016 is the 20th year that the Great Guide Sleepover is being held in one form or another. It began as sleepover on the Opera House steps with Mission Australia in a bid to raise awareness of and funds for the homeless. It is from these beginnings that the tradition of the girls sleeping out under the stars in bedrolls comes from and to this day they continue to do so on the grounds of Taronga Zoo with guest speakers, advocacy activities, a disco, and moonlight cinema under the stars.

Celebrating 20 years is big. Keep an eye on all Guiding communications for some special announcements about the Great Guide Sleepover in 2016.

Following its reboot in 2014, Moot is back. Now on the calendar as a biennial event, Moot is a lightweight standing camp and outdoor activities weekend. For Senior Guides and Olaves, Moot is awesome and should be on every Guide's must-do list. November 12–13: save the date… you won't regret it.

Moot

August 27–28

November 12–13

The Great Guide Sleepover

2015

2012

2013

2011

2010

2014

2012

Adventure in the Garden just got cooler

9 April 2016

With Special Guest

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki

SC ENCEin the garden

presents

good times in 2015, getting ready for 2016, and …...meeting in may 2016. as the year comes to a...

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