ANNUAL REPORT

GIRL GUIDES TASMANIA

2013

State Commissioner

2013 was certainly a year that started with a great high, quickly followed by a deep low. However, after that tumultuous start, Girl Guides Tasmania once again provided unforgettable opportunities and experiences to our members. It was a year that definitely proved that Guides are prepared and able to take on any challenge.

The fanTAStic 2013 Jamboree certainly lived up to its name – a fantastic experience for all involved. Guides excitedly took part in on- and off-site activities, expanding their minds to learn new skills, gain knowledge and try new activities. There was the flashmob in the Launceston Mall, surfing, shopping, walking and fencing among the off-site activities. The on-site activities included dancing, rockclimbing, cooking, blacksmithing and circus performance. The excitement of the week was contagious and the feedback received from participants was very positive. A huge Bravo to Julie and all those who dedicated some part of their lives to ensuring that Girl Guides Tasmania delivered an unforgettable experience for members.

In the week following the Jamboree, fire destroyed 71 Bathurst Street, Hobart, which included Guide House. Whilst we lost much, in many ways we have gained good outcomes. We now have Guide House located in smaller premises at 17 Clarence Street, Bellerive, with parking at the door and new equipment. Our archives are now housed at Orana in an area which is much better suited to working and storage. We have been shown such generosity by our own members, supporters and the community at large. Coupled with this is the generosity others outside our State have shown – Guides and Leaders who attended fanTAStic and Trefoil groups (both interstate and international) heard of our plight and decided to take action.

The Girl Guides Australia team to the 2013 Asia Pacific Region Conference included Helen Geard as Chief Commissioner, Joan Bunker as International Manager and me. Add in Jen Barron as Sangam World Centre Manager and there were four Tasmanians in Tokyo - something that is unlikely to happen again at such an event. It was an amazing experience learning about other member organisations within our Region and the plans WAGGGS has for the Region in the coming years. Australia certainly has a strong role to play and is currently working with Girl Scouts of Japan to support Myanmar work towards developing a Guiding program and membership of WAGGGS.

Learning and Development continued to evolve. The ALQP (Australian Leadership Qualification Program) for Leaders of Youth was rolled out. Whilst much has been retained, the format

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and delivery differ to the previous approach. New Leaders have a framework within which their skills are developed, enhanced and appreciated. Their feedback has been positive and the excitement they experience at a Leadership Qualification is contagious. Now work is underway to develop a fresh approach for Leaders of Adults and Outdoor Leaders.

Risk management has been a training target during 2013. All Leaders have been required to undertake a “being safe” workshop. We are working towards developing processes to assist Leaders to easily develop risk management plans for activities, including sharing existing plans and pro forma documents as a starting point. Risk management is something we have always done; the difference now is that the process must be documented.

We have again actively contributed to the work of Girl Guides Australia. Kit McMahon was appointed National Executive Officer in January and under her guidance, the National Office has assisted delivery of the work of national committees.

The success of the State Commissioner’s Challenge was beyond our wildest expectations. The Challenge involved individuals and groups making care packs for girls and women living in difficult situations. Units and groups took up the Challenge and an amazing number of varying packs were organised. It delivered on many levels including practical (they really “did” and “saw”) and service (doing something for an unknown “someone”). Youth and women’s shelters across the state have benefited from the generosity shown by our members.

Units have continued to be active members of their communities. Some have picked up rubbish; others have learnt advocacy and decision making in their community; some shared games at community events whilst others have visited nursing homes. Service takes many faces but its commonality is looking beyond oneself to deliver positive outcomes for others.

The commitment, knowledge and enthusiasm of our members is astounding. Among the many other activities on offer, our Units and their Leaders have continued to come together at regular Unit meetings, go camping, challenge themselves to try new things, meet friends and, above all, have fun. The experience and skills Guides obtain while members should not be underestimated as they go out into our communities and help to build a better world.

I must thank Cheryl Wilson who has been my Deputy for the past three years; it has been fun and a pleasure to work with a woman who is so much a Guide. State Guiding and the Board have worked co-operatively and willingly to deliver good outcomes for Girl Guides Tasmania. Our staff, as have all our members, had a challenging year but have continued to deliver the necessary support and service to our members.

Also, many thanks to the members of Girl Guides Tasmania for your support and confidence in me over the past three years. The experience has been unforgettable. Best wishes to Mary Laing as she now takes on the challenge of State Commissioner for Girl Guides Tasmania. I have no doubt that Girl Guides Tasmania will continue to deliver a quality experience which encourages girls and women to grow into confident, self respecting, responsible community members.

Jane Dent State Commissioner

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Helen Geard

Helen Geard completed three years as Chief Commissioner of Girl Guides Australia at the end of 2013; this appointment followed a three year term as Girl Guides Tasmania State Commissioner.

After beginning her Guiding career as a young girl in Oatlands, Helen later took on adult roles as a Unit Leader, Chair of the State Finance Committee and State Communications Adviser. Her interest in and support of Tasmania has been maintained while undertaking her National role. Girl Guides Tasmania is grateful for her keen participation in Leaders' events and other activities such as the Scout Guide Regattas and the fanTAStic Jamboree.

At any of these events, Helen was likely to be abseiling, billy carting, hiking, hanging out with the girls and Leaders … or even assembling and cleaning toilets! A contrast to her official role as Chief Commissioner but activities that gave her the insight and differing views that enabled her to carry out her National role as she worked tirelessly to ensure that the views of all Guides were heard. As well as participating in Guiding activities in Australia and throughout the world, she continued her association with Tasmanian Rural Youth, particularly helping out at Agfest.

An eloquent speaker, Helen has publicised Guiding at every opportunity. Whether she was describing being part of a Girl Scout Camp in USA, a peace conference in Thailand, the Scout Guide Event Roverway in Iceland in 2009, a local gathering or a national Jamboree, she brought Guiding to the public eye in an enthusiastic and positive manner. Her absolute commitment to Guiding and what it offers to girls and young women is evident whenever she speaks of the Movement.

Her knowledge of WAGGGS was invaluable at the World Conference (2011) and the Asia Pacific Region Conference (2013). Helen provided a clear lead in these events, articulating and sharing concerns and issues.

During her time as Chief Commissioner, Girl Guides Australia enjoyed the highs of the Centenary of Guiding, a close relationship with UNICEF and the launch of Guide Handbooks. Helen has always used as her basis the vision of Girl Guides Australia and this helped her handle delicate situations such as the launch of the new wording of the Promise and Law and reviews of the Policy and Procedures Committee and the Learning and Development program. She has faced challenges with integrity and resilience, working with people in a fair and dignified way.

Helen's efforts have been recognised with the Asia Pacific Region Leadership Award and Wattle (2007) and Emu (2011) Awards and in 2008, she was included in the Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women as a leader in her field and in the community.

Girl Guides Tasmania congratulates Helen on her absolute commitment and effective leadership and thanks her for the outstanding and significant contribution she has made to Tasmanian Guiding and to Girl Guides Australia. She is an excellent role model for our young women.

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fanTAStic 2013

1. Why was Girl Guides Tasmania chosen to run the Jamboree? At a Girl Guides Australia meeting, I was sitting next to Helen Geard, our State Commissioner, when the subject under discussion was which state would host the next Jamboree. She asked, “Do you think we can do it?” And I gave the wrong answer: "Yes".

2. What were the hardest aspects? Setting the budget was one. I was planning for an event in 3 years time and there was no way of knowing what prices would do in the future. I was also totally aware of the history of the previous national events where money had been lost and I knew that GGT could not afford to lose any money.

Having faith in my own ability to do the task was also a difficulty. You cannot say that to your committee, as you need to always give a positive image. I put myself through a series of workshops run by Events Tasmania and they gave me great insight and confidence.

3. What did I learn in running fanTAStic? It is a lot of hard work and long hours. There are wonderful people within Guiding who are as silly as I am and accepted a role on the committee. From a community aspect, I was amazed at the high esteem in which Guiding is held. It was astounding how many people volunteered their time and expertise for fanTAStic. Then there were the more basic things like how to search a computer database using filters.

4. Who was on my committee? Julie Miller– Convenor/Leader in Charge Karen Chatto – Deputy Joan Bunker – Administration Manager Lyn Commane – Health and Welfare Manager Kristen McLagen – International Manager Anne Crummy – Program Manager Kathy Cane – Camp Manager Sue Manning – Transport Manager John Lewis – Accountant/finance with Viv Rylance Ian Mackenzie – Site Manager Emily Gleeson - Youth representative – Social Media Kim Lethborg – Youth representative – Social Media

5. What made it great? From our vague discussions on what we wanted our Jamboree to look like, Jen Barron wrote our vision statement. This gave us a direction and focus to which we could always return. We were able to incorporate the WAGGGS directions on the Millennium Development Goals and the reasons why girls come to Guides - fun, friendship and outdoors.

6. Did I ever think it would never happen? Of course. Many times I questioned the wisdom of me volunteering to be the convenor. But when it became too much for me, I would ring my friend Jane and she would come over and listen, help me or just make me cups of tea. It is wonderful what a difference a friend makes.

7. What were some of the activities? Anne Crummy and her team of about 40 Guiding and non-Guiding people did a marvellous job of giving the Guides a wide range of activities:

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 on-site activities – ranging from Master Chef, painting, trapeze skills, dance and giant slides;  off-site activities – from tourist activities such as Treetops Adventures, Mole Creek Caves to surfing and bushwalking;  10 – 13 year old Guides bivouacked under a tarp for one night. This is not unusual for Tasmanian Guides but completely different for Guides from the large capital cities;  14 – 17 year old Guides had an overnight expedition where they could undertake wild caving or Tall Ship sailing or tourist activities like a trip to Hobart or Stanley.

The whole camp activities included the enviroTAStic afternoon, International Night, Arts activity through Launceston parks, a campfire and Guides Own in Launceston. The week finished with a hugely popular and fun dance party.

8. Why am I so proud of fanTAStic? The second smallest Guiding State achieved what many of the bigger States thought we could not do.

The marvellous and committed committee we had and the fact we were still happy and talking to each other after fanTAStic finished.

Everyone had a fantastic time and all the participants went home happy after lots of fun.

I appreciate also those Leaders who, for various reasons, resigned from the committee. This shows the respect we had for each other in working as a team.

Formal Report – abridged from the report to GGT Board. (A complete copy can be obtained from the State Office)

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Overall Statistics

Country or 10 –13 14 – 17 Leaders Olave/Other Total State Guides Guides Volunteers attend

Canada 7 6 5 18

Fiji 12 - 9 21

Hungary 1 1

Japan 2 2 2 6

NSW/ACT 178 112 90 8/4 392

NZ 18 20 18 0/1 57

NT 22 5 6 0/1 34

Philippines

Qld 154 68 79 5/0 306

Singapore 2 4 2 8

SA 53 31 29 113

Tas 49 30 46 0/38 163

UK 6 6

Vic 191 64 68 1/6 330

WA 124 34 40 3/0 201

814 377 403 17/53 1664

Jamboree Summary My overall rating for the Jamboree is 8/10. There are aspects we could have done better but overall, I consider that we did an excellent job, especially as we are a very small State. This has some advantages as we know everyone’s skill set and connections but it does provide us with a limited pool of people. Another advantage was that we were able to source many external providers.

One of the important starting points was to set the theme, which we wanted to develop around the natural and unique environment of Tasmania. We selected MDG 7 – Ensure Environmental Sustainability, which assisted to remind Guides that we are still working towards the MDGs, as well as moving in the direction of increased advocacy.

The Jamboree site was an agricultural field day site about 30 km from Launceston. The grid pattern of the site assisted us in the laying out of Sub-camps. There were 8 Group Camps with a total of 42 Sub-camps for participants, and an extra Group Camp for Management/Jamboree Assistants. Each

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Sub-camp contained about 36 Guides and 6 Leaders. Two Group Camps were for the 14 – 17 age groups and 6 Group Camps for 10-13 age groups. The extra Leaders were included in the Group Camp structure and they were designated Resource Leaders. They were rostered on to carry out operational and programming tasks.

Jamboree Program The program was highly structured with the Jamboree being divided into 3 Program Dens.

A number of the off-site activities had to be changed due to the bushfires that were occurring around the State at the time of, or just prior to, the Jamboree. All 14-17 expeditions were scaled back (i.e. all overnight hikes were changed to day only hikes) so that we could easily make further changes if necessary.

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Tasmanian Statistics

Full Participants  10 – 13 Guides 49  14 – 17 Guides 30  Leaders 8 Registered Workers – members and non members – 92

10 – 13 year olds 14 – 17 year olds

Unit No of Unit No of Guides Guides

Beaconsfield 2

Bellerive Kingfisher 1

Bridport Dolphin 6 Bridport Dolphin 4

Burnie Narooma 3 Burnie Jeedara 4

Cormiston 9 Elanora Ranger 4

Cataract Gorge 1 Exeter 2

Geeveston Gold Waratah 1 Geeveston gold Waratah 1

Huonville Explorer 5 Huonville 2

Indigo Devonport 3 Glenorchy Discovery Ranger 4

Kiara 2

Launceston Southern Star 1 Lindisfarne 2

Odessey 1 Odessey 3

Perth Ocean 4

Sorell 2

Storm Bay 1 Storm Bay 2

Ulverstone 7 Wynyard 2

Total 49 30

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1. Finance Firstly, thank you to the Property and Finance Committee. Initially, neither this Committee nor I knew what we had committed ourselves to. Working together we did succeed in understanding each other’s position and then we carefully and accurately handled the finances. Their diligence is highly appreciated.

After a successful event, with all invoices paid up, the fanTAStic Committee made a profit of $323,279 which is $242,169 more than the budgeted profit of $81,110.

Accounting for the above profit was $29,712 more fees collected than budgeted, $85,301 fewer expenses than budgeted, $17,620 fewer fees to GGA and GGT than budgeted, plus the 10% contingency expense of $109,536.

In addition, the Medicare rebate of $9,723.95 donated back to GGT by Dr Jane Hampson and Dr Linda Clow was paid directly to GGT and it is not included in our profit.

A copy of the final Financial Report is available through our State Office.

2. Innovations We introduced quite a number of changes to previous Jamborees:

 14 – 17 Guides had the opportunity to be off-site on a mini expedition, which allowed them more freedom and potentially more adventure;  10 – 13 Guides had the opportunity to be off-site overnight in a bivouac situation where they learned more about surviving like a refugee. This continued the focus on the MDGs;  We obtained partial sponsorship with Southern Cross TV which meant we had a TV commercial screened prior to the Jamboree, and then nightly throughout the Jamboree. A DVD was produced and given to every participant. This gave us the opportunity to extend our promotion of Guiding across Australia;  Use of social media – the use of our Facebook and Twitter sites was more extensive than the previous Jamboree, but this is to be expected with the general changes in society.

3. Use of technology Registration All registrations were done electronically through the Jamboree website and our dedicated event database. Individual participants entering their own data saved us many, many volunteer hours. It also made participants responsible for their own data. Some adults did have problems handling the technology.

Electronic payments The Jamboree offered three different payment types – cheque/money order, credit card or electronic transfer. 90% of the payments were by electronic transfer.

Data handling/reporting The database has extensive searching and reporting capabilities. This enabled us to have an individual’s data at our fingertips at any time. This was especially helpful when participants contacted us.

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Online choice selection Youth members were able to select their own activities online on the basis of first in, best dressed. 90% of our youth members had selected their activities within one week. Had we done this by paper (as per previous Jamborees) it would have taken weeks by a dedicated group of volunteers. Similarly, adult participants had the opportunity to select their activities. We had most adult choices in by two weeks, again saving volunteer time.

Risk Management The database provided us with a very useful tool in regard to risk management. We were able to scan all participants on and off site, make certain all participants were on the correct bus, print bus manifests and check the activity lists.

Newsletter Using the database, we were able to send out regular newsletters to everyone or to selected groups of people. This capability was also used by the Contingent Leaders, Group and Sub-camp Leaders.

Finances With participants’ payment details on the database, individuals could check their payments and make additional payments as required. This also allowed us to send reminders to participants who were behind on their payments.

4. GGT Governance issues In the fanTAStic report to the GGT Board, a number of governance issues are highlighted. These include sponsorship, risk management, insurance, new work place legislation, qualifications of Leaders, use of media and use of databases. The GGT Board has addressed some of these issues and others are ongoing considerations.

Julie Miller Convenor fanTAStic 2013

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The 50th Scout Guide Regatta

Over 200 Girl Guides and Leaders attended the Golden Regatta held at Snug Beach and Oval in March, 2013. This Regatta milestone was commemorated by special events including a civic reception, the publication of a Regatta history book, a visit by “B-P” and cake cutting at the Opening Ceremony, a Regatta Side Show on Saturday night – lots of fun – followed by a demonstration of emergency marine flares. The Sunday night Leaders ‘drop in’ was a ‘thank you’ from the Committee and a chance for Leaders to relax and reminisce while watching videos of previous Regattas and browsing the archival display.

How the Regatta has grown! The 165 participants in the first (1964) Regatta were from six Sea Scout Troops and Sea Rangers – S.R.S Albatross (Lindisfarne), S.R.S Discovery (Hobart), S.R.S Heemskirk (Launceston) and S.R.S Mercury (Kingston). At the 50th Regatta, over 1100 Girl Guides, Scouts, Leaders and parents enjoyed three active, fun-filled days.

Girl Guides took part in a variety of water events such as dinghy, kayaking, swimming and patrol boat rowing races as well as novelty events. Land events included the greasy pole, raft making, ball and chain, sack races and tug of war. Girl Guides had the opportunity to ‘have a go’ in Pacer sailing dinghies, patrol boats and kayaks; they watched outdoor movies and learnt new skills while participating, socialising, having fun and generally having a great time.

Lyn Muir Scout Guide Regatta Committee Member

Queen’s Guide

On Friday, 10 May 2013, the Queen’s Guide Award presentations were held at Government House. The Governor of Tasmania, The Honourable Peter Underwood AC, presented Aisling McCullough, Sinead McCullough, Mieke van Rooyen and Hannah Pawlasty from Ulverstone Elanora Ranger Guides, and Emily Gleeson and Kimberley Lethborg from Bridport Guides, with their Queen’s Guide Award Certificates.

After the presentation, the awardees, their families and Guiding friends were invited to join the Governor and Mrs Underwood, Patron of Girl Guides Tasmania, for light refreshments. This gave the awardees the opportunity to have photos taken in the formal dining room and other selected areas of Government House.

Later that evening, a celebration dinner was held at The Old Woolstore Hotel together with the Queen’s Scout and Baden Powell Scout awardees. At this event, Mieke shared an overview of her journey to complete the Queen’s Guide Award, illustrating how many different new skills and opportunities arose during the challenge.

Anita Kerrison Program Consultant 14-17 years

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McIntyre Region

Following the excitement and challenges of fanTAStic, it was decided to celebrate Thinking Day with a family picnic at Heritage Forest in Launceston. Unfortunately, after weeks of sunshine, it drizzled gently all day and attendance was much lower than we had hoped for. Girls and families who did attend were able to explore the new Handbooks as well as join in games and activities, finishing with birthday cake to remind us how fortunate we are in Australia that almost all children live to celebrate their 5th birthday, recognising MDG 4: Reduce Child Mortality.

Members of the Region attended the 50th Scout Guide Regatta, participating in the events and activities, and also marked ANZAC Day, joining in their local community parades and services.

The Winter Outdoor Fun Day in July encouraged girls to explore Launceston, collecting clues to solve an acrostic puzzle. After lunch, girls made bracelets and necklaces using Dianna Baker’s amazing button collection. In November, our Under 10 Girl Guides joined friends, old and new, from across the State at Mullala in Royal Park on a day of beautiful sunshine.

During the year the Region has provided a Lost Children tent for a number of significant community events: New Year’s Eve on Royal, Festivale, AGFEST, AFL football games at Aurora Stadium and the Launceston Show. This service has assisted Units and Districts to raise funds, promote Guiding to the public and establish Girl Guides Tasmania as a valuable community partner. Our thanks to Helen Abernethy, who liaises with the various event organisers, manages the rosters and forwards the invoices for payment.

Leaders gathered regularly during the year for Region Meetings and Pub Nights. Our annual High Tea was held at the HC Abbott Hall and raised funds for the Sangam Windows Appeal. We also thanked and farewelled Jane Dent as State Commissioner.

We have lost a number of Leaders during the year, primarily to study and work commitments; we wish them well for their future endeavours.

Many of those involved in the preparation and delivery of fanTAStic have needed to draw breath during the past months. My thanks to everyone for their ongoing commitment and enthusiasm.

2014 will be a year of new challenges as we rebuild Units and support our girls and young women of all ages to explore, participate and enjoy the wonderful opportunities Guiding offers.

Lynne Watson McIntyre Region Manager

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North West Region

What a puzzle to link together all we have done …

It is always exciting to look back and see the wonderful things that happen each year in Guiding. There are challenges we take on each year and new ideas as well. For Leaders and other adults, it is always a pleasure to see girls challenge themselves and develop leadership skills through the program.

We were on a high after the success of fanTAStic. Large numbers of Leaders and girls participated in the event and we were pleased to host various activities in our Region at Cradle Mountain and the Nut. This was followed with members helping Clean Up Australia and enjoying the Scout Guide Regatta. Guides attended and provided service at Relay for Life as well as Anzac Day.

Our three Districts have run a range of events. The ‘Tracks’ day in Burnie involved girls, young and old and from all areas, seeking signatures, items and people around town, building structures, navigating the streets and finding answers. Just where was that trusty member of the police force when you needed her? And how many shop windows held a Girl Guide picture?

At Winter Sleepover, Guides chose a cardboard box for the night and slept out to raise money for Gran’s Van in Devonport. Travelling to Launceston for Mullala on a sunny day in November was something special – well worth the long bus ride.

Units have challenged themselves! Girl Guides ran in the Burnie 10, worked on the UNICEF Challenge and the State Commissioner’s Challenge, created special fundraiser evenings and spent time on radios for Jamboree on the Internet. Others cleaned beaches as part of the Beachwatch project.

Barbara Harrisson NW Region Manager

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South East Region

This Region is unfortunately still without a Region Leader, but has resisted joining what would become a huge Southern Region.

Lindisfarne District has now only the one Unit; it would be a shame to see this District become defunct as it was one of the first areas to have a Unit in 1911.

Waverley District has formed a District Management team with a new treasurer who manages all the finances. Each Unit has its own petty cash, thus relieving the Leaders of the burden of keeping financial books and auditing.

Sorell has functioned with three very active Units but they are struggling to cope with temporary quarters and inadequate storage after the loss of their Guide Hall. However, a group of parents is now working with the Council to overcome these difficulties.

Brighton District has become part of this Region and we happily welcomed the three active Units.

All the Districts have been to camp during the year and most eligible Units attended the Scout Guide Regatta in March.

Many of the under-ten year Units attended Mullala in Launceston in November.

Sorell and Brighton Girl Guides both held a winter sleep-out to support the homeless.

Cheryl Wilson Acting SE Region Manager

South West Region

Units in the Southwest Region have had a very active year, beginning with fanTAStic in January which involved many of our Leaders and a good representation of our girls.

We gathered together at the Waterworks Reserve in February to celebrate Thinking Day, taking part in rope skills, bushwalking and ice-blocking. The Region was also well represented at the Southern Water Day held in at Browns River in April and the Outdoor Winter Fun day held on the Hobart Waterfront which concluded with a campfire at the Claremont Hall.

We joined with the Scouts at the 50th Scout Guide Regatta and enjoyed catching up with past members of Guiding who had participated in some of the previous Regattas. Several girls also joined with the Scouts as members of the cast for the Hobart Gang Show, taking the opportunity to enhance their creative skills.

Individual Units have held sleep-overs in Guide Halls, camped indoors and outdoors at Orana and Rivers Edge. We also had a very successful “Leaders’ Retreat” weekend at Orana. Claremont District held a great District camp based around the theme of “The Amazing Race” and amazing it was!

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Two of our newer Leaders, Alanna Cannon from Claremont and Hannah Frances from Wellington District, completed their training under the new Leadership system; it is great to see the growth of young Leaders committing themselves to active leadership. As one of our Leaders (Naomi) said in answer to the question, why are you still here? “I am still here because of my amazing Leaders: Lisa, Holly and Emma.” The Region has supported its Leaders by holding meetings (most of which involve food!!!) at Claremont Guide Hall and organising various pub nights around Hobart. A significant memory is the trip up to Ferntree Tavern in the snow.

Badge work has occupied many of our Guides during the year. Older Guides have worked on their Queen’s Guide badge with Amberlie Beresford from Discovery Ranger Guides completing the requirements in 2013. A BP Award has been presented to Chloe Weatherhead from Storm Bay and Junior BP work has been completed at Kirksway, Bahloo and D’Entrecasteaux.

Geeveston Guides had a fantastic time travelling to Sydney and participating in the Great Guide Sleepover at Taronga Zoo. They also spent time sight-seeing around Sydney; a highlight for them was renewing their Promise on Palm Beach, known as Summer Bay in Home and Away.

Service projects have been a significant part of our program. Units have participated in Clean-Up Australia, carol singing at nursing homes, biscuit selling and fund-raising barbecues. Girls filled boxes for the Christmas Child project and made packs for the homeless as part of the State Commissioner’s Challenge. Storm Bay Guides continued to assist with the Kingborough Helping Hands project which aids the homeless. They are also assisting the Loui's Van project as it establishes itself in the Kingborough area. Claremont continued with their regular boot sales and held another car show. One of the major fund-raising activities for Huonville is the Huon Show where Girl Guides from Huonville and Storm Bay assist in the dining room. The Sunflower Guides from Huonville put on an afternoon tea for the emergency services.

The environment has also played a part in the program. Boronia took part in a tree planting activity involving 32 girls. It was also great to see the contribution made by our older Guides as Young Leaders in the Sunship Earth experience. Experiences such as the bushwalks undertaken by the Guides allowed them to appreciate the natural environment.

Looking over all the exciting challenges on offer to our Girl Guides during 2013 reassures me that our Region is doing well and continues to flourish due to the wonderful group of Leaders and helpers who make it all happen. It is to all these young (and not so young!) Leaders I say a very special 'Thank you' and I look forward to working with you all in 2014.

Trish Wilson SW Region Manager

“I’m still here because I LOVE Guiding - I love working with the girls and seeing their confidence grow, being a part of the circle of influence (role modelling), watching them learn new things and improve their skills, and participating and learning alongside them. I love doing lots of great activities that I wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to do -and all for free!! I love making connections with so many other motivated, empowered and inspirational women who lead me through my Guiding experience. I also value and enjoy that I am a part of the world’s oldest volunteer organisation in the world!”

Hannah Frances Unit Leader Lenah Valley Kanga Guides December, 2013

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The Great Guide Sleepover at Taronga Zoo

The Geeveston Girl Guides ventured to the mainland and visited Sydney, a trip the guests of Jetstar hadn’t planned on! Excitement was evident as the plane took off, Mexican waves took place and “quiet” was not a word these girls could

comprehend.

The seven Girl Guides, who live from Geeveston through to Southport, were able to fit in a huge amount of sightseeing in their three days in Sydney. Their first stop was Westfield Parramatta where seven levels and 494 shops awaited them. Sammy Kluga of Glendevie described the morning as “intense”. Luna Park, where the girls spent 3 hours spinning, turning, colliding and churning, was also a highlight.

We made our way to Taronga Zoo where we spent time looking for somewhere to park our bed rolls among 1200 Girl Guides from NSW. The lawns were packed and the Guides had to sleep head to toe in a sea of ground sheets and bags. We were about to make our beds on top of the sewage tanks when we were told the Tasmanian girls had been saved a spot. Thank goodness! The girls slept well and had no idea that I and my parent helper were kept awake all night, which had something to do with two 10 year olds who, for some unknown reason, had to remake their bed roll at 3:04am. They also had to search in their garbage bag for shoes, go to the toilet, return, put their shoes back in their garbage bag, talk some more and then get back into their newly made bedrolls. I never want to hear the sound of rope and blue groundsheet again!

The morning was spent racing around the zoo and the seal show was enjoyed by everyone. We made our way to the Harbour Bridge, which we walked across and then went up the pylon at the southern end. The temperatures started to get to the girls; it had been between 28-30 degrees since landing, so we changed our plans and decided to go to the Sydney Aquatic Centre for a swim.

This was a speedy visit before the girls got ready to attend a meal at a restaurant where they were excited to discover a chocolate fountain taller than they were. Afterwards, we went to a ‘Disco on Ice’ at the Sydney Ice Arena where we ice-skated until we dropped (literally). I tried to give one of the girls assistance, held her hand and told her if she was to fall, I would save her. This is when I went down, quite heavily…and pulled her with me! She has forgiven, but she hasn’t forgotten…

On Sunday morning, the bus was all abuzz while the girls prepared themselves mentally to visit 'Summer Bay', which to most of us is Sydney’s Palm Beach. Amongst squealing, shrieking and running in all directions, the girls got to sit in the Summer Bay beach buggy, went to the bait shop, had their photo taken with 'Alf' and then bought a drink from the diner. Laura Cowmeadow said her life 'is now complete'. The Geeveston Girl Guides renewed their Promise on the beach of 'Summer Bay'. They were all very excited to be there. Sunday afternoon saw the Guides visit Madame Tussaud’s Wax Works, where they were seen with the likes of Olivia Newton-John, Johnny Depp, Slim Dusty, the Queen and, of course, Alf Stewart.

Our Guides returned to Hobart with matching smiles and tired eyes. I’ve never seen 7 girls asleep on the dinner trays of a plane before. The trip was made possible by fundraising in our small communities, over $7000 in 5 months. What a great weekend we had. Memories and life-long friends were made by all. It was a privilege to be a part of it.

Michelle Dolaghan Geeveston Girl Guides

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Learning and Development Report

What an exciting time we have had! After an extensive consultation and development stage, a new leadership program rolled out in 2013 for Unit Leaders. The long awaited Leaders Handbook was the backbone of this change and it was supported by new systems and training programs.

Many of our Leaders began their Guiding year with a Learning Bytes evening.

This was an opportunity to explore the new Handbook and focus on some of the ways Leaders can identify the learning stages of Guides so programs can be tailored to their needs. The new Australian Learning and Qualification Program was up and running!

Leaders now start their volunteer time in Guiding with a Handbook and Passport to guide them through the process, go online for a webinar to introduce them to Guiding, work with their Learning Partner, District Manager and other Leaders to gain skills, and attend a Leadership Qualification weekend packed with great ideas to prepare them to become a qualified Leader.

The State has established a calendar to run Leadership Qualification weekends in the south and in the north/northwest of the state. With a unified approach where a national program is available with selections of activities in each area, this weekend was run in 2013 with positive feedback from participants. Material can be tailored to meet specific needs of Leaders and the range of activities has a strong emphasis on the outdoors, reflecting the importance that we think this has in our program. We all learn best by doing things – from jigsaws to paper cup folding to nature hunts outdoors to Promise and Law braids. There were opportunities for team building games, planning special programs and trying out new ceremonies.

Another initiative which ran successfully again was the combining of the GGT Annual General Meeting, Tasmanian All Leaders Event (TALE) and the annual Forum into one action packed weekend.

It was pleasing to be part of a meeting where we acknowledged the great work of our members and later considered what we should be doing in the future to care for our archives and manage our properties. We moved out to learn and play together. It was certainly “Phoenix Revisited” as

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we cooked potatoes in a hangi, geocached around the site and explored risk management, Learning Partner roles and changes to District management.

Leaders in the northwest and north have trialled learning materials for the new role of Outdoors Leader and District Manager. These exciting initiatives are set to roll out during 2014. The support of these Leaders, and indeed that of other members in the State, to participate in reviews, respond to queries and trial materials, has been a tremendous help to ensure we have a dynamic and relevant leadership learning program.

Learning is truly lifelong and for all. State Guiding and Board members have met twice through the year to learn about and discuss governance practices. Good procedures and processes, combined with time to review existing practices, have allowed members to respond to change in a timely way.

A very loud BRAVO to Barbara Harrisson, who has been in the Training Adviser/Learning and Development Manager position since January 2009. Barbara is to be congratulated on her amazing job during this time, especially through the development at a National level and the implementation at the State level of the new training we are currently using. Barbara’s ability to share, and get Leaders excited and enthusiastic is a skill that can only come from a true Leader/trainer.

Barbara will continue as part of the Training Team as her knowledge and skills are too important to lose.

Anna Dobner Learning and Development Manager

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International

From an international perspective, 2013 saw the world come to Tasmania for our event, fanTAStic. Judging by the smiles when they arrived, the contingents from Fiji, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore were thrilled to be here and couldn’t wait for the fun to begin! This wonderful opportunity gave our Guides the chance to meet their international sisters in Guiding and develop an understanding about life for girls of a similar age from around the world.

At the conclusion of the event, some local Guiding families provided home stay for the international Guides. What better way to gain and exchange cultural understandings with others than to open up your home and family to such a unique experience? Researching the area that the Japanese Guides came from assisted the family to plan outings to help compare the size of Launceston to the Guides’ home towns. Visits to local sights such as the Tamar Valley, the Gorge and First Basin including a ride on the chair lift, and City Park to see the Macaque monkeys, all made for interesting highlights of their time in the region. The Guides were only too pleased to sample Australian culinary favourites such as fish and chips, a bbq, pizza and pavlova, and enjoy these different taste sensations. A trip to the supermarket was essential to stock up on biscuits and lollies to take home to share the flavours of Australia with their families and friends.

Although the girls did not speak English, they came prepared with a translating device. However, with similar interests to the hosting Guide, they were able to find a way to communicate and demonstrate meanings in other ways.

Despite the language barrier, giving members of our world Guiding family some home comforts before they returned to their own families was a rewarding experience for the hosts. Opportunities such as these to share and exchange cultures, promote and create friendships and ongoing interest that has the potential to span a lifetime, and open up a world of possibility for travel in the future.

World Thinking Day 2013 was celebrated with an assortment of activities around the State. These ranged from a camp with activities based around the United Nations MDG 4: Reduce Child Mortality; a picnic allowing all family members to join with the Guiding family to help celebrate Lord and Lady Baden-Powell’s birthdays; and gatherings in the outdoors to celebrate what it means to be a Guide and reflect on being a member of our worldwide organisation.

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Helen Geard, Joan Bunker and Jane Dent were part of the Australian contingent attending the Asia Pacific Region Conference in Tokyo in July. This experience provided opportunities to meet with peers from our global region, share how Guiding operates in different member countries, and see what we can learn from each other in order to make Guiding even better and stronger in Australia and Tasmania.

Girl Guides once again hit the airwaves and internet when they participated in JOTA/JOTI in October. With a theme of “Let’s Share”, Guides from around the State made contact with Guides globally. Burnie Guides held a sleepover that allowed them the opportunity to maximise the number of Guides whom they could contact at different times of the day and night … in between pancakes!

The Hobart International Group and the North West International Committee continue to meet regularly. They always enjoy hearing from Guides who attend international events. Their fundraising efforts continue to assist Guides travelling overseas, and these contributions are always gratefully received. The groups are also keen to hear how the international aspect of Guiding is helping Guides in Tasmania learn about their sisters in Guiding during Unit meetings and District events.

Alison Bates International Manager

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Program

A positive Guiding experience has an impact, which we cannot being to imagine or appreciate, on the lives of each of our members. The diversity of our program is the secret and Units have certainly participated in a wide variety of experiences during 2013.

Handbooks were launched in February. The information included is relevant to Guides and Leaders and the books are user friendly. They have provided a resource in new activities, “how to” for new skills and an opportunity to provide a fresh facet to the program.

One of the perennial favourites on the Guiding calendar is the Scout Guide Regatta. This year the Regatta celebrated a milestone – its 50th birthday. There were the usual water and land events with the bonus of including celebrations to mark the occasion. Also, a history of the Regatta was launched. The Regatta continues to offer challenge and excitement for those members who take the opportunity to attend.

Girl Guides Australia again worked with UNICEF to deliver a project to our members. The 2013 project worked on MDG 4: Reduce Child Mortality and MDG 5: Improve Maternal Health, with the campaign “Maternal Health and Child Survival”. This year’s project was based on our approach to advocacy, and the activity kit was designed to encourage Leaders to Educate Guides on these topics. Guides then were to Speak Out about what they had learnt and finally to Take Action by helping to fundraise to help save the lives of 10 mothers and 10 babies in the developing world.

Mullala was a wonderful day in Royal Park, Launceston, for Guides aged 10 and under. The activities included a water challenge, gadget making, hot box ovens and cooking s’mores, making wounds and applying first aid, and theatre sports. Guides proved they could work in patrols, be responsible for themselves, learn some new skills and most of all, have fun. Mullala also proved we can work co-operatively with other States, sharing the workload and resources. Girl Guides Victoria supplied a team and activities for the day which allowed our Leaders to participate, learn and have fun.

Guides have worked towards gaining a wide variety of badges – it is amazing what interests the girls enjoy and what they can really achieve. With the launch of the Handbooks, we also acquired Discover a Challenge, which provides age-based challenges on the foundation of the Australian Guide Program.

What program opportunities are offered by Leaders depends on their location, interests and the age of the Guides. Units continue to do the traditional activities but are also embracing new activities as they become available and accessible. While some things change, some things are forever the same – the fun our Guides have learning by doing and challenging themselves to try new things is a perennial enjoyed by all.

Guiding is girl power. Girl Guides Tasmania matters because girls matter and what they want for their future matters. Our program continues to aim to be dynamic, relevant and constantly evolving to meet the ever changing needs and interests of today’s girls and young women.

Jane Dent Acting Program Manager

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Outdoors

2013 has been a busy year for Guiding in the outdoors.

The year started with fanTAStic and the participation of 79 Tasmanian Girl Guides and many adult members.

March saw Guides involved in the 50th Scout Guide Regatta at Snug, three units for the first time. A combined total of 149 youth members aged 10 – 17 years and 43 leaders attended. The Saturday night games were well received by youth members and the evening took on a party atmosphere with Guides and Scouts trying their skills on the various activities supplied by Unit Leaders.

The Regatta was quickly followed by the Water Activities Day held in the South at Browns River, Kingston. Numbers were down a little on previous years but all who attended enjoyed the event and gained some skill in kayaking, rowing and raft building, while younger girls had an opportunity to go beach combing and use their finds in craft activities.

Unfortunately, due to low numbers and conflict with other events, the McIntyre and North West events were cancelled. The decision has been made to hold two such events each year in different Regions with an emphasis on Units travelling to events outside their area if necessary, perhaps in conjunction with a camp.

The winter months saw each of the three Regions hold a Winter Adventure Day; each day had a slightly different theme and activities but the idea of getting Guides outside to enjoy outdoor activities in the colder months was well received and two more events of this nature are planned in the North West

and McIntyre Regions for 2014.

2013 also saw the introduction of new training modules for outdoor activities; these streamline camping modules and cut down the doubling up of some aspects of qualification when conducting different styles of camp, thereby assisting Leaders to participate more in outdoor activities.

Many Units have also followed on from the momentum of involvement in fanTAStic to hold

Unit camps and outdoor activities.

Mary Laing Outdoor Activities Manager

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Environment

The Environment Committee began 2013 running, with a huge input into the Program at fanTAStic. Members of the committee, their family and friends had worked hard for several years and January 2013 saw all that hard work realised; the successful enviroTAStic afternoon was the result of the efforts of not only the Environment Team but also of the assistance of so many members of Girl Guides Tasmania, Trefoil Guilds and every contact we could think of. Activities ranged from the Trowunna Wildlife Park bringing live Tasmanian devils to show our interstate and international guests to demonstrating how to make rope, churn butter and spin and weave. We featured Tasmanian flora and fauna, explored energy options, made scones and pikelets, created jewellery and had fun in old fashioned billy carts.

Other Jamboree highlights included using art to demonstrate recycling. Taryn Laird designed and created our Group Camp mascots and most of them are either still displayed by local councils or reside in gardens around Tasmania. Our Artist in Residence, Sonja Hindrum, incorporated recycling, community and connection in her project, using recycled material and plastic bags for an evolving installation. Sonja showed the Guides how to construct a 'toothbrush rag rug’ and interest was widespread among Guides and Leaders. This activity spilled over into another creative project, Hooked, again using recycled materials and run by artists from both the north and north-west on behalf of the NW Natural Resource Management. During 2013, this work was incorporated into an exhibition in the north-west of Tasmania.

The Tasmanian natural environment was featured in every aspect of the Jamboree, our mascot being the endangered Tasmanian devil, the Group Camps also being named after rare or endangered fauna and the Sub Camps after rare or endangered flora. Guides slept under the stars in an area which had a covenant protecting some of these species. The Arts afternoon in Launceston used recycled handbags to house the instructions for every Patrol and after the Jamboree these bags were again recycled through the Launceston Arts community.

After fanTAStic, it was back to normality and the team moved on to preparing for our annual Sunship Earth camp, providing environmental resources and considering the direction the Environment Committee should take. Sunship Earth was again a success thanks to the leadership of Anne Wilson and her team. 25 Guides explored the Orana campsite by day and by night, whilst learning about the workings of the natural world in a fun-filled and different way. Later in 2013 it was again disappointing that we were unable to get sufficient applications from Guides to run Sunship III but we hope to include aspects of this unique program into the next State camp, Quambatook.

A sincere vote of thanks to all the members of the Environmental Committee and also to the members of the fanTAStic Program Team and Planning Committee for their vision in embracing the environmental features of the Jamboree.

Anne Crummy Environmental Consultant

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(Southern) Winter Adventure Day Sunday 4 August, 2013

The Winter Adventure Day was aimed at enabling Guides to try something different through a taster of activities and an exploration of the Hobart wharf area.

The Guides gathered from 1.30 for a 2.00 pm start. The registration point was the Region's new and very visible Guide PR tent which made quite an impact as it also drew in a number of visitors who wanted to know what we were doing. So we handed out Girl Guide pamphlets and even sent a few visitors off on a trail as well. We were also asked for Girl Guide Biscuits! Meanwhile, the girls just kept rolling in; the number of participants grew and grew.

Girls formed themselves into patrols, varying from 5 – 10 girls. They were then given an instruction sheet, a sheet with partial photos of local landmarks, and separate times for geocaching and ice skating commencement. Once armed with this information, they set off on their adventure.

At this point, special thanks must go to those who manned the registration tent: a mammoth effort was put in by these Leaders. It seemed to be organised chaos at one stage! Finally, as the last group had been checked through, someone came up with a rather novel idea: perhaps we should add up the numbers. Far out! There were 120 girls! In the early planning stages we had been working on the idea that it would be great if we had 60 girls turn up. When the booking numbers hit 90 on the Thursday before the event, a second bus was ordered for the day. The next immediate consideration was food but a quick call to the Claremont crew ensured they would be prepared to feed 120 girls and accompanying Leaders. The adventure had begun!

For some groups, the first port of call was geocaching, which is basically orienteering by GPS, whereby the Guides had various points to find around the dock area. Anita Kerrison introduced the girls and Leaders to the location devices and off they went, hopefully not to become lost during the challenge. The degree of difficulty was adjusted to the different age groups.

Ice skating at Mawson Skate saw 120 girls on the ice over a period of a couple of hours. The girls' reactions? This is really slippery! Plastic ice is weird to skate on! Please can we go to the real ice skating rink and have a go? Meanwhile the attendants at Mawson Skate had one of their busiest Sunday afternoons, busily fitting skates to 240 feet while Trish Wilson kept an eagle eye on the skating.

The visit to TMAG (Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery) provided the girls with an opportunity to investigate the refurbished Bond Store. They collected their TMAG passports from Cheryl Wilson at the check point and started the challenge to find answers to the cryptic questions. Later, at Claremont, we overheard some girls telling their parents that they would like to return to have a good look around. This was the aim of the challenge, as the girls couldn’t really experience what was on offer in the 30 minutes allowed.

After being checked out from the Bond Store, the girls resumed the Photo Trail to locate and identify the landmarks to be found along the route. The aim of this activity was to get the girls to open their eyes and really look around the whole area.

At 4.30 pm we met outside Waterman’s Dock to see not one, but two, big red double decker buses. The spectacle was great! The look of excitement on the smiling faces and waving arms as the girls peered out of the two levels of bus windows was enough to make even the most disinterested viewer smile.

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When the two big red buses rocked up together at the Claremont Guide Hall, following a trip with lots of singing, laughing and talking on board both buses, it was just awesome: you were suddenly reminded of why you became a Guide Leader!

But we were still only part-way through the adventure. On arrival at the Guide Hall, the Guides and Leaders set forth with great gusto to consume 20 kgs of sausages and to chat about what they had been doing and seeing. Special thanks must go to the Claremont Leaders and Trefoil Guild members for their setting up and organisation of this part of the night. Thank you also to Theresa and Wayne Moore for their huge sausage cooking efforts!

In the background, the Centennial Fire Pot was glowing in readiness for the campfire which would be the climax of the day's events. Greta and Ali almost sang themselves hoarse as they drew their audience in for an hour of singing both old and new songs. All too soon it was 7pm and time to pack up and head for home. Thanks must go to all helpers, including the hard working committee which consisted of Ali, Anna and Greta from Glenorchy Guides, and Alanna and Robyn from Claremont Guides. Thank you everyone for a great winter's day out! Consultative and Appeals Committee

To fulfil its constitutional responsibilities, the Consultative and Appeals Committee (C&AC) met on 24 January 2014 and also worked via email, using the Board's self-assessment checklist as the basis for its appraisal of the Board. Despite 2013 being a difficult year, and although not all Board members responded, almost all key areas were rated as 'very satisfactory' or 'satisfactory' by them. Confidence in and the support of the SEO particularly were highlighted. There were few matters to be addressed regarding the working of the Board and procedures, apart from Board inductions.

While the C&AC considered the Board had met its constitutional requirements in 2013, several ongoing issues were noted:

 succession planning and the number of unfilled state roles and the effect of this on Board decision making;  the balance between strategic and routine monitoring;  decreasing youth membership over a number of years, although database figures may be inaccurate;  the need to value all members’ views with clear, timely decisions and information being reported in Platypus as the key communication tool for the wider adult membership. Conversely, members need to understand the onus on them to respond.

Jenny Boyer, Margaret Duggan, Bea Lawrence OAM and Kaye Johnson OAM, inaugural chairman, are thanked for their contribution to the committee over the past six years.

Kaye Johnson OAM Chairman Consultative and Appeals Committee

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Trefoil Guilds

In March 2013 at the Tasmanian Trefoil Guild Gathering in Campbell Town’s new Guide Hall, Joan Draayers was thanked by the State Commissioner, Jane Dent, for her service as State Trefoil Adviser. A gift was given from all the State Guilds. Well done, Joan!

Joan then presented me with the Adviser’s Badge and the State Trefoil Standard.

Jane also presented 19 Long Service Awards to members, which added up to 605 years of service to Guiding as a Trefoil Member. What an effort! We had a very interesting talk from Robyn and Mike Loughhead about the Kokoda Trail and this was illustrated by a PowerPoint presentation. Following the Gathering and with advice as needed, I began my learning curve as Adviser.

Over the year I have started to visit Guilds, where possible. I shared an evening at the Channel Mens Shed with Boronia Trefoil Guild, where I enrolled a new member and enjoyed a lovely roast cooked by the men. Another day we visited the Channel Heritage Museum.

I attended lunch with Bellerive Trefoil Guild and we enjoyed a talk from one of our former Guides who is now a Corrective Services Officer at the Women’s Prison. Eastern Shore Trefoil Guild hosted a Soup and Sandwich Luncheon for the Cancer Foundation’s “Big Cuppa”. We also did Louisa’s Walk from the Cascade Brewery to the Female Factory in South Hobart. This is a true story performed by actors.

In August, I attended the Australian Trefoil Guild Advisers Meeting at Karingal Guide Camp, in NSW. Roland Guild celebrated 35 years in September and two of their foundation members cut the cake. Members of Burnie Trefoil Guild shared the day.

All Guilds accepted with enthusiasm the State Commissioner’s Challenge to prepare care packages for the needy and their usual generosity has been demonstrated. Several Guilds work for and fill boxes for Samaritan’s Purse for “Operation Christmas Child”. Money has been donated locally to Guide Units needing help. Several members helped fill hundreds of salad rolls for the 50th Scout Guide Regatta. Guild members also helped with some evening activities at Sunship Earth. Most sold Girl Guide Biscuits in their areas. Internationally, some Guilds twin with Guilds in the UK. Donations have also been made to Cambodia and Sangam. Eileen Harrison and Joan Murphy, who are still active within Trefoil, celebrated their 90th birthdays this year. Congratulations and bravo!

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Several of our members help with State Archives and considering the devastating fire which burnt down Guide Headquarters in January, this has been a huge task. We also have members on the Orana Camp Committee who devote every Tuesday and more volunteering at the site.

Next year in September, the Biannual Trefoil Guild Gathering, Blossom with Trefoil, will be held in Toowoomba. Tasmania is usually well represented at these events.

In September, Lyn Muir from Boronia Trefoil Guild was honoured with the Scout Chief Commissioner’s Award for services to the Scout Guide Regatta. Congratulations Lyn!

I still live in hope of starting a Trefoil Guild in Launceston. Help is needed with spreading the word!

As I move among the Trefoil Guilds and members, it never ceases to amaze me how much these wonderful dedicated women have done for our fantastic Girl Guide movement! Well done to you all and many thanks for the support you give to me.

Leonie (Brit) Howard Tasmanian Trefoil Guild Adviser

Gang Show

The theme for the 2013 Gang Show was Wicked Tales, telling the story of Juliet looking for the love of her life. Would she find her Romeo? Would her Fairy Godfather help her learn something about herself? Would the Wicked Witch stop her in her tracks? Maybe some really short miners would wake her from a happy sleep?

The Girl Guides and Scouts worked very hard during their practice performances and then put on excellent shows from Thursday, 22 August until Saturday 24 August 2013. Audiences enjoyed evening performances on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and a matinee on the Saturday afternoon.

The Gang Show cast also performed in the City of Clarence Eisteddfod. They were entered into four different areas, including Song and Action Sections in both 12 and under, and 16 and under sections. Everyone was proud of their achievements at the Eisteddfod.

A number of Gang Show cast members were successful in auditioning for other shows outside of school, Scouting and Guiding. Congratulations to Joel Halbe, Sam Pyefinch, Damian Mazur and Laura Walter who appeared in the Hobart Repertory Theatre Society’s pantomime Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Congratulations go to all Girl Guides, Scouts and volunteers who participated either on the

stage or backstage.

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Southern International Committee

The Southern International Committee is a diverse group of active Guides and Guiding friends who share a passion for the international aspect of Guiding and who contribute in various ways to supporting international Guiding in practice. This support includes fund-raising to assist members travelling to selected events overseas; active involvement in campaigns to support both Guiding and non-Guiding international projects; inviting guest speakers, including returning event participants, to share experiences from their travels to parts far and wide; and maintaining links with Guiding friends and groups around the world. The Committee assists to raise the profile of international Guiding by offering practical support to local Guiding events with an international focus. Members of the Committee regularly travel abroad themselves, sometimes to Guide World Centres or other WAGGGS events and it is inspiring to hear reports of adventures in many exotic destinations on their return!

Specifically this year, the Committee has contributed in the following ways:

 provided financial support to assist with replacing doors at Sangam;  made donations to members selected to attend Guiding events in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Sangam, the Asia Pacific Conference and Our Cabana;  donated to Guides through the Philippines Appeal;  provided practical support in numerous ways to the international Guiding event fanTAStic, held in Tasmania in January 2013;  assisted with Kitchen Crafts and Kitchen Cosmetics at Sunship Earth;  operated the City to Casino Fun Run Drinks Station to raise funds for our ongoing work;  contributed to the State Commissioner’s Care Packages for women and youth at risk and assisted with assembling the packages;  hosted a guest from Japan at a meeting;  ensured the widespread distribution of our Tassie devil magnets around the world;  organised the annual Thinking Day breakfast in Hobart; and  many members also attended the International Women’s Day breakfast in Hobart.

This represents a substantial effort for a group in which many members are also actively involved in other Guiding roles and all of whom have busy lives outside of Guiding. The friendship and fellowship of the Guide movement are important to Committee members, and our bi-monthly meetings are enjoyable occasions when we share each other’s company and catch up on the latest Guiding news, both locally and from around the world. Our meetings alternate between Guide House, where we invite a guest speaker, and various international restaurants, allowing us to further enrich our knowledge of different global cuisines!

I thank Committee members for their attendance, interest and ongoing support of international Guiding. Special thanks to the hardworking Secretary, Sue Folder, Treasurer, Vicki Dow, and to Robyn Harrison, who regularly steps in and perhaps should be formally appointed to the position of Deputy Secretary!

Liz Moore President

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Orana

2013 has been a stressful year. Unfortunately the committee is ageing, albeit gracefully, and several members have suffered from major health problems.

Tasmanian Community Fund grant provided a bin-lifter which has made handling the rubbish easier.

The Resource Room and a small 2-bed bunk room have been renovated to house Girl Guide Tasmania’s Archives. As a result we have added a set of bunks to the bedrooms that previously had single beds, thus allowing us to maintain the same number of beds.

The Men’s Committee has added an extension to one of the sheds to protect the trailers and wheelbarrows.

This year the rabbit problem became enormous and we were grateful for the help of DPIWE with laying many kilos of poisoned carrots and collecting those uneaten, a time consuming activity.

The mattresses in Malunna have been covered with vinyl to make annual cleaning easier.

As part of the State Asbestos Register, the property has been inspected; except for the caretaker’s house, there are only minimal amounts of the material on the campsite.

Our major concern and decision in 2013 has been around the question of joining the local sewerage scheme. After many meetings with Council, Southern Water and TasWater engineers and consultants, we still do not have a definite answer.

Cheryl Wilson Chairman

Nindethana

2013 began with a bang for the Nindethana Committee who catered for groups of fanTAStic participants before, during and after the big camp, at both Nindethana and Carnacoo (the Scout camp). It was a challenge which was well met by the committee with the assistance of several friends, capably led by Rosemary Dixon, our outgoing chairman.

We sadly farewelled Margaret Perrin, who has been a great asset to Nindethana. We were thrilled to welcome Rosemary Edwards, who has taken on the role of treasurer.

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Bookings began slowly after fanTAStic but picked up well in the second half of the year. We are becoming well known to outside groups and families who love the cosy camphouse and the beautiful and peaceful setting.

Our visitors included five families, six craft groups, two church groups, four fitness groups as well as several local groups, three visits from UTAS Education students and three Guide units. Most of these groups are regular bookings.

The camphouse and grounds continue to be well maintained with help from John Wagg, our maintenance man. Our major expense for the year was the removal of several unsafe trees and trimming of others. A new fridge was purchased and outdoor steps replaced.

My thanks to all the committee members who work so well together. We would love to welcome some new members to join our happy group.

Helen Larner Chairman

Archives Committee

The year began disastrously as a result of the fire at Bathurst Street. Guiding memorabilia collected over many years was lost, including all the old preloved uniforms, many dating back to the 1930s and 1940s, as well as our badge and awards collection.

Lost also were the two International doll collections: one set made and donated by Mary and Leonie Ransom, the second set made by Pat Findlay and her sister and donated by Pat Findlay.

All old Records, Annual Reports, State Minutes, District and Division records were lost and will be hard to replace.

Saved were all the newspapers cuttings and a few scrap books, as the metal filing cabinet they were stored in fell through the floor, with the drawers remaining closed. We spent many hours drying these papers.

15 photo albums out of the 55 held by Archives were saved. Much work has gone into drying and repairing them, in many cases placing the photos into new albums. Thanks to Trefoil Guild members for their assistance.

After several months, the Resource Room plus the adjoining bunk room at Malunna were allocated to the Archives Committee and the insurance money, which came through in June, allowed us to replace the computer, shelving and new storage containers.

We are grateful to the many people, including members of Guiding and Scouting and the general public, for the huge response in the donation of Guiding books, uniforms and memorabilia as replacements for the Archives.

The committee looks forward to continuing to restore the Archives.

Archives Committee

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Governance

Kit McMahon was appointed National Executive Officer of Girl Guides Australia in January. Under her supervision, the restructure of Girl Guides Australia continued to evolve. One change is the AMT (Australian Management Team) is now known as MAC (Management Advisory Committee). It has the same members and work scope but a new name. Projects now require clear parameters to be approved prior to commencement; this will ensure good outcomes in a defined timeframe.

Girl Guides Tasmania undertook some governance training to ensure that Board members are aware of their responsibilities. We are once again on track with meeting papers and clarity between management and governance. This ensures that issues are handled by the appropriate body and as a result, meetings are efficient and the talents of our members best utilised.

The Board will deliver amendments to the Girl Guides Tasmania Constitution for voting at the 2013 AGM. These have been delayed, as we had hoped to deliver them to the 2012 AGM.

We have continued to operate with volunteer management positions vacant. This has meant that there have been times when there has been a delay in information being circulated to our members. During 2013 we welcomed a new Treasurer, International, Management and Learning & Development Managers.

We work to be part of a strong, vibrant and relevant national organisation. This, with the ongoing support we want to provide to our members, has meant that we continue to operate on a deficit budget. Our Property and Finance Committee works diligently to deliver the best possible financial outcomes for Girl Guides Tasmania.

The Board has monitored the progress of the 2013 Operational Plan as to the process made towards achievement of the targets. The 2014 Operational Plan has been approved and the Board will work with State Guiding and other key stakeholders to deliver the outcomes.

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Treasurer’s Report

What a year for Girl Guides Tasmania!

Well done to Julie Miller and the team for all the hard work in making fanTAStic such a success. The financial success of such an event ensures that Girl Guides Tasmania is able to continue operating into the future. Organisations such as ours require very careful financial management to enable longevity, especially in times of low membership numbers and difficult economic circumstances. To see such events do so well is great and a huge boost to our future.

The only fundraising that we undertake as an organisation is the sale of Girl Guide Biscuits; as difficult as it may be to ask people to buy from you, it is important to remember that we only have this one fundraiser a year. Thank you very much to the members, families and supporters for your assistance with the 2013 biscuit campaign.

The aftermath of the fire at Guide House in January was certainly a challenging time, but with much hard work by SEO Viv Rylance and others, we were able to relocate to the Bellerive premises and continue operating with minimal disruption. Our insurance claim has now been finalised and assets replaced, or reimbursed if not able to be replaced.

The organisation received a bequest from Mary Ransom during 2013 and it was decided that these funds be used for the rollout of the National database. Although expensive, this will enable Girl Guides Tasmania to run more efficiently and effectively in the future.

Working hard to adhere to set budgets during the year ensures we benefit members. Some of the profits from fanTAStic will be used to subsidise youth events during the next twelve months, thereby enabling more girls to attend.

The Board has again approved a deficit budget for 2014. We are a non-profit organisation so it is quite normal to run as a deficit; however, the longevity of the organisation is always at the forefront of the minds of the Board and we strive to ensure that the organisation is viable into the future.

Many thanks to our SEO and the rest of the Board for their assistance during the year and for making me feel a welcome part of the Girl Guides Tasmania team.

Deb Lehman State Treasurer

Membership Statistics Youth Members Adult Members Trefoil Members 635 210 76

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Awards

Good Service Awards Boronia Banksia Bar to the Banksia Carolyn McLennan Lola Cowle Robyn Midson Abyilene McGuire

Wattle Bar to the Wattle Emu Lyn Commane Patricia Wilson Jane Dent Lyn Muir

Red Kangaroo Helen Geard

Thanks Badge Thanks Plaque Supporter’s Badge Lisa Burstall Employees of Meldon Park Rob Dent Denice Walter Graham Marshall

Long Service Awards 5 years Patricia McMillan Charmaine Harris Helen Grainger Belinda Sims Michelle Dolaghan Barbara Phillips Carolyn McLennan Jane Grosvenor

10 years Greta Reavell Rachel Whitmore Kristen McLagan Clare Morison Alison Nermut-Nichols Andrea Brittain Felicity Andrews Susan Hampton

15 years Alison Febey Ziona Thompson Robyn Harrison Lorelle Cairns Nerina Dixon Robyn Midson

20 years Allison McGee Mary Laing Cheryl Bussey Fiona Hill Jen Barron

25 years Theresa Moore Marlene Febey Helen Gleeson Sue Folder Margaret Duggan Rosemary Dixon

30 years Cheryl Wilson OAM Diane Truskett Sue Graves Dorothy Rosemann

35 years Vicki Dow Kathy Cane Anne Wilson OAM

40 years Trish Wilson Barbara Harrisson Ann Kruse Joy Reid Beatrice Lawrence OAM

55 years Phyl Norton

35 PATRON STATE APPOINTMENTS REGION MANAGERS Mrs Frances Underwood Ex officio Board Members North (McIntyre) listed under the Board are not Mrs Lynne Watson CONSULTATIVE & APPEALS repeated here. COMMITTEE North West Mrs Kaye Johnson OAM Managers as listed above Mrs Barbara Harrisson Mrs Beatrice Lawrence OAM (acting from 6/11 - permanent Mrs Jenny Boyer (to 7/13) Arts/Spirituality Consultant from 10/13) Mrs Margaret Duggan (to Mrs Lynne Watson 7/13) South West Mrs Anne Crummy Awards Committee Mrs Patricia Wilson Ms Kristen McLagan Mrs Diane Truskett (Chairman) Mrs Mary Koolhof Mrs Sue Graves South East Miss Helen Geard (from 10/13) Mrs Beverley Geard Vacant Mrs Margaret Duggan BOARD OTHER STATE POSITIONS State Commissioner Events/Fundraising Archives Contact Mrs Jane Dent Coordinator Mrs Heather Martin Vacant Deputy State Commissioner Earth Education Coordinator Mrs Cheryl Wilson OAM Environmental Consultant Mrs Anne Wilson OAM Mrs Anne Crummy Communications Manager Olave Program Contact Vacant Property and Finance Mrs Fiona Bye (to 6/11) Committee Miss Amy Lucas (from 10/13) International Manager Mrs Jane Dent Miss Allison Brockman (to Mr David Rose Duke of Edinburgh Liaison 6/13) Mrs Cheryl Wilson OAM Mrs Fiona Bye Mrs Alison Bates (from 8/13) Mr Graham Marshall Mrs Lia Le Grove Property Committee Program Manager Chairman Vacant Guiding Partner Consultant Mrs Rosemary Dixon Mrs Lyn Commane (to 6/13) (Nindethana to 3/13 State Treasurer Mrs Helen Larner (Nindethana Mr Stuart Lenthall (to 4/13) Program Consultants from 3/13 Mrs Deborah Lehman (from Vacant Mrs Cheryl Wilson (Orana) 5/13) Support Group & District Scout Guide Regatta Contact L&D Manager Liaison Consultant Mrs Lyn Muir Mrs Barbara Harrisson (to 1/13 Vacant acting to 9/13) Trefoil Guild Consultant Ms Anna Dobner (from 10/13) Webmaster Mrs Joan Draayers (to 2/13) Vacant Mrs Brit Howard (from 4/13) Outdoor Activities Manager Mrs Mary Laing (to 12/13) Risk Management Manager ADMINISTRATION STAFF Mrs Lynne Watson (from 4/13) State Executive Officer State Council Representatives Mrs Viv Rylance Mrs Helen Abernethy Marketing & PR Manager Ms Lia La Grove Mrs Christine Knight (from Administration Assistant Miss Joanne Folder 9/13) Mrs Debra Pouwelse (to 5/13) Miss Leah Oates (from 7/13) Region Manager Honorary Architect Representatives Mr Peter Cripps Administration Officer Mrs Patricia Wilson (Membership & Retail) Mrs Lynne Watson Honorary Solicitor Ms Carol Hayers Mrs Barbara Harrisson (from Ms Rebecca Reid 10/13)