Brisbane Water Division of the Girl Guides – which covers the Peninsula, Mangrove Mountain, Kincumber, Niagara Park, Point Clare, Terrigal and Wyoming – is on the hunt for more leaders.
Division Liaison, Bronwyn Weatherstone, said leaders were needed for units of girls aged 6-10 and 10-14.
After two years of disruption due to COVID-19, the division’s units are back up and running.
“Our leaders were very innovative during lockdowns, holding meetings via Zoom and preparing packs of activities which they dropped in girls’ letterboxes and later discussed online,” she said.
“We lost a few girls from our membership, but still have around 100 Girl Guides in the division.
“What we really need now is more leaders.
“It can be hard to get people to give up their time but there are many rewards.”
Leaders are fully trained and gain skills they can use elsewhere, including first aid, leadership, how to run meetings, time management, communication skills and how to work with youth.
“Many leaders translate these skills into their workplaces,” Weatherstone said.
She said she was ideally seeking leaders aged 20-40 but any age over 18 would be considered.
Weatherstone has been involved in Guiding for more than 30 years, first as a Brownie, then as a Girl Guide, Ranger Guide and eventually as a leader.
“I had a break to have a family, do a uni course and work full-time but have been back now for around six years,” she said.
“I’ve had a good 15 years as a leader.”
Weatherstone said that while lockdowns had also impacted fundraising, recruiting new leaders was the key for units to resume at full capacity.
“Leaders also get great female support from each other,” she said.
She said previous experience in Guiding would be advantageous, but not essential, with full training provided.
For more information contact BlackwallDM@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au
Terry Collins