About Us

Community Group of the Year 2000

(submission for the award)

Guides Australia

Sutherland Shire Region

The aim of this movement has always been to train and encourage young women and girls so that they have the knowledge and keenness to give service where needed, to increase their self esteem, to foster their community spirit and to have fun without inconvenience or nuisance to their fellow citizens.

Every member makes a Promise that incorporates duty to God, Queen and Country, giving service to others and a dedication to upholding the Guide laws which are based on trustworthiness, consideration, loyalty, self-control, kindness to animals, helpfulness, friendliness, courage and obedience.

Community service has long been part of Guiding activities and many individuals have given their time and effort as a requirement of the movement's highest award, the Queen's Guide.  However this year (1999) has been notable as it sees the completion of a Water Activities Centre on the Woronora River where young people can be trained in watercraft expertise, care of equipment, safety and rescue requirements. This has long been an essential need for the young in a shire surrounded by water, where girls and young women deserve such guidance and training.

Both Leaders and Guides have contributed time and expertise to various community services within the Sutherland Shire during the past year and these include -

• Water Activities Centre; for training Guides in watercraft expertise.
• Senior Citizens Awards Luncheon; helping with preparation/serving of meals.
• Senior Citizens Arts and Crafts Festival; assisting with refreshments.
• Senior Citizens Christmas concert; provision of ushers.
• Naturalisation Ceremonies; providing flag bearers.
• Clean Up Australia; taking part in the clean-up process.
• Red Cross Calling; taking part in the collection process.
• Anzac Day Ceremonial marches and services; attending with flags.
• Sydney City Mission Sleep-Out; participating in raising funds for needy.
• Nursing Homes; visiting to cheer up and/or present small gifts.
• Hospitals; making items such as scrap books and toys for children, etc.
• Daffodil Day; participating in the fundraising event.

Leaders of the local units are regularly trained to give service to the young girls of the shire and the program concentrates on enabling and facilitating the girls and young women to make their own decisions and to plan their own activities, camps and outings.  Care of the environment and good citizenship are elements which are integral parts of the program.

Such is the dedication of the leaders, many of them previously young members of the movement, that they pay an annual fee to belong, giving their time voluntarily to the aims of Guides Australia.  They are there for any of the younger members who may need someone to listen to them in a world that is racing to the future with no time to spare.  Guiding ensures that girls have the chance to achieve their potential as they grow and take on responsibilities in the world around them.  Membership of and achievement in the Guides has long been a big advantage when applying for a position.

The Sutherland Shire Region Team, the 'office bearers' of Guides Australia in the shire are -

• Regional Commissioner Mrs Sylvia Quinnell
• Assistant Region Commissioner Mrs Trish Aust
• Assistant Region Commissioner Mrs Barbara Black
• Region Treasurer Mrs June Gardiner
• Region Secretary Mrs Val Tever

They are assisted by a dozen other members of the team who work in the areas of program, outdoor and water activities, training, badges, public relations, etc. all on a voluntary basis.

Local members of Guides Australia are a dedicated and willing group with a reputation for giving service in the Shire, just for the pleasure of doing it.  A group which encourages girls and young women to do their best in this way and focuses on giving them lots of opportunities to grow as citizens is an asset to any community.