Girl Guides Australia

Girl Guides Australia (GGA) is the national Guiding organisation in Australia dedicated to empowering girls and young women to grow into confident, self-respecting members of the community. The organisation welcomes members from all cultural, faith, and traditional backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and personal development.

History

Guiding in Australia began as early as 1909, with local groups forming independently across various states. By 1920, Girl Guide Associations had been established in six Australian states. In 1926, these State Associations federated to form a unified national organisation. This federation became a founding member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in 1928, marking Australia's early and significant contribution to the global Guiding movement.

The organisation continued to evolve, and in 1980 Girl Guides Australia was formally incorporated. A strategic review in 1994 led to updates in the organisation’s name, programme philosophy, and training system, adapting the movement to modern needs while maintaining its core values.

Structure and Governance

Girl Guides Australia operates as a federated body made up of six state-based Guiding organisations. Each state association is incorporated and functions as the coordinating and operating body for Girl Guides in its respective state or territory. The national organisation acts as the coordinator for members across Australia and represents them in national and international Guiding affairs.

In 2011, Girl Guides Australia changed its legal status to a Company Limited by Guarantee. Organisational membership at the national level requires compliance with eligibility criteria including incorporation status, adherence to agreements based on WAGGGS requirements, and maintaining Guiding standards consistent with global membership rules.

Membership and Impact

As of 2021, Girl Guides Australia has approximately 19,000 members, including both youth and adult members. Over one million Australian women have been involved in Guiding throughout its history, making it a prominent and longstanding community movement.

The emblem of Girl Guides Australia incorporates the Commonwealth Star, reflecting its national identity and heritage. The organisation offers a wide array of programmes designed to develop practical skills, leadership, and community involvement among its members.

Legacy

Girl Guides Australia traces its origins back to the early 20th century and the global Scouting movement founded by Robert Baden-Powell. The first official Girl Guides group in Victoria met in 1911, and various state groups rapidly developed, contributing to the growth of the movement nationwide.

Today, Girl Guides Australia continues to inspire and nurture girls and young women through activities that build confidence, resilience, and social responsibility, maintaining a rich tradition of female empowerment and community contribution.

Affiliation: World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
Founded: 1927 (federation of state associations)
Membership: Approximately 19,000 (2021)
Legal Entity: Company Limited by Guarantee since 2011
Emblem: Incorporates the Commonwealth Star

This organisation remains a key part of Australia’s youth development landscape with enduring ties to the global Guiding community[1][2][5].

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_Guides_Australia [2] https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-world/asia-pacific-region/member-organisations/australia/ [3] https://www.guidesvic.org.au/our-organisation/our-story/ [4] https://www.girlguides.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/7.1-A-History-of-Guiding-for-Patrols.pdf [5] https://www.guidelinesforgirlguides.org.au/guide_lines/governance__trashed/test-1/