A Guiding light for 25 years

Heather Fisher is standing down as District Manager of Helensburgh Guides after more than 25 years of volunteer service – 12 as Unit Leader to Sea Cliff Senior Guides with her guiding partner, Jenelle McWilliam, and 13 years as District Manager, with Unit Leader Malynda Flarey.

Thanks to Heather – whose decades of dedicated community service also include a stint serving on this paper’s predecessor, the Helensburgh & District News – for taking the time to share her story:

I joined Guides, becoming a unit leader, when my daughter was young, so that we could continue outdoor adventures together following her father’s early passing. Little did I know that I would still be involved 25 years later.  

Guiding brought many new experiences that we probably would not have had otherwise – abseiling, kayaking and canoeing, including capsizing and self-rescue, some wonderful camping locations, and lots of extra camping skills. We learned to construct useful camp items from a bit of wood and string, how to build a campfire, a rope ladder, where to safely pitch a tent, how to erect a Bell tent. We gained useful first aid proficiency. We learned to design and build a raft that will float (and win the race at Boree) and many more skills and experiences that girls may not have access to in family life.

But most importantly for me was the girls themselves – I was always so moved and proud, watching their development over the years, and marvelling at their determination, courage and intelligence at the many tasks they encountered. 

Guiding is such a wonderful grounding for girls to develop their potential. In a “girls only” environment they can challenge themselves without feeling the need to “look good”, or that they are being judged.   Some new experiences can be frightening (eg abseiling) but once they have pushed through the trepidation, they are so pumped and proud of themselves – it does wonders for self-esteem.    

Of course, adventurous activities are not the only thing on offer – craft, cooking, games, performance, and working toward various badges and awards are there as well. Guiding takes into account the girls’ differing abilities and interests, and caters to them as needed, offering diversity awareness and support.   

Girls have the opportunity to develop skills in leadership, public speaking, planning and problem solving, and in community awareness (examples include Clean Up Australia Day, the Red Shield Appeal and ANZAC Day ceremonies). Helensburgh District is part of a very big region – Woronora River Division of Southern Sydney Rivers Region, where the girls have many opportunities to meet up with girls from other Guide groups. We are also very proud of one of our former guides, Liana, who has come back as a Junior Leader/Unit Helper, as she works towards her Duke of Edinburgh Award.

I am leaving Helensburgh Girl Guides in the very capable hands of Malynda Flarey (Brolga) but will continue as a volunteer at Bindaree, our Water Activity Centre on Woronora River, where girls learn boating skills and have fun on the water.

Helensburgh Guides meet at the Guide Hall, 4 Chippendale Place, on Thursdays from 4.30-6pm. 

Any girls from from age 7 are welcome to come to a unit meeting to see if they like what Guides has to offer. They can come twice before needing to become a financial member. Any adult women (over 18 years) who are called to this very rewarding volunteer work, as Unit Helpers or Unit Leaders, are also most welcome to make themselves known to Malynda. More Leaders means Helensburgh Guides can continue, vibrant and healthy into the future.

Our Parent Support Group is vital, including in running Christmas Tree sales, our biggest fundraiser. Thank you to all the girls, parents, and Guide Leaders that I have encountered across the years – I wish Helensburgh Girl Guides many more years of adventure, fun and friendship.

Visit www.girlguides.org.au