The State Team

Helen Geard - State Commissioner

I started with Guides when I was 10 years old in the small country town of Oatlands. I enjoyed camping and the range of different activities we were able to participate in. A number of years later I became a Unit Helper and Leader within a District close to Hobart. I spent a summer in the USA, as a Girl Scout Camp Unit Leader, which was a fantastic experience. Since that time I have also travelled to Thailand and Brunei with Guiding. I was the State Communications Adviser prior to being elected State Commissioner. I am passionate about Guiding because of the opportunities it provides, friendships and how much you can learn.

When I am not Guiding I work as a Natural Resource Management Facilitator with the Southern Midlands Council. My role is to assist landholders take care of the environment by helping them with everything from funding applications to planting trees.

Theresa Moore - Deputy State Commissioner

I started my Guiding journey when I stayed with my friend Debbie one Friday night and went along to Brownie Guides with her on Saturday morning. I loved playing games, making things and doing things outdoors. I remember having to clean my Promise badge with brasso. My Brownie and Guide Leaders also used to check the back to make sure we had cleaned both sides. I'm glad we have coated badges today!

Guiding has turned my dreams of visting many different lands into reality. I have been able to travel to many parts of the world and experienced the lives of Guiding sisters. My travels have included India, United Kingdom, Cyprus and Cote D'Ivoire.

I'm looking forward to sharing amazing opportunities during our centenary with Guides of all ages and cultures.

Barbara Harrisson - Training Adviser

As Training Adviser I:

• Have responsibility for the administration of the Training Program for Adult Leaders
• Communicate with, advise and support Leaders and other members about training matters
• Advise the State Board and other Guiding Committees on training matters
• Work with a dedicated, skilled and exciting team of Trainers to run training sessions and produce resources
• Represent Tasmania on the Australian Training Team

I joined Brownies in Bellerive when I was 8 years old and have been involved with Guides ever since then - well over 40 years!. It's attraction as a way to get outdoors, to make great friends, to take on new challenges and to give service to others has never faded. I am currently a Leader in Smithton. My interests lie in training, the environment and outdoors, and writing. Outside of Guiding, I am a teacher and laboratory technician and am involved with local hockey and the service club Soroptimists International.

Kate Alcorso - State Council Representative on the Board

As the State Membership Adviser I broadly assist the other advisers in the membership implications of their projects as well as developing membership specific projects - and am happy to assist areas with their own membership initiatives. I am a member of the State Executive and State Guiding Committee, lending my assistance to broader projects as necessary.

I have been a Guide since the age of 7 and kept up my involvement as a youth member until the age of 14. I have also been involved in leadership since an early time starting as a Brownie Helper for Gumnut Guides and continuing through being a Junior Leader and then on to a Leader of Youth as an Adult. I currently am based with a Unit of girls aged 5-10 in Launceston.

Outside Guiding I am employed as a lawyer at Archer Bushby and enjoy music, sports and sitting down with a good book.

Fiona Miller - Olave Program Chair

I started Guides when I was seven years old with the Trevallyn Brownies and continued till I was 14 when I joined Venturers. I started as a Unit Helper with Cormiston Guides while I was at uni and am now a Leader of Odessey Guides, a 14 – 18 unit.

As Chair of the Olave Program, it is my job to co-ordinate and encourage opportunities and events for young women and Leaders aged 18 – 30. This includes social activities, service projects and adventurous expeditions. I also co-ordinate the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for Girl Guides Tasmania.

The highlight of my Guiding life so far has been my trip to Thailand last year for four weeks as part of the GOLD service project. I really enjoy the opportunities that Guides offers, especially international trips and adventurous activities.

Outside of Guides I am a studying to be a classroom music teacher at uni as well as being a part time flute and piano tutor. I’m also the musical director of a community big band in Launceston. I love mountain biking, swing dancing, the outdoors and doing anything fun and adventurous.