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Conference Weekend coming up!
As this edition of "Ninety News" goes to press, registrations for our annual conference this weekend at Rooty Hill are pushing past the 250 mark.
 Congratulations to the organising committee, under the chairmanship of Alicia Denis and Sean Leise and the support of Program Quality Director Michael.
As detailed in our last newsletter, the program is packed with special education sessions, events and activities where attendees will have the opportunity to learn plenty, catch up with friends, make new friends and see some of the best speakers and evaluators in our District compete in the International Speech and Evaluation contests.
Apart from that, we will also be "doing the business" of the District at the Annual Council Meeting and electing our District leaders for 2016-2017 (see following).
Although registrations have officially closed, if, at this late stage, you think you might like to attend, please contact Co Chairman Sean Leise directly at email sean.leise@outlook.com or click on the logo to visit the Conference website.
Who's standing for office
At the close of nominations for 2016-2017 District leadership roles, the following were confirmed by the District Nominating Committee...
For District Director
Michael Said ACG CL
For Program Quality Director
Shirley Childs ACG ALB
For Club Growth Director
Udo Moerig DTM
Phil Reed DTM
For Eastern Division Director
Leesa Barnard DTM
For Macquarie Division
Geri Rich DTM
For Northern Division
Jane Lally ACB ALB
For Oxley Division
Janet Cameron DTM
For Western Division
Chris McLoon CC ALB
As at the close of nominations, no nominations had been received for Hawkesbury Division but it is understood there will be at least one nomination for this position "from the floor" at the Council meeting.
From the District Director
 I am very much looking forward to this weekend's conference.
Conferences are an excellent way to broaden your horizons, to learn new things, connect or re-connect with friends old and new.
We are very lucky to have four of the best presenters in the world coming along as our special guests, Mark Hunter, Steve York, David Griffiths and Matt Tonkiss.
Everyone raved about our education sessions at the Semi Annual, this weekend's program is going to be equally as good.
Turning to how we are travelling as a District, I am always impressed at what our members continue to achieve.
Our role as District leaders is to provide the best possible environment for clubs and members to thrive. And the stats for District 90 are impressive!
As we commence the run-down to the end of the Toastmasters year, we are consistently rated in the top tier in Region 12 and in the top 20 of Districts world-wide.
And there is plenty more achievement to come.
Although we are only showing as having 139 clubs from the 144 we started the year with, there are six clubs in the process of registering members which will see them come on line giving is 145. And there are at least six more new clubs with an excellent chance of chartering within the next eight weeks.
Our performance with Distinguished Clubs is not looking all that bad, either with the number forecast to soar as final year education achievements are completed and registered and membership building in the District continues apace.
I want to congratulate all members on your achievements so far this year and thank all of our leaders – Club, Area, Division and District – for the great work you have done and continue to do.
One thing we always struggle with in this part of the world is membership numbers. District 90 is looking OK but we will need an big effort from everyone over the next two months to build our membership numbers.
I thank you in advance for your attention to this and look forward to being able to celebrate District 90 being Distinguished in its very first year.
Bob Kirchner DTM
dd@d90toastmasters.org.au
Vale – Ted Scott
 Ted Scott, a member of Coastal Communicators, has died. He was in his late 70s and suffered a fatal heart attack early on Sunday.
If our research is correct, Dave joined Toastmasters in 1973... or that was when he served as Charter Club Treasurer for Sunshine Coast Toastmasters in District 69 which chartered in March that year.
"We have lost one of our most dedicated members," said Club VPE Jan Cummings. "Although he had been a Toastmaster many years ago, Ted rejoined the organisation through Coastal Communicators.
"He rarely missed a meeting and attended CLT several times. He was the club's SAA and his humorous comments will be missed by us all. He loved being a member and it showed through his dedication as SAA as well as his contributing to the club's awards.
"Ted was one of those people you couldn't help but admire."
New clubs abound
District 90 has seen the charter of three new clubs so far this year, and another six are well on the way following a successful demonstration meeting for a new club at Eastwood on Saturday.
The new clubs already chartered are...
Australian Catholic University
In Focus Advanced at Lismore, and
Rouse Hill Toastmasters.
The clubs currently in formation are
Eastwood Toastmasters – community club at Eastwood...
Keynoters Advanced – based at Hornsby
Sandoz – a corporate club in Sydney
Sun Up Speakers – breakfast meeting club in Tamworth...
Tamworth Regional Council – corporate club in Tamworth... and
Voice of Mosman Toastmasters – community club at Mosman
In addition to these, a dedicated training club for Northern Division is also on the horizon.
Great contests shaping up!
Following an excellent round of Division Contests, the District International Speech and Evaluation Contest finals are shaping up to be a tough competition.
Participants in the contests this weekend are...
International... Robert Bath, Ashleigh Cormack, Chris Davitt, James Dyson, Lia Mahony and Martin Rogers.
Evaluation... Megan Ash, Robert Bath, Jennifer David, Lynne Harris, Donna Kildea and Lia Mahony.
The International Contest will be conducted just prior to the Gala Dinner on Saturday night, the Evaluation Contes, just prior to Sunday lunch.
Leadership Challenges
A Leadership Challenges workshop will be held at Eastwood on Saturday, May 14.
 Internationally recognised presenters Greg van Borssum, Alistair Taylor, Sam Webb and Joe Williams will anchor the workshop which kicks off at 1pm on the day (full details are available on the District 90 website What's On page).
A panel discussion will be moderated by Club Growth Director Shirley Childs.
This will be the first in a series of workshops focussing on areas including leadership and stress management.
"As Toastmasters, we teach leadership, but we also have to be realistic about the stress caused by leadership positions and the mental and physical effect this has on people. Let’s learn and apply some real life solutions!"
Participants will learn "how to recognise the signs" ... "in yourself and others" ... "how to deal with stress" ... and "steps to move forward".
RSVPs should be sent to Greg Harris, greg@gregharrisconsulting.com
Extend your leadership experience
With a new year for Toastmasters set to kick off on July 1, opportunities are still available for members who want to extend their leadership experience by serving as an Area Director.
 Often described as "the best job in Toastmasters" the role of Area Director is multi-faceted and provides a wonderful learning opportunity.
Anyone who would like to look at taking on a position should first connect with your Division Director or, with District Director Bob Kirchner (email dd@d90toastmasters.org.au) or Program Quality Director Michael Said (email pqd@d90toastmasters.org.au).
A major training day for all incoming Area Directors will be held at Hornsby RSL Club on Saturday June 18.
Changeover Dinner
A District 90 Changeover Dinner will be held at Hornsby RSL Club on Saturday, June 18, following the District Leader Training Day.
Registrations will open from the District website What's On page soon after the conclusion of the Annual Conference.
Semi Annual details announced
The 2016 District 90 Semi Annual Conference will be held at Gosford RSL Club on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 4, 5 and 6.
Registrations for this event will also open from the District website What's On page shortly after the conclusion of this weekend's annual conference.
Final call for Toastmaster of the Year nominations
The tradition of recognition for an Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year for District 90 will commence in our first year, this year.
Nominations for this special award are now open but close THIS SATURDAY so you still have time to get a nomination in.
Any eligible District 90 Toastmaster, excluding District Management Committee members, may be nominated.
Each nominator may nominate only one Toastmaster, and the criteria for selection shall include but not be limited to...
- Active membership in any club in District 90.
- Outstanding and continuous service to District 90 and its predecessor including beyond the current year.
- Attendance at District 90 functions.
- Contributions to District 90’s goals of club formation, membership building and Distinguished Clubs.
Toastmaster of the Year will be announced at the Changeover Dinner.
The nomination form can be downloaded here.
And Area Director of the Year
Nominations for Area Director of the Year also close on Saturday. This award is determined by the District Management Committee but in a departure from previous, nominations are invited from clubs.
Write to am@d90toastmasters.org.au and tell us why YOUR Area Director should be named District 90 Area Director of the Year!
Club elections reminder
Remember, your first meeting on May is the meeting where you should elect your club leaders for the 2016-2017 year.
And don't forget to update your next year's officer list via the Club dashboard on the TI website.
Follow us on Twitter
 District 90 now has an active Twitter account. If you are signed up to Twitter, please visit and follow.
The more Twitter followers we have the more effective we will be able to use it for communication and promotion.
Club Anniversaries
Congratulations to the following clubs for reaching significant anniversaries...
Lane Cove Toastmasters ............................................ 10 in April!
Corporate Connections Club ...................................... 10 in April!
Newcastle Toastmasters ............................................ 50 in April!
Quirindi Toastmasters ................................................ 35 in May!
Fast Track Toastmasters ............................................ 30 in May!
North Sydney Achievers Club .................................... 30 in May!
Parrachievers Westmead Toastmasters ................... 30 in May!
Nambucca Valley Toastmasters ................................ 25 in May!
Thales Rydalmere ........................................................ 5 in May!
North West Speakers & Leaders ................................. 5 in May!
Brunch@Wenty ............................................................ 5 in May!
Leaders In Action .................................................... one in May!
Click this link to view educational achievements
in District 90 so far this Toastmasters year
Need supplies for your club? Or for yourself?
Visit Toastmasters Supplies Australia website here.
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