District 90 Annual Conference – Bring It Home!

It’s taken a while for everything to come together but with details now announced for our very first District 90 Annual Conference, we have a very exciting weekend shaping up.
 
The Conference will be held at Rooty Hill RSL Club on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, April 29 and 30 and May 1.
 
Co Conference Chairman Alicia Denis and Sean Leise, together with Program Quality Director Michael Said, have put together a program that will last in attendees minds for many years to come.
 
World Champion of Public Speaking 2009 Mark Hunter is to be our key special guest presenting a keynote speech during Saturday night’s Gala Dinner as well as an education session on Sunday morning.
 
Mark has worked for Education Queensland for 30 years, and in that time, has been principal of both primary and secondary schools. In 2001, he trained as an executive coach and established both a private practice as well as working with school principals in Education Queensland. He has represented Australia in the World Championships of Public Speaking six times through the Toastmasters organisation and presented numerous keynotes and workshops at conferences at the local, state, national and international level.  
 
Also on the special guest front will be Steve York, General Manager, Group Compliance, Security and Business Resilience, BOQ (Bank of Queensland) also, coincidentally, a security expert and specialist negotiator.
 
When Steve began his career in 1976 as a clerk at AMP he had no idea what the future held for him.  In time he did realise that working as a clerk was not for him.  Soon after, he followed in the footsteps of his father and joined the NSW Police force. Over a 20 year career there, Steve worked his way to become Commander of the Hostage Negotiation Team and the Negotiation Team Leader for Australia’s counter terrorist negotiation team when he left the force in 1996.
 
Steve holds a Master of Science (Risk) from Leicester University and a Master of Dispute Resolution from University of Technology, Sydney. He has been awarded the National Medal and received several commendations for bravery. In 1996 he was involved in risk management and contributed to the first risk management standard AS/NA 4360. He built up his own risk consulting company with many high profile clients.
 
In 2000, he sold his share and began work as an Executive Manager, Operational Risk at the Commonwealth Bank. At that time he was involved in the introduction of the Basel I across the CBA Group. Since then he has worked as a senior risk management executive across several industries (Partner, Deloitte Central Europe, Enterprise Risk, and Marsh McLennan, General Manager, Risk Consulting) and senior internal corporate roles (CBA, General Manager, Security and Financial Crime).
 
Steve also conducts workshops on “Negotiation Skills for any situation!” They have proved to be very popular and in high demand.  Having Steve to teach you, educate you and show you how to create the best outcome in any negotiation situation, will be the best investment in your personal growth.
 
As well as a special session on Saturday, Steve will be conducting a “master class” prior to the commencement of the conference which is available only to the first 100 registrations.
 
Our very own David Griffiths will also feature with a session on preparing and delivering world championship level speeches. Fellow competitor for many years Matt Tonkiss from District 70 will join David in this session.
 
Other key aspects of the conference will be a Youth Showcase on the Friday night, the all important District Council meeting Saturday morning and, of course, the two very important contest finals... International Speech on Saturday evening and Evaluation Sunday morning.
 
The District Council meeting on the Saturday morning will elect our 2016-2017 District leaders and a Meet The New Team Breakfast will be conducted on Sunday morning.
 
Saturday lunch-time will be our Awards & Recognition Lunch where we will recognise District 90 achievers.
 
The venue has a Novotel hotel “attached” and a special, limited, accommodation rate is available.
 
Further details, including registration form, can be accessed via www.d90toastmasters.org.au
 

From the District Director

It’s been very pleasing moving around the District the last month or so for Division International Speech & Evaluation Contests, catching up with members and being inspired by the many wonderful speeches and evaluations presented.
 
Only a couple to go as I write this, then it will be time for the very first District 90 Annual Conference at Rooty Hill on April 29 & 30 and May 1. The program is shaping up to be very exciting and I am looking forward to meeting up with members new and old as well as taking part in the various activities and doing the business of the District.
 
If you haven’t registered yet, I encourage you to do so – you won’t be disappointed!
 
Welcome to all the new members who have joined us in the last month, especially to those in our newest club ACU (Australian Catholic University) in Hawkesbury Division. That makes three new clubs this year already (one each in Hawkesbury, Oxley and Western). This is a healthy sign for our District and I know there are more coming!
 
ACU was one of the first “virtual” clubs in Toastmasters which now number almost 100 globally. The second phase of these (clubs allowing for total “virtual” attendance) is currently being worked out by Toastmasters International.
 
I am also delighted to see the educational strength of our District… some two thirds of our clubs are in line for Distinguished, clear proof that those clubs are doing the very best by their members.
 
I want to congratulate all those Toastmasters who are standing for District leadership positions, including those who are putting their hands up for Area Director… often described as “the best job in the organisation”. If it’s a first time for you in a District leadership role, and I know it will be for many, you’re in for a fabulous time!

Bob Kirchner DTM
dd@d90toastmasters.org.au


Vale – David Olerenshaw

David Olerenshaw, a long time member of Toastmasters in Australia, and especially in Cessnock, has died.
 
Dave was a member of Cessnock City Toastmasters for 10 years from 1994 to 2004 before moving south to the Illawarra to be closer to his son, and joining Dapto Toastmasters.
 
“Dave was one of the driving forces in revitalising our club when numbers were low,” according to Past Division Governor and Cessnock City’s Anna van Netten.
 
In a tribute to David when he was leaving Cessnock, Past Division Governor Judy Clark wrote a comprehensive piece in the club newsletter, a brief summary of which follows…
 
Soon after joining Toastmasters, Dave had won the club’s Humorous and International speech contests and during his time gained four Competent Communicator awards and Able Toastmaster (the forerunner to the Advanced Communicator) awards up to and including Gold plus his Competent Leader award.
 
He held almost every position on the club executive and conducted five Speechcraft courses in the community, six course for inmates at Cessnock Correctional Centre and Youth Leadership. He also attempted to start a new club at East Maitland.
 
In 2001, he served as Area 32 Governor achieving Distinguished Area.
 
David was also involved in community activities as a volunteer at Cessnock Police Station and a Course Coordinator at the University of the Third Age.
He was a DJ/Music Presenter and Training Co-ordinator at Cessnock local radio station “96.5” for two and a half years and was also a magician of some note. Having started at age 21 with “magic” as a hobby, David went on to gain professional status in New Zealand where he worked two plus years with a circus and even performed at the Opera House.
 
He was also involved in amateur theatre performing as King Rat in “Dick Whittington & His Cat” and the Wizard in “The Wizard of Oz” and made a guest appearances on television in a soap opera called “Closer to Home”.
 
In addition to all this, David has the distinction of being the first performer at Camperdown Children’s Hospital Starlight Room where he wove his magic on sick children ably assisted by Comflakes the Clown (aka Audrey) and was a member of the Writers Society and the Poets Club.
 

Another recognition update

Further to our recognition in the last newsletter of the late Kathy Marvell, we have been advised that Kathy, also, was the proud recipient of an Order of Australia Medal… for service to the community of Wyong and surrounding districts.
 

Confident and capable teenagers

By Marie Horvath ACB ALB
Youth Leadership & Gavel Club Coordinator
yl@d90toastmasters.org.au
 
We’ve all been there.  Some of us still remember the struggles, diminishing confidence and the search for identity. I’ve heard adults say: “teenagers are scary” or “they’re little people carrying around big issues”.
 
The teenage brain is still developing and emotionally driven brain, which means that they are often extremely passionate or extraordinarily enthusiastic.  But, if we take the time to listen, hearing what they have to say is an absolute privilege.
 
For over three years, Sue Loucks and I have been working with teenagers at Teen Connect Gavel Club on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. The club provides a space where we help the teens become confident public speakers, work on leadership skills and improve their social connections in a safe and fun environment.  No different to any Toastmasters club.
 
Because Toastmasters Clubs are restricted to over 18s, Gavel clubs are the only alternative for teenagers. Like Toastmasters clubs, Gavel Clubs have a constitution, use the same manuals and typically follow the same programs and procedures as their adult equivalents. They have an executive committee and the adults running it are called Club Counsellors. However, they’re only affiliates of Toastmasters International, which means that members don’t get recognition for the usual awards for Leadership and Communication and can’t participate in Toastmasters’ Speech Contests. 
 
Teen Connect is one of three Gavel Clubs currently in District 90. I’ve attached a link to our website: http://teenconnecttoastmasters.com. For me, being part of a club where teens gain confidence, work towards their full potential and become empowered has been well worth the energy that it requires to run the club.  Like any other youth organisation, the support of a number of adults is paramount for the long-term viability of any Gavel Club that meets on a regular basis.
 
Youth Leadership
 
Unlike Gavel Clubs, Youth Leadership Programs have been designed to develop speaking and leadership skills in youth over eight sessions (for 1-2 hours each).  Any Toastmaster who has made at least six speeches from the Competent Communicator Manual is eligible to run a Youth Leadership Program. Typically, the Toastmaster will work with an assistant and is sponsored by a Toastmasters club. The member who coordinates and conducts the program can gain recognition towards their Advanced Communicator Gold Award or use it as a High Performance Leadership project. 
 
If you’re interested in finding out more about Gavel Clubs or Youth Leadership Programs, I’d be happy to hear from you. We’re currently looking for representatives from these programs to speak at the Youth Showcase of District 90’s inaugural Annual Conference on 29 April and would love to see one representative from each Division there. So, if you’ve already run a program during the current Toastmasters year and have a teenager available, please let me know.
 
Working with teenagers has sent me on an unexpected path. I’m currently studying for a Master of Art Therapy and looking to work with teenagers in a professional capacity. We all know that membership of Toastmasters International is life changing. Teenagers who attend Gavel Clubs and Youth Leadership Programs have the same opportunities: to develop leadership and communication skills; to form new friendships; and, to experience the benefits of Toastmasters early in life.

Final Division Contests…
 
The last three Division contests are happening this weekend and next…
 
** Oxley Division is tomorrow (Saturday April 2) at Port Macquarie…
 
** Macquarie is next Saturday (April 9) at Rouse Hill... and
 
** Hawkesbury is at Forestville the following day (Sunday April 10).
 
Full details for all can be found on the District 90 website What’s On page.
 

Introducing our new Region Advisor – Ellie Young, DTM

Ellie Young, DTM, Past District Governor, District 72 New Zealand, will be our Region 12 Advisor from April 1.
 
A member of Toastmasters since 1999, Ellie’s achievements include Distinguished Toastmaster in 2008 and 2014, Excellence In Education and Training in 2012-2013, Excellence in Marketing in 2011-2012, President’s Distinguished Division Governor in 2006 and President’s Distinguished Area Governor in 2005.
 
Her career roles have covered business management and human resources advisory requiring leadership and relationship skills when interacting with a wide range of people (including numerous ethnic groups).
 
Asked why she wanted to serve as Region Advisor, Ellie said: “I regard the Toastmasters of Region 12 as my extended Toastmasters family. I am passionate about the possibilities which are just waiting to be tapped into, across our Region.
 
“I’m looking forward to encouraging and guiding the future leadership teams within our Region and seeing their delight as they achieve their goals.”
 
Ellie will take over from Philip Bendeich and will serve until June 30, 2017. Philip’s appointment will end on June 30 this year.

SMAC Workshop
 
Members are encouraged to become sponsors and mentors of new clubs and/or coaches for clubs needing help to rebuild.
 
To give you the information you need to fulfil these roles effectively, the first of a series of Sponsors, Mentors And Coaches (SMAC) Workshops will be held on Saturday April 23 at Brushwood Farm, Eastwood.
 
An individual email has been sent to all members with details, or check the District website What’s on.
 

Nominations open...

For Jazzer Smith Award…
 
Nominations are now open for the 2016 Jazzer Smith Award. Full details and nomination form can be found here.
 
For District 90’s first Toastmaster of the Year…
 
Details and nomination form here.
 
And District 90 Area Director of the Year…
 
Area Director of the Year is determined by the District Management Committee but in a departure from previous, we are inviting nominations 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!


Entries invited for Public Relations Awards...

District 90 Public Relations Awards are now open for entry… click here for more...
 

Club business

As the Toastmasters year is in its final quarter, our thoughts start looking towards next year. And there are specific activities that should be scheduled within your clubs to facilitate next year’s Club Executive.

At your last meeting in April, nominations should be called for all seven positions on next year’s Executive. And the elections for these seven positions should take place at your first meeting in May. After these elections, next year’s incoming Executive should be entered on Club Central. This goes towards the first point for next year’s Distinguished Club Plan at your club.

Area activities

Your Area Director should have scheduled your Area’s Area Council elections.

Being an Area Director is one of the most rewarding roles within the Toastmasters organisation. It is recommended but not mandatory that you have been a club President to be an Area Director.

If you want to know more about the role, please contact your current Area or Division Director, or your District trio... Bob Kirchner, Michael Said or Shirley Childs.

Incoming Area Directors!!! Set the date aside now – Saturday June 18 for District Leader training! Details TBA.


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...

Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club ......................... 30 in March!
Cumberland Forest ................................................... 20 in March!
West Pennant Hills ................................................... 20 in March!
Kincumber Toastmasters ......................................... 15 in March!
Lane Cove Toastmasters ............................................ 10 in April!
Corporate Connections Club ...................................... 10 in April!
Newcastle Toastmasters ........................................... 50 in April!

Celebrating the achievements of District 90 Toastmasters!
Full year to date acknowledgement

Distinguished Toastmasters

Jeanette Anderson, Brisbane Water Breakfast Club
Aora Kamal, Kings Langley
Cheryl Brown, Harboured Diggers Daytime
Prema D'Cruz, Dundas Club
Alison Edwards, Fossickers Way
Lynne Harris, Western Lectern
Judy Mason, Summerland
Andrew McFarlane, North West Speakers & Leaders
Marianne Moore, Elouera
Justyn Phillips, Port Macquarie
Mark Renton, Chatswood Speaking & Leadership
Geri Rich, Rouse Hill
Bruce Ronan, Gosford City Council
Carol South, Inverell Breakfast

Triple Crown

Jeanette Anderson – ALS, Leadership Excellence, DTM (Brisbane Water Breakfast)
Kamal Arora – ALS, Leadership Excellence, DTM (Kings Langley)
Gerard Barwell – CC, CL, ALB (Dee Why RSL)
Rhianna Blackthorn – CL, ALB, ACB (Ballina, In Focus, Summerland)
Samantha Brown – CL, ALB, ACS (Dynamic Dora Creek)
Jan Coleman – CL, CC, ACB (Yamba Yabbies)
Prema D'Cruz – ALS, ACG, Leadership Excellence, DTM (Dundas, Wyong)
Alison Edwards – CL, CC, CC, ALS, Leadership Excellence (Fossickers Way, North West Speakers & Leaders, Quirindi)
Mary Ford – ALS, ACS, Leadership Excellence (In Focus, Summerland)
Pauline Gilchrist – CC. CL, ACB (Forestville)
Gail Heggie – CC, CL, ALS (Coastal Communicators, Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club)
Bob Kirchner – CL, CL, CC (Gunnedah, North West Speakers & Leaders, Tamworth)
Sue Loucks – CC, ALB, Leadership Excellence (Forestville, Northern Beaches)
Andrew McFarlane – ALB, ALS, ACG, Leadership Excellence, DTM (New England, North West Speakers & Leaders, Tamworth)
Chris McLoon – CC, CL, ALB (Sydney Water)
Arthur Ollett – CC, CC, CL (Thales Rydalmere)
Justyn Phillips – ALS, ACB, Leadership Excellence, DTM (Hastings Morning Talkers, Port Macquarie)
Geri Rich – ALS, Leadership Excellence, DTM (Rouse Hill)
Dianne Sammut – CC, CL, ALB (Dundas, Dural, Parramatta Breakfast)
Jan Vecchio – CC, CC, CL (Balgowlah RSL, Dee Why RSL, St Kieran's Manly Vale)
Adrian Watts – CC, ACB, ALB (Leaders In Action)
Tanya Wickham – CL, ACB, Leadership Excellence (Blue Gum Flat, Coastal Communicators)
 

Educational awards re updated, click here.

Need supplies for your club? Or for yourself?
Visit Toastmasters Supplies Australia website here.