A note to new Toastmasters... Welcome to the new and returning Toastmasters who have joined or rejoined a Toastmasters club in District 90 recently. "Ninety News" is a newsletter of District activities and important Toastmasters matters sent regularly to members.
 

From the District Director

Welcome to the May issue of the District 90 Newsletter. The Toastmaster year appears to have just started and yet it is nearly finishing. It is appropriate at this point to take stock of what we have done and what we wanted to achieve this year.

Interestingly, for those things still incomplete, there is time to close these out. Just take one step at a time, the same way an ant eats an elephant, one bite at a time.
 
The Annual Conference was a huge success and we need to offer our thanks to Gill Walker and her team for their efforts right up to the very day to have the Conference be a success. And having done the role myself, I know the work Shirley put in behind the scenes, thank you Shirley.
 
We were privileged to host the World President Mike Storkey and his wife Lesley. Mike and Lesley gave of themselves 100 percent to make their stay a success. Mike’s continual comment was that he was here to do what we want. The panel discussions were an eye-opener and an opportunity for members to ask questions directly to a World President. When I asked Mike what the highlight of the trip was, it was not the Bridge Climb, it was not the visit to St George’s Kogarah Oval, it was not the smoothly run District Council meeting, it was Don Turton winning the Jazzer Smith Award. Mike said that there is only so far you can stretch your eyes to stop the tears running out. Congratulations, Don.
 
We are still chasing club renewals from the last round of payments. Typically there are still several hundred to be processed and we appreciate whatever can be done to expedite this. The month of June is a busy one as clubs finalising their quest to be Distinguished. And the District is no different. At the time of going to print, we need 597 memberships.
 
We were in a similar position last year and achieved the result on the last day. And to have our District distinguished in its first year, was a fitting reward for the 50 Toastmasters from NSW who were on stage in Washington to receive the accolades.
 
Look forward to reporting the result in the coming month.
 
Thank you to the hundreds of Toastmasters that roll up their sleeves to have their Clubs, Area, Divisions and untimely the District receive their deserved rewards.

– Michael Said

Consider joining a second Toastmasters club
 
Recently, I visited a community club and there was a visitor from another Toastmasters club. I asked him why he was not a member of this club as well. His response surprised me. He said “Can you be in two clubs?”

This member has since joined this second club and is enjoying the experience.

There are many benefits of joining an additional Toastmasters club...

• You get to meet a different group of Toastmasters,
• You get through your program faster,
• You get to experience a different club culture and explore ideas you can bring back to your other club,
• You may even bring some ideas from your original club to your new club,
• You can arrange inter club events, enhancing both clubs.
• You get a different Toastmasters experience, particularly if the second club is a speciality or advanced club, like a gourmet club, a training club, a coaching club or even a virtual club.

Remember you can join a second club and broaden your Toastmaster experience.

– Michael

Macquarie University

Do you know someone, studying at Macquarie University? Maybe one of your children study there, or a friend. Do you know that there is a Toastmaster Club at Macquarie Uni.

The club meets on Wednesdays during the university year at 1pm for an hour in the Green Room in The Hub. Contact Les Saville on 0407 462 845 for more details.

Do you work in the Parramatta CBD area?

If you work in or close to the Parramatta CBD and can spare an hour on Alternate Wednesdays, you may want to visit Justice Toastmasters – 160 Marsden Street, Parramatta.

The club meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 1pm. Meet in the ground floor foyer near the security desk at 12.50pm.

The club is looking for new and experienced Toastmasters to assist in their meetings. Contact Michael Said on 0419 522 949 for more details.
 

Postage stamp celebrating 60 years of Toastmasters in Australia

District 90 has produced, with the approval of Toastmasters International, a postage stamp that commemorates 60 years of Toastmasters in Australia.

The stamp is ordered using Australia Post’s Personalised Stamp service. There is an additional cost to order these, with a sheet of 20 $1 stamps costing $32 ($1.60 per stamp).

This is another great way we can promote our organisation!

A huge thank you to the incoming Public Relations Manager Anu Vijayan for the design work and patience with all the changes necessary to get the design approved.

To order the stamp, the first thing you will need to do is download the stamp file from the District 90 website here... www.d90toastmasters.org.au/stamp/Toastmasters60YearsInAustralia.jpg

Then click this link... shop.auspost.com.au/product/map-of-australia-pstamp-167 on the Australia Post shop website, click “I agree” then “Choose File” – upload the stamp artwork you have just downloaded from the District website and follow the instructions to purchase.

Note: the Toastmasters stamp file artwork cannot be changed. This is the only design approved by Toastmasters International. And stamps cannot be on-sold for a profit.

Incidentally, if you wanted to choose a different design option, go to the Australia Post personalised stamp web page shop.auspost.com.au/gifts-and-travel/personalised-stamps – select the template you prefer, and click “View Detail”.

Rees-Bevans rule!

In what is believed to be a Toastmasters first, certainly in District 90 and District 70 before us, a husband and wife team – Dale and Allan Rees-Bevan – has taken out the District International Speech and Evaluation Contest championships at the same event.

Dale won this year's District 90 International Speech Contest on the Saturday night of our recent conference with a speech titled "Time To Speak Up" while Allan fronted up Sunday morning and was judged winner of the  District Evaluation Contest.

Both Dale and Allan have been prolifically involved in Area, Division and District contests for many years, but this is the first time they have both won in the same year.

it is Allan's first District championship. Dale has won the title of District Evaluation Champion twice (in 2011 and 2013) and she was District Humorous Speech Champion in 2011.

Dale, will represent District 90 in the World Championship of Public Speaking at the Toastmasters International Convention at Vancouver in August.

Our photos here show Dale with International Speech Contest runner-up Deebee Bishop and third placegetter Greg van Borrsum; and Allan with Evaluation Contest runner-up Robert Bath and third placegetter Casey-Ann Featon.

Don wins Jazzer award
 
Don Turton, current Area 22 Director and member of Harbord Diggers Daytime Toastmasters, has been named winner of this year's Jazzer Smith Award.

Don received his accolade during the Sunday luncheon at the District 90 Annual Conference. He has achieved a great deal in his Toastmasters career to date, but the best way to tell Don's story is in the words of one of his nominators...

"I have had the good fortune of knowing Don since he first joined Toastmasters. I remember the first time he came to a club meeting. Over the years, I have watched Don progress through Toastmasters. I can confidently say that he is one of our most loyal and committed members.

Having cerebral palsy does not deter Don from attending club meetings or District events. Don is currently serving as Area 22 Director and is doing exceedingly well with his club visits, area contests and club leadership training. Yes – he does have assistance - there is no way he could do it on his own.

Don has a great sense of humour, knowledge of world events and is a caring person. In knowing Don, I have learnt to listen much more carefully and to focus my attention totally on the speaker when I am being spoken to. I have learnt that no matter what hardships I have, there is always someone worse off. I have learnt that no matter what we look like on the outside, we all have a heart and we all deserve a chance in life to be the best we can be. Don has shown me what real determination is. He is an incidental teacher of values and has made a difference to my life and I am sure to many others.

Just like Jazzer, despite often the most difficult circumstances, Don gives 100 percent effort, he is a fighter and has unending courage. He would not know how to say 'I give up' – he just keeps going."

Following the presentation, Don addressed Toastmasters and guests present, acknowledging his support team... Cheryl Brown, Jan Vecchio, Enrico Massi and Berge der Sarkissian. Enrico had a prior commitment and was not able to attend the presenation function.

Don is pictured here following the award announcement with, from left, Northern Division Director and Immediate Past District Director Bob Kirchner, Hawkesbury Division Director Melanie Cheong, District Finance Manager Jan Vecchio, Toastmasters and Don team supporters Cheryl Brown and  Sally Molyneux, District Director Michael Said and helper Ivan Cheong. Don is seated with his Dad Tom and sister Kathie.

PR Winners
 
Winners in the District 90 Public Relations Awards were announced at the Annual Conference.

Best Club Newsletter... Elouera Toastmasters "Elouera Vibes"; Honourable Mentions to Fast Track Toastmasters' "On Track" and Inverell Breakfast Toastmasters' "Brekkie Bits".

Best Original Website or Modification of FreeToast Host... equal recognition to Dee Why RSL Toastmasters, Parramatta Toastmasters and Western Gourmet Toastmasters.

Best PR Event... Sapphire City Toastmasters (previously Inverell Toastmasters) for "BInverell Council Election Forum".

Best Print Media Campaign... Orange Toastmasters.

Best Media Release... Taree Toastmasters.

Photo: Public Relations Manager Udo Moerig presents Best Newsletter certificate of excellence to Kelly Wang of Elouera Toastmasters for "Elouera Vibes".

Travel Gavel
 
Newly renamed Sapphire City Toastmasters (previously Inverell Toastmasters) were named winner of the District 90 Travel Gavel at the conference.



Our photo shows Sapphire City Toastmasters (from left) Heidi Adams, Krista Harris, Elizabeth Lloyd and Bruce George (far right) with Program Quality Director Phil Reed.

Conference success!
 
And a final conference wrap – from all reports, Conference 2017 was very successful, congratulations to Gill Walker and her team who made it so, as well as the many members who put a shoulder to the wheel.

Most notable was our special guest International President Mike Storkey who was deeply involved in the program and also too the time to chat with as many attendees as possible. As did Lesley, too, of course! Mike is pictured here with Club Growth Director Phil making the special presentation to Distinguished Toastmaster Tom Ware who has chalked up 45 years membership!

District Photographer Suben has uploaded photos from the conference to the District 90 facebook page – click here to join the page if you haven't already done so.

More than 100 District 90 Toastmasters were recognised for their long term membership of Toastmasters at the Conference, for anniversaries ranging from 10 years to Tom's 45.

Ross Plummer was recognised for 35 years membership, Ian Jane, Cheryl Keane, Ellen Wilton and Bob Wright for 30, Leonie Blain, Jan Cummings, Stewart Dowem Greg Gibson, Fran Kerkhoff, Thea Morrison, Sammie Newman, Maree Tann and John Taylor for 25 and Jackie Bartley, Bryan Bilham, Shirley Brittain, John Colebatch, Rob Doyle, Eric Elsley, Wesley Harder, Gregory Johnson, Judy Maskey, Anne Rorke, Marc Skelton and Jan Vecchio for 20.

DTMs recognised
 
Distinguished Toastmasters were also recognised.

So far this year in District 90, 13 members have achieved their DTM...

Chin-Hwi Ang – Port Hunter Club • Ray Burgess – Inverell Breakfast Club • Frances Carelton – Dundas Club • Mary Ford – In Focus • Daniel Gallagher – Elouera Toastmasters • Elizabeth Griffin – Orange Toastmasters • Gail Heggie – Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club • Scott Johnston – Brisbane Water Breakfast • Geoff Manzi – Glenbrook Toastmasters • Juergen Oschadleus – West Pennant Hills Toastmasters • Michael Said – Parramatta Club •  Kathy Stewart – Northern Beaches Toastmasters • Mark Walker – Glenbrook Toastmasters.

Our photo shows Program Quality Director Shirley Childs with Distinguished Toastmasters recognised at the annual conference (from left), Mark Walker, Kathy Stewart, Geoff Manzie, Gail Heggie, Daniel Gallagher and Ray Burgess.

Beat The Clock
 
A little more than one month to go for clubs to receive recognition under the Beat The Clock membership campaign.

Sign up five new/dual/reinstated members before June 30 and District will send you a rebate voucher for the club’s next purchase from Toastmasters Supplies Australia.
 
Details and some "cool" flyers are here:  Beat the Clock Membership Campaign

Meetup
 
If your club is in Greater Sydney or Newcastle/Central Coast, open a club Meetup page.  Follow this link: Meetup Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast
 
What does it cost:  $0.  District 90 offers this facility at no cost to the club.
 
When you set up your Meetup page be creative. Perhaps pose a question to get the viewers interest.

Turning guests into members
 
What is your success rate in having guests become a club member?
 
Put your best foot forward.  You make a first impression only once.

Is your club meeting information correct?

To check:  Go to Club Central, select: 

• Update my club meeting information

• Be sure to include the street number of the venue

The information updates in TI records within two days.

Attracting members

Club Website / facebook / YouTube:
Think about adding a "blog" to your website

• If the club uses Free Toast Host, click on this link to see how:
  Add Blog to FTH
• Update your website and facebook regularly
• Encourage members to ‘like’ the facebook posts
• Greet guests with a smile
• Reply to each enquiry email on the same day
• Guests may email several clubs.  Be the first to respond
• Be sure the venue is organised, neat and accessible
• Sit guest next to an experienced Toastmaster who can answer queries about the agenda
• Invite the guests to take part in Table Topics. (Have a simple question for the guest.)  If they don’t want to take part tell them it’s OK
• Give the guest a visitor pack with a Form 400 and a single fee.  That single fee includes Joining Fee, Dues, Room Hire Contribution, etc
• Invite the guest to return to the next meeting.  Follow up the guest before the next meeting to answer any questions they might have.

Market the club:

• Website – up to date and correct
• Market days / fairs
• Recycle Toastmasters magazines
• Bookmark
• Run a Demonstration Meeting

Club Coach
 
If the club has 12 or fewer members, on your request we offer coach(es) to assist the club.  You can meet the potential coach(es) before they are appointed.
 
Contact: Scott Johnston DTM for more information: coach@d90toastmasters.org.au
 
Club members move to another city/town
 
For the Vice President Membership: When a member leaves the club due to a move, please remember to send them an email thanking them for their contribution to the club.  Also, send them a link to ‘Find A Club’; invite them to visit a club or clubs at their new location.  Advise the member they can transfer their membership to the new club
 
Link to Find A Club’:  https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club
 
For record purposes, the member remains in the club’s member count until the next dues period.

If you are thinking of extending your leadership opportunities, think about taking on the role of Area Director in the coming Toastmasters year.

Check with your Division Director to find out which specific opportunities are available.

The new team will be officially installed at this year's District Changeover Dinner to be held at the Hornsby RSL on Saturday evening, June 17.

Click on the image to download a full-sized flyer.

And register to attend on the District 90 What's On page... www.d90toastmasters.org.au/whatson.html

Contact Mark Ransom DTM for more information: clubsupport@d90toastmasters.org.au

Pathways update

Pathways represents the next phase in the evolution of our great organisation. As the world moves further into the 21st century, our education program must  keep pace so that our clubs can continue to remain relevant, vibrant and thriving long into the future.

The first of the pilot Districts overseas have begun rolling out the new program and the initial feedback is promising. Members are excited at the prospect of exploring new projects and learning new skills, while being able to revisit a lot of their old favourites which are included within Pathways.

Some members commenced working on Pathways immediately, while others are taking advantage of the (almost) three-year transition period to finish off manuals and awards they are currently working on.

The following link will take you to testimonials of members in District 57 https://youtu.be/A3XN88mdySA

The launch date for our District is not locked in. Our Region’s timeline is reliant on the program's smooth delivery in other parts of the world ahead of us in the rollout schedule. There will, however, be three to four months notice once our starting date is decided, so we will have plenty of time to prepare ourselves fully for an orderly transition.

– Jan Vecchio

Summerland 50th

A special anniversary is coming up next month in District 90... the celebration of 50 years of Toastmasters for Summerland Toastmasters in Lismore.

The Anniversary Cocktail Party will be held 6 for 6:30pm on Saturday June 10. Cost of attendance is $60 per person. Enquiries can be directed to Lisa Whittingham at lmwhittingham@yahoo.com.au.
 

Wollongong 60th

Toastmasters first appeared in Australia in 1966 with the establishment of the Wollongong Toastmasters Club.

And Wollongong Toastmasters Club is celebrating the occasion with a special dinner on Saturday August 5 and all Toastmasters (and their guests)  are invited to attend.

The gala dinner dance will be held at the City Diggers Club, 82 Church Street Wollongong. 6pm for a 6:30pm start. Parking is available next door to the club for $5 till midnight.

"We are proud to announce that Mr Mike Storkey, (by then) Immediate Past International President of Toastmasters International will be our keynote speaker," organisers said.

"Tickets are $79 per person and include a three course meal, great speeches, stories of the past, and lots of lucky door prizes, music and dancing."

To purchase a ticket, payment can be made to IMB Account Number 200783796 BSB 641800. "When making the payment, please use your name as the reference... (and) please send an email to wollongongsuddenly60@gmailcom to advise of the payment and for all other inquiries.

Considering Proposal A

All members would have received notification from Toastmasters International (TI) of several proposals being voted on at the August International Business Meeting in Vancouver Canada.

Proposal A is around allowing members to pay their renewals directly with TI. There has been concern from the membership that clubs will lose the opportunity to raise funds by charging additional fees to cover other club costs.

The situation has been clarified with TI and they have confirmed that the system, when implemented, will work as follows:-

Clubs will still be able to set their own renewal fees and collect them on behalf of their members and then pay in bulk to TI.

Should a member choose to make the payment directly to TI, they can do so. However in such cases, a club official will need to acknowledge that member in Club Central, before that member is a member of good standing.

And if the club does charge an additional fee to cover meeting costs, the member who pays directly with TI, will be required to make that additional payment to their club, before the club officer will perform the member acknowledgement in Club Central.

In most cases, members will choose to pay their clubs and have the club officer pay TI in bulk, as this is the easier way to process individual fees.

We recommend you support Proposal A as it gives greater flexibility to individual members, and does not jeopardise the overall fees that clubs collect from their membership.
 

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.

NEW STYLE BANNER STANDS (INCL BANNER BAG) NOW AVAILABLE !!
New style banner stands are now being sold by Supplies Australia.
More rugged and half the price of the previous Toastmasters banner stands.
Item 7007, $59 which includes postage