Robina Toastmasters in Robina, Queensland | Community organisation

Robina Toastmasters

Locality: Robina, Queensland

Address: Robina Community Centre Room 1.3, 196 Robina Town Centre Drive, 4226 Robina, QLD, Australia

Website: http://robina.toastmastersclubs.org

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• Non-profit organisation
• Education
• Community organisation

25.01.2022 Power means so many things - the ability to do or act or influence behaviour, physical strength and force, even energy produced (that one's for our engineering friends!). We know that events in 2020 have had the power to change our trajectories in life, and have also reminded us of things over which WE have power. Toastmaster Shuktika will help us explore power in its various forms and might even encourage us to explore how we can take power back in our lives, in amongst thre...e jampacked speeches, a Travelling Tale, and another Poet's Corner. We even have a special appearance from the Listening Fun Master! We'd love to see you there, so message us if you're interested in joining in :) #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #power #influence #energy #travellingtale #poetscorner #listeningfun #hybrid

24.01.2022 Throwback Thursday to our delicious meeting last week where we discussed all things lollies, candies, and sweets! It was wonderful to hear about all of the different types of goodies that our fellow Toastmasters use to assauge their desires (all featured in the image!). We also heard three fantastic speeches, another hilarious Soapbox, and the new segment Top Story Tonight was a total hit and will definitely make another appearance! Well done to all of our Toastmasters for an...other informative and enjoyable evening :) #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #lollies #topstory #soapbox #wordoftheday #assuage Photo Credit: Google images

23.01.2022 Heraclitus now-infamously said "The only constant in life is change." And how true that is, as our times continue to change in an instant, and we must adapt to our circumstances. Noting the current lockdown restrictions in Queensland, we are moving 100% online for our last meeting of the financial year, and indeed, the final meeting with our existing committee. Although no communal pizza and cake will be consumed, our outgoing president Lou will be Toastmaster for the meeting... - there will be speeches, there will be a surprise segment designed to allow everyone to get to know one another a little better, and there will be a handover to the next executive committee. It's a beautiful day to remind ourselves of the benefits of change - so why not bring cake/pizza/wine/snacks to the virtual meeting! See you all tonight! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #education #confidence #friendships #goals #change #zoom Photo Credit: Edward Howell on Unsplash

23.01.2022 Despite the official handover, the outgoing VPPR had one last task posting one more Feature Friday before transitioning to a new role. And who better to choose than our proverbial Mother Hen Jane Buckley. Jane is well known as an exuberant public speaker who brings pizzazz into every room she enters. As the middle-child in a family of 7, she has travelled extensively throughout her life, from London to Houston to Davos (Switzerland), and as a physiotherapist in another li...fe, is a veteran of 7 Paralympic Games and 1 Olympic Games (wow...!). The late and great Emeritus Professor Mike Grenby, who amongst other things taught public speaking at Bond University, encouraged Jane to join Toastmasters in 2010 after she retired from the Paralympics. Her real challenge in the beginning wasn’t speaking, rather it was NOT speaking about the Paralympics! In the past 11 years, Jane has found great joy in seeing people find their voice. As a Toastmasters mentor she has seen Toastmasters change people’s lives. Her unintended bonus was obtaining a job at Bond teaching Public Speaking! She also quietly relished her awesomeness in winning all the Speech Competitions in Area 6 several years back At 61, Jane has almost as much energy as my 3-year-old niece (almost). She is currently in Kalgoorlie having completed the world’s longest golf course (Nullarbor Links) and raved about her recent time in South Australia eating loads of oysters and drinking some amazing wine. It’s important to note that Jane mentioned her love of wine multiple times. Jane’s tip to anyone considering starting their journey in Toastmasters: Effective and confident communication that allows you to make YOUR message memorable is a SUPERPOWER. Words change our world and Toastmasters provides you with a starting platform - JUST DO IT! Jane thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for Robina Toastmasters for us as individuals, and as a club collectively. Have some more wine for us, we can’t wait to see you back at meetings soon! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #featurefriday #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #superpower #findyourvoice

21.01.2022 We've made it to December. I have no idea how, but we're here. And what better way to celebrate the year than in a space of literal and metaphorical reflection of everything we've achieved and how much we've grown. Toastmaster Peter will guide us through our final meeting of the year - we've got three stellar speeches and even a little section called "Make Your Feelings Known"... I wonder what that will be about! This is our last meeting for 2020 so please join us for some fu...n, festivities, and frivolities as we end the Toastmasters year on a high. See you then! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #mirrors #reflection #feelings Photo Credit: Elena Kloppenburg on Unsplash

21.01.2022 Monday Musings courtesy of one of my favourite poets Ralph Waldo Emerson. A powerful speech can shake a room full of people to their core. #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #power #persuade #convert #compel #ralphwaldoemerson Photo Credit: Neil Rosenstech on Unsplash

19.01.2022 Monday Musings courtesy of Dr Ray Hall. Authenticity is key - the audience knows when you are acting, and oftentimes would rather you speak to them conversationally. Tell YOUR story. Don't lose yourself. #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #beyourself #tellyourstory #inspirationalquote #drrayhall

19.01.2022 We've got one last Feature Friday for 2020 so we thought to amalgamate November and December together. And what a cracker Toastmaster we have to celebrate this time around - Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) and Robina Toastmasters' President Lou Cervetto! Lou's journey in Toastmasters started in February 1999, as a shy individual with no confidence. He wouldn't talk to people, even those he knew! He strumbled through conversations, awkward and uncomfortable, and avoided meetin...g new people. Lou recognised that something had to change, so he took the leap and joined the Robina Toastmasters Club. He also joined the Talk of the South Toastmasters Club and formed many friendships at both. Lou was, slowly but surely, coming out of his shell. An incredible work opportunity arose several years later, and Lou stated that the best use of his TM skills was actually during the job interview - his Skype interview failed midway (nice to know some things don't change with time) but he then flew to Sydney for a full four-person panel interview. He must've wowed the panel because he soon moved interstate to pursue his career. Despite the urge to retreat back into his shell - which would have been so much easier and more comfortable - Lou continued his Toastmasters journey down in Sydney and thrived in his environment. Upon retiring many years later, and amongst a number of life events, Lou moved back to the Gold Coast a few years ago - and decided once more to rejoin his original club. We're so glad for it! Lou achieved his DTM and is currently completing both Level 2 in the Team Collaboration Pathway and Level 1 in Presentation Mastery Pathway. He is also looking forward to starting the Engaging Humour Pathway soon. Alongside being the President for our club, Lou also joined the Leaders by Design Toastmasters Club to update his knowledge of leadership in District 69 (someone has their eyes set on a bigger prize... District Leadership wink wink!) Lou stated that his greatest achievement at Toastmasters was "surviving as Area Governor", due to the challenge of regularly visiting other clubs and exposing himself to unfamiliar faces and new conversations. I don't think the Lou from 1999 could've taken on such a challenge, which is a true testament to Lou's growth. Lou's tip to anyone considering starting their journey in Toastmasters: "Do it. The Toastmasters' program does work." Congratulations for all of your incredible achievements, Lou! The world is brighter for seeing your confidence, wit, and joviality, and we thank you for your contributions to our club and Toastmasters in general! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #eudcation #goals #featurefriday #hardwork #shy #shell #wit #confidence #friendshipsa

17.01.2022 Monday Musings for the start of the December month. As this year starts wrapping up, it's important to take time to reflect on what we've achieved and what is left to complete. How is your December looking? #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #december #dothething #tielooseends #inspirational Photo Credit: Jennifer Burk on Unsplash

17.01.2022 Monday Musings courtesy of Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe. So much of public speaking comes down to trusting yourself and your abilities to stand up and do your best! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #trustyourself #trustyourinstincts

16.01.2022 Monday Musings courtesy of the motivational speaker Brian Tracy. You can really tell when someone is passionate about their topic, because you can see it in their eyes and it resonates throughout the room! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #journey #liveyourpassion #confidence #comfort #inyourelement #inspiration #wordstoliveby #briantracy Photo Credit: Jonathan Klok on Unsplash

14.01.2022 Flashback Friday to our last meeting which wrapped up the two weeks of speech competitions. The humorous speeches were hilarious and provided a much needed chuckle in these times, and the international speech was thought-provoking, making us stop to ponder we really CAN do. What a wonderful display of skill, courage, and comraderie as we all supported one another to push ourselves out of our proverbial comfort zones! Although everyone has their certificates, we'll be an...nouncing the winners online... soon :) #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #speechcompetition #speechcontest #humorousspeech #internationalspeech #creativity #winner #hybrid See more

14.01.2022 It feels strange, knowing there won't be another meeting for this year. All the fun and festivities were packed into two weeks of power-punching speeches and firm reminders to "take a good hard look at yourself"! Our Toastmasters continue to go above and beyond with their Pathways projects, demonstrating not only to us but to themselves that their passion and dedication is reaping rewards. It may feel like forever between our last meeting and our next, but I have no doubt tha...t when we have our first meeting in the new year, it will feel like no time has passed at all. :) #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #power #eloquent #mirrors #reflecting #hybrid Photo Credit: Diego PH on Unsplash

14.01.2022 Monday Musings courtesy of Brittney Carr. Clever acronym of fear's roles in our lives! What fear could you face this week, if you knew your brain was presenting you with false evidence? #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #faceyourfear #inspirational quote #brittneycarr

13.01.2022 Monday Musings courtesy of American philosopher and psychologist John Dewey. This quote is one of Dewey's many which have been influential in education and social reform. Reflective practice is a critical component of improving public speaking, and everyone should be engaging in this practice in everyday life. What will you be reflecting on today? #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #education #confidence #friendships #goals #dothething #reflection #reflectivepractice #inspirationalquote #johndewey

12.01.2022 Monday Musings courtesy of Rachel Naomi Remen. The art of storytelling is complex; a gifted storyteller can make characters come alive and engulf you in their world. #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #facts #storytelling #stories #knowledge #wisdom #inspiration Photo Credit: freestocks on Unsplash

12.01.2022 We told you something big was coming... and this is it! Robina Toastmasters is running their first week of speech competitions focusing on Table Topics and Evaluations! Before you panic, please don't! It's super informal, we're all going to have a go at Table Topics, and it will all be a lot of fun... promise! Our resident stargazing Toastmaster Peter wanted a spin on the traditional positive quote "Go for it" by transitioning the word to Gopher - so we can only hope for plen...ty of rodent-related jokes (linked to astronomy?). Come and join us for an enthralling evening of Table Topic speeches, talking tips, CAKE, and laughs with friends, and let your creative side shine through! Message us if you're interested in joining in :) #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #speechcompeititon #speechcontest #tabletopics #evaluations #creativity #gopher #rodent #hybrid

12.01.2022 It's a special kind of Friday on Robina Toastmasters social media - we're sharing that two of our wonderful speakers will be representing us at the online Area 6 Speech Contest tomorrow morning! Peter will be wowing the virtual crowd with his international speech, and Shuktika will aim for several chuckles through her humorous speech. It's very different this year with the online format which will pose its own unique challenges, but we're excited to see how our fellow Toastma...sters fare on this new platform. We're exceptionally proud of their achievements to get this far! Good luck for tomorrow, Peter and Shuktika! The whole club is cheering you on! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #speechcompetition #speechcontest #humorousspeech #internationalspeech #excitement #area6

11.01.2022 Monday Musings courtesy of Roger Love. We can all improve our public speaking skills, irrespective of the number of people in front of us! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #dothething #inspirationalquote #rogerlove Photo Credit: Tiago Donangelo on Unsplash

11.01.2022 After a hugely successful Part 1 to our Speech Competition, we are wrapping up with a jam-packed second Competition session filled with humorous and international speeches as well as some more Table Topics! All presenters have been working hard on their speeches (or hardly working?) and are excited (nervous?) about delivering an impactful speech. Unlike many movie series' which have left us wanting, we promise this sequel will be just as good as the first instalment. To...astmaster Jane will take us on our second Speech Competition journey, and for anyone who knows Jane, it's sure to be a whirlwind adventure with plenty of laughs, cake, and good company! Please message if you're interested in joining in :) #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #speechcompetition #speechcontest #humorousspeech #internationalspeech #creativity #winner #hybrid Photo Credit: Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

10.01.2022 Flashback Friday to our last meeting in October - the Halloween theme was embraced by many through their attire, and we decorated the room to match! Toastmaster (Grim Reaper) Lou guided us through a spoooooky evening with plenty of fun facts about Halloween and the origin of pumpkin carving. David wowed us with his Icebreaker speech by taking us on a journey through his life thus far, and Adnan shared a personal poem about his family. We even had a special visitor (no, not Ca...sper the ghost) - the Southern Division Area 6 Director Chondelle Bell attended to award our amazing Area 6 speech contest competitors their certificates and awards! And our everloving Mother Hen Jane prepared little trick-or-treat bags for all of the Toastmasters- so wholesome :) We can't wait to see everyone back next week for another wonderful evening! What's on? You'll find out soon :) #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #halloween #icebreaker #trickortreat #grimreaper #redridinghood #witches #wutheringheights

10.01.2022 Monday Musings courtesy of American Industrialist Henry Ford. As many of us wrap up our work commitments for the year, it may be a useful practice to reflect upon the types of relationships which allowed us to come together, keep together, and work together cohesively as a unit. I know the family at Robina Toastmasters has certainly worked together for individual and collective success! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #eudcation #confidence #friendships #goals #inspirationalquote #beginning #progress #success #henryford

09.01.2022 Although things may be starting to feel "normal" on the Gold Coast, many of us still yearn for the ability to venture out into the world and see the sights. With the inability to do so, we are left to reflect back on our experiences, and plan for exciting future travels. This week, Toastmaster Joileen will be taking us along on a journey, and we will have the opportunity to reminisce our wonderful tales of travel. With two amazing speeches (including our favourite Icebreaker!...), a Soapbox, and Jane's Talking Tip, it's sure to be an evening of adventure, fun, and good company. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow night! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #traveltales #travelling #adventure #planning #sights #hybrid Photo Credit: STIL on Unsplash

09.01.2022 Monday Musings courtest of the 38th US President Gerald R. Ford. Learning to write and speak before an audience were two skills he wish he'd mastered in college. It's never to late to learn! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #effectivecommunication #geraldford

07.01.2022 I've never really had a sweet tooth - unless there are Starbursts in front of me... or sour gummies... or anything salted caramel related... Okay, maybe I do have a sweet tooth. Anyone else with me? Join us tomorrow evening for a Toastmasters meeting that is bound to get your heart racing from a prolonged sugar high - we've got some fantastic speeches lined up, alongside Jane's Top Story Tonight and a another Soapbox feature (we will prep the newspaper scraps). And there migh...t even be some lollies to share! We can't wait for you to all come along - please message if you're interested in joining in :) #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #lollies #sugarhigh #gummybears #candy #speeches #topstory #soapbox Photo Credit: Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

06.01.2022 The end of October is in sight, and this month’s Feature Friday shines a light on one of our new members Shuktika. If first impressions counted, Shuktika may have thought we'd prepped for COVID-19 early thanks to the tarped floors and walls of the Community Centre at her first meeting in January 2020. Despite this, she wasn’t perturbed she'd joined the meeting to gain skills in spontaneity, and Peter threw her in the proverbial deep-end with a table topic. She rose to th...e challenge, and has risen to every Toastmasters challenge since. Shuktika has a long history of public speaking, with over ten years debating experience and her current profession as an adjunct teaching fellow. But her dream of being on the TED stage catapulted her interest in joining Toastmasters to fine-tune her skills and train to be a congruent speaker to match her message to her delivery. The friendship and camaraderie at Robina Toastmasters pushed her to be vulnerable through her Pathways speeches by deliberately preparing as late as possible (to promote spontaneity) and by asking anyone and everyone for critical feedback to improve her skills. Shuktika is a self-professed ‘witty, not funny’ person, but proved her capacity to challenge her sense of self by competing in the Toastmasters Humorous contest and taking away the Area 6 trophy for 2020. Her biggest shift in growth has been from talking AT the audience to talking WITH the audience, and that definitely showed in her contest speech. Since January, Shuktika has completed Level 1 in Presentation Mastery, as well as numerous projects in Levels 2, 3, & 4. She is also the Vice President of Public Relations, and is mentoring some of our new members. Shuktika’s tip to anyone considering starting their journey in Toastmasters: It will change your life if you allow yourself to be open to the experience. You have so much to gain not just as a speaker but as a person. Congratulations on your Area 6 Contest win Shuktika, and thank you for your commitment and contributions to this club! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #featurefriday #hardwork #spontaneity #TED

05.01.2022 Whether it's the smell of freshly mowed grass, the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, or the feeling of grass under your feet, there's no denying that engaging with nature is good for the soul. And with so much time spent in our homes recently, the gorgeous roses, petunias, snapdragons (and cacti!) are finally getting some love and attention! Come and join us, with Jacqx as Toastmaster, for a wonderful evening of speeches, talking tips, and laughs with friends... and we might even be voting in a new member! Message us if you're interested in joining in :) #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #garden #hybrid #gardenloveaffair

04.01.2022 It's a big week of change for Toastmasters clubs worldwide, which is why we're kicking off this week with a Monday Musings courtesy of none other than one of the world's icons of courage, freedom, and making change - Harriet Tubman. We all possess the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world, and it's about time we harnessed that energy for good. #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #education #confidence #friendships #goals #inspirationalquote #harriettubman #dreamer #strength #patience #passion #change Photo Credit: Niklas Ohlrogge on Unsplash

03.01.2022 We don't usually post meeting recaps this late in the evening, but this one was just too good not to share. What an absolute blast we had online this evening, celebrating change in its various forms! We talked about moving physically - interstate, overseas; and moving emotionally - changing habits or becoming a pet/human parent. We considered the legacy we want to leave behind, we challenged ourselves to speak for/cut ourselves off at 1 minute on literally any topic that inte...rested us, and we had so many laughs in between. And of course, our wonderful Anny inducted the new Executive Committee for Robina Toastmasters for 2021-22. Congratulations to the incoming committee, and thank you to the outgoing committee for all of your incredible work over the past year! In the wise words of Buzz Lightyear, to infinity... and beyond! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #education #confidence #friendships #goals #change #Zoom

03.01.2022 A new week calls for a new quote #monday#mondaymotivation#quote#toastmasters#toastmastersinternational#toastmastersrobina#inspirational#influence#speaking#speakingskills#goldcoast#robina#changelives

03.01.2022 Tuesday Thoughts courtesy of the most exhilarating motivational speaker of our generation - Tony Robbins. The fear of 'getting it wrong' stops so many of us from stepping into the public speaking arena, but a simple reframe can make us view all of the incredible opportunities from giving it a go! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #journey #liveyourpassion #confidence #comfort #inyourelement #getexcited #reframe #inspiration #wordstoliveby #tonyrobbins #motivationalspeaker Photo Credit: Jack B on Unsplash

03.01.2022 The spooky season is upon us, so why not celebrate Toastmasters style! We've got some great speeches lined up and an overall fun and informative evening. We may or may not decorate the hall, we may or may not dress up, and we may or may not have Halloween themed treats. The only way to find out is to show up :D We look forward to seeing you next week!... #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #halloween #spookyseason #pumpkins #hybrid Photo Credit: Freestocks on Unsplash

02.01.2022 Quick reminder of our spoooooooky Halloween-themed Toastmasters meeting tomorrow evening! We have quite a few tricks and treats this coming meeting - two fantastic Pathways speeches, an exciting Ice Breaker, some cheeky table-topics, and even a poetry corner. Some of our members will be dressing up in their Halloween best, and there will be goodies for all! Please message us if you're interested in joining in for a fun-filled evening at Robina Toastmasters :) #toastmasters #t...oastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #halloween #spookyseason #pumpkins #hybrid Photo Credit: David Menidrey on Unsplash

02.01.2022 Monday Musings courtesy of Eleanor Roosevelt. If we want to grow as people, we need to face our fears, say hi, and do thing anyway. #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #dothething #inspirational #overcomefears #eleanorroosevelt

02.01.2022 We're venturing into a world of horror for many young children - vegetables. And not only that, picking.a.least.disgusting.option. I still have friends in their thirties who refuse to eat greens, but also have others who are vegetarian and thriving. What a world we live in! Toastmaster Ann will no doubt take us on a culinary adventure, and hopefully there will be recipes to share while we soak in three amazing Pathways speeches and our ever beloved Matt's Table Topics. Althou...gh it's fair to say that you usually don't make friends with salad, we hope you will find friends in us. See you tonight! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #education #confidence #friendships #goals #vegetables #hybrid Photo Credit: Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

01.01.2022 What a night we had last night at our first Toastmasters meeting for October - we should start a bookclub! Such a fantastic vibe which some amazing speeches - Justin wowed us with his Level 2.1 and Jacqx and Cath completed their research speeches! It was so clear that evaluator feedback was taken on board because the improvements were immense :) Everyone was so wrapped up in sharing their love of books that we went well over time - but no one minded! Thanks Toastmasters for s...uch an engrossing evening, we can't wait to see you again in a few weeks :) #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #goals #books #favourites #engrossing #passion Photo Credit: Google Images

01.01.2022 It's time for another instalment of Robina Toastmasters' Feature Friday, and this one is a journey to the beginning. Meet Ann. She moved from England to the Gold Coast in 1976 and has lived in the same suburb since then. In 1993, at the ripe young age of 56 and at a time of changing life circumstances, she identified a need to embrace life and the opportunities that the universe was presenting to her. With the hopes of becoming a marriage celebrant, Ann joined a Speechcraft c...ourse to improve her public speaking skills, after hearing about it on the radio. The rest, they say, is history. Ann's passion for service, coupled with her continued sense of achievement and value from her peers, saw her embrace activities within the Toastmasters realm. She was Charter VPE for Palm Beach-Currumbin Toastmasters in 1995 and Area 24 Governor in 1997. She recognised a need for a club in the Robina area, and so, with the late David Mathers as Co-Sponsor, Robina Toastmasters was born on March 27, 1998. Ann received her Distinguished Toastmaster designation - an incredible accomplishment encompassing 8 awards and leadership positions - in 2001. These photos are taken with Mike Storkey DTM - at the club's inception in 1998, and 20th anniversary in 2018. Mike was the District 69 Governor in 1997-1998, and went on to become Toastmasters International President in 2016-2017. September 2, 2020 will mark 25 years since Ann joined Toastmasters. At the age of 82, Ann still attends meetings and loves observing growth in her fellow Toastmasters. She considers herself an "encourager" to help others tap into their own potential. Ann's tip to anyone considering starting their journey in Toastmasters: "If you never try, you'll never know you could." Ann - thank you for all your work in establishing Robina Toastmasters. It was hard to put 25 years’ worth of Toastmasters achievements onto one social media post! You are valued and appreciated as Charter President of our club! #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #featurefriday #distinguishedtoastmaster #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #achievement #inspiration #service #embraceopportunities #chartermember

01.01.2022 Wind back Wednesday to last week's Toastmasters meeting - what a blast we had! Three stellar speeches, informative evaluations, CAKE, and the initiation of two new members! Toastmaster Jacqx delivered so many easy gardening tips that even the seasoned and hubristic 'black thumb' considered taking on a new project! And to top it off, our first installation of "What Cheeses Me Off" with the ceremonial whack of a pool noodle was so much fun that I think it might become a regular... segment! Next meeting we have something very different and exciting in store... are you ready? #toastmasters #toastmastersinternational #robina_toastmasters #publicspeaking #communication #confidence #friendships #garden #hybrid #gardenloveaffair