“New beginnings symbolize hope, offering the chance to explore new horizons brimming with endless opportunities and challenges to prove oneself.”
Another new chapter of Hawkesbury Valley Toastmasters Club began with promise and grace as the gravity of leadership set the pace. It was the momentous celebration of installing the 41st club executive committee for the toastmasters year 2024-25. Skilled and talented leaders received new responsibilities with great enthusiasm, driven by immense passion to enrich the community as great speakers and leaders.
This club was chartered in March 1982, by a respected Toastmaster, Doug Spinks DTM. Even as a community club, Hawkesbury Toastmasters had set up within the first year: Speechcraft and Youth Leadership programs.
Like every club from the 1980’s it had lost and gained membership in the intervening years, yet, for a good many years the club was kept going by Charter President Norman Jones supported by his wife Marjorie Hood-Jones. During Covid shutdowns the club partnered with its sister club, Springwood Toastmasters Club and conducted online meetings.
By the end of 2020, members were glad to get back to the physical meetings at the Hawkesbury Central Library, Windsor. Since its inception the club has grown in many ways both quality and quantity, and last year the club was recognised as a ‘Presidents’ Distinguished Club’. The club has also been in the limelight for the last 10 years giving long service members as well as district leaders to District 90, Toastmasters International.
Club’s 10-year member, past President (twice) Pat Bakarich has mentored several members in both leadership and public speaking aspects. The current Area 37 Director of Western Division, District 90; Ramalka Kasige also represents Hawkesbury Valley while being the 5th Area Director from the club for the past 7 years.
The installation meeting was adorned by the graceful presence of several distinguished leaders and mentors in the Toastmasters fraternity, invitees, guests, past members, friends, and well-wishers. The past District Director-District 90, Past Regional Adviser- Region 12, Micheal said DTM shared his energy and enthusiasm for a lasting change in participants’ toastmasters’ journey by reminding the amazing opportunities readied for Toastmasters to inspire and to be inspired.
This year’s executive committee was installed by the Western Division Director, Bradley Silk DTM. Robert Peirce (oast President) passed on the baton to Christopher Veitch DTM (President) whose team comprised of Leigh Burns (Vice President-Education), Pat Bakarich (Vice President-Membership), Ramalka Kasige (Vice President-Public Relations), Leigh Cunnigham (Secretary), Rowan Parker (Treasurer) and Brad Howard (Sergeant at Arms).
The evening took off by the dashing President elect, who highlighted the importance of supporting the members in reaching their fullest potential, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. During his tenure, he intends to create a dynamic and enriching experience for members, ensuring the healthy and sustainable pace of club’s activities.
The day ended dropping the anchor to yet another momentous evening of Hawkesbury Valley Toastmasters. They have raised the bar this far and they can make it through whatever comes next. There’s a long way to go!
The Hawkesbury Valley family will always find its ways to keep the bonds together, tender and tight, and share the warmth through all hurdles in their journey. As the meeting ended, members toasted for the new beginning saying cheers to many more productive toastmasters’ years and beyond!
The club executive committee and the members invite you to embark on an exciting Toastmasters journey to boost your confidence and public speaking skills as Hawkesbury Valley Toastmasters Club, facilitate all potential enthusiastic speakers to break through their barriers and get on the right track. All are welcome to experience the bliss of sheer contentment in voice!
You can join the Hawkesbury Toastmasters Club on the 1st & 3rd Monday each month at 6:30 pm at The Deerubbin Centre, Hawkesbury Central Library, 300 George Street Windsor.
