Toastmasters’ centennial celebrations

The centenary of Toastmasters International was marked in Townsville with a special event that brought together past and present members to celebrate the club’s legacy of fostering confidence and leadership.

100th Anniversary of Toastmasters International: Heather Bruce, Jennifer Savage, Bevin Irvine.

The centenary of Toastmasters International has been celebrated in Townsville with a special event held at the Mayoral Reception Room.

Thirty-six Toastmasters, past and present, came together to mark the 100 year anniversary with attendees hailing from various clubs, including Townsville, Tropic City, Business Leaders, Townsville City Council and Magnetic North.

Among them were District 69 Officers, including Program Quality director Nicky Jurd, Northern Division director Jennifer Savage and Area 2 director Pitika Wilson.

Reflecting on the evening’s significance, Bevin Irvine emphasised that the impact of Toastmasters is enduring.

“The skills Toastmasters learn are never lost,” he said, adding that public speaking and leadership skills benefit members far beyond the club.

Past members spoke on the night, sharing how Toastmasters had shaped their working lives and expressing gratitude for the personal and professional growth they gained.

“All were very thankful that they had joined Toastmasters and recommended Toastmasters to their friends,” Bevin says.

100th Anniversary of Toastmasters International: Don Hobson, Neil Klein and Sharon Kerslake-Klein.

Bevin, a long-standing member, highlighted some of the achievements that marked the journey of Townsville Toastmasters.

Establishing Townsville City Council Toastmasters in 2004 was a proud milestone, along with organising a Civic Reception in 2003 for the first Australian, Gavin Blakey, to be elected as International President of Toastmasters.

He also recalled receiving the Home Club Banner in 2016 at the International Convention in Washington, DC, from the second Australian to be elected International President, Mike Storkey.

This accomplishment served as a reminder of the club’s global connection and influence.

“Mike Storkey is an inspirational speaker and has been a member since about 1990,” Bevin said. “In his early days of Toastmastering he would travel once or twice a month from Airlie Beach to Townsville to upskill his leadership in Meeting Procedures. A fantastic example in enthusiasm of a keen Toastmaster.”

100th Anniversary of Toastmasters International: Mary Wallace, John McLean, Gemma Totorica, Kayleen Schulz

His legacy lives on through the annual “Legacy Award,” a recognition for members who show extraordinary dedication, particularly in upholding the Toastmasters Promise.

Looking forward, Bevin shared his vision for Toastmasters in Townsville.

“With the COVID lockdown, membership in Toastmasters was decreased significantly,” he said. “However, with technology and the likes of ZOOM, new clubs were established where there was no central meeting venue.”

He highlighted the success of hybrid meetings, combining face-to-face and online participation, as a promising adaptation.

“Face-to-face meetings are the strength of Toastmasters,” he said, reinforcing the importance of in-person connections for effective learning.

Bevin reflected on the essence of Toastmasters, citing a sentiment close to many members’ hearts. “It is often said that Toastmasters is one of the greatest secrets of a non-profit organisation.”

He shared the words of Dr. Ralph Smedley, the founder of Toastmasters.

“Toastmasters Club is fundamentally an education organisation.”

For Bevin, this sentiment underscores the mission of Toastmasters, creating better communicators and leaders for communities across the globe.

Originally published as Toastmasters’ centennial celebrations