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Come to the District Council Meeting

May 16th, 2011 by David Nicholas

The Historic District 73 Council Meeting

This historic council meeting is very important for Toastmasters in Western Australia. It will be the last time we meet to conduct business in District 73. The next council meeting in November this year will be a District 17 council meeting, when Toastmasters in Western Australia will be fully in charge of our own destiny. At the council meeting this Saturday afternoon, May 21, we complete important business to set up the new district, as well as some normal District 73 business.

Make sure your club is represented at the Council Meeting

The Council meets from 2 to 5 PM on Saturday afternoon, May 21. Each club has two votes at the Council. Initially they go to the President and the Vice President Education. if only one is present he or she automatically gets the vote of the other. If neither can be present they can proxy their vote to any other club member. Download the Proxy Form and bring the signed form to the Credentials Desk from Saturday morning to midday.

The new division/area/club alignment structure

There is a proposal to rename our divisions and to make slight changes to areas. Have a look at the Proposed Structure

Elections

We will elect the first district leadership team. The nomination committee has presented its report. Other members may stand from the floor when elections are held, but these are the nominations for the key positions:

District Governor Mark Richards
Lt Governor Education & Training Ross Wilkinson
Lt Governor Marketing Pascale Amberville-Colby
Public Relations Officer Robyn Richards

Central Division Governor Robyn Lloyd
Northern Division Governor Nola Haddrill
Southern Division Governor Vicky Post

Procedures

We will be considering a proposed set of procedures to handle administrative matters in the new district. Check out the proposals at the District 17 Procedures Manual.

More information on the business procedures for this council.

I will be happy to give you any more information and answer any queries.

Posted by David Nicholas DTM
District 73 Parliamentarian
WA Webmaster
0401 011 212

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Posted by David Nicholas Posted in District, District WA, Featured | 1 Comment »

District 17 Elections 2011/12

May 1st, 2011 by David Nicholas

Help elect our new team

In July this year Toastmasters WA (our members and clubs in WA) will become a District in our own right – District 17. Elections for our District leaders will be held on Saturday afternoon, May 21st, at the Parmelia Hotel in Perth. The elections will be held at the District Council Meeting during the District 73 Convention..

All clubs have two votes. These are held by the President and the Vice President Education. If they can’t attend they can sign a proxy to any other club member. A minimum number of votes is required to reach a quorum, so it is very important that we have a strong attendance from our WA clubs.

Nominations for the elections

This is the report from the Nomination Committee. At the elections other Toastmasters may stand from the floor and contest the positions.

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Posted by David Nicholas Posted in District WA | 1 Comment »

Nostalgia – Farewell Western Division

March 20th, 2011 by David Nicholas

Western Division will soon be no more

There are several groups working on planning for the new District 17 which will come into being on July 1 this year.

The Alignment Committee

This committee has prepared a report on the setup of Divisions and Areas in our West Australian District. I am a member of the committee, so I am supporting its recommendations. But I have a nostalgic pang that the new District 17 will have no Western Division. When I joined Toastmasters in 1995 I was in Western Division because that was the only one. Over the years Western has divided twice – first to set up Perth Division and then Innercity Division.

But now the recommendation is for three Divisions – Central, Northern and Southern. So, farewell Western Division.

Look at the Committee’s recommended setup

You can find the recommendations at

Club Alignments 2011/12

There are some explanatory notes there, and there will be more supplied by the Committee Chair, Ross Wilkinson DTM.

I hope to get a comment from the very first Western Division Governor, Murray Jorgensen DTM, still very active in Toastmasters. And another one from the soon to be the very last Western Division Governor, Robyn Richards DTM.

How do you feel about the disappearance of Western Division?

You can add a reminiscence or discuss the alignment proposal in comments box below.

David Nicholas DTM
WA Webmaster
and former Western Division Governor

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Posted by David Nicholas Posted in District, District WA, Divisions, Featured, Information | 4 Comments »

District 17 elections

January 31st, 2011 by David Nicholas

WA Toastmasters becomes District 17 on July 1

Right now we belong to District 73, along with Toastmasters from Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. That is about to change. From July on we will be our own District – District 17 – with our own District Officers.

Our elections will be held in Perth on Saturday, May 21

This will be part of the last Council Meeting we take part in District 73.

Nominations are called for the following positions.

Elected at the Council Meeting by our WA delegates

District Governor
Lieutenant Governor Education & Training
Lt Governor Marketing
District Public Relations Officer
Division Governor Innercity
Division Governor Perth
Division Governor Western

Elected by Area Councils before the District Council

Area Governors

Innercity	Perth	Western
I40	P10	W16
I41	P20	W21
I42	P30	W28
I42	P50	W29
		W36

Appointed by the new District Governor

District Secretary
District Treasurer

To be nominated or elected, a person must

You may submit more than one person’s name (including your own) for each position. The Nominating Committee will consider all candidates received by the deadline, Monday 28 March 2011

Mail or Email to: Judith Allen DTM c.j8@bigpond.com
Chairman, Nominating Committee
12 Gypsy Rise
Swan View, WA 6056

Download the Officer Nomination form Officer Nomination form

Download the Officer Agreement form Officer Agreement & Release form

Details of District Officer qualifications are available on District Officer Qualifications

David Nicholas DTM
District WA Webmaster
0401 011 212

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Posted by David Nicholas Posted in District, District WA, Featured | 1 Comment »

District 17 in July 2011

November 13th, 2010 by David Nicholas

WA will be District 17

Toastmasters International has decided – we will be District 17 when we become a full District in our own right.

17? why not 88 or 89?

The most recent new District was 87, so with two new Districts coming onstream, we thought it would be either 88 or 89. Â Not so. Â We have been given 17 because District 17 in Montana, USA has been folded into District 78 which covers Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and northwest Minnesota.

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Apparently, since we are in the “West” it was decided to give the previous number of the North Western State in the USA to us.

Who cares about the reason?

Mark Richards DTM
Lt Governor
Education & Training

We have our number. From July 1, 2010 we will be functioning independently, the fourth Australia District, part of Region 12 of Toastmasters International. In the meantime, we will be preparing for the changeover, led by our current Lt Governor Education & Training (West) Mark Richards and Lt Governor Marketing (West) Ross Wilkinson. Elections for District 17 will be held in May, 2011 at the District 73 Convention being held in Perth.

A long journey coming to its destination

Quite a few people have been working very hard for the District WA project. At the last District Convention held in Perth in May 2007 then District Governor Geoff Morrissey moved and I seconded the resolution which set the process in motion.. The end of that project is in sight.

July 1, 2011 will be the beginning of a bigger project

It’s rather like a human birth. The child born from its mother was conceived well before the birth. We are coming out of District 73 and will need to grow and mature. Unlike human babies, we will need to be fully independent from the first day, with no parents to provide for us. We have just over six months to prepare for that full independence.

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Posted by David Nicholas DTM
WA Webmaster

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Posted by David Nicholas Posted in District, District WA, Information | 6 Comments »

Club Officer Training Saturday 10th July 2010

July 17th, 2010 by Gerry

After the success of the Thursday evening Training, the Bob Daniels Centre in Inglewood played host to the Saturday sesssion. With nearly 80 Club Officers in attendance, we were looking at record numbers. The format was much the same and here are some photographic highlights.Â

Maree Pickens was the Toastmaster and she knew how to wield that gavel!

Mark Richards suddenly finds the Agenda very interesting as Robyn looks on

Then Mark was up to tell us all about the TMI web site.

David and Glenis Nicholas were absorbed by Mark's Workshop.

Kristin McIntosh was up directing traffic or maybe she was workshopping the Distinguished Club Programme

Someone else was trying to hide, but we know who you are...............

...........................step forward Ross Wilkinson!

Telling everyone about next year's Convention, "Swansong on the Swan" was Lynette Delaine

Just before Lynette had been working hard behind the scenes with Maree Pickens

Then there was David Nicholas showing us all the goodies on his Toastmasterswa site

Then there's the people you always find in the kitchen at parties!

Are the pies ready yet?

Well done to everyone, for a second, extremely well organised, session of Club Officer Training.

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Posted by Gerry Posted in Areas, District, Training, WA Governors | Comments Off on Club Officer Training Saturday 10th July 2010

Club Officer Training Thursday 8 July 2010

July 10th, 2010 by Gerry

On the day that Perth’s cold clear days was broken by wild and windy weather a new venue was used for Club Officer training and very popular it proved too. The new Victoria Park Club hosted the event at their venue at The Homestead in Mackie Street in Victoria Park. An attendance of up to 100 was anticipated but Club Officers kept rolling in throughout the event.

The Hall is set up and ready

Sgt at Arms Maree Pickens got things underway introducing the Toastmaster for the evening Peter Law whose sartorial elegance set the tone for the night.

Toastmaster Peter Law and Mark Richards discuss the Agenda before the meeting gets underway

Robyn Richards conducted the first session, “Creating a Buzz” which emphasised how important it was to get that essential ‘something extra’ into your meetings to make them fun and enjoyable. Robyn provided lots of useful advice to all assembled.

Mark Richards followed his wife to the front of the audience and used the IT display set up by Martin Lindsay to show Club Officers how to log onto and navigate around the TMI Website. Mark’s presentation was especially relevant to Club Officers who have to log returns with TMI.

Mark Richards shows us how to Navigate around the TMI Website

Inner City Divisional Governor Kristin McIntosh then explained to us all what the 10 goals were in the DCP (Distinguished Club Programme) and why they were so important to running a successful club. Like Robyn Kristin gave some hints and tips as to how the goals could be achieved and illustrated how easy some of them were by pointing out that everyone present was contributing towards their club’s DCP by attending COT!

That's goal number two that Kristin is telling us about!

Martin Lindsay as the Perth Governor then presented a Workshop on how to run Speech Contests. With the Club, Humorous Speech and Table Topics contests due in August this was very timely advice for the many new Club Officers in attendance. Martin pointed out some of the extremely good resources available and advised Clubs on how they could get their own members ‘up to speed’ on acting as Judges.

The last presentation before supper was given by David Nicholas and David told everyone about toastmasterwa.net and what resources were available on the site. With only 15 minutes to present David was only able to brush the surface but he certainly whetted the appetites for information if not for food!

David Nicholas enthralled the audience with his sales technique for toastmasterswa.net

After a splendid supper, and you could tell it was splendid because there was nothing left, we were treated to an introduction to a “Swansong on the Swan”. Lynette Delane presented a talk about the 2011 District Convention, the last of District 73 with Western Australia included, which is to be held in Perth, hence the title.

Lynette Delane tells us all about the "Swansong on the Swan"

The meeting then moved on to a series of ‘break out’ sessions for each Club Officer Role. This proved to be the real ‘meat and veg'” for the new Officers as they were able to leverage off those who had performed the role before.

We were then welcomed back by Ross Wilkinson who told us all about “YOUR Future in Toastmasters” and Ross set out very clearly where the path towards becoming a better speaker, a leader and ultimately a Distinguished Toastmaster lay. Ross reminded everyone that by becoming a Club Officer they were on the first steps of this exciting leadership journey.

Ross Wilkinson reminded everyone of the importance of working to their Manuals and getting them signed off

Public Relations both within the District and within Clubs was covered by the ubiquitous Pascale Amberville-Colby, the man with more clubs than Tiger Woods. Pascale reminded everyone of the importance of their Website as a promotional tool and ensuring it was up to date. Pascale also related some initiatives that were being taken within WA.

Pascale sought an affirmation from everyone that they would promote their club

The information and fun packed evening was wound up by Mark Richards relating the future Training opportunities that were available over the coming year.

Overall a fantastic eveningÂ packed with Â information and with Club Officers. WellÂ done to everyone but especially to Robyn Richards for her wonderful organisational abilities.

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Posted by Gerry Posted in District, District WA, Divisions, promotion, Training | 2 Comments »

Area Governor? What a year!

June 25th, 2010 by Gerry

One year out, what was it like being an Area Governor?

Â At first it was bewildering. Despite District Officer Training (DOT) and an exhaustive manual there just seemed to be so much to do.

First up after you have been trained there are two sessions of Club Officer Training (COT) you really should attend both sessions. You need to be there to support the clubs in your Area and to support the District Executive. You will probably find yourself volunteered to help somewhere. Remember also that each Club needs to have 4 of its Officers in attendance at both sessions of COT to achieve one of its Distinguished Club Programme (DCP) goals.

I was very fortunate in having a supportive ex-Governor in Sue Voloczi and Division Governor in David Nicholas. The Club and Area Humorous and Table Topics contests seem to be on you almost immediately. It’s important to remember, as it is with most things as an Area Governor, that this is not your personal responsibility. It is important to delegate. You have to be sure that people will actually do what they have volunteered to do (and be prepared to be let down too, have some reserves if possible).

You will also probably be asked to supply Judges and to be a Judge in other Areas. This is of a reciprocal nature so the more you put in the more you get back. Itâ€™s also very good experience. You should also be encouraging more experienced club members in your Area to act as Judges.

Once these are over there is the Divisional contest and you may very well have a role to play on the day.

You should also try to get in an Area Executive meeting with the Presidents. VPM, VPEâ€™s and VPPRâ€™s of each of the clubs. It gives them a chance to get together and to share experiences and ideas.

Then it is time for your Club visits. You should already have been in contact with your clubs about their DCP. What are they doing to achieve all 10 goals? Some of the goals are easy, just administrative issues but important nonetheless. They will have been through all this at Â COT but you need to ensure this is where they are focussed.

You might choose to deliver the â€˜Moments of Truthâ€ Eductional as part of your visit. If you donâ€™t â€˜knowâ€™ this Educational it is a great one, almost like a health check for clubs and there is a survey form for members to fill in. I collated mine for the club where I delivered it and whilst generally they scored highly there were two areas which were well below the rest. The club knew where to direct their efforts.

The Club visits are important and you should try to get on the Agenda to speak. Club members should know who you are and why you are there. It also allows you to gauge how well the clubs are run and do not be afraid of making adverse comments on your report if you feel they are justified. You should have discussed the issues with the Club President before you do so of course.

Once Christmas is over there is virtually a repeat of the first half of the TMI year. Club Officer Training, Club, Area and Divisional contests (International Speech and Evaluation this time) and another round of Area visits. The second round of Area visits will be much more focussed on the DCP, you are getting towards the pointy end of the TMI year. Are the Clubs going to achieve all their goals? What can you do to help?

Throughout all this you should also be looking at possibilities for forming a new club in your Area. I wonâ€™t go into details here thatâ€™s a subject for a blog on its own.

If you go through all this and keep your focus you will have had an exhausting but very enjoyable Toastmasters year. I know because I am just about to complete one!Â Of course it is also one of your requirements if you are heading for a DTM. It can’t be that bad, I’m about to do it all over again. .

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Posted by Gerry Posted in Areas, District, Information, Training, WA Governors | 1 Comment »

A 4th Division for WA Toastmasters?

March 26th, 2010 by David Nicholas

When and Where will it come?

Currently we have 3 Divisions, 50 active clubs and an active membership of about 800, which is an average of about 16 per club. Â You can check out the current nominal membership on the WA DCP page. When the Renewals figures to the end of March are published next month you will find that my estimates are approximately correct.

District WA challenges us to do better

The Toastmasters International Directors have started a process for WA members and clubs to separate from District 73 and form our own Provisional District. Â The process is already underway.

In May next year, 2011, the District 73 Council will elect the 3 top officers – District Governor, Lt Governor Education & Training and a Lt Governor Marketing – for both WA and the balance of District 73.

On July 1, 2011, we will be a Provisional District, with all the privileges and responsibilities of Toastmaster Districts.

How do we go from Provisional to Full District status?

Earlier this year the International Directors redrafted the previous rules. Â My understanding of their published results is this:

We can apply for full status when we have at least 60 clubs with an average membership of at least 20 members. Â When we have reached those two targets, there will be an assessment made of our general efficiency and prospects for further growth. Â If we pass that, we’ve made it.

So why do we need a 4th Division?

Essentially a Division needs at least 16 clubs with 4 Areas of at least 4 clubs each. Â You can see my Maths – when we go through the 60 club target we will be close to qualifying for a 4th Division. Â Further, we will have to show there are prospects for further growth, and the best evidence of that will be more new clubs coming onstream.

We need a challenge, a friendly rivalry between our 3 existing Divisions, to drive the steady growth necessary to become a full District. Â Currently I am Western Division Governor and the WA New Clubs Coordinator. Â So, I issue these challenges

To Western Division

To the 2010/11 Western Division Governor to continue our current growth and to do even better

To the current Innercity and Perth Division Governors to galvanise their Area Governors and emerging leaders to match Western or do even better

To Toastmasters living in the northern corridor based around the railway to Joondalup to seize the opportunities available in that enormous population base which hasn’t had a new Toastmaster Club since Stirling was chartered in 1994.

Ambitious plans for Western Division

Currently I am discussing with Mark Richards, the District 73 Lt Governor Marketing and a prominent Western Division member, a forward plan which will achieve the first of my challenges – for Western to split off a new District.Â This year looks like being very successful with the Division on track to be President’s Distinguished along with 3 of our 4 Area Governors, all of whom will finish with a new club.Â That involves 3 new clubs with no loss of any current clubs.

The railway to Mandurah is the key to our forward plans.Â New suburbs are springing up on either side of the railway.Â We are developing a plan to set up new community clubs based on the new suburbs.Â Mark and Robyn Richards established a blueprint for publicising and forming such community clubs with their founding of Canning Vale.Â Â Now the Canning Vale club, through member John Palmer, is setting out to follow that blueprint in Southern River.

How do we raise our average membership from 16 to 20+?

Well, that is a different issue.Â It wont be easy, but it has to be achieved.Â Next week I will have some suggestions.

For any queries or more information
David Nicholas DTM
Western Division Governor
WA New Clubs Coordinator

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Posted by David Nicholas Tags: Western Division
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District WA Approved

August 13th, 2009 by David Nicholas

Mashantucket, USA – August 12, 2009

Today the Toastmasters International Board approved our application to form a new District in WA.

The board met publicly in front of a large audience which included our District 73 representatives

District Governor Damian Chong
Lt Governor Education & Training Bruce Hill
Lt Governor Marketing Mark Richards

Why is this so important?

Several of our WA leaders have been working very hard in the past few years to form our own individual District WA. Currently we are part of District 73 which covers Victoria, Tastmania, South Australia and Western Australia. We are a long way from the rest of the District. Our activities are seriously curtailed by this geographical separation. We have had support from the other States for our work. At the District Council held in South Australia in May this year, a unanimous resolution was passed authorising our District WA action committee (called the Reformation Committee) to apply for conditional approval. Mike Helm supervised the preparation of the application and now it has been approved.

We have to meet various conditions

The approval is conditional. I haven’t seen the specific conditions yet, but they will probably include these two major matters.

Grow our WA clubs to at least 60. Currently we have 51.
Grow our club membership to an average of at least 20. Currently the average is 18.

To see all current data on membership go to the the DCP page, and scroll down to see current figures for each Division and for WA as a whole.

Can we do it this year? – in 2009/10

Yes we can. We are already working hard to meet both these conditions. If you are interested in what is being done, have a look at the files on New Clubs Folder

Elections for the transition to District WA

Historic elections will occur in May, next year, at Ballarat, when the District 73 Council meets. These will be the elected officers.

May, 2010 Melbourne	District 73 Governor
	LGET for District 73	LGET for District WA
	LGM for District 73	LGM for District WA
	PRO for District 73	PRO for District WA
.
May, 2011 Perth	District 73 Governor	District WA Governor
	LGET for District 73	LGET for District WA
	LGM for District 73	LGM for District WA
	PRO for District 73	PRO for District WA
.
May 2012 Perth	District WA Governor
	District WA Lt Gov Education & Training
	District WA Lt Gov Marketing
	District WA Public Relations Officer

Post your comments or suggestions in the box below.

David Nicholas DTM
WA New Clubs Coordinator
9457 6468

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