By Michael Doran
In 1971 when Yarra Valley Toastmasters started, the international movement was strictly a men only organisation.
In 1975 the local chapter became the first Toastmasters club in the world to alter its by-laws to admit women members.
Club President, Tina Dalen, is especially proud of the ground-breaking work the club’s forebears did to open Toastmaster’s doors to both women and men.
“Yarra Valley bought the women into Toastmasters,” she said at the anniversary meeting on 11 October. “We were just the 26th club formed in Toastmasters International but we led the world on gender equality.”
Forty-seven years after its inception, the 1,000th meeting of the club, now the Croydon-Yarra Valley Toastmasters, was celebrated in Coldstream.
“Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive environment where members have the opportunity to overcome their fear of public speaking and sharpen presentation skills. It helps build confidence, critical thinking skills and effective listening.”
“Since the early 70s our club has been dedicated to helping people become better speakers and leaders,” she said.
Like many members, Rebecca Crozier joined Toastmasters because she had a fear of speaking in front of groups, something that her work involved.
“I couldn’t string two words together and felt terrified when I had to do a presentation” Rebecca said. “I had heard about Toastmasters so I found a club and have not looked back since. It is such a supportive environment and we each have a mentor who guides us through the development process.”
Toastmasters, which started in the USA in 1924, is a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on developing communication, public speaking and leadership skills. There are around 600 Toastmasters clubs throughout Australia and more than 10,000 members.
As well as Croydon-Yarra Valley, there are nearby Toastmasters clubs in Healesville, Wandin, Seville and Lilydale.
“The easiest way to get involved is to come to a meeting as a visitor and see first-hand if Toastmasters feels right,” said Tina Dalen.
The club meets twice a month and for more information go to www.croydontoastmasters.org.au
