A Letter from your District Director - January edition
Dear Members
Happy New Year to you all. I hope the year ahead brings good health, peace, and many moments of joy for you and your loved ones.
A new year is always a time to pause and reflect - on what we’ve learned, the friendships we’ve built, and the people who have left a lasting mark on our Toastmasters community.
As we step into 2026, I wish to acknowledge with deep respect the passing of Mary Ford DTM. Mary’s many years of service, leadership and mentorship touched countless members and helped shape the strength of our District. She will be fondly remembered and her legacy will continue through the many lives she influenced.
This new year will bring both opportunities and change.
One significant change ahead is the alignment of our District with District 70, bringing clubs and members across NSW and the ACT together as one District. This decision was made by the Toastmasters International Board of Directors as part of the Region 8–14 District Realignment process.
From 1 July 2026, members and clubs across NSW and the ACT will be aligned as District 70, supported by a dedicated Transition Team. While the aligned District will cover a larger geographical area, club operations and the day-to-day member experience will continue as normal. Our focus, as always, remains on supporting clubs, leaders and members to achieve their 2025–2026 goals, while the Transition Team works behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition and to prepare the District for the future.
The Transition Team is led by Past Regional Advisor and Past District Governor Kaylene Ledger DTM. The Transition Chairs are:
Past District Director Dr Mark Waller DTM (District Transition Committee)
Past District Governor Jan Vecchio DTM (District Leadership Committee)
Past District Governor Nick Rinaldi (District Alignment Committee)
Past International Director Ben McCormick (Business Meeting Committee)
This transition presents an opportunity to strengthen leadership capacity, build sustainability, and support a connected and thriving District for all members. Nominations for the new District 70 leadership team are now open, and I encourage you to consider nominating yourself or another member who will help ensure continuity of leadership that places members first. Information regarding the nomination process is available at https://district90toastmasters.org/district-leaders-nominati...
This is a significant moment for all of us — one that honours our legacy while shaping our future. Your voice, experience, and willingness to serve truly matter as we move forward together.
As we reflect on legacy, it is also my great pleasure to acknowledge a very special milestone. This year, we celebrate the 100th birthday of Past District Governor John Inglis. Reaching such a remarkable milestone is a testament to a life well lived, and we honour John for his enduring contribution to Toastmasters and the inspiration he has provided across generations of members. On behalf of the District, we extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to John on this extraordinary occasion.
While the path ahead may not always be easy, I firmly believe that our shared values, our care for members, and our willingness to support one another will guide us well.
Thank you to everyone who continues to give their time, energy, and heart to Toastmasters — in clubs, in leadership roles, and behind the scenes. You truly make a difference.
I look forward to the year ahead and to continuing this journey together.
Warm wishes,
Ramani 😊
Ramani Warusevitane, DTM
District Director 2024–2025
District 90 Toastmasters
