Titbits from a Toastmasters travel & training
Greetings all! I’m excited to be writing my very first blog entry, especially because I have just returned from a week in Philadelphia, USA attending District Officer Training and then the TI Convention. Wow! It requires lots of energy to keep up with the pace of Toastmasters events! We were at breakfast by 7.30 am, training sessions all day, dinner then karaoke & dancing until midnight – sleep & repeat! My karaoke days are long gone, but I know others made the most of each opportunity.
What was great about training?
Sessions were varied, interesting & relevant without being ‘dry’. In one team building session, teams had to built a ‘cup tower’ using plastic cups and index cards. We had to take turns placing a cup on the table then an index card on top then another cup, holding them together and inverting them, gradually building a tower. If the tower collapsed during inversion, the team had to start over. My team managed to get 9 cups built and I think it was a great effort!
There were sessions only for Club Growth Directors and some were for the trios. Truly, it was an inspiring and energising couple of days. It would be better when we get to do that all again for the Mid-year training which will be held in Kuala Lumpur in January - I can’t wait!
If you have never attended a TI convention, then put it on your bucket list! It will be held in Vancouver next year and I’m sure it will be a fabulous one. There is a myriad of opportunities for networking, attending fantastic workshops, watching semi and finals of World Championship of Public Speaking, meeting aspiring International Directors, and attending business meetings.
Do you think business meetings are dry? Go to a TI business meeting! While you are waiting for votes to be counted, you can dance in the aisles (or on your chair) & conga round the room – literally!!
Now it’s back to work & also to attending to Club Growth for D90! Luckily I have a fabulous team of Toastmasters to help me – both my CGD team as well as my mentors and fellow club members.
Thank you all for your encouragement and support, you are such a valuable & valued resource!
Written by Elizabeth Lloyd DTM (Toastmasters On Point) | Reviewed by Ramalka Kasige DTM
A message from the District Director
Dear Toastmasters of District 90,
As we begin this new Toastmasters year, I want to share with you my heartfelt vision and commitment as your District 90 Director for 2025–2026.
Our Focus: You – Our Members
This year, everything we do as a District will be centered around you, your goals, and your growth. Whether you joined Toastmasters to become a confident speaker, a stronger leader, or to connect with like-minded people—your goals matter, and we are here to help you achieve them.
We will support every member and every club to:
Create a welcoming and encouraging environment
Provide meaningful education and leadership opportunities
Foster connections and build confidence
Encourage completion of Pathways goals and Club Success Plan
Our District is not just a structure—it is a community. And in our district community, every voice matters, every role is important, and every success is worth celebrating.
Meet Your 2025–2026 District Leadership Team
I am grateful to be supported by a passionate, talented team of leaders who are here to serve you:
Program Quality Director: Nellie Beggs, DTM
Club Growth Director: Elizabeth Lloyd, DTM
Public Relations Manager: Ramalka Kasige, DTM
Administration Manager: Margaret Payne, DTM
Finance Manager: Tanya Wickham, DTM
Immediate Past District Director: Pieta Beggs, DTM
Logistics Manager: Kaz Lind
Parliamentarian: Bob Kirchner OAM, DTM
Our Division and Area Directors will also be working closely with clubs, offering support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the year.
Open Door, Open Heart
I believe in transparency, kindness, and connection. If you have ideas, questions, concerns, or even if you just need someone to listen—I am here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Let’s make this a year of growth, friendship and personal achievement—together.
With warm regards,
Ramani Warusevitane
District Director 2025–2026
Toastmasters International - District 90
Email: DD@d90tm.au