Our club is a fun and dynamic bunch of people from a wide variety of life experiences, occupations and age groups. Have a little peek at some our profiles here, but we’d love you to get to know us better at a meeting.
Nicky Jurd
Area 9 Governor
Nicky is the Past Area 32 Governor and a previous President of the Club.
“I’m a friendly and approachable local geek who owns a web development and internet marketing firm. Needless to say, communication is not considered the computer geek’s best asset, so I joined Toastmasters to improve my business communication skills.
I’m now an enthusiastic public speaker and hold semi-regular workshops on a range of internet-related topics aimed at small business owners.
I’ve found Toasmtasters has given me the confidence to be more chatty at networking functions and answer questions in a more organised fashion. I don’t stumble over my words like I used to.
I enthusiastically recommend Toastmasters to any person who wants to overcome their nerves when speaking to others or just to polish their performance.”
Nicky, with partner Kaj, is Managing Director of the largest Web Service provider in North Queensland. See more about the company at http://www.precedence.com.au/
Kaj Haffenden
Area 32 Governor
Kaj is Mt Sheridan Toastmasters Club’s Past President.
“I was a Toastmaster many years ago and have recently joined again at the delightful Mt Sheridan Toastmasters club, and am thoroughly pleased at myself for doing so — I’d forgotten how rusty one can become after an absence! In my spare time I am a director of local Cairns web design and web hosting companies.
Toastmasters provides the polish I need to effectively conduct meetings, manage staff and run seminars.”
Kaj, with partner Nicky, are Managing Directors of Precedence, a web development, web hosting and internet marketing company renowned for its creative and functional website design, custom web application programming and effective online marketing campaigns.
See more about Precedence at http://www.precedence.com.au/
Rod Sheather
President
Rod Sheather is the Queensland Chair of the Australian College of Ambulance Professionals. Previously our Sergeant At Arms, Rod has a talent for making everyone feel welcome and putting people at ease. He’s a great storyteller too.
Rhondda Walters
Vice President Education
Rhondda Walters is a founding member of the Mt Sheridan Toastmasters Club which started in 2005. After extensive studies, Rhondda is now a qualified Chartered Accountant. She took on the role of VPE in the Club’s first year and has agreed to fill this position for another term.
Leisel Pisani
Vice President Membership
“As a marriage celebrant I want to ensure I can tell the story of each couples journey in a meaningful and thoughtful way. Toastmasters has allowed me to further enhance the experience of those couples embarking on their lifes journey together”.
Leisel is a qualified marriage celebrant and the Director of ‘Our Ceremony’. Our Ceremony speicalise in crafting a ceremony to suit each individual client. ‘Our Ceremony’ also provides a service for Naming Ceremonies, Graduations and even Extreme Ceremonies! To find out more about Leisel and ‘Our Ceremony’, visit http://www.ourceremony.com.au/home
Michael McGarry
Vice President Public Relations
Michael’s first speech on attending Mt Sheridan Toastmasters Club earlier this year was such a success, that he was invited to present it again at the Northern District Conference in March. Michael works in Community Relations and is a great communicator, keen to inspire people about the benefits of Toastmasters. He’s a long-suffering NSW and Parramatta Eels football fan who can’t remember when his teams last won. He still believes that one year … it might happen!
Celia Berrell
Secretary
“When I moved to Cairns five years ago, I decided that joining a Club would be a great way to make new friends. Also, as I want to promote science education through poetry, I needed to get rid of that ‘fear factor’. Toastmasters has happily fulfilled both these expectations.”
Celia is on a mission to impart science knowledge through rhyming verse! Celia’s website contains examples of rhyming verse written to inspire and encourage children (and adults too) to explore scientific concepts within the artistic medium of poetry. Learn more about Celia and Science Rhymes at www.sciencerhymes.com.au.
Cheryl McLeod
Treasurer
I am a mum, sister, daughter, partner, taxi driver and more. I work in the office of a mechanic’s business 5 days a week.
I make jewellery and teach beading in my spare time. I joined Toastmasters to gain confidence speaking in front of people and to communicate effectively. I would also like to work on my leadership skills.
Micheline Fitzpatrick
Sergeant-At-Arms
Micheline runs Allsorts Costume Hire at 2 Palm Avenue Parramatta Park where she encourages her customers to discover their alter-egos within a labyrinth of colourful hats, masks, wigs, outfits and much more. She has been a regular member of the club since 2009.
Sam Marino
Sam was Vice President Education 2010-2011
“Like most people I had a fear of public speaking. Toastmasters has given me the tools and experience to think quickly on my feet and to be a more effective speaker.”
Sam is the Managing Director of Beacon Lighting Cairns. Beacon Lighting provides the latest in innovative architectural, building and environmental lighting for commercial and residential solutions and is a ‘Lighting Council Australia 2010′ Member.
See more of Beacon Lighting at http://www.beaconlighting.com.au/locations_cairns.php
John Lizzio
John was our Vice President Public Relations in 2009-2010.
“Before I joined Toastmasters, I used to spend my waking hours playing with my digital camera. Now I spend my time with some really cool people while polishing my skills in presenting a tremendous spiel. Perhaps even my speiling will improve!
I’m hoping to improve my impromptu speaking and leadership skills at Mt Sheridan Toastmasters.
I’m a keen hand at 500 and enjoy a good pillow fight.”
Antón Mac Suibhne
Anton held the role of Vice President Public Relations in 2010-2011.
“Although in my worklife, chairing meetings and leading discussion is not a problem, like many people, when it came to standing up and delivering a prepared presentation or speach, I struggled. After being recommended to visit a Toastmasters club, I went to Mt. Sheridan and immediately joined after the first meeting.Mt. Sheridan Toastmasters provides an avenue for people to develop their public speaking skills and overcome their fears in a supportive and friendly environment”.
Antón in a Technical Services manager with Cairns Regional Council. To learn more about Cairns Regional Council, the Cairns Region, it’s services or useful community information such as Cyclone Prepardness go to http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/
Craig Turner
“Hi! My name is Craig. I have been a member of Mt Sheriden Toastmasters since 2009. I was the Club’s Sergeant at Arms in 2009. This position entails making sure that the meeting runs smoothly and is on time. At the meetings I always enjoy myself and by the end of the night I’ve learnt something new. Some of the skills I’ve learnt are: how to research, speak on the spot, proper pronunciation and the art of debating. In short, I would recomend Toastmasters to all.”
Brenton Walker
Brenton was a member of the Ingham Toastmasters Club before moving to Cairns in 2010. He is a man on a mission and wants to empower people to make the most of their lives.
We need an audience to help us improve our speaking habits, so please come along as a guest to one of our meetings and watch us in action. We look forward to meeting you too.
