Mt Sheridan is regularly and steadily increasing its membership base. Most recently, we are excited to welcome Sam and Linda Marino, Julianne Rose Simon-Abbott, Leisel Pisani and Zoe Wicks on board. We very much look forward to sharing their journey of development!

Last night we were treated to witnessing one of our youngest members, Mark Turner stepping up his speech delivery with a markedly more confident, controlled and bold delivery as he delighted us with his highly entertaining story about UFO’s – unco-ordinated flying organisms! Great job Mark!!

We were also intrigued with Julieanne’s icebreaker speech in which she elucidated her multiple interesting career changes using highly effective props/visual aides.

Mt Sheridan has recently introduced a new item to their agenda to encourage those who do not regularly speak up in meetings to find their voice. Last night the audience were encouraged to choose and speak about an item they had on their person that was indicative of meeting one of their human needs (as outlined by W Glasser – survival, freedom, fun, love and belonging and power or competence). Our 3 guests last night all spoke up and shared something of significance about themselves with us.

Congratulations to our two contestants to represent our club at the Area Conference: Kaj Haffenden and Rod Sheather.

Minutes  of the meeting 18 September 2009.

Tonight Nicky Jurd and Kaj Haffenden were formally acknowledged by their Area Governor, Anne McKinnon and Mt Sheridan members for their exemplary contribution to the Mt Sheridan Club and Toastmasters generally. In presenting the awards, Anne emphasized that being a winner isn’t only about winning competitions, nor  is it only about scoring impressive statistics. Winning and achievement are as much about the process of striving as they are about reaching  the destination. It’s about intention, effort, energy, drive, willingness to push through, persevere and give your best.

Anne elaborated “I want to acknowledge outstanding achievement, and it is not for any one particular thing! It’s not for being outstanding presenters, altho’ both of these people are. It’s not for having outstanding ideas, vision and creativity altho’ these two have that in bucket loads as well. It’s for being outstanding members of this Club and of Toastmasters generally.

Anne credited that the Clubs’ renaissance has largely been due to their incredible contributions which included

     Stoic attendance

    Willingness to volunteer their services far beyond the every day duties of being a member

    Unbridled enthusiasm and dedication to anything ‘Toasties’

    Building the best website of any Toastmaster’s Club

    Being terrific team players and offering to help, train and mentor others

    Opening not only their hearts minds but their kitchen to fellow ‘Toasties’

    Educating us all about how coffee is better than tea, that espresso machines are always a wise investment and that chocolate is ‘bestest’ of everything and

    Their best contribution of all – lots of loud laughing, snorting and chortling whenever the whim takes their fancy!!

Members erupted in applause for the much appreciated pair!

At 2.15pm on Saturday 29th August 2009, Mayor Val Schier officially opened the new Speaker’s Corner at City Place in Cairns.  The first speaker was Celia Berrell, winner of the inaugrual “I Love Cairns” speech competition’s open category, with her speech titled The Best Of Both Worlds.

“It was a great honour to be the first person to deliver a speech from our new Speaker’s Corner” says Celia.  ”The audience was really supportive, making it an exhilerating experience.”