CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS CLUB – 28th JULY 2026 – MEETING No: 1544

“FIND YOUR PATH”

Venue – The Concord 

Call to Order: Luz R.

President’s Opening and Guest Welcome – Brendan D.

 

Agenda Update: Mario G. 

Chairman One: Brendan D. 

Apologies: Kate C, Peter C, Dilani B, Grace L, Eyza K, Maria O, John H, Kelly Z, Roozy K.

Visitor Introductions: Sean Y, David M, Yair O, Karina V.

Reading of the Club: Maria M. 

Grammarian (WOD): Mario G. [Persevere]

Ice Breaker: “Explain why yu have selected the Pathway you have – or wish to choose and why?”. ALL

 

Prepared Speech Session:  

Toastmaster – Alex L.

Speaker One: Ashveer S. [DL1:2] Writing a Speech with Purpose – 

Title: “Nothing to Hide”.

Speaker Two: Lana S.. [EH 5:1] Final Level 5 – 

Title: “Money, Money, Money”.

 

 

Speech Evaluations:

Evaluation One: Mario G.

Evaluation Two: Brendan D.

 

BREAK: 

 

Call to Order – S@A – Luz R.

Chairman Two: Maria M. [FIRST]

Toast: Senthil J. – “Health is Wealth”

 

Table Topics:

Table Topics Master – Thilini J. [FIRST].

Evaluator Odd Speakers – Sri A.

Evaluator Even Speakers – Dilani B.

 

Book, Film, Food Review: Senthil J. – “New Tax Policy” 

 

Grammarian Report: Mario G.

Ums & Ahs Report: Maria M. [FIRST]

Big Ears: Luz R.

Timers Report: Roberto B. [FIRST]

Meeting Overview: Sri A.

 

Visitor Feedback: Sean Y, David M, Yair O, Karina V.

Planning Forward: Brendan D. 

President’s Closing Remarks: – Brendan D. 

NEXT MEETING
The Concord – Tuesday 4th August 2026

CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS CLUB – 14th JULY 2026 – MEETING No: 1543

 “KICK OFF”

Venue – The Concord 

Call to Order: Luz R.

President’s Opening and Guest Welcome – Brendan D.

 

Agenda Update: John H. 

Chairman One: Senthil J. 

Apologies: Kate C, Peter C, Dilani B, Grace L, Eyza K, Maria O, Allan O, Matthew S.

Visitor Introductions: Karina V, Maria M, Phil J.

Reading of the Club: Maria M. 

Grammarian (WOD): Brendan D [No Recorded]

Ice Breaker: “What do you want to achieve in Toastmasters as we kick off the first half of the year”. ALL

 

Prepared Speech Session:  

Toastmaster – Kelly Z.

Speaker One: Mario G. [PM1:2] Writing a Speech with Purpose – 

Title: “The most important picture you have probably never seen”.

Speaker Two: Guest [School Presentation] 

Title: “The Joy of Discovery”.

Speaker Three: John H [Educational]

Title: “The Speech Map”.

 

Speech Evaluations:

Evaluation One: Ashveer S. [FIRST]

Evaluation Two: All Members.

 

BREAK: 

 

Call to Order – S@A – Luz R.

Chairman Two: Thilini J. [FIRST]

Special Guest Appearance – The Dural Lifeboat Challenge – Mahatma Gandhi

 

Toast: Luz R. – [Not Recorded]

 

Table Topics:

Table Topics Master – Roberto B. [FIRST].

Evaluator Odd Speakers – Sri A.

Evaluator Even Speakers – Alex T.

 

Book, Film, Food Review: Alex L. – [Not Recorded] 

Book, Film, Food Review: Ashveer S. – [Not Recorded] 

 

Grammarian Report: Brendan D.

Ums & Ahs Report: Thilini J. 

Big Ears: Roozy K.

Timers Report: [Not Recorded]

Meeting Overview: Luz R.

Visitor Feedback: Karina V, Maria M, Phil J.

Planning Forward: John H. 

President’s Closing Remarks: – Brendan D. 

NEXT MEETING
The Concord – Tuesday 28th July 2026

CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS CLUB – 7th JULY 2026 – MEETING No: 1542

 “TALL STORY OR TRUE”

Venue – The Concord 

Call to Order: S@A – Luz R. 

President’s Opening and Guest Welcome – John H (VPE for President Brendan D).

 

Agenda Update: John H. 

Chairman One: Alex L.

Apologies: Kate C, Peter C, Senthil J, Ashveer S, Dilani B, Grace L, Eyza K, Alan O, Gowri S, Maria O, Matthew S, Lana S.

Visitor Introductions: Karina V, Maria M.

Reading of the Club: Not Recorded 

Grammarian (WOD): Nil.

Ice Breaker: “Share with us a tall story or true that you have heard about?”. ALL

 

Session One – Tall Tales & True:  John H.

2-3 Minutes to tell us a story true or false on any topic and we have to vote on whether it is true or false. Topics included:

Weird Sister, Cricket, UFO’s, Orcas, The Photo, K2, Lost Time, Torn ACL, Coincidences, Proposal, Food Poison

 

Speech Evaluations:

Evaluation One: Mario G.

Evaluation Two: Hayley Y.

 

BREAK: 

 

Call to Order – S@A – Luz R.

Chairman Two: Lana S.

Toast: Sri A. – “Winter – The season of Restoration”

 

Session Two – Tall Tales & True:  Luz R.

2-3 Minutes to tell us a story true or false on any topic and we have to vote on whether it is true or false. Topics included:

Broke into a House, Chook Poo, Met Messi, Arranged Marriage, Maonkey Brains, Oprah, Business Class Upgrade, Bondi Friend, Japanese Sword, Tram Horror.

 

Speech Evaluations:

Evaluation One: Roberto B.

Evaluation Two: Brendan D.

 

Book, Film, Food Review: Maria M. – “Eleven Minutes” [FIRST]

Book, Film, Food Review: Lana S. – “Bah BQ – Crow’s Nest” 

 

Grammarian Report: Nil.

Ums & Ah’s Report: Nil.

Big Ears: Sri A.

Timers Report: Luz R.

Meeting Overview: John H.

 

Visitor Feedback: Karina V, Maria M.

Planning Forward: John H. 

President’s Closing Remarks: – Brendan D. 

NEXT MEETING
The Concord – Tuesday 14th July 2026

CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS CLUB – 23d JUNE 2026 – MEETING No: 1541

 “IT’S A WRAP”

Venue – The Concord 

Call to Order: Luz R. (on Behalf of Dilani B)

President’s Opening and Guest Welcome – Mario G.

 

Agenda Update: John H. 

Chairman One: Brendan D. 

Apologies: Kate C, Peter C, Dilani B, Grace L, Eyza K, Sri A, Roberto B, Matthews S, Lana S.

Visitor Introductions: Omar S, Maria M. Stephen.

Reading of the Club: Ashveer S. 

Grammarian (WOD): Maria O.

Ice Breaker: “What do you think is the most important ‘takeaway’ from your experience in this Club to-date – and why?”. ALL

 

Prepared Speech Session:  

Toastmaster – Alex L.

Speaker One: Ashveer S. [DL1:1] Ice Breaker – “UFO’s”.

Speaker Two: John H. [EH 5:3] Final Level 5 –  “Wrapping Up Humour”.

 

Speech Evaluations:

Evaluation One: Alex T.

Evaluation Two: Kelly Z..

 

BREAK: 

 

Call to Order – S@A – Luz R. (on Behalf of Dilani B)

Chairman Two: Thilini J.

Toast: John H. – “Wrapping up the Year”

 

Table Topics Session Two

Table Topics Master – Kelly Z.

Evaluator Odd Speakers – Allen O. [FIRST]

Evaluator Even Speakers – John H.

 

Book, Film, Food Review: Thilini J. – “The 5 Second Rule” [FIRST]

Book, Film, Food Review: Roozy K . – “His & Hers" Netflix Drama 

 

Grammarian Report: Maria O.

Ums & Ahs Report: Luz R.

Big Ears: Luz R.

Timers Report: Alex L.

Meeting Overview: Alex T.

 

Visitor Feedback: Omar S, Maria M. Stephen.

Planning Forward: John H. 

President’s Final Closing Remarks: – Mario G. 

President Mario G in his final official duty

presenting a New Member Certificate to Allan O.

Outgoing President Mario G handing over to the 

incoming President for 2026-2027 Brendan D.

NEXT MEETING
The Concord – Tuesday 7^th July 2026

CLUB MEMBER INTERVIEWED FOR THE TOASTMASTER EXPERIENCE PODCAST

 THE 'TOASTMASTER EXPERIENCE' PODCAST

Long time club member John Hughson was recently interviewed by Podcaster Evelyn L. Calaunan following his recent success at the District 70 Annual Conference where John achieved Runner up in the District Humorous Contest on the Friday evening before winning the District Table Topics Contest on the Saturday.

Everlyn speaks to John about a number of aspects of his Toastmaster journey.

Listen here or look up – From Boardroom Setback to District 70 Table Topics Champion l John Hughson – wherever you find your Podcasts.

Or click this link. 

https://open.spotify.com/show/2Bk71MkshgwulFfVY0Pb7A?si=f0bac4f11aef452d&nd=1&dlsi=1bcfae00d35240af

Evelyn L. Calaunan

Podcast Host

The Toastmaster’s Experience

CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS CLUB – 9th JUNE 2026 – MEETING No: 1540

 “AI”

Venue – The Concord 

Call to Order: Luz R. (on Behalf of Dilani B)

President’s Opening and Guest Welcome – Mario G.

 

Agenda Update: John H. 

Chairman One: Alex L.

Apologies: Kate C, Peter C, Alex T, Matthews S, Lana S, Dilani B, Allan O, Eyza K, Gowri S.

Visitor Introductions: Steven H, Lily T. 

Reading of the Club: Roberto B. 

Grammarian (WOD): Nil

Ice Breaker: “What might be the future of AI in our daily lives and or work lives”. ALL

 

Prepared Speech Session:  

Toastmaster – Kelly Z.

Speaker One: Luz R. [DL1:5] Vocal Variety and Body Language
“The Secret”.

Speaker Two: Mario G. [DL4:2] Manage Projects Successfully
“Managing Projects Successfully”.

Speaker Three: John H. [EH5:3] Keynote address
“Defining Humour”.

 

Speech Evaluations:

Evaluation One: Brendan D.

Evaluation Two: Sri A.

Evaluation Three: Kelly Z

 

BREAK: 

 

Call to Order – S@A – Luz R. (on Behalf of Dilani B)

Chairman Two: Senthil J.

Toast: Ashveer S. – “Embracing Change”. [FIRST]

 

Table Topics Session Two

Table Topics Master – Brendan D.

Evaluator Odd Speakers – Sri A.

Evaluator Even Speakers – John H.

 

Book, Film, Food Review: Ashveer S. “Crime & Punishment” [FIRST]

Book, Film, Food Review: Maria O. “The Book of Joy” [FIRST]

 

Grammarian Report: Nil.

Ums & Ahs Report: Roozy K.

Big Ears: Roberto B. [FIRST]

Timers Report: Thilini J. [FIRST] 

Meeting Overview: Alex L.

 

BUSINESS SESSION – CLUB ELECTIONS

President – Brendan D.

Vice President Education – John H.

Vice President Membership – Maria O.

Vice President Public Relations – Sri A.

Secretary – Luz R.

Treasurer – Mario G.

Seargeant @ Arms – Luz R.

 

Visitor Feedback: Steven H, Lily T. 

Planning Forward: John H. 

President’s Closing Remarks: – Mario G. 

NEXT MEETING
The Concord – Tuesday 23rd June 2026

CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS CLUB – 2nd JUNE 2026 – MEETING No: 1539

 “EXTEMPORANEOUS”

 

Venue – Zoom 

Call to Order: Dilani B.

President’s Opening and Guest Welcome – Mario G.

 

Agenda Update: John H. 

Chairman One: Luz R.

Apologies: Kate C, Peter C, Alex T, Matthews S, Lana S, Maria O, Roozy K, Rumi M, Brendan D, Allen O, Gowri S.

Visitor Introductions: Nil.

Reading of the Club: Ashveer S. 

Grammarian (WOD): Nil

Ice Breaker: “Recall a time when you were extremely stressed or anxious about an impending situation”.ALL

 

Table Topics Session One:  

Toastmaster – Eyza K.

Evaluation 1: Sri A.

Evaluation 2: Dilani B.

 

BREAK: 

 

Call to Order – S@A – Dilani B.

Chairman Two: Alex L.

Toast: Eyza K. – “The Good Old Days”.

 

Table Topics Session Two

Table Topics Master – John H.

Evaluator Odd Speakers – Ashveer S. [FIRST]

Evaluator Even Speakers – Hayley Y.

 

Book, Film, Food & SoapBox: Hayley Y. “SWOP”

 

Grammarian Report: Nil.

Ums & Ahs Report: Luz R.

Big Ears: Luz R.

Timers Report: Mario G.

Meeting Overview: Mario G.

Planned Business Session for Club Elections deferred due to a lack of a Quorum 

Visitor Feedback: Nil.

Planning Forward: John H. 

President’s Closing Remarks: – Mario G. 

NEXT MEETING
The Concord – Tuesday 9th June 2026

Club Elections – Business Session

CONCORD WEST TOASTMASTERS CLUB – 26th MAY 2026 – MEETING No: 1538

 “TIME MANAGEMENT”

 

Venue – The Concord 

Call to Order: Dilani B.

President’s Opening and Guest Welcome – Mario G.

 

Agenda Update: John H. 

Chairman One: Maria O. [FIRST] 

Apologies: Kate C, Peter C, Senthil J, Alex T, Matthews S, Lana S, Alan O.

Visitor Introductions: Nil.

Reading of the Club: Ashveer S. 

Grammarian (WOD): Ashveer S – “RESOLVE” [FIRST]

Ice Breaker: “Recall a deadline you were involved in and the amount of pressure you had to deal with”. ALL

 

Prepared Speech Session:  

Toastmaster – Dilani B.

Prepared Speech 1: Roberto B. [PW 1:1] [Ice Breaker]
TITLE: “Under the Hood” – 

Prepared Speech 2: John H. [EH 5:2] [Leading a Volunteer Organisation]
TITLE: “Three Golden Rules”

 

Evaluation 1: John H.

Evaluation 2: Kelly Z.

 

BREAK: 

 

Call to Order – S@A – Dilani B.

Chairman Two: Alex L.

Toast: Mario G. – (The Art of Time Management)

 

Table Topics Session

Table Topics Master – Roberto B. [FIRST]

Evaluator Odd Speakers – Luz R.

Evaluator Even Speakers – Dilani B.

 

Book, Film, Food & SoapBox: [Nil]

 

Grammarian Report: Ashveer S. [FIRST]

Ums & Ahs Report: Luz R.

Big Ears: Thilini J.

Timers Report: Dilani B.

Meeting Overview: Sri A.

Planned Business Session for Club Elections deferred due to a lack of a Quorum 

Visitor Feedback: Nil.

Planning Forward: John H. 

President’s Closing Remarks: – Mario G. 

NEXT MEETING
The Concord – Tuesday 2nd June 2026

Zoom Meeting Online