Lilydale Toastmasters welcome Cire recruits
Lilydale Toastmasters is the latest example of how Cire loves connecting with groups and organisations to help people be their best selves and contribute to building stronger communities.
In an unusual twist, our Toastmaster collaboration is achieving exciting outcomes for our own teams which will indeed benefit the wider community we endeavour to empower and support.
Lilydale Toastmasters recently offered memberships to Cire Services, thanks to a generous sponsor. There was great interest across Cire’s teams resulting in Maddie Lowrie, Director of Cire Early Learning (formerly Cire Children’s Services) Mount Evelyn and Naomi Taylor, Business Development Officer with Cire Training enthusiastically accepting the invitation.
The opportunity was made possible by Harriet Shing, Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Region, who provided the sponsorships to introduce new members to the Lilydale Toastmasters. As a former member of the group, Harriet fully appreciates the value of Toastmasters for participants. Harriet’s commitment to encouraging others to consider joining will contribute to the ongoing longevity of the organisation, and the broader contribution it makes to our community. Members often work with other groups to share their knowledge and experience. One example of this is a representative joining Cire’s Small Business Hub for a session in the coming weeks.
The introduction on its Facebook page describes Lilydale Toastmasters as
“A diverse group of people with the common aim of becoming better communicators and leaders”.
Working on the premise that people learn in moments of enjoyment, Lilydale Toastmasters has gained a reputation as vibrant and successful.
This has certainly been the experience of Maddie and Naomi. While their motives for joining are based on further developing communication and leadership skills, both have noted their increased confidence.
In reflecting on her experiences in joining Lilydale Toastmasters, Naomi says:
“Joining a new group, and stepping out of one’s comfort zone, can be challenging at the best of times, but then adding public speaking makes it so much more daunting. This has been a great experience though and, as Maddie agrees, the members have been extremely welcoming. Everyone has made an effort to help me feel comfortable and confident to join in, at whatever level I’m keen to do so.”
With the club celebrating its 40th year, members enjoy the long-standing friendships and network connections they have made. One sign of respect is the group’s “Patrick Owl” Award in honour of a highly regarded member.
Current president Joy Harte, comments:
“We are a friendly bunch keen to share our knowledge. We try to make our meetings educational, but enjoyable. Every time you attend a meeting we hope you leave feeling empowered and more in control of those nerves that can make public speaking a challenge.”
This sentiment is echoed by Naomi, who agrees “if you’re keen to gain confidence in public speaking then Lilydale Toastmasters is the place to do it”.
If you’d like to learn more, head to the group’s website.
