| President Michael Ross (CC, CL)  Michael led the club to Presidents Distinguished status in 2007-2008, and
has volunteered again to be President this year."I have been in toastmasters for a number of years and filled many roles during that time, such as Vice President Education, President Vice Presdent Membership, and Sgt at Arms. Throughout that time Toastmasters has been instrumental in building my own self confidence and helping me to step out into the unknown and do things I wouldn't normally of done, such as speaking in front of a large audience. Toastmasters has also given me leadership skills through the differing roles within the club and through the assignments that we have at the club meetings. Overall I truly believe Toastmasters is a great place to meet new people from differing backgrounds and with different skill sets and from meeting these people alone I have grown and with the Toastmasters creed I have grown personally as well. I look forward to the challenges and achievements being the President for the 2009-2010 Toastmasters year." |
| Immediate Past President Steve Makins (CC)  Steve has been a club member and keen Toastmaster since 2007, and has achieved his Competent Communicator award. He joined to hone speaking skills he uses in senior management, as well as broaden impromptu conversational capability.“The structured programs combined with informal supportive coaching was a revelation after years of predictable company seminars. The diversity of age groups from students to retirees provides surprising listening at times! At Cumberland Forest we also enjoy tremendous cultural diversity that is typical of modern Australia. That creates very entertaining impromptu speaking sessions!” “I found myself drawn into the executive team at the club with motivated executives who revelled in assisting new members overcome shyness and awkwardness. It’s amazing watching members flourish, even experienced speakers, and like learning to ride a bicycle it’s a “forever” benefit. The leadership roles are an understated skill developed at Toastmasters, where I have had the honour of being both VP Education and President. The organisation from club level through to International regions reflects an unmatched volunteer commitment to better speaking. No wonder so many Toastmasters have been active for over 20 years as they develop themselves and contribute back to the community.” Steve is General Manager of Nilfisk-Advance Australia and New Zealand. |
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Vice President Education Darren Gilchrist (AC-S, CL)  Darren has been a Toastmaster since October 2002, and has completed his
Advanced Communicator Silver (AC-S) award. He is also a Competent Leader
(CL). He has previously been President, and taken other numerous CFTM executive
roles. In 2007-2008 he was priviledged to be Area 37 Governor."Toastmasters has definitely improved my public speaking skills; educated me on how to conduct meetings more effectively; and increased my leadership abilities. I'd encourage any prospective member to visit us for a meeting! Also for our existing members, I'd strongly recommend they make use of the wider Toastmaster organisation - by attending seminars, conferences, and contests!" |
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Vice President Membership (VPM) Marcel Raffoul (AC-S, CL)  Marcel is a long term Cumberland Forest Toastmaster and has lead the club
in a number of roles including President, Vice President Education and
Vice President Membership."I joined CFTM in 2003 as a shy person who's career was going nowhere and boy has that changed my life upside down I'm much more confident personally and professionally and being in Toastmasters tremendously helped my career… Having better communications skills is not an option is today's world; you'll always find it there on top of every job ad. In 2003, 3 years after arriving in Australia from a non-English speaking country, I finally realised what my handicap was in progressing my career and that was communication skills… At first I joined Toastmasters to learn better English but after 1 year I realised I was learning so much more: confidence, humour, thinking on my feet, giving constructive feedback and delivering effective speeches. But best of all is the camaraderie and the leadership opportunity Toastmasters presented me to manage and then lead the club to success. Working with members to help them improve their communication skills has been a pleasure and a vindication for me that the program works ! Today I look forward to attending a Toastmaster meeting because it's where I constantly challenge myself to improve; it's the best 2 hours a fortnight anyone can possibly invest on their way towards self-development and a life of fulfilment." Marcel has made 3 career moves since he joined Toastmasters and now works for Sun Microsystems as APAC Sales Operations Lead. |
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Vice President - Public Relations (VPPR) Percy Wang  Percy has been a member of Cumberland Forest Toastmasters for 2 years, and has been Webmaster, as well helping in other areas like Sergeant At Arms."I joined Toastmasters in 2007 after I waiting 5 years for all my children's activities (sporting, scouting, ...) to be almost over. I joined to help regain my self-confidence and get some much needed skills. Like a lot of people I intended to complete my Competent Communicator (CC) award, and then leave. Like others before me I found that Toastmasters offered so much more - THE CONTINUOUS PRACTICE OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR A BETTER LIFE. I enjoy the learning and growth I get from Toastmasters and enjoy seeing this happen for others. Being VPPR is enabling me to meet and support more Toastmasters and this continues to be a thrill." |
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Treasurer Sonja O'Brien  Sonja has been with CFTM for just over a Year, and has assisted in the
role of Sergent At Arms and is now taking up the role of Treasurer."I joined Toastmasters develop my public speaking and presentation skills, I know that this will help me in my personal and professional spheres, gaining the confidence required to speak to a room full of people. I certainly am an advocate for Toastmasters improving all facets of communication and leadership." |
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Secretary
Elizabeth-Anne Weaver  Elizabeth-Anne joined Cumberland Forest Toastmasters in May 2007. After doing such a wonderful job in 2008-2009 as Secretary, she has offered to do it again! "I was initially attracted to the Cumberland Forest Toastmasters because of its great location - a modern business building Set in a beautiful forest. My quest was to improve my confidence and effectiveness in public speaking and communicating with my voice generally. After coming as a guest a few times I soon saw that this friendly club would be the place to nurture my goals of self Improvement. Since joining CFTM in May 2007 my confidence has certainly grown and with the encouragment and support of members I have Learnt many new valuable skills. On a larger scale - positive effective communication certainly makes for a more peaceful World and being part of Toastmasters helps us to bring this about. Happy Communicating" assisted by Thanh Duong  Treasurer of CFTM in 2005-2006, Thanh has volunteered to help Elizabeth-Anne this year. "I joined CFTM in April 2005 since then I have improved a lot in public speaking, and gained more confidence with Toastmasters." |
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Sergeant at Arms Raymond Ko  Raymond has been a member of Cumberland Forest Toastmasters for just over
a year, and has taken the step up to Sergeant At Arms, a challenging and
enjoyable role."This is my first role in the Toatmaster executive community. I hope by becoming Sergeant at Arms will help me to gain more confidence in public speaking and hope one day to become a club president" assisted by Roger Yang  Roger has been in Toastmasters for approximately 1 year and has been assisting Darren Gilchrist, the 2008-2009 Sergeant At Arms extremely well!! He has offered to help Raymond Ko this year too! "Throughout my first year as a member of Toastmasters, it has been instrumental in building my own self confidence and helping me to step out into the unknown and do things I wouldn't normally have done, such as speaking in front of a large audience. Overall I truly believe Toastmasters is a great place to meet new people from differing backgrounds and with different skill sets. From meeting these people alone I have grown and with the Toastmasters creed I have grown personally as well. I look forward to the challenges and achievements for the 2009-2010 Toastmasters year!" |
| Webmaster Percy Wang See details of Percy above. In addition to Vice President Public Relations, he and Darren Gilchrist work together to keep the website up to date. |