10 Years of Partnership – City of South Perth 2025 Speak with Confidence Awards

This year marks 10 years of valuable collaboration between the City of South Perth and Toastmasters District 17, a partnership that began in 2015 when Tom Bielski DTM (back then an Area Director, now District Director) started a brand-new club in the City, the Sunday Sundowners Toastmasters Club.

The Speak with Confidence Awards, held on 25 June, has grown into a much-loved annual competition that encourages young people to step up and share their ideas. This year, 19 Year 5 and 6 students from 10 primary schools took to the stage, speaking in front of teachers, classmates and proud families.

Toastmasters’ members have been at the heart of the event — serving as judges, facilitators, and MCs — bringing their warmth and expertise to create a supportive atmosphere for every speaker.

Mayor Greg Milner praised the event as a highlight on the City’s calendar and thanked the dedicated Toastmasters who make it special year after year.

A big thank you to this year’s volunteers — Tom Bielski, Mina Cho, Carole Bruce, Maria Rykova, Monica Malaga, Maree Pickens, Ian Pickens, Desmond Miranda, and Kala Govindarajoo — for their time and energy.

Together, the City of South Perth and Toastmasters District 17 are helping the next generation find their voice – and speak with confidence.