Marawar Conference Highlights
The Toastmasters District 17 Annual Conference 2025 took place from May 16–18 at Curtin University in Perth and was an incredible success! This vibrant event brought together Toastmasters and guests for a weekend filled with learning, networking, and inspiration. Participants engaged in a variety of enriching activities that fostered personal and professional growth, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.
Relive these highlights…
The Toastmasters District 17 Annual Conference 2025 took place from May 16–18 at Curtin University in Perth and it was an incredible success! This vibrant event brought together Toastmasters and guests for a weekend filled with learning, networking, and inspiration. Participants engaged in a variety of enriching activities that fostered personal and professional growth, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.
Relive these highlights…
Friday Night
Marawar opened with a classy cocktail reception featuring delicious food, drinks and a string duet. Many thanks to Sam Craig and her friend for entertaining us.
Following the opening ceremony, we were treated to an inspiring keynote address by Cyril Junior Dim, World Champion of Public Speaking 2022.
Cyril invited us to bet on ourselves. He suggested that love is a transformative force in our careers. If we find a calling and chase what drives us, we will be rewarded with success and fulfillment.
Cyril went on to say that passion wields the power to turn obstacles into stepping stones.
You can listen to Cyril Junior Dim’s Keynote Address at the video section of this edition of Maali News.
The Humorous Speech contest followed, and it was a highlight of the conference. It was won by Kathryn Forrest, who entertained us all with her hilarious speech titled “Noted.” Kathryn’s comedic timing and relatable anecdotes had the audience in stitches, showcasing her remarkable talent for storytelling. Her ability to connect with the crowd and deliver punchlines that resonated with everyone made her performance truly unforgettable, leaving us all eagerly anticipating her next appearance on stage.
Treat yourself to Kathryn’s hilarious speech here:
Jessica Roberts delivered a standout performance as the runner-up in the Humorous Contest, captivating the audience with her wit and charm. Just two weeks later, she welcomed her son, baby Max, into the world, marking a significant and joyous moment in her life. Jessica’s ability to balance her Toastmasters journey with the joys of motherhood is truly inspirational, demonstrating her dedication to both her craft and her family. Her humorous anecdotes not only entertained her fellow Toastmasters but also foreshadowed the delightful new chapter she was about to embark on as a new parent. We celebrate both her achievements on stage and the joyous arrival of baby Max, wishing her all the best in her future endeavours.
You can relive Jess’s hilarious speech here:
Saturday
On Saturday of the conference, The Table Topics Contest was an exhilarating display of quick thinking and eloquent expression, culminating in a thrilling victory for David Sawyer from Touch of Gold Toastmasters. David captivated the audience with his insightful response to the prompt, “In the pursuit of progress and innovation, how important is it for individuals and organisations to take risks and accept potential setbacks?” His articulate exploration of the balance between risk-taking and resilience not only showcased his depth of understanding but also inspired fellow attendees to embrace challenges as essential stepping stones to success. David’s performance exemplified the essence of Toastmasters—encouraging members to think on their feet and articulate their ideas with confidence.
Following the Table Topics contest, Dr. Tanya Finnie led a workshop on cultural sensitivity that opened the floor for enlightening discussions and shared experiences among participants. Attendees learned valuable strategies for navigating diverse cultural contexts, enhancing their communication skills and fostering inclusivity in their interactions. Following this insightful session, Cyril Junior Dim presented a masterclass on unlocking stage presence, equipping members with techniques to captivate their audiences. His engaging approach and practical exercises inspired us to package our speech information into a story, helping the audience to feel like we are speaking to them directly. Together, these sessions enriched the conference experience, highlighting the importance of cultural awareness and effective public speaking.
The International Speech contest was won by David Sawyer with a compelling speech titled “Think, Then Share.” In his thought-provoking presentation, David highlighted the dangers of sharing information that we have not verified as true, urging the audience to consider the impact of their words in an age of misinformation. His eloquent delivery and powerful message resonated deeply with the crowd, prompting reflections on personal responsibility and the importance of critical thinking in communication. David’s victory not only showcased his exceptional speaking skills but also sparked important conversations about the role of effective communicators in shaping informed and responsible discourse within our communities.
Viola Dondo emphasized that communication transcends mere speaking; it is fundamentally about making a difference. During the conference, we explored the intersection of Rotary’s mission of service and Toastmasters’ commitment to personal growth through the art of impactful speech. Participants learned how effective communication can enhance our influence and bring communities together in the pursuit of global improvement. We uncovered practical techniques to engage our audiences and inspire meaningful action, reinforcing the idea that our words have the power to drive positive change.
Viola Dondo emphasised that communication transcends mere speaking; it is fundamentally about making a difference. During the conference, we explored the intersection of Rotary’s mission of service and Toastmasters’ commitment to personal growth through the art of impactful speech. Participants learned how effective communication can enhance our influence and bring communities together in the pursuit of global improvement. We uncovered practical techniques to engage our audiences and inspire meaningful action, reinforcing the idea that our words have the power to drive positive change.
Sunday
Phillippa Henderson is a seasoned business owner and entrepreneur with extensive experience across various industries. With 25 years of active participation in Toastmasters, she brings a rich knowledge base to her role as a Mental Health First Aid facilitator. In her workshop at the Marawar Conference, Phillippa highlighted the vital importance of nonverbal communication in engaging, energizing, and protecting individuals. She also shared her expertise on voice modulation, illustrating its significant impact on effective communication.
Transforming visionary ideas into reality involves more than just innovation; it demands effective persuasion and strategic communication. Martin Dougiamas, founder of Moodle and a 2024 Australian of the Year WA Finalist, shared valuable insights from his journey, illustrating how he successfully engaged stakeholders, navigated challenges, and brought his vision to fruition. He also discussed his perspective on the future of education and communication in an increasingly automated world driven by AI. Martin’s presentation provided attendees with the tools needed to champion innovation and inspire meaningful action.
The Speech Evaluation Contest at the Toastmasters District 17 Marawar Conference was a highlight of the event, showcasing the skill and insight of its participants. The contest was won by Ange Booker, who delivered an outstanding evaluation of a speech presented by Agata Dharma. Ange’s thoughtful feedback and constructive criticism not only highlighted Agata’s strengths but also provided valuable suggestions for improvement, demonstrating the power of effective communication and the supportive spirit of Toastmasters.
A lot of work goes into making an incredible conference like Marawar 2025. Thank you to everyone that helped bring this set of opportunities together for us.
In particular, we would like to thank the 2024/25 Trio – Jeff Zhang, Tom Bielski and Maree Pickens.
Kaya! Yanga! to Whadjuk Elder, Kevin Fitzgerald who warmly welcomed us to Country.
Thank you to our amazing Conference MCs, Tom Bielski and Lisa Akech and our Conference Co-chairs, Mina Cho and Dorothy Chanakira.
Many thanks to our contest chairs, Parvez Boghani, Dorothy Chanakira, Daniel Morriss and Maree Pickens.
And finally, to the amazing Keoni Upton and Diana Goh who did a remarkable job of interviewing speakers, competitors and guests.
Check out Keoni’s interview with Cyril Junior Dim here or in the podcast section of this edition of Maali News.
Check out more photos here…
Awesome Post, The conference was fabulous too
Thank you, Tom.
I agree that the Marawar Conference was awesome, featuring a wide range of expertise, home-grown and from around the world. Thank you to everyone who contributed.