District Executive Committee Meeting and Club Officer Training – December 2025
District Executive Committee Meeting
On December 6, 2025, Toastmasters from across District 17 convened for a dynamic day of learning, networking and celebration. We kicked off the day with our District Executive Committee Meeting (DECM). Members engaged in meaningful discussions and strategic planning for the district’s future.
We started the meeting with an in-depth review of the District Budget. This ensures that resources are effectively allocated to support our clubs and members. Following this, we evaluated the District Success Plan, highlighting key initiatives and goals for the upcoming term.
Tom Bielski (District Director), Maree Pickens, DTM (Club Growth Director) and Desmond Miranda (Program Quality Director) each presented comprehensive reports, sharing insights and achievements from their respective areas. Additionally, all Division and Area Directors provided updates, fostering collaboration and unity within the district.
Mark your calendars for the next DECM, scheduled for Saturday, April 31st. Together, we continue to strengthen our district and empower our members on their Toastmasters journey!
Club Officer Training – Part 1
The first part of our Club Officer Training was a resounding success! Guest speakers Bob Hooey (Canada) and Maggie Hakou (Western Australia) inspired attendees with valuable insights. Bob Hooey emphasised the importance of making every meeting a demonstration of excellence. With this approach, visitors are encouraged to see the value in joining. Maggie Hakou discussed “The Hidden Job Market,” highlighting how Toastmasters can enhance members’ confidence during job applications and interviews. Additionally, Program Quality Director, Maree Pickens, provided a practical demonstration on effectively using Basecamp Manager.
Club Officer Training Part 2
District Director, Tom Bielski, emphasised the symbiotic relationship between strong clubs and strong members. He discussed the district goals and Key Performance Indicators in Club Growth, Membership Growth and levels of clubs.
Club Growth Director, Desmond Miranda, told us about recently charted clubs and clubs close to chartering. He introduced a new advanced Toastmasters Club ‘Presentation Masters’ which will concentrate on longer speeches.
Interested Toastmasters should contact Desmond Miranda.
desmond.miranda@toastmastersd17.org
Program Quality Director, Maree Pickens, led us through the Pathways updates. She suggested Toastmasters help struggling clubs by visiting to give extra speeches or do extra roles and progress more quickly through Pathways.
Club Officer Training Part 3- From Robyn Richards
Club Officer Training is always a wonderful opportunity for Club Officers to connect with equivalent officers from other clubs. Why is this important? If you have a concern, problem or apprehension about anything in your club, someone else may share your concerns. When you’re at Club Officer Training, you can learn from the collective group how to deal with these matters. This could be either from their experience or by the think tank at training. Similarly, if everything is working for you and your club, your shared experiences can help others who may be struggling. This is especially relevant for new Club Officers.
This year I had the honour of presenting to the Vice Presidents Membership breakout group. I have held this role many times over the years. This was the first time I had presented in this group since I was Club Growth Director in 2012. So, it was wonderful to see that some of these officers knew so much more these days than back then. Likewise, some were having the same tribulations as the VPsM were having in 2012. We probably will never solve every glitch in every club. Many strategies were discussed to help build, retain and guide the membership of the clubs represented.
We asked each attendee what they were particularly interested in learning or solving today. We discussed and shared expectations of all aspects of the role and worked through three scenarios that may affect phases of this role. Then finally, we asked each attendee if they had learned what they wanted to know when they came in. Everyone had learned how other clubs run, or had a different perspective or two to take back to their club.
My final thoughts were similar to every time I attend Club Officer Training. It is absolutely worth every moment there. Every time I attend, I learn something new or a different point of view to go away with and contemplate. If you haven’t attended COT yet or even if you are not a club officer, the learning is brilliant and the camaraderie is phenomenal. Go at your first opportunity in 2026.
D17 Christmas Party
The Toastmasters District 17 Christmas party at Milky Lane in Curtin buzzed with joy as it celebrated the culmination of a day packed with inspiring meetings and enriching training! Laughter and cheer erupted as members gathered to reflect on the achievements of 2025 and toast to new beginnings. With delicious food, vibrant decorations and engaging conversations, the atmosphere was happy and warm. Everyone left energised and excited for the journey ahead. We feel ready to tackle the new year with enthusiasm and a renewed commitment to personal growth!
