Gala Awards Night 2025
The 2024-2025 D17 Toastmasters Gala Awards Night was held at the beautiful Ibis Hotel. Guests were greeted by the effervescent Maree Pickens before winding their way upstairs to a welcome clink of drinks.
At 6pm, guests were treated to a delicious buffet meal. It was a great time to meet and chat with fellow club members and members from other clubs.
As our Toastmaster for the evening, Jessica Gough truly shone in her role, masterfully keeping the energy high throughout the evening. With her infectious enthusiasm and engaging presence, she seamlessly guided us through the awards presentation, infusing each moment with excitement and anticipation. Her ability to connect with the audience and maintain an upbeat tempo ensured that the night was not just a recognition of accomplishments, but also a joyous celebration of our Toastmasters community.
Guests welcomed our award winning, President’s Distinguished, Immediate Past District Director, Jeff Zhang who gave a warm welcome address that contributed to the atmosphere and energy for the evening. Jeff introduced District 17 Dignitaries and awarded District Appreciation Certificates.
We welcomed Distinguished Toastmaster and past District Governor, Ross Wilkinson, our District Club coach coordinator. Ross shared updates on the district club coach program and recognised our successful club coaches.
2024/2025 club coaches – Stephen Ashworth, Ross Wilkinson DTM, Scott Wovodich, Sue Fallon DTM.
We welcomed Distinguished Toastmaster and Program Quality Director, Maree Pickens. With her warm presence and inspiring words, she took a moment to shine a spotlight on our fabulous new club sponsors and mentors. Her acknowledgment not only celebrated their invaluable contributions but also energised the room with excitement for the journey ahead.
2024/2025 club sponsors and mentors –
Electric Toasters - Ava Fakhar (S), Juliana Kelly (S), Murray Rogers (M), Jeff Zhang (M)
Kaya Toastmasters - Agata Dharma (S), Maree Pickens DTM (S), Diana Goh (M), Juliana Kelly(M)
Maree went on to recognise the clubs that hosted district events over the past year.
2024/2025 District Conference – Sunday Sundowners Club
2024/2025 District Trivia Night – Aspire Toastmasters
2024/2025 District Centennial Celebration – St George’s Toastmasters Club
Organisers and guests celebrated D17's remarkable milestone of welcoming our 1000th member, Oxana Shustikova.
District 17 1000 Strong Winner - Oxana Shustikova (Central Communicators)
We paused at this stage for a 15-minute break to top up our glasses and food plates and the chance to take a selfie at the Centenary Wall.
2024/2025 Division Recognition Trophies
When everyone was recharged, Jessica welcomed Ian Pickens DTM, Past District Director and serving once again as Central Division Director, presenting on behalf of Vijay Vjayaratnum 2024/2025 Central Division Director. These awards highlight the outstanding achievements and contributions of our dedicated club leaders throughout the year.
2024/2025 Central Division
Club of the Year – St George's Toastmasters Club)
President of the Year – Catherine Riordan (Applecross Toastmasters)
Toastmaster of the Year – Diana Goh (CPA Toastmasters)
Next, Desmond Miranda, our Club Growth Director, just back from attending District Leader Training and the International Convention in Philadelphia, announced the Northern Division winners.
2024/2025 Northern Division
Club of the Year – Speak Easy Ellenbrook Toastmasters Club
President of the Year – Joe Ripepi (Northern Lights Toastmasters Club)
Toastmaster of the Year – Jo Parker (Aspire Toastmasters Club)
Finally, Sam Craig, Southern Division Director 2024-25, presented the Southern Division winners.
2024/2025 Southern Division
Club of the Year – Harrisdale Piara Waters Toastmasters Club
President of the Year – Bonnie Wong (Willetton Toastmasters Club)
Toastmaster of the Year – Mariana Paliu (Victoria Park Toastmasters Club)
The evening progressed with the highly anticipated District Awards segment, celebrating the outstanding leadership of individuals in roles from Area Director and beyond. This was also the moment we awaited with bated breath—the announcement of the prestigious District 17 Toastmaster of the Year!
We welcomed back Immediate Past District Director Jeff Zhang who took the stage to present the trophies, alongside District Director Tom Bielski, who was ready to unveil the winners. The atmosphere was electric with excitement as we prepared to recognise the exceptional contributions of our fellow Toastmasters!
Organisers and guests cheered loudly when Outstanding Toastmaster of the year was announced. Congratulations to Robyn Richards DTM, D17 Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year for 2024/2025. The room erupted in applause and joy as she took centre stage to receive her well-deserved accolades. Robyn gave a heartfelt acceptance speech.
Congratulations to our exceptional leaders!
2024/2025 District Officer of the Year - Maree Pickens
2024/2025 Division Director of the Year - Desmond Miranda
2024/2025 Area Director of the Year - Erin Dowley
Their dedication and hard work truly made a difference.
The beating heart of Toastmasters are the members and their clubs. Together they work hard to achieve their goals and when the members goals are achieved so are the club’s goals to be Distinguished or better. District Director Tom Bielski DTM announced our Distinguished Clubs with certificates presented by Immediate Past District Director Jeff Zhang to club presidents or their representatives.
2024/2025 Distinguished Clubs – Banyandah Toastmasters, Blackwood Valley, Central Communicators, Jetty Toastmasters, Kaya Toastmasters, Stirling Club, Talkabout Club, Westend Toastmasters
2024/2025 Select Distinguished Clubs – Aspiring Leaders, City of Perth Toastmasters, Como Communicators, CPA Toastmasters, Fremantle Gourmet Toastmasters, Mount Hawthorn Toastmasters, Noranda Toastmasters, Northern Lights
2024/2025 President’s Distinguished Clubs - Applecross Toastmasters, Aspire Toastmasters, Butler Toastmasters, Canning Vale Toastmasters, Fremantle Gateway Toastmasters, Harrisdale Piara Waters, Mandjar Toastmasters, Murdoch Southsiders Toastmasters, Speak Easy Ellenbrook Toastmasters, St George’s Toastmasters, Sunday Sundowners, Toasting Human Energy, Touch of Gold Toastmasters, Young Guns, Victoria Park Toastmasters, Willetton Toastmasters, Zoom Masters.
2024/2025 Distinguished Areas – Bonnie Wong (C2), Phuong Rooke (N21), Gaye O’Loughlan (N24), Janice Schubert (S32), Morrie Goodz (S34)
2024/2025 Select Distinguished Areas – Stephen Walker (N22), Cassie Walraven (S31)
2024/2025 President’s Distinguished Area – Erin Dowley (C4)
2024/2025 Select Distinguished Division – Desmond Miranda (Northern), Sam Craig (Southern)
2024/2025 President’s Distinguished Division – Vijay Vijayaratnam DTM (Central)
The Triple Crown Education Award honours Toastmasters who have earned at least three education awards in the Toastmasters year. This accomplishment signifies their unwavering dedication to personal and professional growth. Gala Award Night guests congratulated 38 Toastmasters across District 17.
Congratulations to our Triple Crown Education Award winners - Angenita Van Tonder, Ben Wendel, Cherie Wallace, DTM, Christine Yoong, Desmond Miranda, Frank Crisafio, Gaye O'Loghlen, Heather Wright, Henry Yau, DTM, Jonathan Lee, Keoni Upton, Kevin Sansome, DTM, Leonor Ragan, DTM, Lionel Grant, Louise Esplan, Mairia Te Are, Manal Tough, Maree Pickens, DTM, Maria Rykova, Mariana Paliu, Matthew O'Neil, Mina Cho, DTM, Monica Malaga, DTM, Patricia D’Cruze, DTM, Robyn Lloyd, DTM, Rosa Cummins, Ross Wilkinson, DTM, Roxanne Coles, Scott Wovodich, Sheridan McCarthy, Simon Zaba, Stephen Ashworth, Steve Chatterton, Steve Phelan, Thomas Wilkinson, Tom Bielski, DTM, Peggy Leung, Wendell Pether.
Organisers and guests took a moment to honour our long-standing members and clubs, whose dedication and commitment have significantly enriched our Toastmasters community. These individuals and clubs have demonstrated unwavering loyalty and have played a vital role in fostering personal growth and leadership development over the years. Their contributions serve as an inspiration to all of us, reminding us of the power of perseverance and the lasting impact of our shared journey in Toastmasters. It was a heartfelt tribute to those whose steadfast presence has helped shape our organisation into what it is today.
We welcomed back Program Quality Director Maree Pickens to recognise our Long- Standing members and clubs for the Toastmasters centenary year.
Clubs Operating for 25-50 Years
1974 Banyandah; 1976 Sandgropers; 1976 Talkabout;1986 St George’s; 1986 City of Perth; 1991 Swan Toastmasters; 1991 Guildford Stars/Heritage Town; 1992 Northern Lights; 1992 Northbridge; 1994 Stirling; 1995 Murdoch Southsiders; 1998 Fremantle Gateway; 1999 Como Communicators; 1999 Durack; 1999 Mandjar.
The evening concluded with the introduction of the 2025/2026 team. Guests warmly welcomed our…
District Trio: Tom Bielski DTM – District Director; Maree Pickens DTM - Program Quality Director; Desmond Miranda – Club Growth Director.
Management Team: Angela Booker – Public Relations Manager; Michael Piotrowski, DTM -Parliamentarian; Robyn Richards DTM – Administration Manager; Kalavathy Govindarjoo – Finance Manager; Jeff Zhang – Immediate Past District Director
District Support Team: Leonor Ragan, DTM – Corporate Relations Director; Ross Wilkinson, DTM – Club Coach Coordinator; Juliana Kelly – Speechcraft Manager; Kevin Sansome, DTM – Gavel Club Coordinator; Diana Goh – Logistics Manager; Tom Bielski, DTM – Technology Manager; Jo Parker – Maali News Editor; Mark Richards DTM– Web Master; Cherie Wallace, DTM – District Contest Coordinator
Central Division Team: Ian Pickens, DTM - Central Division Director; (TBC) – C1; Usha Raman – C2; Guru Guptor– C3; Mariana Paliu – C4
Northern Division Team: Raymond Brestovac – Northern Division Director; Eloyise Brasic– N21; Jo Parker– N22; Marlese Fairgray– N23; Judith Allen – N24
Southern Division Team: Cassie Walraven - Southern Division Director; Somesh Ganesh– S31; Suthan Mayilvaganam– S32; (TBC) – S33; Morrie Goodz – S34
What a fabulous way to celebrate excellence at the Toastmasters District 17 Gala Awards Night at the Ibis Hotel. Thank you to the organisers who are to be congratulated on the spacious and friendly venue, delicious food and positive and efficient delivery of awards.
Please click on the links for further photos and to discover our many award winners.
Link to more photos.
