Hawkesbury Division Governor

Debbie Tibbles is our current Division Governor who has been with Toastmasters since April 2002. Like all great toastmasters she is easy to approach and willing to assist in anyway she can. Debbie's role is to offer leadership and guidance to Area Governors and Club Officers as well as visiting individual clubs and contests. Her main goal is to help our clubs achieve the Distinguished Club Awards and help "Deliver the Promise". Debbie also represents us at District level putting forward our ideas and concerns to ensure we have a voice.
Please feel free to contact Debbie by email in the first instance or phone 9452 6054 or 0408 256 877

We asked Debbie to tell us a little about herself.

I remember my first meeting; I walked into the Dee Why RSL Toastmasters club thinking, "I wonder what this club is like, if they are a bunch of boring old people I'm outta here!" Fortunately (or unfortunately) it was a Pirate theme night, within 15 seconds I was dressed in a colourful scarf and an eye patch - boring, I don't think so. I can't remember my first table topic that night, what I do remember is it lasted the princely time of 19 seconds, and I am sure there was 17 seconds of ums, ahs, hmms and I think I'll sit down now included. And I still have a copy of my first Ice Breaker - "The Kiwi Kid" complete with highlighted sections so I didn't lose my place ☺

Eight years later I have filled every role on the executive either officially or unofficially, I've had the pleasure of being Club President 3 times, challenged myself to Area 8 Governor in 2008/2009 and finally pushed a little further to the role of Division Governor in 2009/2010. I am now a member of two clubs, although by the end of 2010 that could be 4 clubs if the two prospects I'm involved with gain momentum. I have given over 50 speeches and countless educationals on the way to Advanced Communicator Silver and Advanced Leader Bronze … and if I can finish that one elusive speech, I'll achieve Gold! [Go Debbie Go! - editor]

If I had to name two things I love about Toastmasters - it's the people and Speechcraft. One of the reason's I first came along to Toastmasters was to meet new people after moving from New Zealand, I have made some very special friends over the years, but have met hundreds of others at clubs, contests, conferences, training or other events, who have all made me feel very welcome and inspired me to keep striving for my goals. My other passion is Speechcraft; I get a real buzz watching the participants' blossom over the 6-8 weeks of a course, and really find their true strengths within. I love mentoring them, advising them and coaching them along their journey, and get a real sense of satisfaction in their achievements. Some may ask do I have a life outside Toastmasters - of course! I've been part of a northern beaches soccer club for the past 5 years, and indulge in a little "competitive" sport during both winter & summer. I have a long suffering partner who is happy for me to be involved in Toastmasters as long as he doesn't have to come too. And through the joys of step children, I am a proud grandmother of four. I've been bitten by the motorbike bug in recent times after my partner purchased a Honda Goldwing (think big, flashy, fast and luxurious - car without walls); however I have only managed to graduate to a shiny red scooter at this stage … maybe one day!

I'm privileged to be your Division Governor and believe that as a team we are achieving great things in 2009/2010. In true Toastmasters style, I welcome any suggestions or feedback from you about the Division, and hope that I will fulfil my goal to visit many Hawkesbury Clubs this year.