Club History by Margaret Gordon-Addison

Glen Waverley Toastmasters Club Inc. was initiated by members of the Whitehorse Toastmasters Club in about 1976.

Bill Wegener, a member of the founding team, remained a member of Glen Waverley for the next 25 years.

The meetings began in Glen Waverley, but soon a more desirable meeting room was found above the Mount Waverley Library.   After several years the club was offered the card & craft room in the Mount Waverley Community Centre and there we have met for the last 30 years.

The Glen Waverley club was formed at about the same time that the new Equal Opportunity laws required that Toastmasters, a male only organisation, admit women as members.   Although female membership remained small for a few years, there was a steady increase and in recent years has remained about equal.

Another noticeable change over the years has been in the age of members.   In contrast to the early days when membership age was mostly 40+ business people, our age range now is from 20 year old students to 60+++ retirees.

As Australia has become multi-cultural, so has our membership.   This has added a wealth of interest and enjoyment to our meetings,as we learn much from each other.

Much credit must be given to the high standards set by the clubs' early members, both in Toastmaster achievements and in friendship and encouragement.  As each new member has progressed through the club, these standards have been absorbed and continued.  I believe this makes our club a very worthwhile organisation.

Margaret Gordon-Addison
Distinguished Toastmaster
Joined March,1980

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