Banyandah Toastmasters

Overview

Banyandah Toastmasters is Western Australia's longest continuously running Toastmasters club, proudly training Perth public speakers since 1974. Based in the vibrant suburb of Maylands, the club offers a warm, fun, and supportive environment where members develop public speaking, communication, and leadership skills at their own pace. Whether you are a nervous beginner or a seasoned presenter, the club's inclusive culture and structured Toastmasters Pathways program make it a standout choice in Perth.

Best For

• Professionals seeking to improve workplace communication and presentation skills
• Introverts and beginners looking to build confidence in a low-pressure, encouraging setting
• Anyone wanting to develop leadership skills and take on structured club roles
• Perth locals and remote participants who prefer hybrid (in-person or online) attendance

Meeting Format

• Mode: Hybrid — in-person at the Dome Coffees building in Maylands, with simultaneous Zoom attendance available
• Frequency: Fortnightly — every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month
• Duration: Approximately 90 minutes (doors open 6:45 pm for a 7:00 pm start)
• Group size: Typically a small, close-knit group of local members; guests welcome at any meeting

Typical Session Flow

1. Arrival / check-in — Members and guests arrive from 6:45 pm; the Sergeant at Arms welcomes attendees and the Toastmaster of the Evening opens proceedings at 7:00 pm sharp
2. Warm-up & prepared speeches — A warm-up activity is followed by two to three prepared project speeches delivered by members working through the Toastmasters Pathways educational program
3. Table Topics (impromptu speaking) — Participants respond to spontaneous questions or prompts in short, unscripted speeches; evaluations of Table Topics are also conducted
4. Speech evaluations & reports — Each prepared speech receives a dedicated evaluation; the Grammarian, Timekeeper, and Harkmaster deliver their reports
5. General evaluation & close — A General Evaluator provides an overall assessment of the meeting; club business is addressed and the meeting closes, often followed by informal networking

Language And Speaking Level

• Languages used: English
• Recommended level: All levels welcome — from complete beginners to advanced speakers
• Beginner friendly: Yes — the first speech ("The Icebreaker") simply asks new members to speak about themselves, and there is no pressure to participate until guests feel comfortable

Membership And Costs

• Trial policy: Guests may attend one or two meetings completely free of charge, either in person or via Zoom, before deciding to join
• Membership fee: Toastmasters International dues are paid semi-annually (renewal periods beginning April 1 and October 1 each year); dues cover both the international organisation fee and club-level costs. Exact AUD amounts are not publicly listed — contact the club directly for current figures
• Extra costs: A one-time new member fee applies upon joining; no additional venue or materials fees are publicly specified

Venue And Accessibility

• Address context: The function room is located on the far right of the Dome Coffees building at 219–221 Railway Parade, corner of 8th Avenue, Maylands WA 6051. Entry is via the door around the corner on the far right of the building — not the main café entrance
• Transit/parking: The venue is situated directly opposite Maylands Train Station, making it highly accessible by public transport. Street parking is available in the surrounding area
• Accessibility: Not publicly specified — contact the club in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements

Joining Steps

1. Express interest — Reach out to the club via phone or email (details on the club's official website) to let them know you plan to attend; walk-ins are also welcome if prior contact is not possible
2. Attend as a guest — Come along to a meeting (in person or on Zoom) at 6:45 pm on any 2nd or 4th Monday; no preparation is required for your first visit
3. Observe and participate at your comfort level — Guests are under no obligation to speak; you can simply watch, or volunteer for Table Topics if you feel ready
4. Join as a member — If you decide to join, complete a membership agreement and pay the applicable dues (prorated based on your joining month); a one-time new member fee also applies

Community Notes

• The club has a notably positive, jovial, and welcoming atmosphere — described by long-term members as a place where laughter and fun go hand-in-hand with skill development
• Feedback is constructive and encouraging; every prepared speech receives a dedicated evaluator, and the General Evaluator reviews the meeting as a whole
• The club celebrated its 50th anniversary in August 2024, with notable alumni including Dr. Craig Challen (Australian of the Year 2019), who credits the club with preparing him for high-profile public speaking
• There are no membership restrictions — the club is open to all adults aged 18 and over, regardless of background or experience level
• Members are encouraged to take on a variety of meeting roles (Toastmaster of the Evening, Grammarian, Timekeeper, Harkmaster, etc.) to build both speaking and leadership skills

Last Verified

• Date: 2025-12-21