Toastmasters at Torrens (Surry Hills)

Overview

Toastmasters at Torrens is a not-for-profit public speaking and leadership club affiliated with Toastmasters International, hosted at Torrens University Australia's Surry Hills Campus in Sydney. Founded by university staff to help students build essential soft skills, the club welcomes anyone from the wider community — not just Torrens students — in a warm, structured, and encouraging environment. Members develop communication confidence, leadership capabilities, and professional presence through a proven educational framework.

Best For

• University students seeking to strengthen soft skills and employability
• Working professionals looking to improve presentation and leadership abilities
• Anyone new to public speaking who wants a supportive, low-pressure entry point

Meeting Format

• Mode: Hybrid (in-person at Surry Hills Campus + online attendance available)
• Frequency: Weekly, every Wednesday
• Duration: 90 minutes (6:30 PM – 8:00 PM AEST)
• Group size: Not publicly specified; typical Toastmasters club sessions range from 10–25 participants

Typical Session Flow

1. Arrival / check-in — Members and guests arrive, sign in, and receive a meeting agenda; guests are welcomed without pressure to participate
2. Prepared speeches — Members deliver structured speeches aligned with the Pathways learning program, covering a range of communication and leadership competencies
3. Table Topics (impromptu speaking) — A facilitator poses spontaneous questions or prompts; participants respond on the spot to sharpen impromptu speaking skills
4. Evaluations and feedback — Trained evaluators provide constructive, encouraging feedback on each prepared speech; a general evaluator reviews the overall meeting
5. Networking / wrap-up — The meeting closes with announcements, awards, and informal networking among members and guests

Language And Speaking Level

• Languages used: English
• Recommended level: All levels welcome; no prior public speaking experience required
• Beginner friendly: Yes — guests may observe without participating, and the structured Pathways program allows members to progress entirely at their own pace

Membership And Costs

• Trial policy: Guests may attend meetings for free before committing to membership; no registration required for a first visit
• Membership fee: USD $60 per six-month period (billed twice yearly, in April and October), plus a one-time new member registration fee of USD $25; individual club dues may also apply — confirm current amounts with the club directly
• Extra costs: Optional Pathways learning materials are accessed digitally through Toastmasters International; no separate venue hire fee is charged to members

Venue And Accessibility

• Address context: Torrens University Australia Surry Hills Campus, located at 1–37 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010; the campus entrance is via 17 Foveaux Street. The exact meeting room within the campus is confirmed upon registration.
• Transit/parking: The campus is approximately a five-minute walk from Central Station. Bus stops are located at Central Station on Foveaux Street (Stand F, about 1 minute away) and on Elizabeth Street (Stand E, about 3 minutes away). Accessible street parking is available on Foveaux Street directly across from the campus (4P, 8 am–10 pm).
• Accessibility: A lift is available at the main campus entrance. The campus is a modern, purpose-built facility; specific wheelchair access details should be confirmed with the university directly.

Joining Steps

1. Express interest — Reach out to the club via its social media channels (Instagram or Facebook) or send an enquiry through the Toastmasters International club finder page to introduce yourself and confirm the next meeting date
2. Prepare nothing — No preparation is needed for a first visit; simply arrive at the Surry Hills Campus by 6:30 PM on a Wednesday (the specific room is provided upon contact)
3. Attend as a guest — Observe the full session, meet current members, and decide at your own pace whether to join; there is no obligation or pressure to speak on your first visit

Community Notes

• The club maintains a supportive, positive, and inclusive atmosphere that reflects the Toastmasters International ethos — mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, not failures
• Feedback is always constructive and delivered with encouragement; evaluators focus on strengths as well as areas for growth
• The club was founded specifically to help students develop real-world soft skills, so the culture tends to be practical, career-oriented, and welcoming to newcomers from diverse backgrounds
• Online attendance is permitted, making it accessible for those who cannot always attend in person
• Membership is open to all — there are no restrictions based on affiliation with Torrens University

Last Verified

• Date: 2026-05-24