A SUTHERLAND Shire-based club for public speaking that has had several other names has just notched up 50 years.
Southside Speakers, part of POWERtalk International, has marked its 50th anniversary with a lunch at Kareela Golf Club.
President Joan Hajek said membership instilled confidence and although, at present, the 11 members were women, there were men in the past.
"Some of the men join for a specific reason, to get a new job, and only stay for six to 12 months," she said.
Today, members range in age from their 40s upwards.
Vicki Lamb has notched up 25 years, making the club record for having the longest membership, followed by Dorothy Clarke, 93, who still sews and drives and who has been a member for 22 years.
Mrs Hajek will celebrate her 80th birthday at the POWERtalk convention in Hawaii in July.
Southside Speakers meet on the first and third Thursday of the month at Sutherland Library at 6.30pm.
Details: Joan Hajek, 9528 2484.
