I am a lawyer with MacDonnells Law, a Queensland Law firm based in Cairns.  I was born in Cairns, went to Cairns State High School and later obtained a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce from the Cairns Campus, James Cook University.  Clearly, a true local.

In 1998 when I was in grade 11 at Cairns High (15 years old), I was awarded the Richard Skinner Memorial Prize from the Cairns Toc H Branch and subsequently went on to the Youth Leadership Training Course in early 1999.  I attended again in 2000 as a Facilitator and have been involved with Toc H ever since.  At 25 years of age I now serve as the Patron of Toc H Cairns.

This year marks my 9th year of involvement with Toc H.  When I was in school, I was involved in many community organisations and assisted with a multitude of projects.  Through out my studies and now in my professional career I have learned the importance of a work life balance and have had to cut back on my volunteer and community work.  The only organisation I have remained with is Toc H.  The experiences I gained as a participant of the Youth Leadership Training Course have been invaluable to my growth as a person and in my career.   

From 15 years of age to 25 years of Age i have remained steadfast in my involvement with Toc H.  I now look forward to witnessing the growth, development and encouragement of new leaders with an emphasis on the attraction and the provision of support for the tireless work of people like Les Lovelock in Cairns, people who embody the ideals of what Toc H is all about.

Kind Regards,

Areanda Soemardi
Patron Toc H Cairns Branch.

 

It is fifteen years ago that the Toc H Branch was re-established in Cairns and in this time it has developed into one of the most active and effective Branches in Australia today.  Its focus on youth is commendable and this has drawn  strong support from the people of Cairns.  Many young people have attended the Toc H Australia Youth Leadership Courses which are held each year and they have all made significant contributions to Toc H in Cairns and to the wider community.  The confidence Training Program, which is run in Cairns by members of the Toc H Branch, is also well supported.

On behalf of all members of Toc H it is my pleasure to Congratulate Leslie Lovelock and his team on the great work they have done for Toc H in Cairns over the past fifteen years.  Well done! 

Ray Geise.
Australian Toc H Chairman

A Message from the former Mayor of Cairns, Kevin Byrne