Since 1991
Our story
Yaralla is a Wangal word meaning "camp" or "dwelling place" — a fitting name for a club that's been a welcoming home for nervous speakers for over three decades.
Acknowledgement of Country
Concord Yaralla Toastmasters Club acknowledges the Wangal clan, one of 29 tribes of the Eora nation and the traditional custodians of this land where we meet.
We pay respect to elders past and present and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities.
We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the land where we meet, and we warmly welcome to our meetings any guests or members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.
Club mission
To provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.
Where the name comes from
Yaralla was the name given to the point of land adjacent to Concord Hospital, originally known as Nichols Point after the recipient of one of the area's first land grants. Early resident Thomas Walker acquired the area and built a grand country mansion he called "Yaralla."
In 1941, construction began on the 113th Australian General Hospital on a 16-hectare site between the Thomas Walker Convalescent Home and the Dame Edith Walker Hospital — with 2,000 beds, one of the largest hospitals in the southern hemisphere. Between 1945 and 1947, the Repatriation Commission of the Federal Government took over its operation from the military. For some military personnel, this hospital was known simply as Yaralla too.
Our members' neighbourhood
Our members come from around the greater Rhodes and Canada Bay Council areas, including North Strathfield, Concord West, Strathfield, Liberty Grove, Sydney Olympic Park, Meadowbank, Putney, Rhodes, and Wentworth Point.