Sensible Sentencing Founder Is Honoured But Surprised By Prestigious Award

On the 45th anniversary of Toastmasters in New Zealand a farmer from the Hawkes Bay has been awarded the Auckland Club's prestigious 'Communicator of the Year' title.

Founder of the Sensible Sentencing Trust, Garth McVicar will be presented with the award at a dinner this evening in Auckland celebrating the 45th Anniversary of Toastmasters and the Communicator Of The Year (Monday 23rd June 2008).

The Auckland Toastmasters Club chose Garth McVicar as this year's recipient because, "he epitomises successful communication to a wide audience through public speaking".

Auckland Toastmasters Comments:
Garth founded the Trust in 2001 to campaign for the victims of crime and to seek longer sentences for serious crimes. He draws large audiences to meetings around the country and is acknowledged by Government ministers for his influence on policy and legislation. He has controversially supported victims of crime who have fought back and themselves been charged with assault or homicide. The trust is run by volunteers from an office in Napier and is funded by supporters’ donations. He epitomises successful communication to a wide audience through public speaking.

Garth McVicar is very honoured and somewhat surprised to be named as this year's recipient, "I am a farmer from the Hawkes Bay and like most kiwis a reluctant public speaker but I guess I manage to get my point across because I really believe in it".

"I talk to audiences about trying to make our communities safer places for our children to grow up in and improving the outlook for victims of crime and because these issues are so important I forget about being nervous and just get on with it".

ENDS

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