Although she studied drama at the University of New England, her enthusiasm for Speech and Drama was originally fired in the late 1970s by her experiences in teaching Creative Drama under the guidance of renowned drama practitioner and author Lindy McNair at Warners Bay High School.

Her experience at Warners Bay led to her appointment as Speech and Drama consultant for the Hunter region in 1980.

Toni introduced both the junior Creative Drama and HSC Drama courses to Taree High School when she was appointed a teacher there in the 1980s.

Both courses have continued to flourish since this time.

From 1976 to 2016, Toni was involved in student productions in many capacities from writing to producing, directing, costume design and stage managing.

For many years Toni has coached and adjudicated inter-school debates and public speaking competitions.

She is also an experienced HSC marker.

Having recently retired after 42 years of secondary teaching, Toni now has time to utilise her skills within the wider community and is looking forward to the enjoyable challenges of adjudicating the many talented Speech and Drama entrants in the Taree and District Eisteddfod.

Speech and Drama runs from May 29 to June 3.