AFTER nearly twenty years of service to the organisation, Ray Toia has stepped down from his role as President of the Busselton and Sugito Sister City Association.
Serving 13 years as president, Mr Toia began his time with the organisation by organising its successful student exchange in 1995.
After the exchange Mr Toia was invited to join the Sister City Association Group to be the force behind the student exchange program.
He took over the role of president in 1999.
A presentation was recently made at the Civic Centre to celebrate the achievements of Mr Toia in the role, particularly his work within the exchange program and in Sister City community events in schools, libraries and throughout Busselton.
“This was made possible through the hard work of BASSCA members and in particular Ray Toia, who is well known for his meticulous planning,” City of Busselton Mayor Ian Stubbs said,
“Ray’s been the backbone of the Busselton/Sugito Sister City Association for many years, and under his quiet guidance, the relationship has flourished.”
“Underpinning Ray’s dedication to the association has been his desire to break down cultural barriers,
“He is, foremost, a wonderful teacher, an expander of minds, a creator of new experiences.”
Mr Toia has now joined the ranks of Mike Ashbolt and Cheryl Fahey after being inducted as a life time member of BASSCA and remains on the committee.