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North Shore Bear Pit Public Speaking Competition

Published on: September 2019

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-107305

North Shore Bear Pit Public Speaking Competition

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (18:57:11):Public speaking is a powerful and invaluable tool especially for young people. Last week I was proud to host the second annual North Shore Bear Pit Public Speaking competition in this place. Fostering the development of public speaking and listening skills, this competition gives students from year 3 to year 6 in my electorate the opportunity to grow and showcase their abilities as confident, articulate public speakers. I am particularly passionate about this competition as, during my university years, I was always an eager debater.I would have loved the opportunity to speak in Parliament as a young student.

After progressing through three competitive rounds within their schools, the finalists joined me in Parliament for the last stage of the competition. Even though there was some crossover with the speaking topics, there was an enormous diversity of views and approaches shared—a diversity not uncommon to this place. An especially popular and amusing subject was "my secret life as a spy"' which the kids dove into with much enthusiasm.Other topics included important life lessons such as the ethicality of zoos, the definition of Australian identity and the choice between doing what is right or doing what is popular. I think my colleagues wouldagree that even for an adult those topics can be hard to tackle. The students of my electorate addressed these challenging issues head-on with impressive and insightful arguments, well beyond the expectations of their age.

Being a good public speaker is about more than just writing; it requires confidence and delivery. I am proud to say that the students of North Shore had no trouble there, as many of the kids seemingly leapt into character the moment they stood up to speak.I thank our three judges who kindly volunteered their time and experience to review the speeches. Chris Davitt is a public speaking coach and past president of Mosman Toastmasters' experience, which enabled him to share his wisdom and feedback with the participants. As the editor of the Mosman Daily and North Shore Times, Tim McIntyre brought a journalistic flair and an editorial eye to his judging. Helen Minnican, the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, brought the inspiring awe of Parliament into the competition, which made it a truly special experience.

I am sure we all agree that it is no easy task for a child to stand up and address this Chamber. I certainly know the immense sense of awe and privilege that comes with speaking in this place. My own career has been built on the opportunity to be a voice for our community and I initiated this competition to ensure that the next generation will feel empowered to have their voices heard. I was so impressed with the courage and confidence with which all of the students spoke in this year's North Shore Bear Bit Public Speaking Competition.

I will acknowledge the students who were finalists from year 3 and year 4. From stage two, I acknowledge Eloise Pagent, Banjo Lieutenant, Allegra Shipley, Soraya Christian-Hare, Zale Mills, Julian Horry-Thew, Sienna Placanica, Charlie Wilson and Finn Duffy who competed. From stage three, I acknowledge: Madeline Hilmer, Jacob Callaway, Sam Hutchison, Scarlett Owenes, Phoebe Sampson, Arabella Keating, Marissa Glezos, and Phillippe-Michel Anquetil. I was delighted to watch as they wittilyengaged with the audience and I commend the students who got involved at all levels of the competition throughout their schools. Congratulations to Finn Duffy from St Aloysius Junior School,the winner of stage three, who wowed judges with a theatrical and engaging speech on his secret life as a spy. Runner-up and last year's winner Soraya Christian-Hare of Mosman Public School also gave another memorable speech this year.

I repeat, I am proud to hold the North Shore Bear Pit Public Speaking Competition as I am committed to encouraging and inspiring the future leaders of our communities.I congratulate also Mosman Preparatory School stage three winner Jacob Calloway who spoke thoughtfully on Australian identity, cleverly using some of our iconic Australian colloquialisms to engage with the audience. I am sure it was a tough choice for our judges.Second place went to St Aloysius Junior School student Phillipe-Michel Anquetil who drew on the historic figures of Charles Darwin and Fred Hollows to make a persuasive case in defining Australian identity.

I am so proud of these students—their confidence, their eloquence and their preparedness to tackle the tough issues. Their passion is a testament to the educative success of their teachers, their parents and their schools. I sincerely thank the staff at Queenwood School for Girls, Mosman Preparatory School, St Mary's Primary School, Middle Harbour Public School, Neutral Bay Public School, Blessed Sacrament Primary School, Beauty Point Public School and St Aloysius College for participating in the competition and for running the heats within their schools in preparation for the final. When people have a voice they can change the world; I know these young leaders are going to change the world for the better. Congratulations to all those who participated in the competition. I look forward to seeing these young minds back in this place hopefully as articulate leaders of the future.