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North Shore Bear Pit Public Speaking Competition

Published on: September 2024

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-145304

North Shore Bear Pit Public Speaking Competition

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (13:10:21):

Public speaking is no easy feat. The courage it takes to stand before an audience, present ideas with conviction, and do it in a way that captivates and connects listeners is remarkable—especially when the speaker is a primary school student. Each year in this place I welcome local primary school students from across my community to participate in the North Shore Bear Pit Public Speaking Competition, where they are able to put their oratory skills to the test in the oldest Parliament in Australia. After they compete in class and year rounds at their local schools, two finalists from each school—one from stage two and one from stage three—are selected to speak in this Chamber. It is nerve‑racking for most, but it is clear that all are excited and well‑prepared.

A striking aspect of this year's competition was the diversity of topics presented. The students did not shy away from complex issues: They embraced them with open minds and bold visions. Some of the topics from stage two and three included "My secret life as a spy", "Will computers or AI replace teachers in the future?" and, one of my personal favourites, "If I were Premier, I would …". Students filled in that blank with profound ideas. While the subjects discussed were often serious, it was the humour and charisma of our speakers that really brought the competition to life.

As many in this place know, public speaking can be daunting, but these incredible students navigated it with such ease, often using humour to connect with the audience, whether through a witty remark about their teachers or family—in particular, their siblings—or a lighthearted comment about their challenges at school. Mr Speaker witnessed this. He joined us and welcomed the students to this place. If I might be so bold, there are more than a few members of this place—probably myself included—who could take some pointers from these students for their next speeches. Congratulations to the winner and runner‑up from stage two, Archie from Mosman Preparatory School, and Isabella from Mosman Public School; and to the stage three winner and runner‑up, Portia from Marist Catholic College North Shore, and Mitchell from Mosman Preparatory School.

I congratulate all of the speakers: Archie and Mitchell from Mosman Preparatory School, Eddie and Kabir from Neutral Bay Public School, Clara and Amelia from Queenwood, Isabella and Ellie from Mosman Public School, Lucas and Portia from Marist Catholic College North Shore, Amelie and Mila from Middle Harbour Public School, Edith and Annabella from Loreto Kirribilli, Vivienne and Lola from Beauty Point Public School, Edward and Josiah from Shore School, Aloysius and Miles from St Aloysius College, and Audrey and Verity from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School.

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I acknowledge our judges, who graciously gave up their time to undertake the tough job of choosing our winners and runners‑up. I cannot be involved in deciding who wins this competition, because it is too difficult. I thank Anna Gordon, the publisher of magazine, and our very own Emma Wood from the House and Procedure Unit. I know that Emma loves judging the competition but finds it very hard to pick a winner. I do not wish to speak for her, but I think Emma would acknowledge that the students' speeches are often better than what we usually hear in this place.

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Unfortunately our third judge, Anna Usher, the editor of , was unable to join us due to a family emergency. She was dearly missed. I thank Anna for her support of this competition over many years. I extend special thanks to the Parliament and to its front‑desk staff, in particular, Peter Tuziak, who engaged the students in a wonderful mock debate about whether the school week should be reduced to four days, with a three‑day weekend—much to the shock of the parents who were in the Chamber. Being a parent of a school‑aged daughter, I was a bit flabbergasted about what I would do if she was home an extra day each week. I also acknowledge my electorate office staff, Lisa, Chris and Meg, who go above and beyond to ensure that this event runs smoothly. They co‑ordinate with the schools and the Parliament many months in advance.

In closing, I congratulate all our finalists and participants in the school competitions. Regardless of whether they made it into the bearpit to speak, they have all achieved something incredible. Just putting themselves forward and speaking their ideas is incredibly inspiring and motivating. They have inspired all of us with their ideas, entertained us with their humour and touched us with their sincerity. It is so important for young people, no matter what age, to know that their voices count and to speak out about the things that they care about. Whether it is something that they think is small or big, it is beholden on all of us to listen to those voices and encourage every opportunity for young people to speak out at every chance. I love hearing their insights, I love hearing their passion, and I have hope for the future of this country and this world when I hear them. I also thank the teachers, parents and families who have supported these young students along their journey. Their guidance and encouragement have undoubtedly played a crucial role in the success of the students. I am looking forward to seeing what the next batch of local students deliver will next year in the bearpit. The future is very bright.

The SPEAKER:

I acknowledge the event referenced by the member for North Shore. I had the opportunity to drop in and see the participation of some of those young students. It was inspirational, and as has been acknowledged. I congratulate everybody involved, including the member for North Shore and our parliamentary staff, on running that event and thank them for their great job.