Winners of each section received cash prizes of $400, with $100 going to the runners-up. The winning schools received trophies that they will hold until next year’s competition. All competitors received Certificates of Participation. The prizes, trophies and certificates were presented by Ian Slater of McDonald, Slater and Lay Barristers and Solicitors, who generously sponsored the competition.
The winner in the Junior Section (Years 7–9) was Lia, representing St Leonard’s College. Lia’s theme ‘Fast Fashion’ and its human and environmental costs. Kylie from Shelford Girls Grammar School was the runner-up. The winner of the Senior Section (Years 10-12) was Nathan, representing Brighton Secondary College. Nathan’s subject was ‘We are at our most Vulnerable after Success.’ The runner-up was Richie, from St Leonard’s College.
As in the three heats, members of the Bayside branch of Toastmasters International adjudicated the final. The adjudicators, described Bayspeak as a ‘fabulous competition’ and praised all the speakers for the way they had entertained and informed the audience, as well as the confidence & presentation skills they had displayed.
Photos: Senior and Junior winners receive their prizes from Ian Slater
Julie Avery from RC Brighton was the MC.
Bayspeak 2023 was organised and run by Bayside Rotary Clubs: Brighton, Brighton North, Sandringham and Bentleigh Moorabbin Central.