This is a national competition that sees speakers from schools around Australia present their ideas on a topic of their choosing. As a senior representative, Daniel delivered an eight-minute speech (no easy feat) and was in a pool with Year 11 and 12 students. Congratulations to Daniel for presenting a considered response to the treatment of women with which he won his round!

“…sexual violence should make you uncomfortable! And it should be difficult to find the right words because gender inequality has been passed on through the generations – this makes it difficult. But criticising, shaming, and victim-blaming, only reflects the ignorance and cowardice of the critics. Be uncomfortable but also be outraged. Acknowledge that it’s difficult, but search for those right words anyway, tackle the problem, ask the questions.” – Daniel Herd

Lachlan also presented an outstanding speech on success despite adversity, and while he did not place in his round, he received high praise from the adjudicators. Congratulations to both of these young men for their hard work and commitment, their intelligence and insight is inspiring.

Good luck, Daniel for the regional finals to be held in Term 2.