Tamsin Watson of Newhaven Primary School took out first prize at the 2024 Primary School Public Speaking Competition. Photo courtesy of South Gippsland Sentinel Times.
Sophia Harding of Newhaven College was awarded second Prize, with Chair of judges Don Paproth Sophie Hogan and Alex Charlton, Nicky Chung from Wonthaggi Rotary and Amanda Mc Mahon and Sarah Bourke from CUC Bass Coast. Photo courtesy of South Gippsland Sentinel Times.
The 2024 Rotary Public Speaking Finalists: Poppy Richardson (Kongwak PS), Mila Wylie (St Joseph's PS), Sophia Harding (Newhaven College), Taylah MacMillian (Bass Valley PS), Tamsin Watson (Newhaven PS), Josie Richer (Inverloch PS), Hailey Dunn (Cowes PS), Leila Andrews (Wonthaggi PS), Amia Titimanu (Wonthaggi North PS), and Gemma Van Den Broek (San Remo PS).
For the second year Country Universities Centre Bass Coast partnered with the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi to deliver the Annual Primary School Public Speaking Competition for 2024.
Congratulations to Tamsin Watson from Newhaven Primary School, taking out the top prize.
The event showcased the calibre of talented Grade 6 students from across the Bass Coast as they shared their thoughts, hopes and dreams for the future. All finalists were chosen from their respective schools and inspired the audience with their maturity and ability to speak confidently and clearly about issues they were passionate about.
As a not-for-profit dedicated learning community, Country Universities Centre Bass Coast works closely with schools, tertiary partners and other educational organisations to increase access and opportunity for rural and regional students in Higher Education.
Additional funding through the Federal Governments Regional Partnership's Program Pool, has meant that CUC Bass Coast has been able to extend their reach in the community and roll out widening participation programs to nurture aspirations for current primary and secondary school students in the region.
CUC Centre Manager, Sarah Bourke said, "Tonight's event leaves you feeling that our future is in very safe hands; it is about nurturing the aspirations of our amazing young people, because we know that the earlier we are having conversations about our hopes and dreams for the future the better".
Wonthaggi Rotary Club Immediate Past President Nicky Chung commended the partnership saying that the development of resources and targeted sessions across local primary schools by CUC has helped to build students' confidence and support teaching staff to help build confidence in public speaking.
"The Rotary Club of Wonthaggi is thrilled to collaborate with the Country University Centre (CUC) in Wonthaggi. Their involvement has significantly enhanced our public speaking competition by mentoring over 700 primary school students and providing opportunities for CUC student ambassadors to mentor and serve on the judging panel."
Results of 2024 Competition: 1st prize: Tamsin Watson, Newhaven Primary School, 2nd Prize: Sophie Hardy, Newhaven College and 3rd Prize: Leila Andrews, Wonthaggi PS.
CUC Bass Coast is a community led model which aims to increase access and opportunities to higher education pathways for regional students, and in doing so, building the capacity of our local community and workforce.
The centre is open for access to registered students seven days a week, providing high speed technology, academic mentoring and educational support. The study space allows students to network with others to create a community learning environment and reduce isolation while studying remotely.
For more information, please give the team a call on 0472 741 451 or visit www.cucbasscoast.edu.au
