September 27, 2007

The Constitution Education Fund Australia (CEFA) in partnership with Legacy and the NSW Department of Education is pleased to congratulate the top 8 public speaking finalists who progressed from the Junior Legacy Public Speaking State Semi-Final competition held at NSW Parliament House on Friday 14 September 2007. They are Joseph Ware of Baker College, Alexandra Cowan of Macarthur Anglican, James Monaghan of Sydney Grammar, Ajeet Hansra of The King’s School, Micaela Bassford of Kirawee High, Zachary Parker of St Aloysius College, Charlie Witherdin-Costigan of Inverell High and Benjamin Adler from Newington College.

The 12 to 14 year old finalists, who also won the regional finals earlier in the year, were invited to compete at the state level for a tougher and more challenging contest. Participants were required to present both prepared and impromptu speeches before a packed theatrette of teachers, parents, students and community leaders including CEFA’s trustees, Former Premier; The Hon Barrie Unsworth and the renowned Australian author Mr Thomas Keneally AO. CEFA supporter and State Opposition Leader The Hon Barry O’Farrell was Parliamentary host for the day.

Mrs Kerry Jones, Executive Director of CEFA, has praised the robust intellect of the young students who confidently participated in the competition. She said “CEFA is proud to have supported a competition that allows young people to voice their opinion about citizenship topics like ‘UnAustralian’, ‘Old Fashioned Values’ and ‘Your Vote Counts’.

CEFA trustee Mr Thomas Keneally was also impressed by the quality and intellectual rigor of the speakers.  He added “It was wonderful to have young Australians show such eloquence and such a firm basis for their future citizenship. One has to feel gratitude for the teachers who have helped unleash such eloquence”

The CEFA trustees had the pleasure of awarding $250.00 to each of the 30 contestants. The 8 finalists will compete at the State Final to be held at the NSW Art Gallery on 26^th October 2007.

Please click here for a photo of the winning students and our trustee, Mr Thomas Keneally.   

For further information, please contact Mrs Kerry Jones on
(02) 9251 8511