Corowa Lions District Junior Public Speaking stars shine bright - Year 3/4 winner Hypatia Fidge (Wangaratta) Year 5/6 runner-up Maya Holland (Wangaratta), Year 5/6 winner Alana Ford (Corowa) and runner-up Olivia Clifton (Corowa) after a fantastic competition showcasing young voices and big ideas.
There was a real buzz at the Corowa Lions Club last Sunday afternoon as proud parents, teachers, and Lions members gathered to cheer on some of the region’s most promising young speakers.
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Laughter, applause, and a few nervous deep breaths filled the room as primary school students, stepped up to the microphone and shared their ideas with confidence.
This annual program, now in its second stage for 2025, has been running in Corowa for over 10 years and is part of a nationwide initiative encouraging primary school students to share their ideas and build vital life skills.
The first local round was held on July 27, with Sunday’s event bringing together winners from across the district. The next stop for successful speakers will be the Regional Final at the end of August, also hosted in Corowa, before the State showdown later in the year.
Seven students representing Corowa, Kiewa Tangambalanga, Wangaratta, and Benalla took to the stage, speaking passionately on this year’s topics: ‘Technology Moving Too Fast’ and ‘My Technical Invention’.
These themes encouraged the children to think deeply about modern life, innovation and the future, while showcasing their research, storytelling and delivery skills.
In the Year 3/4 division, Hypatia Fidge (Year 4, Wangaratta) claimed first place, with Olivia Clifton (Year 4, Corowa) taking the runner-up spot.
Other finalists included Bryce Jamison (Year 4, Kiewa Tangambalanga) who was absent on the day and Leo Barker (Year 4, Benalla).
The Year 5/6 category was won by Alana Ford (Year 6, Corowa), with Maya Holland (Year 5, Wangaratta) runner-up.
Beau Heffernan (Year 5, Kiewa Tangambalanga) and Hannah Paul (Year 5, Benalla) also impressed with their confident performances.
The judging panel, experienced educators Carmel Grigg, Briony Willett, and Anna Brewster, praised the students’ preparation, knowledge and ability to engage the audience.
They offered constructive tips for the future, such as maintaining strong eye contact to connect with listeners.
Lions Corowa president Lorraine Wheeldon commended all participants.
“Every student today has taken a big step and done it well,” Ms Wheeldon said.
“We in the Lions Club are proud to continue our active sponsorship of this important program; public speaking is a skill that will serve these young people throughout their lives.”
Competitors in the Corowa Lions District Junior Public Speaking event. Maya Holland, Olivia Clifton, Alana Ford, Hypatia Fidge, Beau Heffernan, Leo Barker and Hannah Paul.
The event was smoothly run by Chris Johnson as emcee, whose ongoing work with schools helps ensure the program’s success.
Behind the scenes, Lions members Kay and Stuart were acknowledged for their tireless efforts in organising the competition, while the famous Lions ladies’ afternoon tea kept everyone well fed and in good spirits.
The Lions Junior Public Speaking competition has been running in the 201V6 District since 2007, after starting as an idea from the Barham-Koondrook Lions Club.
What began with just a handful of clubs has grown to involve communities across Australia, becoming a Multiple District project in 2016.
Teachers have embraced the program, often weaving it into classroom learning as it encourages writing, research, creativity and confidence.
With the regional final just weeks away, the Corowa community will again have the chance to cheer on its young voices.
For the students involved, the benefits of this experience, from improved confidence to better communication skills, will last far beyond the competition stage.
