Public Speaking Competition

WYNSPEAK 2022 - VUSC Public Speaking Competition in partnership with Rotary and Apex is now OPEN!

The Wyndham Youth Public Speaking Competition (or Wynspeak) was created in 2003 as a joint Youth project between the Rotary and Apex clubs of Hoppers Crossing to provide a vehicle to assist young people from the Western region of Melbourne in growing their self-confidence through the development of effective public speaking skills, which are so necessary in a changing world where presentation skills become more important in senior college, tertiary education and in the workplace. 

The program involves students being presented on stage to provide five-minute speeches on the topics of their choice and to also present a two-minute speech on mystery topics drawn out of a hat with minimal preparation time.  In 2003 a successful pilot program between two local colleges, Thomas Carr Regional Catholic College and Westbourne Grammar was held following meetings with both schools which both immediately supported the concept. 

Since then the program has proven to be very popular with students and colleges and has expanded to one where over forty Western Region colleges participate annually, providing both junior and senior Secondary school aged students a great opportunity. 

In 2021, we only had one student from VUSC participate - Arsemma Tigistu, who is in Year 9 this year - here is an image of her giving her speech:

In 2022, there are eight preliminary rounds at venues in Wyndham , Hobsons Bay and Caroline Springs with the Final Round at Thomas Carr Catholic Regional College Performing Arts Centre on June 1st. 

VUSC will be allocated a round for Term 2; details and dates soon to be announced. 

So far, we have 2 Year 11 students, 1 Year 10 student and 1 Year 7 student who have expressed an interest in participating. The names of students will be published once students have prepared speeches to confirm their participation.

We can certainly have more students participate, so if any students are interested, please email Ms Athena Vass on athena.vass@education.vic.gov.au as soon as possible. Parents are also welcome to contact Ms Vass should they have any questions.

Athena Vass

Literacy Leader & Learning Specialist