Master of Ceremonies, Melbourne Legatee Ian Harrison opened proceedings and welcomed the participating eleven students from Ararat, Marian and Beaufort colleges.

Organisers said all in attendance were treated to something special with all contestants speaking with passion and conviction on their chosen topics.

Judges Robyn Clelland, Lee Albert and David Tyler were hard pressed to select a winner at the conclusion of both the prepared speeches and impromptu round.

However, in making a decision chief judge, Robyn Clelland announced joint winners in Jameela Day from Marian College and Jaelyn Brand from Beaufort Secondary College with James Mullin from Ararat College runner-up.

Jameela Day presented on ‘Discrimination against aboriginals and Torres Straight islanders’ with Jaelene Brand presenting ‘Foster care needs to be fixed’.

Runner-up James Mullin spoke on ‘Students with special needs’.

Both Jameela and Jaelyn will now represent Ararat Legacy at the Preliminary Final to be held in Bendigo on September 12.

If the students are successful in Bendigo then they will have the opportunity to go onto the Victorian final on late October.

Ararat Legacy president Rosemary Perry presented awards to the winners and runner–ups together with certificates to all participating students.

“We are continually amazed by the confidence and capability of our youth and we are privileged to be able to host the annual public speaking awards that foster their development,” Ms Perry said.

“We congratulate all the students involved and also acknowledge our secondary colleges for continuing to support this activity.”