Great debate at Mayoral Speech Contest

Poised and polished is a fitting way to describe the winners of this year's Mayoral Speech Contest.

Mikayla Shea and Molly Pitkin took out this year's top prize before guests at the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre on Sunday afternoon.

Debating the topic Add Water and It will Grow - Building our Region's Agriculture with Water Supply were seven year 11/12 students from Faith Lutheran College, Laidley State High School and Lockyer District High School.

Council's Mayor Tanya Milligan said the standard and depth of the debate was commendable.

It was not only a pleasure, but challenging to listen to the students debate such a hot topic.

The Lockyer Valley is well regarded as a first-class farming area and generates fresh and full-flavoured fruit and vegetables and gourmet goodies. This topic was no doubt very appropriate for our region.

Public speaking is such a vital skill, both for individual growth now and in the workforce later in life.

The enthusiasm and dedication shown by the contestants must be congratulated, as well as the community members who came along to show their support.

Year 11 winner Mikayla Shea will represent the Lockyer Valley in the Ipswich Mayoral Speech Contest on 29 May. Mikayla was also awarded the Steve Jones Memorial Trophy.

The contest winners were:

Year 11

1st place: Mikayla Shea

2nd place: Amelia Webster

Year 12

1st place: Molly Pitkin

2nd place: Megan Einam

3rd place: Tenaya Smith