We are incredibly proud of Year 11 student Olivia C, who has been named the Year 11 winner of the national My First Speech Competition, conducted by the Australian Parliament. This year saw a record-breaking 400+ entries from students across Years 10 to 12, with only three winners selected nationwide.

For her entry, Olivia wrote and recorded a powerful 90-second speech advocating for greater organ donor registration – a cause deeply meaningful to her and her family.

As part of her prize, Olivia and her mum were flown to Canberra where she presented her speech to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Members of Parliament.

During her time at Parliament House, Olivia experienced an extraordinary program: a morning tea with the Speaker, a behind-the-scenes tour, signing the official parliamentary visitor book, attending Question Time (where she received a special acknowledgement), and even an interview with ABC News.

Olivia also had the opportunity to meet Speaker Milton Dick, Minister Clare O’Neil, Federal Member for Isaacs Mark Dreyfus, and the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese – and even featured on the Prime Minister’s own social media channels!

We congratulate Olivia on this outstanding achievement and for using her voice to champion such an important cause.