Junior students across Cobram-Barooga had plenty to say over the past few weeks with the final round of the Lions junior public speaking competition.

The two finals — held at Barooga Public School on Thursday, June 12, and the Senior Citizens Hall on Friday, June 20 — brought together students from Barooga Primary School, St Joseph’s Primary School, Cobram Primary School and Cobram Anglican Grammar School.

Judges and proud families marvelled at the quality and range of responses from the students, who ranged from Years 3 to 6.

After impressing judges, Sylvia Swann (Year 3/4) and Harper Paroissien (Year 5/6) were chosen to represent Barooga Lions Club at the zone finals in Yarrawonga in August.

Meanwhile, Liam Mustica (Year 3/4) and Marchello Mustica (Year 5/6) won judges’ hearts and minds at the Cobram final, with Jack Corrin and Harrison Wingfield runners-up.

Liam and Marchello will represent the Cobram Lions Club at the zone final in Yarrawonga.

The winner of the zone final in Yarrawonga will represent the region at the district final in Corowa later this year.

The topic for the Years 3/4 students was ‘creative invention’, with students responding to the question, ‘If you could invent something new, what would it be?’.

Meanwhile, Years 5/6 students responded to the prompt, ‘The impact of fast-moving technology on our lives and the environment is often overlooked, yet it can be far-reaching. Is technology moving too fast for humans to keep up?’.

Year 3/4 speakers were given three minutes to make their case; four minutes was given to Year 5/6 speakers.

If a winner is sick or otherwise indisposed to make the zone finals, a runner-up may take their place.

The aim of the public speaking program is to develop students’ abilities to articulate themselves confidently in public.

Students were judged on the content and delivery of their speech, made without the use of any props or lectern.

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Thursday, 1st January 2026

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