The event is organised and run by the Apex Club, holding heats on June 17 and the finals on June 24. It will be held at the main function room at the Moama Bowling Club in the evenings, with a senior competition of Years 10 to 12 and a junior competition of Years 7 to 9.
St Joseph’s College, Echuca College, Moama Anglican Grammar and Echuca Christian College will compete in a heat during the first weekend before the finals are held on the second weekend. They will be debating a number of topics, from nuclear energy to regional government funding. Clint Flanigan will be emceeing the event.
Apex Club member Scott Turner said it was important to have competition between schools that was not sport-based.
“A large part of the Apex Club is public speaking, and it is an excellent skill to acquire,” he said.
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell, Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell and Murray River Council Mayor John Harvie will be judges in the first week.
State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh and Leading Senior Constable Shane Roberts, the youth specialist officer for Echuca police, will be judges for the second week.
As for advice for nervous students, Mr Turner said it was about the process of coming up with arguments and presenting them in a logical way, not about getting the answer right or wrong.
“Being prepared always helps settle the nerves,” he said.
The three winners from the junior and senior competitions will receive a book voucher, and the schools will receive a trophy to display.
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