New South Wales
Rostrum Voice of Youth 2026 Competition
Rostrum’s Student Development Program for Secondary Students
At every stage of the competition, contestants are required to present a:
| Prepared speech | 6 minutes |
JUNIORS (aged 11 years or over as at 1 January 2026 and in years 7, 8 or 9) |
| Prepared speech | 8 minutes |
SENIORS (under 18 years as at 1 January 2026 and in years 10, 11 or 12) |
At the Semi-final and State Final, contestants are also required to present a
| Short notice speech | 3 minutes | JUNIORS and SENIORS, preparation time of 15 minutes |
Prepared speech topics for Zone and National Finals
Junior Section*6 minute prepared speech |
Senior Section**8 minute prepared speech |
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Aim for the stars |
The measure of success |
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Take the initiative now |
Where are our leaders? |
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Bridging the gap |
Improving our image |
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Peace at any cost |
A paperless society |
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If I could do it all again |
So little done, so much to do |
Dates, venues and times for the first round heats
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Tuesday 3 March 2026 Junior and Senior Heats |
The Illawarra Grammar School, Wollongong (Illawarra region) 5:00PM |
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Monday 9 March 2026 Junior and Senior Heats |
Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta 4:30PM; 6:00PM |
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Wednesday 11 March 2026 Junior and Senior Heats |
Pymble Ladies’ College, Pymble 4:30PM, 6:00PM |
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Monday 16 March 2026 Junior and Senior Heats |
St Patrick’s College, Campbelltown 5:00PM, 6:30PM* |
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Wednesday 18 March 2026 Junior and Senior Heats |
Montgrove College, Orchard Hills (Penrith region) 4:30PM, 6:00PM* |
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Monday 23 March 2026 Junior and Senior Heats |
Santa Sabina College, Strathfield 4:30PM, 6:00PM |
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Wednesday 25 March 2026 Junior and Senior Heats |
Ascham School, Edgecliff 4:30PM, 6:00PM |
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Thursday 26 March 2026 Junior and Senior Heats |
Bishop Tyrell Anglican College, Newcastle (Hunter region) 5:00PM |
*Whether these heats will be held will depend on demand.
Winners of the first round of the competition in March will progress to the Semi Finals in May and possibly the State Final on 13 June and the National Final on 25 July 2026 at the Independent Theatre North Sydney.
Closing date for registrations
Tuesday 24 February for the Illawarra region heat and Friday 27 February for all other heats.
Adjudication Links
Roles and responsibilities of adjudicators
Competitors must use their own original content. Reference to other texts, AI or direct quotation is allowed, but any speech must be substantially the work of the speaker. How that information is used and the original and creative approach to the topic is important. If plagiarism is suspected, a competitor may be automatically disqualified from the competition.
Enquiries
If you have any questions regarding NSW Rostrum Voice of Youth public speaking competition or have not received an information pack, please contact the organisers.
Support
NSW Rostrum thanks its sponsors:
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Official Home of the Sydney Roosters |
The Rotary Club of Northbridge Create Hope in the World |