URGENT UPDATE: Local students are gearing up for two exciting competitions that could land them a trip to Canberra to visit the Parliament House. The Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee and the My First Speech competition are set to engage students nationwide, with deadlines rapidly approaching.
The Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee targets students in years 3-8 and features a national online contest where participants will face off with 30 random words from their reading level. Each student has just 25 seconds to spell each word, promoting vocabulary expansion and a love for reading. All competitors will receive a Participation Certificate, while national winners will secure a return flight to Canberra, an overnight stay, and the chance to meet the Prime Minister. Additional prizes are also available for national runners-up, finalists, and state finalists.
In a parallel opportunity, students in years 10-12 are invited to participate in the My First Speech competition. This national challenge encourages them to envision themselves as newly elected Members of the House of Representatives. Participants must write a 90-second speech on a topic of their choice, with the winning students from each year group receiving a flight to Canberra to deliver their speeches live at Parliament House, along with a comprehensive program to enhance their understanding of legislative processes.
Member of Parliament Julian Hill emphasizes the significance of these competitions in engaging youth with democratic processes. “This is a chance for students in our community to share the ideas and issues that matter to them, as our nation’s future leaders,” he stated. Hill added, “For MPs – the first speech is a moment you never forget. It’s the moment to tell your story, share the issues that matter to you and your community.”
The submission deadline for the My First Speech competition is set for 11:59 PM AEST on September 15, 2025. Meanwhile, registrations for the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee will close on 5:00 PM AEST on August 22, 2025. Students eager to participate can find more details and submit entries at the respective competition websites: mfs.houseofrepresentatives.gov.au for the speech contest and www.spelling-bee.com.au for the spelling bee.
With time running out, students are encouraged to seize these unique opportunities to make their voices heard and experience the heart of Australia’s democracy. Don’t miss your chance to compete!
