Georgia Shakeshaft put forward a convincing argument on gender equality to win the NSW final of the Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award on October 20. 

Georgia’s topic for her five minute prepared speech was ‘pants’, and she spoke on how a dress is an inhibitor of freedom when it comes to having fun, from early days in the schoolyard.

Georgia argued that more females in Australia have completed their education and gone on to achieve degrees, and questioned why there had only been one female Prime Minister and why only three per cent of females were CEOs. 

She also highlighted the gender pay gap, explaining that women only received 68 cents for every dollar a man earned. 

With strong insights for a girl still in high school, Georgia said in the 21^st century gender equality was the responsibility of every person. 

After her prepared speech, Georgia made a three minute impromptu speech on the topic ‘under the weather’. 

She spoke about how depression, particularly in young people, was a serious issue and that when people are ‘under the weather’ it should be taken seriously.

The NSW finals were held at the Art Gallery of NSW and Governor of New South Wales, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC, DSC (Ret’d), and Mrs Linda Hurley were guests.

His Excellency presented Georgia with her award.

To reach the state finals, Georgia competed at school, district and regional levels before competing in the semi-finals at NSW Parliament House in September where she was chosen in the final eight of 24 competitors.

She will fly to Launceston, Tasmania, next month for the national finals on November 13, accompanied by NSW runner up, Hazel Sung of MLC School.

The Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award was established in 1995 with the aim of encouraging students to develop their public speaking skills.

It is run in conjunction with the NSW Department of Education’s Arts Unit and sees more than 400 students aged 12 to 14 speaking in the competition.