Community & Business
13 November, 2025
Students speak out at Back Plains Speech Competition
There were some nerves, plenty of excitement, a range of good topics but mostly it was young primary age students displaying their skills at the always challenging task of public speaking.
The annual Back Plains Speech Competition is a great initiative that gives young students from local State Schools the chance to entertain and inform an audience on a topic of their choice.
The perpetual shield was again won by Clifton State School as grade four student Caleb Morris informed and entertained the audience on the value of physical exercise receiving first place from the judges.
In second place was Claire Cooper from Cambooya State School displaying poise and charm with her speech on the value of owning a dog.
Her closing remark, “dogs are not our whole life but they make our life whole” was indicative of her well prepared speech.
In third place was Alabama Munn from Greenmount State School, who also presented with poise and skill on her chosen topic.
Leo Handcock from Back Plains State School received Highly Commended award for an excellent speech.
The importance of events such as this was recognised by Toowoomba Region Mayor, Geoff McDonald and Local State Member and Speaker of the State Parliament, Pat Weir, both of whom took time out of their busy schedules to be judges on the day.
Well done to all students who participated in an event that builds confidence and skill in a task that many adults find challenging.
