Hosted by the Business Liaison Association (BLA) in partnership with local schools and community stakeholders in Cairns, North Queensland.
The Business Liaison Association extends its sincere appreciation to the MCC Bloodline Trust for their valued sponsorship of the Mario Calanna Speaking Competition Award.
Through their support, we continue to strengthen pathways between education, training, and employment — empowering the next generation of agricultural professionals across Far North Queensland.
The Business Liaison Association, in partnership with St Stephen’s Catholic College, is committed to strengthening students’ capacity in critical 21st century skills — communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and confidence — that are essential for future success.
This initiative provides students with meaningful opportunities to engage directly with industry representatives across a diverse range of sectors, fostering awareness of career pathways and real-world expectations. Through authentic engagement with professionals, students gain valuable insight into education, training, and employment opportunities across the Far North Queensland region.
Importantly, the program provides students from regional schools with the opportunity to articulate their ideas and perspectives, refine their public speaking capabilities, and connect with inspirational leaders and industry professionals.
The award is open to all students from Year 7 to Year 12 across the Far North Queensland region, supporting early career exploration and the development of future-ready skills and confidence.
Two school delegates from each category are invited to attend the event and deliver a prepared speech on one of the approved topics.
Public speaking adjudicators and local community representatives will be in attendance, and all participating schools will receive a copy of the official marking guide used by the judging panel.
Schools are required to ensure strict adherence to the designated age categories and allocated time limits.
Please note that individual feedback from adjudicators will not be provided following the competition. All judges are volunteers, and the competition is conducted in accordance with the established standards and practices of Rostrum Voice of Youth and Lions Youth of the Year.
All judging decisions are final.
Senior School (Years 11 and 12 students) – 6 minutes
Middle School (Years 9 and 10 students) – 5 minutes
Junior School (Years 7 and 8 students) – 4 minutes
First Place $200.00
Runner Up $150.00
Encouragement Award $100.00
Closing Date: Friday 19th June, 2026
1. Mario Calanna North Queensland Speaking Competition.pdf
For more details, please contact the coordinator shown below:
Coordinator: Laura Gilbert
Email: lgilbert1@cns.catholic.edu.au
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