Wednesday, 10 September 2025

 Jess WILSON (Kew) (10:07): I rise to congratulate the winners of the Kew future leaders speech competition. We held the final of the Kew future leaders speech competition in this very place last week, and it was terrific to see so many young people come into the chamber and present their views and their solutions for a stronger community, a stronger state and a stronger country. Can I congratulate Harvey from Kew East Primary School for his incredibly witty speech about the importance of access to local amenity and activities for our young people in Kew. Harvey highlighted the fact that the Kew rec is a literal wreck, in his words, and the North East Link site is taking away local parklands and having an impact on our young people. Mihili, from Balwyn High, was the winner for the secondary school program, and she spoke so eloquently about the importance of young people being active citizens and participating in our democracy. Congratulations, Mihili, for your very, very thoughtful speech. Zane from Kew High was the runner-up in the secondary school competition for his very personal and impactful speech on racism and microaggressions and the need for us all as a community to call them out when we see them. And Jessica, the runner-up in the primary school competition, from St Anne’s Primary spoke about road safety and particularly the roundabout on Belford Road in Kew and local students having access to safety. Thank you to all the students for their incredible, passionate speeches and for giving their voice to these issues, and to Anne Feehan for her contribution on the judging panel.