Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The annual competition brought together nine Year 6 students from across the Burdekin. Photos supplied
A passionate speech calling for improved emergency services in the Burdekin has earned Isabella Colls first place at the R.O. & B.M. Colls Memorial Lecturette Competition, held recently at Home Hill State School Performing Arts Centre.
The annual competition brought together nine Year 6 students from across the Burdekin, who presented speeches on issues they considered important.
Topics ranged from kindness and the value of the arts to environmental concerns and voting rights for young Australians, showcasing the students' confidence, creativity and critical thinking.
Isabella's speech, ‘Every Minute Matters', highlighted the need for a 24-hour fire station in the Burdekin and surrounding communities, using research and a confident delivery to emphasise the importance of timely emergency responses.
Kalamia State School Principal Renee Cross praised Isabella’s achievement, particularly commending her “courage, conviction and willingness to advocate for her community.”
"She is a wonderful example of student voice and leadership in action,” Mrs Cross said.
She also thanked Home Hill State School for hosting the event and congratulated all nine participants on the quality of their speeches.
“The audience was blown away by the calibre of the speeches and congratulations to every student who participated in the competition, sharing their ideas and perspectives.”
Established in memory of R.O. and B.M. Colls, the event celebrates its 39th year in 2026.
The competition is one of the Burdekin's longest-running primary school public speaking events, having provided students with an opportunity to develop their communication skills and advocate for issues that matter to them for almost four decades.
Students spend hours researching, preparing and refining their speeches before presenting them to an audience of peers, families, educators and community members. The competition continues to encourage critical thinking, effective communication and engagement with issues affecting local communities.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Pty Ltd.
.jpg)
