Rotary WA Four Way Test Speaking Contest Finals 2024

Rui Fernandes with the winner, Welisarage Fernando
 

On 5th September, Perth Rotary hosted this event at ANZAC House in the city. Organised by Perth Rotary and the Four Way Test Speaking Contest District Committee 2024, the event was a huge success. The 85 attendees enjoyed the evening and the venue, filling the room with a lot of fellowship and warmth on that cold night. 
 
As well as the five student finalists, attendees included Ms Meredith Hammat, MLA from Mirrabooka and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education; District Governor Pat Schraven, Immediate Past District Governor Ineke Oliver, other Past District Governors, principals and teachers at the participating schools, parents and friends, and Rotarians from over twelve Rotary clubs!
 
President Manu Gupta welcomed the guests, before handing over to Perth Rotary Youth Director Rui Fernandes, who was the MC for the evening.
 
The five finalists competed for the top spot with their well-rehearsed and eloquent speeches focussed on current topics with the Rotary Four Way test values embedded in their speeches:
  • Catherine Gabriel
    Topic: “The Failing of Schools in Teaching Life Skills”
    St. Norbert College
    Rotary Club of Ascot
     
  • Tamara Shumba
    Topic: “A Brighter Future”
    Hampton Senior High School
    Rotary Club of West Perth
     
  • Thomas Wellstead
    Topic: “The Importance of Education”
    Nagle Catholic College
    Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton
     
  • Ubah Bashir
    Topic: “Why Your Oral Health is More Important Than You Think”
    Dianella Secondary College
    Rotary Club of Matilda Bay
  • Welisarage Fernando
    Topic: “The Memory Garden”
    Perth Modern
    Rotary Club of Subiaco
 
Before presenting the results and prizes, Guest of honour Ms Meredith Hammat spoke to the students, encouraging them to continue to speak up for their ideals about which they’d spoken to eloquently.
The results:
  • Thomas Wellstead from Nagle Catholic College was declared Runner-Up, and received the Bernie Masters Trophy.
     
  • Welisarage Fernando from Perth Modern was declared Winner and the received the Fred Marsh Perpetual Trophy. 
     
  • Perth Modern and the Rotary Club of Subiaco were awarded the Fred Marsh Trophies.
In closing his MC role, Rui Fernandes spoke: “These wonderful students have presented us with challenging subjects, which remind us to consider what is the truth, fair and beneficial to all concerned, no matter what the circumstances might be.” He then reminded guests of the Rotary values on which the contest and the evening were based:
 
The Four Way Test of the things we think, say, or do…
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it bring GOODWILL & BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all CONCERNED?
 
Manu Gupta, President of Perth Rotary Club, closed the evening with warm thanks to the students especially, and to all who had come to support them.