The Final was hosted by Firbank Grammar, and chaired by Colleen D'Offay, President of Brighton Rotary. James Newbury MP presented the awards. The finalists, the winners and runners-up from the previous three heats, represented Brighton Secondary College, St Leonard's College, St Bede's College, Kilvington Grammar, Kilbreda College, Wesley College, Star of the Sea, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) and Firbank.

St Bede's College swept the field in the Junior section, winning both the first and second place. Kristian, the winning speaker, explored the potential benefits and threats of cyber minds and bodies in a speech that enthralled his audience. Lucian, also from St Bede's was the runner-up.

The Senior section was won by Cecilia from Firbank Grammar with an impassioned appeal for schools to teach more practical life skills as well as academic subjects. Isabelle, from OLSH was the runner-up.

The winners of each section received a prize of $400 and a trophy to keep. Their school also received a trophy, to keep until next year's competition.

An additional prize, for the best STEM speech, was won by Mia, from KIlbreda College, who spoke on the threat posed by acidification of the oceans.

As always, the audience and the adjudicators were very impressed by the high standard of the speeches and the confidence of the speakers.

Congratulations to the winners and to the runners-up! We look forward to Bayspeak 2027.

Bayspeak 2026 Junior Finalists

Bayspeak 2026 Senior Finalists

Bayspeak 2026 Winners with James Newbury MP

L - R Kristian (St Bede's), James Newbury , Cecilia (Firbank)

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