My First Speech Competition for Young Australians

High school students in years 10, 11 and 12 are being invited to take part in a new national competition called “My First Speech”.

Organised by the House of Representatives, students need to write and video a 3 minute speech as if it was their first speech to parliament.

“This is a great opportunity for young Australians to have a voice about issues that matter to them,” Mr Vasta said today.

“First speeches, previously known as maiden speeches, are an opportunity for newly-elected members to outline the issues they think are important and the difference they hope to make.” said Mr Vasta.

In this competition, students need to imagine they’ve been elected to the House of Representatives. They need to think about the issues which are important to them and then write and video a speech which expresses their concerns, hopes and ideals. It may be a personal, local or national issue or issues, or maybe even a global concern.

Entries will be judged on language, content and delivery and the videos may be used as part of an upcoming public exhibition in Parliament House in Canberra.
The winner will receive a cash prize of $250 for themselves and $500 for their school. The runner up will receive $100 for themselves and $250 for their school. Both students will be invited to Canberra to attend the opening of a public exhibition on first speeches in Parliament House in July.

Entries close on Thursday 16 June 2011. For more information – and inspiration – go to the competition’s website: www.aph.gov.au/myfirstspeech 

Read More

World War II Service recognised 65 years later

Mr Vasta, Federal Member for Bonner, has today announced that 65 years after being honourably discharged from the Australian Army, Frederick William Aubrey (AUB) Daw will be finally recognised for his wartime service.

In a ceremony at the Bonner Electorate office on Monday 11th of April, Mr Daw will be presented with two service medals by Mr Vasta on behalf of the Australian Government in recognition of his valuable contribution to Australia during World War II.

Mr Daw enlisted in the Army in May 1943. Initially allocated to a Small Water Craft Squadron, Mr Daw served in a number of appointments eventually seeing out the war as a storeman in the Quartermaster’s store at Redbank.

“Even though Mr Daw is receiving these medals 65 years after his service the timing is poignant as it comes on the eve of Anzac Day when as a nation we stop to remember and reflect on the sacrifice of men and women who have served and who are still serving our nation in times of war and peace,” said Mr Vasta.

When asked why it had taken so long to receive formal recognition, Mr Daw said that he did not feel the need to seek such recognition as he felt proud enough just to have served and have done his bit for Australia in her time of need.

“It’s an absolute honour for me to be able to present these medals to Mr Daw whose service to our country is just as relevant today as it was 65 years ago. I know that I speak for the people of Bonner when I say that I am grateful for his service to our nation,” said Mr Vasta.

This week Mr Vasta has sent each Bonner resident a special Anzac Day message encouraging them to attend local Anzac Day Services and to post letters of support to more than 3000 uniformed Defence personnel deployed around the world.

“In recent years there has been a resurgence of participation from the community at Anzac Day Ceremonies because the legend of the Anzacs has transcended time to become a symbol of what we value as Australians.” Said Mr Vasta.

Read More