Kate Barry (Public Speaking Captain) enjoyed a morning at Admiralty House, prior to her Speech at Sydney Opera House.
PLC Sydney is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of our Public Speaking Captain, Kate Barry, who represented the College with distinction at the inaugural Dame Enid Lyons Oratory Finals, held at the Sydney Opera House.
Kate delivered a powerful eight-minute impromptu speech on the stimulus quote made famous by Michelle Obama: “When they go low, we go high.” With just 15 minutes of preparation and no access to the internet, Kate spoke passionately about the sustaining power of the creative arts during the global pandemic — a moving and relevant reflection on resilience, community and hope.
Her selection to the finals was an achievement in itself: Kate was one of just 10 finalists chosen on merit from an original field of 30 students across three state-wide heats. The day began with a morning tea at Government House with the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn, before the final round commenced at one of the nation’s most iconic venues.
Kate Barry (Public Speaking Captain) with the Governor General, Hon Sam Mostyn.
The Dame Enid Lyons Oratory Competition is a newly established, prestigious platform for young women in Years 10–12 from both public and private schools across NSW. It is named in honour of Dame Enid Lyons, Australia’s first woman elected to the House of Representatives, and serves as the long-overdue female counterpart to the 90-year-old, boys-only Lawrence Campbell Oratory Competition.
Organised by the Independent Girls’ Schools Association (IGSA), the event was developed to advance girls’ education and ensure their voices are heard at the highest levels. As IGSA Executive Officer Sonia Berry notes, “That ability to communicate to people, to have a logical argument, and to present it in an attractive way, is going to stand you in good stead, no matter what profession you're in.”
The finals saw a rich diversity of experiences and perspectives represented, including public school finalist Zoya Aziez of St George Girls High School, who spoke of the importance of migrant voices in Australian discourse. This spirit of inclusion and empowerment reflects the competition’s broader purpose: to give all young women a chance to lead, speak, and inspire.
Kate and several other finalists were interviewed by the ABC. Watch the story here .
Congratulations Kate — we are incredibly proud of your courage, clarity and commitment. You have exemplified everything this competition stands for.
In a historic moment for young women across the state, the Dame Enid Lyons Oratory Competition has not only broken new ground but set a powerful precedent for generations to come.