A pair of Roleystone brothers have claimed the winnings at the Darling Range Public Speaking Zone Finals for 2025.
Students from primary schools throughout the Armadale, Jandakot, Oakford, and Darling Range electorates competed at Byford Secondary College on Friday.
Competitors discussed the topic ‘My dream job of the future’.
Roleystone Community College representative Leo Alestalo spoke about how job opportunities in his future would change.
“We know right now that most current jobs won’t exist in the future,” he said.
Leo’s brother, Kai Alestalo entered the stage with big dreams and a big voice.
“I want to be the first human to step foot on the icy giant Neptune,” he said.
“Let us go back in time when most thought it was impossible for humans to set foot on the moon… If history has taught us anything, it’s that the biggest achievements, start with a dream.”
West Byford Primary School competitor Krishiv Thakar proved to the audience he could work hard for his goals.
He said he wanted to become a lawyer to be a “voice for the voiceless”.
“I want to use my voice to make a difference,” Krishiv said.
“I’m ready to work hard because this job is worth it.”
Serpentine Primary School’s Carter Vassalo said he was passionate about becoming a doctor in the future.
His inspiration for becoming a doctor was to “fight massive battles against infection” and “help medical teams in disaster relief”.
“I hope the world will be a safer place with me in it,” Carter said.
Also from Serpentine Primary, Grace Hughes said she would fight for the survival of nature as a conservation biologist, while Kaneksha Yohan from West Byford Primary wanted to be a “guardian of the sea” to protect the underwater ecosystems.
Member for Darling Range and host of the event Hugh Jones said it was inspiring to hear about the hopes and passions of the primary school students.
“This is the third time I’ve hosted the Darling Range Public Speaking competition, and the calibre of the contestants increases each year,” he said.
“I was blown away by the talent on display this year, and I’m sure that each and every one of our finalists will take the skills they’ve learned through this competition and go on to achieve great things for themselves and our society.
“Of course, their success is also a credit to their wonderful teachers and parents.”
Carter Vassalo was awarded third place, while Kai and Leo Alestalo won first and second place respectively, which earnt them the chance to compete at inter-electorate public speaking finals at Parliament House in August.
