Parliament Prize 2024 awards ceremony

The competition received a record-setting 1126 entries from pupils in grades 5 through to year 12 on issues important to them and their communities.

“ 'It’s a big thing to have won one of these prizes.' ”

Shaun Leane, Legislative Council President

Mabel Martin of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Chelsea claimed first prize in grades 5-6 for her video statement on ‘Attracting wildlife back into native gardens’.

‘Being engaged with what is going on in the world, in the state and what is going on locally is such a good thing,’ Mildura MP and competition judge Jade Benham said.

Sigourney Crocker took out the top gong in years 7-9 on behalf of Lilydale High School for her contribution on ‘Recycling in Australia’.

‘Words and the way you deliver them matter. Great speeches will be remembered for years to come,’ Legislative Assembly Speaker Maree Edwards said.

Millyca Robinson and Kate Dickenson of Templestowe College were joint winners in years 10-12 for ‘All Victorian Primary Schools should teach Auslan’.

‘Many of you in years 10-12 will be voting in the next election and it’s really important for you to be thinking about the issues that matter to you,’ Eureka MP and competition judge Michaela Settle said.

Wonthaggi Primary School was presented with the Alicia Katz Award for making an inspiring contribution to the competition.

The accolade is named in honour of the first female candidate to stand for the Parliament of Victoria in 1924.

‘Congratulations to all the entrants in the Parliament Prize and of course to the winners,’ Ms Edwards said.

“ ‘You should be very proud of what you have achieved.' ”

Maree Edwards, Legislative Assembly Speaker

The students, supported by their families and some of their teachers collected trophies and prize money for themselves and their schools.

You can watch all of the winning videos and find out more about the annual competition on the Parliament Prize website.

Photos by Darcy Scales.