Congratulations to Year 11 student, Tahlia Barwick, who won the semi final of the Rotary District 9650 Public Speaking Competition on the weekend.

Tahlia was up against eight of the region's best young speakers from Year 11 and 12 in the competition, where she had to perform a five minute preparred speech and a two minute impromptu talk.

The speakers are given only two minutes to prepare their impromptu speech, which this year had the topic "Life is a series of failures and opportunities" which had to be linked to a life experience. Tahlia spoke about her selection and time with the NSW Youth Advisory Council, after not being shortlisted when she first went for the position.

Tahlia will now compete in the final for this Rotary District in Port Macquarie on March 13. The region extends west to Lightning Ridge, north to Woolgoolga and south to Gloucester. We wish her luck!

(Caption: Tahlia is pictured here getting her photo taken by the Northern Daily Leader).