About ACTDU
The ACT Debating Union is a not-for-profit organisation that organises school debating competitions in Canberra and the surrounding regions. The ACTDU is also responsible for the entry of a representative team into the annual National Schools Debating Championships. We operate with the objective of increasing inclusivity and accessibility of debating. To achieve this objective we run a variety of programs including debating competitions from Years 5-12. We are also affiliated with the Australian Debating Federation, and with their assistance we provide resources and programs to increase in the involvement of disadvantaged schools.
ACTDU History
The ACT Debating Union began running debating competitions for secondary school students in 1961. Today, the ACTDU runs six annual debating competitions for students in Years 5 – 12. The ACTDU is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers; the prizes awarded annually to the winners and best speakers of the ACTDU competitions commemorate some notable contributors:
The Ford Trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the Junior Open competition. The trophy recognises Margaret Ford, the fourth president of the ACT Debating Union. Margaret oversaw the establishment of the junior competition, and was instrumental in laying the foundations for junior school debating in the ACT. The Greenwell Prize is awarded annually to the best speaker of the Junior Open competition. The prize honours Harry Greenwell for his contributions as a president of ACTDU and a coach of the ACT State Team in 2000 and 2001. The Driscoll Medal is awarded annually to the best speaker of the Junior Open Grand Final. The medal honours Rose Driscoll, an outstanding debater and coach of the ACT State Team in 2002.
The Murray Trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the Senior Open competition. The trophy recognises Brian Murray, one of the founders of the ACT Debating Union. The Bryne Cup is awarded annually to the best speaker of the Senior Open competition. The cup honours Emily Bryne, The Moss Medal is awarded annually to the best speaker of the Senior Open Grand Final. The medal honours Madeleine Moss for her numerous contributions to the ACTDU, including as coach of the ACT State Team in 2004 - 2005.
The Douse Trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the Advanced Open competition. The trophy recognises Mike Douse, the third president of the ACT Debating Union. Mike was committee to the growth of debating in the ACT, and played an instrumental role in laying the groundwork for schools debating. The Barnsley Shield is awarded to the best speaker of the Advanced Open Competition. The shield honours Paul Barnsley, coach of the ACT State Team in 2002 - 2003. The Wood Medal is awarded to the best speaker of the Advanced Open Grand Final. The Medal recognises Nick Wood, coach of the ACT State Team in 1998 - 2001.
The Ford Trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the Junior Open competition. The trophy recognises Margaret Ford, the fourth president of the ACT Debating Union. Margaret oversaw the establishment of the junior competition, and was instrumental in laying the foundations for junior school debating in the ACT. The Greenwell Prize is awarded annually to the best speaker of the Junior Open competition. The prize honours Harry Greenwell for his contributions as a president of ACTDU and a coach of the ACT State Team in 2000 and 2001. The Driscoll Medal is awarded annually to the best speaker of the Junior Open Grand Final. The medal honours Rose Driscoll, an outstanding debater and coach of the ACT State Team in 2002.
The Murray Trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the Senior Open competition. The trophy recognises Brian Murray, one of the founders of the ACT Debating Union. The Bryne Cup is awarded annually to the best speaker of the Senior Open competition. The cup honours Emily Bryne, The Moss Medal is awarded annually to the best speaker of the Senior Open Grand Final. The medal honours Madeleine Moss for her numerous contributions to the ACTDU, including as coach of the ACT State Team in 2004 - 2005.
The Douse Trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the Advanced Open competition. The trophy recognises Mike Douse, the third president of the ACT Debating Union. Mike was committee to the growth of debating in the ACT, and played an instrumental role in laying the groundwork for schools debating. The Barnsley Shield is awarded to the best speaker of the Advanced Open Competition. The shield honours Paul Barnsley, coach of the ACT State Team in 2002 - 2003. The Wood Medal is awarded to the best speaker of the Advanced Open Grand Final. The Medal recognises Nick Wood, coach of the ACT State Team in 1998 - 2001.
Previous results and awards
Speaker Prizes![]()
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Competition Results![]()
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