Program & Competition Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

By registering for or participating in the New Voices 2025 Public Speaking Program and Competition ("the Program"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not accept these terms, you must not participate in the Program.

2. Eligibility

To be eligible for the Program, participants must:

Be at least 18 years of age at the time of registration.

Complete and submit all required registration information accurately and in full.

Agree to adhere to the rules, values, and code of conduct outlined by the organisers.

3. Program Overview

The Program includes:

A series of facilitated training sessions designed to build confidence, develop public speaking skills, and prepare for competition.

A competition in which selected participants will present a prepared speech in front of an audience and judging panel.

Opportunities for mentorship, feedback, and community engagement throughout the Program.

4. Registration and Fees

Registration must be completed before the advertised deadline.

There are no registration fees for the Program unless otherwise communicated.

Places are limited and may be offered on a first-come, first-served or merit basis, at the discretion of the organisers.

5. Attendance and Participation

Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all Program sessions to gain the full benefit of the experience.

Attendance at the final rehearsal is mandatory for all participants selected to compete in the competition finale event.

Failure to attend the final rehearsal may result in disqualification from the finale.

6. Code of Conduct

All participants agree to:

Engage in the Program respectfully, inclusively, and with a commitment to learning.

Refrain from harassment, hate speech, discrimination, plagiarism, or other inappropriate conduct.

Respect the decisions of facilitators, organisers, and judges.

The organisers reserve the right to remove any participant from the Program for breach of this Code of Conduct.

7. Competition Guidelines

All speeches must be original and presented by the registered participant.

Topics must be appropriate for a general audience and free from harmful or offensive content.

Time limits and other presentation rules will be provided in advance and must be strictly followed.

The judging panel's decision is final and not subject to appeal.

8. Media Consent and Intellectual Property

Participants retain ownership of the content they create.

By participating, you grant the organiser permission to record, photograph, and publish your image, name, voice, and presentation for the purposes of promoting the Program and its outcomes in print, online, and on social media.

If you do not consent to media use, you must notify the organiser in writing before the Program begins.

9. Prizes

Prizes (if any) will be outlined at the beginning of the Program and awarded based on the criteria communicated to all finalists.

Prizes are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash unless otherwise specified.

10. Liability and Insurance

The organisers are not liable for personal injury, loss, or damage sustained during participation in the Program except where required by law.

Participants are responsible for their own transport, insurance, and personal belongings.

11. Changes and Cancellations

The organiser reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify any aspect of the Program due to unforeseen circumstances, with reasonable notice provided.

If the Program is delivered in part or in full online, participants are responsible for ensuring adequate internet access and device compatibility.

12. Privacy

Personal information collected will be used solely for the purpose of administering the Program in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

You may be contacted with future opportunities unless you opt out by notifying the organiser in writing.

13. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, and any disputes arising in connection with them shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of that Territory.