Opening Ceremony & Showcase Debate
Sunday, 11 May 2025
Arrival from 2:30 pm onwards, 3:30 pm start
Legislative Assembly Chamber
State Parliament of NSW
6 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
The Opening Ceremony of the 2025 National Schools Debating Championships will mark the commencement of this year’s most prestigious Australian high school debating competition.
This formal event will feature addresses from distinguished dignitaries, highlighting the tournament’s significance in fostering critical thinking, civic engagement, and leadership among young Australians.
The ceremony will precede in an intellectually stimulating Showcase Debate, featuring the host team, New South Wales, against the reigning national champions, Victoria.
This event offers a unique opportunity to witness the highest calibre of school debating, setting an inspiring precedent for the championship week ahead.
Venue and arrival information: Guests are invited to arrive from 2:45 pm, with seating only just prior to 3:30 pm. The debate will commence at 3:30 pm. Late guests will only be allowed entry at the discretion of tournament staff and is not guaranteed. The gatehouse will close for visitors at 3:35 pm on this date and there is no alternate entry. We will prioritise the focus of students above all else.
Please note that NSW State Parliament has strict entry rules. All guests will need to pass through security at the gatehouse on Macquarie Street before entry. Please leave sufficient time (up to fifteen minutes in peak times) to clear security before arriving at the Legislative Assembly. For more information about the venue, click here.
Please also note that Parliament enforces a business formal or business casual dress code and a strict policy of no food or drink (including water) inside of the Chamber. You can read more here.
Accessibility information:
When alighting at Macquarie Street, there is step-free access through security and to ramp and lift access to reception. Once inside, Parliament House has flat access to the Legislative Assembly Chamber. The carpets in Parliament House are short, with dense pile.
For accessible seating and any other access needs, please email admin@nsdc2025.com prior to the tournament.
Sunday, 11 May 2025
Arrival from 2:30 pm onwards, 3:30 pm start
Legislative Assembly Chamber
State Parliament of NSW
6 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
The Opening Ceremony of the 2025 National Schools Debating Championships will mark the commencement of this year’s most prestigious Australian high school debating competition.
This formal event will feature addresses from distinguished dignitaries, highlighting the tournament’s significance in fostering critical thinking, civic engagement, and leadership among young Australians.
The ceremony will precede in an intellectually stimulating Showcase Debate, featuring the host team, New South Wales, against the reigning national champions, Victoria.
This event offers a unique opportunity to witness the highest calibre of school debating, setting an inspiring precedent for the championship week ahead.
Venue and arrival information: Guests are invited to arrive from 2:45 pm, with seating only just prior to 3:30 pm. The debate will commence at 3:30 pm. Late guests will only be allowed entry at the discretion of tournament staff and is not guaranteed. The gatehouse will close for visitors at 3:35 pm on this date and there is no alternate entry. We will prioritise the focus of students above all else.
Please note that NSW State Parliament has strict entry rules. All guests will need to pass through security at the gatehouse on Macquarie Street before entry. Please leave sufficient time (up to fifteen minutes in peak times) to clear security before arriving at the Legislative Assembly. For more information about the venue, click here.
Please also note that Parliament enforces a business formal or business casual dress code and a strict policy of no food or drink (including water) inside of the Chamber. You can read more here.
Accessibility information:
When alighting at Macquarie Street, there is step-free access through security and to ramp and lift access to reception. Once inside, Parliament House has flat access to the Legislative Assembly Chamber. The carpets in Parliament House are short, with dense pile.
For accessible seating and any other access needs, please email admin@nsdc2025.com prior to the tournament.