It is not often you get to travel far for school-related activities, let alone for Mooting. On Friday 31 July, Alex Goth (11/MA), Jeremi Campese (11/MA) and Jack Ryan (11/KL) had the privilege of representing Newington at the High School Mooting Competition Finals at Bond University on the Gold Coast. The team had previously been successful in the regional round at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in Sydney.

The mooters were required to prepare a legal argument for a set problem. Based on the same problem as the regional round but representing the other side this time, the team were made to argue a case for the Appellant: Buffy, a 17-year-old girl had been injured while rolling down a dune and had suffered serious neck injuries as a result. Buffy alleged that the company running the dune had breached its duty of care for failing to warn of the dangers and sought damages of $4,000,000.

With 16 teams competing in the finals, only the two best teams would be chosen for the grand final moot to be held that Saturday night. Newington faced two nightmarish judges in their heat against St Kevin’s College, Melbourne and spoke with poise and great intent in their presentation of the case and combatting the judges’ questions. At the end of the night, Kingaroy State High School were declared champions, triumphing over Brisbane Grammar School.

Though we did not reach the final, the weekend was a fantastic experience. We’d like to thank Bond University for their hospitality. Thank you to Ms Shepherd for her hard work behind the scenes and encouragement. Finally, thank you to Brad Smith (ON 2011) for his knowledge and wisdom in all things law and life. We would recommend any student interested in oratory or law to get involved next year, it’s a truly unique opportunity.

Jack Ryan (11/KL)
Year 11 Mooter