Student's speech sent to troops

A CENTAUR Public School student’s speech for a public competition has ended up as part of a package to Australian troops serving overseas.

Year 5 student Olivia Attenborough-Doyle, whose speech won the Rats of Tobruk Trophy in district public speaking, decided to forward the speech to Iraq for Christmas last year .

For her support towards the armed services, she was recently rewarded with a trophy and a soldier’s badge.

“I wanted them to know someone respects them and to thank them for fighting to protect others,” Olivia said.

She said she had not been expecting the trophy. “I was so surprised to see the parcel arrive. I didn’t know what to think. It came a long way.”

Sergeant Dan Ferguson said it was good for soldiers to know they had the support of people like Olivia while they are away from family and friends.

“It makes us feel very humble and proud that we can do our jobs and travel to other countries to provide a stable future for people who don’t have the luxuries or freedom that we are afforded in Australia,” Sgt Ferguson said.

More recently, Olivia’s speech was read out at the funeral of a Vietnam veteran, Corporal Grahame Grimmond, who served as a field engineer.

Olivia said she hoped to one day serve in the Australian Airforce.