Today I recognise the outstanding young voices of the Leppington electorate who took part in this year's Glenfield Public Speaking Competition. Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills a young person can develop. It builds critical thinking, clear communication and confidence, which are life skills that foster leadership and shape the next generation of change-makers. Speaking in front of a crowd takes courage and writing a meaningful speech takes real creativity. Every student in this competition showed they have both in spades. I am proud that two of the winners came from schools in the Leppington electorate. From Denham Court Public School, year 3 student Isabella won first place in stage 2 with her speech "Why poverty and homelessness must be put to an end for good". At Greenway Park Public School, school captain Brianna, who is in year 6, took first place in stage 3 for her speech "Australia at a crossroads".

Then there is Josiah Verlingieri, a bright year 3 student from Leppington Public School who, in preparing his speech, visited my office with thoughtful questions on an issue close to my heart: the need for more outdoor spaces in our community. After the competition, Josiah returned to proudly deliver the speech that earned him second place in stage 2. It flattered me, but more importantly, it made a compelling argument. With the indulgence of the House, I share Josiah's speech in full:

Parks, pathways, skate parks, water parks, playgrounds, BBQ areas, sports grounds, picnic spots. These are outdoor spaces, and we need more of them!

Backyards are getting smaller, and we have less space to be kids. Outdoor spaces are essential, and we must have more of them. These are the reasons why:

To start with, outdoor spaces are essential for our health. Having enough outdoor spaces is good for our physical health because it gives us a place to run around, jump, climb and play. It helps us get exercise by doing things like walking your dog and riding bikes and scooters. The benefits of physical activity are well known; it strengthens our bones, improves heart health and even reduces the risk of certain cancers.

Also, the main source of Vitamin D comes from the sun's ultraviolet light. To get Vitamin D, you have to be outside in the sun. Outdoor spaces give us a place to get Vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for our health. It helps us build strong bones and have a good mood. Studies done in Melbourne and Sydney show communities with less outdoor space have lower levels of Vitamin D in kids, which leads to higher levels of anxiety and depression.

Secondly, outdoor spaces increase liveability and create stronger social ties in our community. This means our community will be a happier place to live, and people will connect with each other more. If our area had more outdoor spaces, people would go out more, chat together, and visit local cafés. Imagine if Leppington had lots of trees, pools and parks around every corner. There would be places to meet neighbours and spend time together. We would be more connected and much happier.

Finally, our community is saying we need more outdoor spaces and that it is essential. In an interview I had with our local MP, Mr Nathan Hagarty, he said he has had lots of people ask for more outdoor spaces. It is one of the most common things he has been asked. He said, 'With backyards getting smaller, young families need more outdoor spaces and parks.' This is one of the top demands he receives along with better roads and schools.

Mr Hagarty also thinks this is a very important issue and is working extremely hard to make sure the council delivers more parks. To summarise, outdoor spaces are essential for Health, Liveability and Stronger Community Ties, and people in our community are desperate for more of them. So, unless you want us kids to grow up sad, sick and lonely, please join us in the battle for more outdoor spaces!

I commend all the students who took part in this year's public speaking competition for the important speeches they gave on a number of very critical issues, including Josiah's speech on the need for Liverpool City Council to get on with the job of delivering more open space and more parks, especially in Austral and Leppington. The students are thoughtful, confident and unafraid to raise their voices. With young leaders like these stepping forward, our future is certainly in good hands. I am sure that if members of this House are in need of some fantastic speechwriters, I can put them in touch with Josiah and the other students that competed in this very important public speaking competition.