Members Of The BGDA
Why should I become a member?
Being a member of the BGDA is a great way to support girls' debating in Brisbane. Membership of the incorporated association entitles individuals to vote in our AGM ,and therefore electing the Executive, and to perform other functions as outlined in our Constitution. Community members such as School Coordinators or adjudicators may wish to apply for membership but it is not necessary.
The BGDA has a strong member base that must demonstrate a genuine interest in the following criteria:
1. To encourage the practice and pursuit of debating amongst girls’ schools,
2. To provide extra support for girls’ debating complementary to existing works,
3. To empower girls to engage in debates about culture, domestic and foreign policy and other important issues,
4. To help bridge the gender gap that currently exists in debating in the state of Queensland,
5. To at all times not contribute to the erecting of further barriers in education or the perpetuation of privilege, but rather to break down barriers and decrease discrimination.
If you are not currently a member, and wish to apply for membership, please fill out this form. BGDA's Executive shall then, based on the Constitution, determine whether you are appropriate for membership in the Association.
The BGDA has a strong member base that must demonstrate a genuine interest in the following criteria:
1. To encourage the practice and pursuit of debating amongst girls’ schools,
2. To provide extra support for girls’ debating complementary to existing works,
3. To empower girls to engage in debates about culture, domestic and foreign policy and other important issues,
4. To help bridge the gender gap that currently exists in debating in the state of Queensland,
5. To at all times not contribute to the erecting of further barriers in education or the perpetuation of privilege, but rather to break down barriers and decrease discrimination.
If you are not currently a member, and wish to apply for membership, please fill out this form. BGDA's Executive shall then, based on the Constitution, determine whether you are appropriate for membership in the Association.
Adjudicators
BGDA adjudicators have an extensive debating and adjudicating background at both school and university levels, and an interest in fostering the profile of girls in debating. The adjudications are interactive, constructive, and designed to improve the girls' performances each round. BGDA recognise the importance of quality, consistent and meaningful feedback and strive to ensure excellence in students through our adjudications. Traditionally the adjudication process in debating is short and contingent on the events of one debate. However, in the BGDA Competition, adjudication times are extended to 20 minutes with a focus on developing skills that can be applied in future debates.
Adjudicators are selected by the Executive based on their application and previous experience as a debater, coach and adjudicator shall be used to determine whether they are appropriate. Adjudicators are volunteers who are remunerated for transport costs associated with attending the competition. Adjudicators are not required to become members of the Association in order to adjudicate. However, we do encourage adjudicators to become members if they are interested. Please fill the application for membership below if you want and please do not hesitate to contact the Executive if you have any questions.
If you would like to adjudicate for the BGDA please read our Adjudicators' Handbook below before applying. If you are accepted as an adjudicator, the Adjudicators' Officer will be in contact with you about your availability for each round as well as other important information.
Adjudicators are selected by the Executive based on their application and previous experience as a debater, coach and adjudicator shall be used to determine whether they are appropriate. Adjudicators are volunteers who are remunerated for transport costs associated with attending the competition. Adjudicators are not required to become members of the Association in order to adjudicate. However, we do encourage adjudicators to become members if they are interested. Please fill the application for membership below if you want and please do not hesitate to contact the Executive if you have any questions.
If you would like to adjudicate for the BGDA please read our Adjudicators' Handbook below before applying. If you are accepted as an adjudicator, the Adjudicators' Officer will be in contact with you about your availability for each round as well as other important information.
| 2023 Adjudicator Handbook |
Membership Application
If you would like to apply for membership, please complete this form. If you have any issues filling out this form, please email [email protected].
2024-25 BGDA Executive Members
The BGDA Executive voluntarily coordinates the competition each year. It is comprised of passionate and successful university debaters, alumni of the BGDA and Queensland debating more broadly that were invested in debating during their school years, and a debating coordinator to represent the interests of schools and teachers. The 2024-25 Executive members are:
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PRESIDENT
Isabel Shorrock-Browne [email protected] SECRETARY Emmet Hanley [email protected] TREASURER Rachel Hegerty [email protected] ADJUDICATORS' OFFICER Bowen Chen [email protected] TEACHERS' LIASON OFFICER Anne Byrne [email protected] TRAINING OFFICER Liza Shoebridge [email protected] SCHOOLS' OFFICER Sophie Coleman [email protected] |
SPONSORSHIP OFFICER
Zara Barry [email protected] COMPETITION OFFICER Luke Ames [email protected] SOCIAL MEDIA OFFICER Laura Gough [email protected] |