Western Sydney Debating Union

The Western Sydney University Debating Team also known as the Western Sydney Debating Union, is beginning to make a name for itself as they recently competed at the World University Debating Championships (WUDC). The championship is the pinnacle of university debating. It is an annual tournament that brings together over a thousand university students from all over the globe for ten days of competitive debating, cultural exchange and life experiences. The 2016 championships were held from December 27, 2015 to January 4, 2016 in Thessaloniki, Greece.

There are nine preliminary rounds to the competition, followed by a finals series. Although all participants in the competition are there with a competitive spirit, it is not all debating as a number of leisurely events are hosted by the tournament. The students are invited to attend a Championship Dinner, Gender Inclusion Night, opening & closing drinks, a New Year's Eve party and cultural excursions.

The Western Sydney Debating Union sent a group of six people to Greece for the competition; this team consisted of two debaters (Winnie Jobanputra and Scott Worthington) and four adjudicators (Robert Barrie, Kate Flanigan, Michael Wright and Gavin Li).

Overall, the team did really well and finished on thirteen points, but unfortunately missed out on the finals by just four points. Thirteen points is the second highest score the team has ever been able to achieve and gives positive signs for the future as it was Winnie and Scott's first time debating at the championship – this is the highest the team has ever scored with two people making their first appearance.

The four adjudicators from the team went really well too with all of them being promoted at least to panellist (the second out of three promotion levels). Two members from the team were also given the opportunity to chair debates which is the highest rank for an adjudicator in the preliminary rounds.

Unfortunately no one from the team was able to make the finals, despite putting in a lot of effort and going extremely close. The team however, feel that they've been able to learn a lot from the tournament and shared some incredible experiences with people from all over the world.

On the back of the championships, Robert was also appointed as Secretary of the World University Debating Council, which is a massive achievement. As secretary, Robert will be in charge of managing the WUDC website & social media pages, take minutes at council meetings and communicate with country & regional delegates.

The Western Sydney Debating Union will next be in action for the Sydney Open which runs from April 30 – May 1. For more information on the team you can visit their Facebook page (opens in a new window).