The 14th AGTV Poetry Competition State Final was held on Saturday August 25th at the Austrian Club in Heidelberg.

Once again, it was a great day and a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the learning of German in Victoria. Parents, relatives, friends, teachers and a Primary school principal (great to see!) were all there to support their students. Thank you to those who drove long distances to Melbourne for the State Final, some staying overnight to be on time.

The new timetable with Primary judging before lunch and Secondary judging after lunch was welcomed by everyone. Participants and families could also enjoy the Austrian Club outdoors area by playing a Tipp-Kick game and having lunch or Kaffee und Kuchen in the wonderful warm weather. Schnappi´s appearance during the lunch break was a big hit!

Thanks to the Judges, the Regional Final Coordinators, the AGTV Committee and to the teachers for preparing the students in each of the twelve AGTV Networks in Victoria. A special thanks to Otto and Beverley Griesmeyr from the Austrian Club and their friendly staff for welcoming us and for being so helpful in setting up for the day.

The AGTV wishes to also thank all donors of prizes for their generous support for both Regional and State Finals. The winner of the Year 9 section will have a tour of studio of SBS Radio and be interviewed for a program, and several prize winners performed at the German Festival at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne.

Brigitte Ankenbrand
AGTV Convenor
Years 5 to 9 Statewide Poetry Competition