When the South Street Young Men’s General Debating Society was established in 1879, Essays, Elocution, Readings, Lectures and Recitations were integral. Through the 1920’s and 30’s topics tended to feature the political and social issues of the day.

With then future Prime Ministers Alfred Deakin and James Scullin, the Society’s most vibrant supporters – it was surprising to see debating deleted from the 1940 competitions, however it made a triumphant return in 1977.

Since then, debating continued to grow and was further strengthened with the introduction of a Primary School Section in 2002 and in 2019, the ACU Debating Challenge Cup was contested by 78 teams and 300 competitors from 16 schools across the Ballarat district.

We are pleased to offer accommodation discounts for RSSS ACU Debating Cup Challenge competitors & families booking a minimum 3 night mid week stay. Please click ‘Book Accommodation’ button for details.