The retired Scotch Oakburn College teacher has worked with public speaking organisations such as Rostrum Australia, Legacy, Lions and APEX, coaching students and organising competitions. Her service to youth through these organisations has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia.

Mrs Fraser said developing great communication and public speaking skills helped to build self-confidence in youth, and also developed good essay writing techniques and research skills.

“Public speaking is a lifelong skill. If they can grasp it when they are younger they can then utilise that skill throughout their lives, whether it be in a job interview or out in the wider community,” she said.

Mrs Fraser has been national coordinator of the Rostrum Voice of Youth competitions and also the state coordinator since 2009.

“We encourage students to tap into issues that are important to them, so for some it may be bullying, or some may have a particular passion for politics ... it gives them a voice in the community and they feel empowered by other people hearing their views.”

She said the award was a reflection of the hard work that happened behind the scenes at public speaking competitions, for the benefit of the students.

“There are a team of people who have an interest in developing the communication skills of our young people,” she said.