SIXTY SECONDS FOR A REPUBLIC

Got a minute? We’ve had student filmmakers from across the nation tell us why it’s so important for Australia to gain its independence from the British Monarchy, as part of our Sixty Seconds for a Republic competition. We’d now like to announce the winners and share their creative work.

1st place: Mikayla O’Flynn has won $1,000, kindly sponsored by Darlo.
2nd place: James Donnelly has won $700, kindly sponsored by Franca Arena.
3rd place: Valluvan Thillairajah has won $300, kindly sponsored by Fairfield City Council Councillor, Sera Yilmaz.

Special mentions go to Liam Blundell and Jake Ormsby-Goard.

Student filmmaker Mikayla O’Flynn has won the Sixty Seconds for a Republic competition with this creative entry explaining why we should swipe right on an Australian republic.

Student filmmaker James Donnelly has placed second in the Sixty Seconds for a Republic competition with this inspiring entry looking at Australia's magnificent landscapes and reflecting on our need for independence.

Student filmmaker Valluvan Thillairajah has placed third in the Sixty Seconds for a Republic competition with this passionate entry explaining why it's important for Australia to become a republic.

Student filmmaker Liam Blundell was a notable entry in the Sixty Seconds for a Republic competition with this passionate video explaining why it's important for Australia to become a republic.

Student filmmaker Jake Ormsby-Goard was a notable entry in the Sixty Seconds for a Republic competition with this powerful film explaining why it's important for the strength of our nation to become a republic.

Thanks to everyone who entered: you did an excellent job!

Special thanks to our judges Dee Madigan, Patrick Bour and Craig Foster.

With over 20 years’ experience in the advertising industry, Dee Madigan has developed integrated campaigns for some of the world’s largest brands, including HSBC, Coca-Cola, J&J, Unilever and Nestle. She has been a winner or finalist at almost all major advertising awards, including Cannes. Dee is also one of Australia’s most experienced political campaigners, having been Creative Director on over 11 elections. She is a regular panellist on ABC’s Gruen and The Drum as well as The Latest and Sunrise on 7.

Craig Foster is a former Socceroo and Captain of the Australian football international team, Oceania Player of the Year and Australian Team of the Century nominee, with decades of experience in broadcasting, government, diplomacy and social justice. He has won three Logies as part of the SBS FIFA World Cup team heavily involved in indigenous football and rights, advocating for refugee rights and the welfare of the homeless. He is an Ambassador for Amnesty, a member of the Australia Committee for Human Rights Watch and the UNSW Australian Human Rights Institute.

Patrick Bour is the Head of Television and Marketing for ESPN and National Geographic Aus/NZ, based in Sydney. ESPN and National Geographic are divisions of The Walt Disney Company. Patrick oversees ESPN and Nat Geo’s television business in the region. Patrick also oversees all marketing for ESPN. Prior to joining Disney Patrick worked as commercial lawyer in Sydney and London. He is admitted to practice law in NSW, the UK and New York State.