ONE central Victorian student has taken out one of the top prizes in this year's Parliament Prize.
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The prize was awarded by the Victorian Parliament to students who recorded a 90-second 'Member's Statement'.
Year 11 Girton Grammar student Lily Ivey's winning entry focused on the importance of tackling eating disorders.
Lily said she was a passionate advocate for raising awareness about eating disorders and would like to influence policy on those matters.
"I do really hope some sort of change can come from my Parliament Prize. Hopefully, MP's will listen to my submission and consider some proactive responses that involve education for young people," she said.
"Raising awareness is a great start, especially as eating disorders are extremely stigmatised."
Lily said she encouraged to enter the Parliament Prize by her politics teacher.
She was awarded first place in the Years 10-12 category from 633 entries across the state, representing 150 schools.
The competition is designed to reflect a sitting week in parliament where members of parliament have a ninety-second opportunity to make statements on matters of interest in their electorate.
Students posing as MP's are judged on the clarity of their message, interesting insights, and understanding of why the issue matters.
Usually, prizes for the competition would be awarded at a ceremony at Parliament House.
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However, Lily was delighted to have won the Parliament Prize and was content to receive her trophy in the mail.
"The Parliament Prize seemed like a fantastic platform to convey my issue, especially as it involves the people that can create change in the community," she said.
"I know how devastating eating disorders can be, and unfortunately, how appalling our current mental health system is.
"I chose to speak about this issue with the intention of raising awareness, mostly in the hope of preventing more young people from developing an eating disorder and having to navigate a system that is so inaccessible.
"I think what helped me win this prize is that it's an issue I'm passionate about, and I guess that came through in my submission."
Butterfly Foundation 1800 33 4673; Eating Disorders Victoria 1300 550 236; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; Lifeline 13 11 14
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