In 2026, we were thrilled to welcome Alumnus Fergus McLaren as one of our esteemed Debating Adjudicators.

18 years ago, Fergus participated in his very first debate here at the Royal South Street Eisteddfod. During his school years, Fergus continued to engage with debating and public speaking, reaching state finals in debating competitions and the Legacy and Plain English public speaking awards. He also competed each year in the Speech and Drama discipline at South Street and ultimately won the Louie Dunn prize in 2015, following in the footsteps of his mother and eldest sister. Fergus studied science at Monash University, graduating with Honours in 2020, and winning the inaugural Let’s Torque science communication competition. During his subsequent PhD studies, Fergus represented the faculty of engineering in the Three Minute Thesis competition. After submitting his thesis earlier this year, Fergus is excited to return to South Street and engage with a new generation of thinkers.

Fergus wears the same tie every time he adjudicates (partially visible in this photo): a South Street Centenary tie inherited from his dear grandfather, Ron Morgan. Continuing the legacy of Ron and Monica Morgan is a source of great pride for Fergus, and an opportunity for which he is deeply grateful.