What began as a rapid regional response to the collapse of a nationwide spelling bee has grown into one of Victoria’s longest-running volunteer-led literacy competitions, with Vicspell this year celebrating 21 years of operation.
Originally launched as ‘Gippspell’ in 2005 by a dedicated group of Gippsland teachers, the competition was created to encourage and reward strong spelling skills among students in years five to eight across all school sectors.
The inaugural 2005 Gippspell champions included Jonty Simmons from Gippsland Grammar (year five), Emma Riviere from Wonthaggi Primary School (year six), Caitlin Doherty from Kurnai College (year seven), and Eleesha Berg from Chairo Christian School (year eight).
Since those early days, the competition has expanded well beyond the region’s borders and rebranded as Vicspell, while steadfastly continuing to rely on a passionate network of volunteers and host schools to operate each year.
Zone finals for the 2026 competition will again be rolled out across multiple regions, including an East Gippsland event at Bairnsdale West Primary School on Thursday, August 20, hosted by Megan Liston.
Other regional host schools locked in for this year’s circuit include Leongatha Primary School, St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School campuses in Traralgon and Warragul, Tulliallan Primary School in Casey, and Heyfield Primary School.
The prestigious state final is scheduled to take place on September 15 at the St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Junior School campus.
Organisers say the competition has continued to grow significantly in profile over the past two decades, alongside steady improvements in the quality of prizes, trophies, and certificates on offer for the state’s top young spellers.
East Gippsland students have enjoyed stellar success at the state final level in recent years, including Maree Mangoang from Bairnsdale West Primary School, who claimed the coveted year five state title in 2025.
Other recent high-achieving East Gippsland winners include Lakes Entrance Primary School student Remi Perera, St Brendan’s Primary School student Indi Rijs, Bairnsdale Primary School student Phoenix Veitch, and Bairnsdale Secondary College student Sarah Melrose.
The official launch of the 2026 Vicspell season was recently held at Docklands in Melbourne, attended by key competition organisers and representatives from Oxford University Press.
