Hosted at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, the challenge had students from Macquarie Anglican Grammar School, Dubbo College Senior campus and Delroy campus answer the question 'Why are country towns still important?' with the winners going on to represent Dubbo at this weekend's final.

Macquarie Anglican Grammar's James Barton took out the boys' section, while Maree Pobje, a year 10 student at Delroy campus, narrowly won the girls' division.

"Regional communities, they're not important. They are imperative," Maree said in a stirring speech.

"They epitomise the Australian way of life... they underpin the economy, form the backbone of the workforce, and create communities that bear the notion of the true Australian identity."

In an unexpected turn of events, three girls progressed to the final after Maree Pobje, Sarah Lydon and Laura Paxton all drew on points.

"They were very close in their scoring and they are all exceptional speakers," adjudicator Elizabeth Tickle said.

Dubbo MP and Deputy Premier Troy Grant, who launched the challenge earlier this year, said there could be a future member of Parliament among Tuesday's young speakers.

"Without question... that's the extraordinary part about it," Mr Grant said.

"What inspires me is you can hear the passion in their voices.

"One theme that resonates with me is that in a country town everybody is a somebody, and that's really important because... if you're a somebody then you have worth and you have value to contribute."