Lions Youth of the Year
Encouraging Leadership and Excellence
Each year, the North Beach Lions Club proudly participates in the Lions Youth of the Year program — a flagship national initiative of Lions Australia that celebrates the leadership, community spirit, and personal achievement of young Australians who are about to embark on their adult lives.
It provides students in years 10-12 the opportunity to challenge themselves, gain important experience and build confidence, while being recognised for their academic, sporting, cultural, and community involvement.
Our Club’s Role
The North Beach Lions Club hosts a local Youth of the Year judging event each year, bringing together students from local secondary schools. Our members coordinate and support the process — from inviting schools and students to participate, to organising judging panels, interviews, and a presentation event to celebrate the participants’ achievements.
The winners of our local competition progress through to regional, state, and national finals, representing both their schools and our community on a broader stage. Our club takes great pride in recognising the exceptional young people who participate and in supporting their journey in the competition.
The Competition Process
Participants are assessed on a range of qualities that reflect well-rounded personal development, including:
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Academic and community involvement
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Public speaking and communication skills
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Leadership potential
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General knowledge and awareness of current affairs
The program includes both an interview with the judging panel and a public speaking component, where each participant delivers a prepared speech and answers impromptu questions — a rewarding challenge that builds valuable life skills.
Benefits for Participants
Students who take part in Lions Youth of the Year gain much more than awards or recognition. They develop:
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Greater self-confidence and resilience
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Improved public speaking and interview skills
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A deeper understanding of leadership and service
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Connections with community mentors and peers who share their values
Many participants describe the experience as one of the most memorable and empowering of their school years.
North Beach Lions YOTY Club Final, Tuesday 24th February 2026
What an inspiring evening at this year’s Lions Youth of the Year Club final.
As always in this program, three amazing students delivered their prepared speeches and answered two impromptu questions.
Each student who took the stage demonstrated remarkable courage, stepping beyond their comfort zone to speak with conviction, authenticity and heart.
The future is in capable hands, and we are incredibly proud to be a part of fostering leadership, resilience and quiet strength in these outstanding young people.
Comprehensive interviews are held prior to the public speaking, giving student valuable experience in preparation for job or university interviews down the track.
Three independent judges assess both interview and public speaking segments and declare an overall winner and a public speaking winner.
This year, Michael Cheng (centre in the picture) was the overall winner as well as the public speaking winner. Michael will now compete in the District Final North on the 28th of March.
Good luck Michael! NBLC members will be there to cheer you on!
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