Lions Youth of the Year competition

This year marks the 61st anniversary of Lions Youth of the Year, which started in Brisbane in 1964. This competition is now Australia wide, with more than 1200 Lions clubs in Australia participating. 

The Youth of the Year program is one of Lions Australia’s best known youth engagement initiatives. For 61 years it has reached out to an estimated 100,000 young Australians to encourage them to engage in community service, contribute to their communities and to share their thoughts, views and ideas about Australia through public speaking. 

Some past winners of Lions Youth of the Year include former Prime Minister His Excellency the Hon. Kevin Rudd, former Queensland Premier the Hon. Peter Beattie, Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham, former Lord Mayor of Brisbane Jim Soorley and renowned ABC journalist Sabra Lane. 

On February 20, the Lions Club of Sandstone Point hosted their annual Lions Youth of the Year competition at the Sandstone Point Community Centre. Two contestants entered the competition, Zachary Paroz and Katalia Hayes from St Columban’s College. The overall winner and also the public speaking award was awarded to Zachary Paroz. Zac is the current school captain of St Columban’s College and is an exceptional role model not just within his school, but also in his local community.  

Zac went on to represent the Lions Club of Sandstone Point at the region final held at Bribie Island on March 15. Unfortunately, Zac was beaten by the smallest of margins. Zac said that he was thrilled with the experience and the opportunity it gave him to enhance his public speaking skills, as well as a greater insight into Lions.