General News
7 July, 2026
Leos club chartered
The Leo Club of Carisbrook and Maryborough has been officially chartered with founding members between 12 and 18 years old.
The Leo Club of Carisbrook and Maryborough is now official, offering new opportunities for local youth.
The youth-led club was chartered on July 27 with the support of over 60 attendees.
Leos are the youth branch of Lions Clubs International, giving young people the opportunity to develop their skills, give back to the community, and pursue projects that interest them.
The local club has seventeen founding members between 12 and 18 years old.
Together they’ve already been making their mark, even before they were official, with a disco earlier this year and tests of a fortnightly drive-in cinema.
Founding president Jackson Hoober said he was proud to lead the local Leos.
“It was exciting and felt good to be the president creating a new club in the town,” he said.
The club has a full committee, something Jackson said he was proud to see filled.
“I’m always there if they need help,” he said.
While Jackson may be young at 15 years old, he has already spent half his life volunteering.
He also follows in the footsteps of his dad, Jefferson Hoober, who is the president of the Carisbrook Lions Club.
Jefferson has long advocated for the value of a Leos club locally.
“I just see the benefit for the town [and] the benefit for themselves,” he said in April.
“It’s a win-win for the kids.”
While Jefferson admitted he had concerns ahead of the ceremony, they soon melted away.
“Seeing [Jackson], and all the kids, step out of their comfort zone … blew everyone away,” he said.
It also proved emotional for Jefferson.
“You know what there’s nothing wrong with being emotional seeing upcoming Leos get excited,” he said.
“If you didn’t have tears in your eyes ... from these new upcoming Leos, you just haven’t got a heart.”
Jefferson said the club will continue to grow which will benefit the wider community.
“I just see a bright future ahead,” he said.
Jackson encouraged the community not to underestimate young people.
“We’d like people to keep supporting us so we can keep growing,” he said.