General News
1 May, 2026
Lions recognise youth talent
Young talent has been recognised at the Lions Youth of the Year district final, recently hosted by the Carisbrook Lions Club.
The annual competition dates back over six decades, judging senior students on specific skills starting at the club level through to the national stage.
The program aims to foster leadership skills in the students alongside other qualities that help them contribute to their community.
The district final, held at MEC on April 18, saw four students come to Maryborough from as far away as Melbourne.
Carisbrook Lions Club president Jefferson Hoober said it was important to “show this youth off” through the competition.
“It gives us a bit of a thrill to see young talent,” he said.
Over 60 people attended the event, including 14 new members of the local Leos club — the Carisbrook Lions Club’s up-and-coming youth faction.
“It’s good to show these kids there’s things you can do. The sky’s the limit really,” he said.
Lions Youth of the Year V1-4 district coordinator Kristie Box said her highlight is watching the students grow in confidence.
While Reina Conway won overall, Aiden Turker won public speaking, which Ms Box said highlighted his growth.
She was there at the club level and remembers how nervous he was.
“The difference in him between then and this one, chalk and cheese, … you could see the confidence in him as he spoke,” she said.
It’s a success story Ms Box has seen time and again over her years organising the competition.
“There is a future out there. These young people are going to go places. They’re going to make something and they’re going to do it. They’re going to be the ones who change the world,” she said.
“This gives them that opportunity to speak about something and people listen.”
Among those listening was judge and local Jenny Hurse.
“It was a privilege to be involved in judging such exceptional young people,” she said.
She was joined by Bronwen Haywood, Jeff Hoober, Jan Williamson, and Carolyn Eldridge as judges.
Ms Hurse said the finalist students represented their commu-nities well.
“They are wonderful ambassadors for their families, their schools, and their communities,” she said.
The winners will now go on to the national final, at the Adelaide Showgrounds, on May 25.
But, for Ms Box, all the students are winners.
“Just by getting up there, in my opinion, they’re succeeding,” she said.