Welcome to Lions Youth of the Year
If you are a young student and will be between the ages of 16 and 18 years of age as at the 30th of June in the year of the National Final, then you may be eligible to enter the Lions Youth of the Year. This is a prestigious event for young people, which boasts many high profile Australians among the ranks of former entrants. These include: Kevin Rudd; Peter Beattie, a past premier of Queensland; the ABC’s Sabra Lane and Senator Simon Birmingham. By entering the program, which is now in its 55th year, you will have an unequalled opportunity to experience an interview situation – in a friendly atmosphere – and a chance to practise your public speaking skills.
The best way to enter, is to talk to your local Lions Club. If you don’t know how to do this then please email the V6 District Chairman.
DISTRICT V6 CHAIRMAN: Mark Nordbye
Email: nordbye.mark@gmail.com
Mobile: 0438 060 959
“I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Lions Youth of the Year program and have met some highly motivated and inspiring students as well as some incredibly kind and generous Lions Club members. Each part of the process has reminded me of the importance of community and the valuable impact each individual can have.”
Fred.
Fred Kearney – NSW National Winner 2023
Fred Kearney – NSW National Winner 2023
Sponsored by
Lions Club of Armidale-Dumaresq and The Armidale School
Youth of Year Finals
The Lions Youth of the Year is aimed at all young people who seek to improve their skills before entering the workforce or other endeavours.
Aims
Lions Youth of the Year is designed to encourage, foster and develop leadership in conjunction with other citizenship qualities in our youth, at the age when they are about to enter the fields of employment or higher education, and provides students with the incentive to pay greater attention to the general qualities, so vital in developing our youths into first class citizens. The qualities sought, apart from academic attainments are those of leadership, personality, sportsmanship, public speaking and good citizenship. The students meet in fellowship and have the opportunity of open discussion, exchange of ideas and meet professional people of a community service Club organisation.
Youth of the Year is designed to encourage student interest in leadership and the qualities required to take an active and constructive role in the community. A high level of academic, leadership, sporting, public speaking and citizenship achievement is sought in its potential winners. By emphasising these qualities it hopes to provide outstanding role models for the youth of Australia and an overall increase in the confidence of young men and women.
Lions Youth of the Year is an excellent means of assisting Australia’s youth and promoting the essential role of leadership development and community service organisations in maintaining Australia’s high standard of living.
The Process
The main activities involved in the running of Lions Youth of the Year include initial promotion in schools and local communities; judging of candidates; selection and announcement of the national winner; arrangements for the winner’s overseas travel and attendance at an International Youth Camp and other finalists travel throughout Australia.
Youth of the Year begins in June/July and culminates with final judging and the announcement of the winners at the Multiple District Convention, normally held in May.
Levels of judging
- Club judging
- Zone judging ( in some Districts only )
- Regional judging
- District judging
- State finals
- National final
Lions Australia Child Safe Policy
Lions Australia members have a wealth of experience and are genuinely altruistic. Lions Australia at all times believe in the principle that the best interest of the child and young person is paramount. We are volunteers who are determined to do the best we can and be the best person we can be.
Lions Australia has adopted a Child Safe Policy governing the operation of our three national Youth activities. The Leo of the Year Program, Youth of the Year Program and Youth Exchange. The policy covers activities controlled at the Multiple District (National) level.
CHILD PROTECTION ACT & LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAR – Please download the documents below and read them, all Clubs need to have this document as part of their Policy & Procedure manuals.
Lions Australia Child Safe Policy
Lions Australia Child Safe Policy FAQs
Please ensure that any Lions Member working with students / children under the age of 18 years have a current Working With Children’s Check relevant to the state/s you are conducting your program in. This is available free for Volunteers – you can apply online.
ALL NON-LION VOLUNTEERS involved in helping with the Youth of the Year Program, who will be working with children under the age of 18, must also have a current Working With Children Check.
For more information on Child Safety in Australia – CLICK HERE
Download Youth of the Year Manuals Here
Club Chairmans Manual
Regional Final Manual
District Final Manual
CLICK HERE for the most up to date information regarding the Youth of the Year Program and to download all necessary paperwork (as it’s a Members Only area, you will need a password)