Strong field at Lions Youth of the Year final

THREE of the Nambucca Valley’s brightest young future leaders took centre stage on Saturday 14 March when the Lions Clubs of Macksville and Nambucca Heads hosted the 2025/26 Lions Youth of the Year Competition Area 2 Final.

Held at the Nambucca Heads RSL Club, the event showcased the public speaking talents, achievements and leadership potential of the very impressive local students.

President of the Nambucca Heads Lions Club, Grahame Beatton, told News Of The Area, “I did not envy the judges’ job as the three contestants were very, very strong in all areas.”

Contestants included Dee-Jae McLeod, sponsored by the Lions Club of Macksville, who attends Macksville High School.

In addition to maintaining a strong academic record, Dee-Jae is a senior team member in the Premier’s Debating Challenge and the Two Canoes Indigenous Program, and is also a member of the Nambucca Valley Youth Council.

She is actively involved in a range of leadership, academic and sporting pursuits.

Ashton Angus, sponsored by the Lions Club of Nambucca Heads, attends Coffs Harbour Senior College.

He has an impressive academic record and is active in his school’s Student Representative Council.

Ashton has also initiated both a chess club and a film club at his school.

While previously attending Nambucca High School, he was a member of the successful Tournament of the Minds team.

Outside the classroom he holds a Black Belt in Karate and a Bronze Medallion in Surf Lifesaving.

Violette Hyland, sponsored by the Lions Club of Valla and a student at Nambucca High School, also boasts an outstanding academic record.

Like Dee-Jae, she is a member of the Nambucca Valley Youth Council.

Among her many pursuits, Violette was the lead singer at the North Coast Compass Music Festival and has performed as a featured artist at the Festival of Instrumental Music at the Sydney Opera House.

Judges for the competition were Lissa Argue, Belinda Stamford-Thomas, Ian Love and Mick Birtles.

Each contestant participated in a 45-minute interview session with the judging panel, during which they discussed their interests, achievements and future aspirations while responding to topical questions.

The evening culminated in the public speaking component, where contestants delivered two impromptu speeches along with a prepared five-minute address before an audience of judges, Lions representatives, family members, friends and school supporters.

The overall winner was Ashton Angus, who will now advance to the district final in Tamworth on 26 March.

The Public Speaking Prize was awarded to Violette Hyland.

The Chairperson of the judging panel, Lissa Argue, was highly complimentary of the contestants, noting their ability to capture and maintain the audience’s interest through confident and engaging delivery.

Established more than 50 years ago, the Lions Youth of the Year Program aims to develop valuable skills in interview techniques, personal interaction, networking, public speaking and the ability to think on one’s feet.

Lions Australia considers these capabilities essential tools for young people as they embark on future careers and leadership roles.

The national program recognises high school students aged 15 to 19 for their achievements across a broad range of areas including academics, leadership, sportsmanship, public speaking and community service.

The Lions Clubs of Nambucca Heads and Macksville are among many Lions clubs across the country that strongly support the initiative, which continues to foster leadership, citizenship and personal growth in Australia’s young people.

By Mick BIRTLES