Local students took centre stage at the annual Youth of the Year Awards hosted by the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club, inspiring the 70 guests in attendance with their confidence, passion and vision for the future.
Established more than 60 years ago, the Youth of the Year program aims to develop essential life skills in senior students, including interview technique, personal interaction, networking, public speaking and the ability to think on their feet.
Held at the Tewantin RSL, the evening combined rigorous judging with heartfelt celebration. RSL CEO Chris Mead reflected warmly on his own experience as a past Youth of the Year participant, while guests enjoyed the venue’s hospitality.
Noosa Councillor Amelia Lorentson, one of the event judges, said the program highlighted the strength of the region’s emerging leaders.
“Our future is in great hands,” Cr Lorentson said, adding that the initiative “builds confidence and genuine leadership among our local students.”
Judges faced the difficult task of assessing students’ achievements across sporting, academic, community and school initiatives. The competition culminated in a final round of public speaking, featuring impromptu questions and prepared speeches that tested composure and clarity under pressure.
Joining Cr Lorentson on the judging panel were Julie Ainscough, President of the Noosa Women’s Shed, and Craig “Burts” Burton, General Manager of Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club Inc..
With Lions Steve and David keeping proceedings on track with empathy, humour and precise timing, the scores were exceptionally close.
Madeleine Stevens from Good Shepherd Lutheran College was named overall winner, while Ava Jorge from St Andrew’s Anglican College took out the Public Speaking award.
All participants were praised as exceptional ambassadors for Noosa, including Priya Rogers, Alexander Nade, Mathias van Velzen and Lachlan Parnel.
A special moment came when 2025 Youth of the Year Alex Von Homeyer returned to share her journey as she embarks on a gap year in Europe before beginning a double degree in Hobart in 2027.
Summing up the spirit of the evening, Cr Lorentson described Youth of the Year as “community at its very best – experience guiding ambition, wisdom lifting courage and a shared belief in the potential of our youth and the future they are creating today.”
