Community & Business
28 April, 2026
Pittsworth hosts Lions Youth of the Year District Final
On Saturday, the Pittsworth Lions Club hosted the District Final of the Lions Youth of the Year (YOTY) program with six students from as far as Currimundi participating.
The Pittsworth Lions Club has been involved with the Lions Youth of the Year program for some time, running it’s own Club competition each year with students from Pittsworth State High School.
The program offers young people opportunities to develop their leadership skills, to widen their horizons, build new relationships and to contribute to their communities.
District Governor, Narelle Gluer, said the day marked the culmination of nearly 12 months of dedication and effort from the participants.
The winner of the District Final was Mariam Nabizada of Fairholme College, representing the Lions Club of Toowoomba Wilsonton.
She participated in the YOTY program to strengthen her leadership, public speaking and advocacy skills while connecting with other passionate young Australians.
Her victory will see her travel to Bundaberg for the State Final on 1-2 May.
The Public Speaking Award was presented to Sarah Chew of Mt. Alvernia College Kedron, representing the Lions Club of Brisbane Inner North.
She participated in the YOTY program to gain better understanding of her strengths, test her skills in a real world application and improve communication skills under pressure for better networking.
The other finalists were:
Clayton Sternes of Dalby State High School, representing the Lions Club of Dalby. He participated in the program to build confidence, leadership skills and strong communication abilities in preparation for university, job interviews and future leadership roles.
Alexandra (Lexi) Winks of Corinda State High School, representing the Lions Club of Brisbane Oxley Sherwood. She participated in the program to develop and grow confidence through a new experience outside a school setting, to better equip her with the confidence to speak eloquently and be poised speaking under pressure with or without preparation.
Madison (Madi) Churchill of Mary MacKillop College, representing the Lions Club of Albany. She participated in the program to grow personally and academically, to gain greater confidence in expressing her ideas clearly and persuasively, and strengthening her ability to think critically under pressure.
Elizabeth Hunt of Meridan State College, representing Lions Club of Lake Currimundi Kawana. She participated in the program to improve confidence and public speaking skills, to recognise her strengths and weaknesses, and work on her capabilities while being proud of who she is.
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After a day of interviews at the Pittsworth Function Centre, the formal part of the evening took place at Rusty’s Bar and Grill.
Once dinner was enjoyed, each of the finalists had to answer two impromptu questions, which were:
Literally or metaphorically, what is under your bed?
Is Australia still the land of the fair go?
After the impromptu questions came an opportunity for the finalists to deliver a prepared speech.
The various topics included endangered animals, women in sport and the impact of social media on young people.
The judges for the District Final were:
Pat Weir, Member for Condamine
Helen Everingham, musical talent and professional public speaker
Gabrielle Weier, Head of English, Arts and Languages at Pittsworth State High School (PSHS), former participant of the Lions Youth of the Year Program
Scott McKenzie, avid musician and music arranger, Deputy Principal of PSHS
Tony Dever, Principal of Downs Property Agents in Pittsworth with 25 years in the agricultural sales industry, dedicated family man
Inayat Pandher, first year medical student at the University of Southern Queensland with aspirations to specialise in neurosurgery, District finalist for Lions Youth of the Year in 2025.
