KANIVA student Louise Hobbs represented Wimmera Lions clubs at the Youth of the Year western Victoria finals at Ocean Grove on Saturday.
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Louise, age 17, was selected by a panel of judges as the overall winner at the region seven finals on March 5
Louise, who lives in Kaniva but is studying year 12 at Horsham’s St Brigid’s College, went up against Claudia Schneider, selected by Nhill Lions Club and Cassie Dunlop, selected by Rupanyup Lions Club, to represent the region.
Certificates of appreciation were awarded to the three contestants with Claudia winning the public speaking section.
In its 50th year, this prestigious national event encourages leadership and qualities in our youth to take an active and constructive role in the community.
Region 7 guest judge Jenni Taylor, from the National Australia Bank, congratulated the efforts of the contestants for getting to the regional final.
Ms Taylor also thanked Lions for the opportunity and said she got a lot out of it
Louise said that although she did not progress to the next level of finals after her Region 7 win, the experience was exciting.
“I came away with a lot of public speaking and job interview experience,” she said.
“To make it to that level for a second year is an achievement in itself.”
In the zone finals, which drew competitors from a region stretching from Footscray to the South Australian Border, Louise had to submit to a lengthy interview and answer general knowledge questions.
She presented a prepared speech to the judges and they gave her two impromptu topics to speak about off the top of her head.
“My prepared topic was the importance of STEM, Science Technology Engineering Maths, studies to rural girls,” Louise said.
“The asked me to speak on whether Victoria should lower its p-plate driver’s licence age to 17, and which person I would like to meet and why.”
Louise said she weighed up the facts on the youth licence issue.
“I spoke about how Victoria had one of the lowest road death rates, but also how young rural people could be isolated by lack of transport,” she said.
“In the end, I said that the licence age should not be lowered.”
Louise said she would most like to meet One Nation leader and Senator Pauline Hanson.
“She came from humble beginnings, working at a fish and chip shop,” Louise said
“I would like to ask her why she holds the views she does.”