Kaniva representative

Louise Hobbs from Kaniva was among finalists at district level of a Lions Youth of the Year competition.

The district final was at Ocean Grove at the weekend.

The winner will go on to state finals at Kialla next month.

Ms Hobbs qualified for the final after being overall winner of Lions Region Seven final in Horsham earlier this month.

Ms Hobbs represented Kaniva Lions Club, Claudia Schneider, Nhill Lions Club and Cassie Dunlop, Rupanyup Lions Club, in the regional final.

The awards, in their 50th year, are designed to encourage leadership qualities in youth.

Judges for the regional finalists public-speaking skills were retired TAFE teacher Alan Jolley and National Australia Bank’s Jenni Taylor.

Lions officials presented certificates of appreciation to the three contestants with Claudia Schneider winning the public speaking section and Ms Hobbs winning overall.

Region Seven chairman Butch Witmitz of Kaniva said contestants should be proud of their achievements.

“They showed great leadership qualities,” he said.

“The country will be in good hands.”