Inverell High School Year 11 student, Lilly Trevithick, has been named the 2026 Lions Club Youth of the Year following a ceremony at Inverell Sporties last week.
Lions Youth of the Year is a prestigious Australian competition that has been running for over 50 years, fostering leadership, citizenship and public speaking skills in students aged 15–19, with participants progressing through club, regional and national levels.
Lilly completed a formal interview process, delivered two impromptu speeches and presented a five-minute prepared speech, Bridging the Divide (Equality), demonstrating both depth of thought and strong advocacy for fairness and inclusion.
Inverell High School says this is an outstanding achievement and a reflection of Lilly’s confidence, leadership and commitment to making a positive difference.
MacIntyre High School’s Samantha Blank was commended for her runner’s up placing with the school stating Samantha represents the School’s values of GRIT that they embrace.
Lilly will now progress to the Regional Finals in Glen Innes on 23 March.
