Community & Business
25 March, 2026
Malanda student off to district final
MALANDA’s Amelie Cockrem is through to the next round of the Lions Youth of the Year competition after taking out the Tablelands Zone final recently.
The recent final, hosted by the Mareeba Lions Club, saw five young contestants from Malanda State High School and St Stephen’s Catholic College compete for the title, but it was Amelie who took home both the Overall Winner and Public Speaking awards.
“It was very exciting to win this stage of the competition. I felt really honoured to represent the Malanda Lions and am grateful for the opportunity,” Amelie said.
“I spoke about the lesson of Icarus, but reframed it as a reminder not to let fear hold us back. I argued that aiming for the sun, even at the risk of falling, is far better than living a life full of ‘what ifs’.”
Amelie will now go on to represent the Tablelands at the District final in Townsville this weekend.
“I’m definitely a bit nervous, but I also really enjoy the challenge. Meeting like-minded young people and pushing myself outside my comfort zone is a big part of why I love this competition,” she said.
She said she was grateful for the support of her school teachers and the Malanda Lions.
“I’d like to thank one of my teachers, Mr Peter Axford, who puts so much time and energy into supporting students with public speaking. Malanda High wouldn’t be nearly as successful in these competitions without teachers like him,” Amelie said.
“I also want to encourage other students across the Tablelands to give Lions Youth of the Year a go. It can feel intimidating, but the skills, confidence and experiences you gain are genuinely worth it.
“The Malanda Lions have been especially supportive of me over the past two years, and I’m very grateful. If you have the time, get involved – they make a real difference in our communities.”
Event coordinator Gary Searle said he was quite impressed with the speeches presented by the students.
“The speeches presented by the contestants were diverse and thought provoking,” he said.
“It was a very entertaining evening and I left at the end of the night feeling proud of the Tablelands youth and encouraged by the great future leaders these contestants will become.”
