Tijana, 17, was one of three contestants who took part in the competition at the Port Fairy Senior Citizens Clubrooms.

The other two candidates were Eren Zehir and Meg Reuel.

This was the 40^th staging of the Port Fairy Belfast Lions Club Youth of the Year competition.

The judging panel consisted of Julia O'Neill, Fran Patterson and Fiona Towler.

Ms O'Neill, who is manager of the Port Fairy and District Community Bank, praised the quality of contestants.

"Only the narrowest of margins separated the three," Ms O'Neill said.

"It was a difficult but pleasant task, they were remarkable young people."

In the week leading up to the youth of the year final, the judging panel interviewed and assessed the candidates.

This interview was to assess their initiative, involvement in activities, academic achievement and general knowledge.

The final involved the contestants answering two impromptu questions.

The first of these was what they would say to councillors if they met them outside the Moyne Shire office.

The second was concerning the environmental issues facing Port Fairy and district.

Port Fairy Belfast Lions Club secretary Jim Kent said the questions drew strong replies.

"Both questions invoked interesting and very competent responses from the students," Mr Kent said.

"Each candidate was then required to present a prepared speech of five minutes.

"ll keep that in mind" was the subject of Tijana's intriguing speech.

"Eren spoke about the development of personal skills through efforts like the youth of the year.

"Meg's relating of fairytales to toddler's development was certainly thought provoking."

While Tijana was adjudged the overall winner, Meg Reuel won the best presented speech with Eren taking out the award for the best prepared speech.

Youth of the year chairman Gray Wilson said all entrants were winners in the experiences they gained in public speaking.

"I am always astounded when reading through the resumes of candidates by their involvement in so many areas, and their outstanding academic and social involvement and achievements," Mr Wilson said.

'With these young people as the leaders of tomorrow, we have no need to fear the future."

While the judging panel was in camera assessing their final decision, the audience was entertained by an informative presentation about stroke prevention from South West Healthcare stroke liaison clinical nurse Patrick Groot.