Lions Youth of the Year program has been running for 55 years.

It is open to students aged 16-18 and aims to develop leadership and citizenship qualities in young Australians.

At the event, participants were interviewed on different topics, including questions testing the participants' knowledge of national, state, and local matters.

Participants are then given two impromptu questions that they are given two minutes to respond to before giving a speech on a subject they have prepared.

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Gabriel said he found the experience rewarding.

"It was great fun," he said.

"It was really good for gaining a bit more experience in public speaking."

Gabriel said his chosen topic was 'Indigenous land rights in the Amazon.'

"It links into sustainability and Indigenous people having control over their own land has been better for the environment," he said.

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Three guest judges assessed the participants' responses: Ararat Rural City Council mayor Jo Armstrong, Central Grampians LLEN youth project officer Jane Moriarty, and AME Systems finance manager David Baird.

Competing with Gabriel was fellow Marian College student Hannah Terry.

Lions Club of Ararat president Bob Sanders said they gave excellent responses throughout.

"They're pretty tough questions, and it puts them on the spot, so it's not easy," he said.

"Gabriel and Hannah both acquitted themselves very well."

Gabriel will now compete in the district competition at Mortlake later in the month.

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