Lions Youth of the Year representative, Gigi O’Rourke will travel to Melbourne next month to compete in the nationals after becoming the Tasmanian Finalist.

Her speech asks people to examine their own actions on a local level and consider how they have a greater impact globally.

Gigi’s speech impressed judges as she tackled issues of consumerism through fast fashion and the idea of feminism being a bigger movement that can impact further than our own personal circumstance. Through these relatable examples, she was said she was able to engage and challenge thinking around these topics.

“I don’t think people, especially my age, often think about the wider consequences of their own actions. Fashion for example is a massive industry and through our demand and desires, negatively impacts people around the world, including 250 million workers under the age of 15 working in sweat shop conditions around the world.”

Not only did Gigi confront the issue, but also suggested solutions.

“A way of moving away from this is by thrift shopping for our age group, using things that are otherwise unwanted. Ethical clothing is an option but is often very expensive and therefore not accessible to people of my age.”

She also looked at feminism and promoting women’s rights not for personal gain necessarily, but for the good of people who cannot advocate for themselves.

“Women’s education for example around the world is a good argument for feminism: In Niger the literacy rate is only 17% and in South Sudan 73% of girls are not attending school.

She said that these issues are very much a reality for people around the world, but our own privilege, and often deliberate choice to overlook these realities stop us from seeing them clearly and acting to change it.

“Often times, we see these things on a media platform, and we sometimes share awareness of an issue, but we need to translate that into an active change.”

Gigi believes that collective action is necessary to challenge the governments and to make these issues seen and heard.

Gigi will be taking her message with her to the national competition and preparing two impromptu speeches as well as responding to questions before a panel.

We wish her luck!

Hannah East, also a student at the college, participated in the Lions Youth of the Year competition. She presented a speech on inclusive pronouns which was well received. She also gave a presentation to Don College staff members during their staff meeting to help explain the importance of asking the simple question,  which pronouns you prefer? Staff have adopted this into their ice-breakers and activities getting to know their students to ensure Don College is a safe space that promotes an environment of inclusivity for all. 

Well done to both participants, we are pround to have students using their voice to raise important issues for youth within out community.