Amber won the overall award as well as the public speaking section for her speech about communications at the Taree Lions Club Youth of the Year Quest, held at Taree Leagues Sports Club on Tuesday, February 18.

The other entrant in the competition was Taree High School captain Samuel Moss while the judges were retired teacher Keith Davy, former NSW Food Authority manager Lois Ruprecht and Manning River Times journalist Rob Douglas.

Amber and Sam were first interviewed where they explained their contributions to and involvement with school, leadership, sport, culture, community and citizenship.

Before their prepared speeches, Amber and Samuel gave excellent impromptu speeches on what Australians find most valuable and the future of printed media, such as books and newspapers, in relation to the rise of electronic media.

Amber now moves on to the regional final, which will be held in Taree next month.