The two successful contestants, along with Patrick Flanagan from Scone and Caitlan Connolley from Muswellbrook,were interviewed by a judging panel and were then tested on their public speaking skills on the Saturday night at the dinner event.

The judging panel was made up of Hunter Valley News and Muswellbrook Chronicle editor Amy Slessor, Muswellbrook Shire councillor Janelle Risby and National Australia Bank Muswellbrook business banking manager Geoff Cunningham.

At the dinner, the contestants presented a five-minute speech and needed to answer two impromptu questions in front of the guests and judges.

Two winners were chosen to continue to the next round, and along with going through to the next level with Phillip, Jamie was also announced as the winner of the public speaking.

Judge chairperson Geoff Cunningham said the judges had a difficult choice due to the high quality and uniqueness of each of the contestants who each had their own talents and had excellent speaking and interviewing skills as well as showing community initiative and leadership in their everyday lives.

The regional finals will be hosted by the Muswellbrook Lioness Club on Sunday and Phillip and Jamie will face a new judging panel and new impromptu speeches.

The Youth of the Year Quest is an annual competition held by Lions across the country.

Only one winner from the regional finals will go through to the district competition, which is held at the Newcastle Lions Club on March 28.