Cooper Belfall awarded ‘Leo of the Year’ with powerful speech

He was successful in winning both the public speaking and overall Youth of the Year awards.

Cooper said he was “humbled and honoured” to be chosen for Leo of the Year at the school and district final.

The competition involved writing and presenting a speech on any chosen topic.

Cooper spoke on the issue of domestic violence and said it was a difficult and emotional topic to explore.

“The speech meant a lot to me, as my family has experienced domestic violence,” he said.

“I want to make sure that domestic violence, homophobia and transphobia is known and wrong.

“As a queer person, I also want to speak up about the stigma of domestic violence in same-sex couples.”

The judges on the day were past district governor Norm Walkington and Anne-Marie Link, with Gannawarra Shire councillor Keith Link presenting the awards.

The event was attended by various Lions Club members from across the district, including the Cobram branch, which is the mentor club for Cobram on The Murray.

Cobram Lions Club vice-president Olga Parry said Cooper’s speech was “absolutely amazing”.

“As a club, we’re so proud of what he’s achieved,” she said.

“Personally, I couldn't be prouder of him if he was my own child, I just think it's a wonderful thing what he’s done, and it’s built his confidence up as well.”

Cooper has been a member of the Cobram on the Murray Leos Club for almost a year and said he got involved through the Victorian Pathways Certificate program at Cobram and District Specialist School.

“The best part about being involved as a member of Leos is being able to speak up about pressing and hard problems in the community,” he said.

“Such as homophobia and transphobia against LGBTQ+ people, domestic violence across all genders, and fighting for equality for people with disabilities like myself.

“Another reason is the sense of care and kindness people show within the club, by partnering with FoodShare and having sausage sizzle fundraisers across the Moira Shire.”

Cooper will represent the Cobram on The Murray Leo club at the Victorian State Final at Marcellin College in Bulleen on Sunday, March 22.

“I am feeling a mix of emotions,” Cooper said.

“I am definitely very excited to meet and hear people's speeches and life stories, but I’m also very nervous to speak.”

Cooper said he felt “very honoured” to be in the newspaper.

“I just want people to know that I stand up and condemn homophobia and transphobia, ableism and domestic violence,” he said.

“I hope, somehow, this speech helps even one person to stand up and speak up.”

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