General News
8 August, 2024
Lions Club changeover “a delightful evening”
The Gilgandra Lions Club Inc. held its 46th Annual Changeover Dinner on Saturday, July 27 at Gilgandra Golf Club.
People travelled from around the Central West including Dubbo and Warren for what was described as: “Just such a delightful evening.” The dress code was formal, with purchases generally from Gilgandra’s Community Op Shop or Vinnies.
In his welcome address, president Brenton Penna thanked all the members for their continued support during 2023/2024. The mission statement of Lions is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs and promote international understanding through Lions Clubs. “What can be achieved through shared values and collaboration.”
Tribute to the late Neville Toll OAM (1937-2023): President Penna acknowledged Neville, who had an amazing 45 years of service and was the recipient of a Melvin Jones Fellowship and Lions Charter member. Neville passed away during the year and contributed significantly to the Gilgandra Lions Club. Neville held every position on the board but he is remembered fondly for his many years as service director. In recognition of his commitment to Lions, the regular scholarship to students of Gilgandra High School has been renamed ‘The Neville Toll OAM Scholarship.’ The 2023 scholarship recipients for 2023 included students Tahlee-Rose Duffy ($1500) and Georgia Briggs ($500).
Inductions and new members: Rod Howchin was inducted as vice-president, with new members David McMurray-Jones and Stacey Reynolds also being inducted on the night. Mike Newstead sponsored these inductions.
Activity report: Ron Quealy (service director) presented the service activity report. Ron reported a highly successful year with an amazing 770 hours of service logged and many dollars were raised for distribution locally via the Save Sight and Health Program and other Lions projects. Some service activities for the year included bar and gatekeeping at the Gilgandra Jockey Club race meetings; battery drive; fuel raffle; and the working bee at the Gilgandra showgrounds. Many other service activities were also completed.
Serving the community where needed, the Lions Club’s last and most satisfying activity was the construction of a new pool fence for a lady living in Gilgandra who has a son with a disability. The former fence did not meet pool safety standards so Gilgandra Lions Club stepped in and purchased and erected a new fence so the family is now looking forward to warmer weather to enjoy their pool.
“Wow, what an incredible year for 2023/2024,” Hilda Newstead commented. “A wonderful night was had by all who attended the evening.”
