MEMBERS of the Lions Club of Nambucca Heads, and their partners, converged on the Nambucca Heads RSL club last Tuesday evening for their Annual Changeover Dinner.
Chaired by Lion Bill Shepherd, the event marked the end of one Lions year of service to the community, and the beginning of another.
Lions President Grahame Beatton, who will be remaining at the helm, formally thanked those leaving the leadership team and welcomed new members to the club’s committee.
In his President’s report, Mr Beatton expressed sincere gratitude to the club’s hardworking committee and members, acknowledging the balance many had struck between personal commitments and community service.
“Despite cruising, visiting grandchildren, and travelling, we’ve managed to complete a remarkable number of projects this past year,” Mr Beatton told the gathering.
“That’s thanks to members stepping forward when it mattered most.”
The Lions Club’s achievements over the past year were nothing short of impressive.
From the Christmas Festival in Coronation Park, to donating fridges and freezers to support local food relief efforts.
They helped deliver Christmas hampers, hosted youth programs, supported school excursions, and provided library books to nursing homes.
Their presence was felt at community awareness days, the VW Spectacular BBQ, and markets at the Nambucca Plaza.
Through their Return and Earn initiative, they raised significant funds while promoting sustainability.
One of the standout moments of the evening was the acknowledgment of the club’s total fundraising efforts for the year, reaching in excess of $48,000.
The club made donations of over $23,000 throughout the year.
Mr Beatton also highlighted the club’s collaboration with Rotary on a special project: the donation of a trike designed to transport elderly residents along the V Wall for scenic rides.
In an appeal regarding the future of the Lions Club, Mr Beatton added, “To maintain this level of service, we urgently need to attract new members and recruitment will remain a top priority,”
A special guest at the dinner was Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee, who declared himself a ‘Lion at Large’ due to his previous experience as a Lions Club member.
The Mayor delivered a heartfelt address at the dinner, praising the Lions for the role they played, and continue to play, in getting recent flood victims back on their feet.
“I thank this Lions Club for having the belief that giving back is worth it,” the Mayor said.
The evening culminated with the formal installation of the new President and committee by Lion Nora Brooks of Australian Lionsonoz.
The Lions Committee for 2025/26 is President Grahame Beatton, 1st Vice President Rod Snart, 2nd Vice President John McCollom, 3rd Vice President Bernard Campbell, Secretary Debbie Matthews, Administrator Jane Pattinson, Treasurer Susan Campbell, Tail Twister Peter O’Neil, Membership Chairman John Palmer, and Lion Tamer Alan Mills.
By Mick BIRTLES
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