Pambula Merimbula Lions Club celebrated its 50th changeover on July 4. The Sapphire Room at Club Sapphire was the chosen venue, with 36 dignitaries and visitors joining with Lions and their partners to celebrate the occasion. Councillor Sharon Tapscott proposed the toast to Lions International, and member for Bega, Andrew Constance gave the invocation. Lions district governor Sally Wilton was present to swear in the new board.
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The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Melvin Jones award to Lion Julia Bonet. This award is the highest available through Lions. Her long term membership has been marked by her dedication to selling raffle tickets and the next morning Julia was at the Candelo markets, doing it all again.
The other major award of Lion of the Year went to Lion Vicki Bond, for her dedication as the new club secretary. This was presented by Ursula Viebke, in memory of her late father Hans.
Outgoing president Pat Luker spoke of the achievements of the year. Of some $15,000 given back to the community, approximately $9000 went on youth projects, notably the Youth of the Year project, Peace Posters, sending two high school students to an Outward Bound course, assisting a young lady to travel to Perth for AFL, and supplying a specialist wheelchair for a young local girl. Assistance was given to the Bega Rotary Club for their RYDA driving awareness course, Robin Hood Club during the jazz festival, Cancer Council's Relay for Life, and the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal.
Other activities included the annual “Fairway” golf weekend, and organising the Christmas Carols at Magic Mountain. Both these events were a great success and enjoyed by the community.
Incoming president Ric Vanderbom said: “We are all volunteers and it is only with unity as a club that we will succeed in our mission to assist those in need. It is heartening to know that this club was chartered back in 1965 and after 50 years of Lions service to the community, is still going strong.
“Later this year we celebrate our past achievements with our 50th anniversary functions. We can all hold our heads up high, knowing that we are continuing on from those that took up the gauntlet and made things happen for the betterment of the members of our immediate and broader community.
“I am proud to be part of a team of dedicated hard working citizens who have accomplished so much, and who are focused on achieving even greater things into the future. My focus is to endeavour to increase membership so that they too will reap the rewards of Lions involvement in assisting others.
“If any of you become aware of anyone in the community that may need our support, then please bring it to our attention so that we can assess the situation and administer a course of action. Let us all continue to contribute as much as possible in our endeavour to create a better community for ourselves and others,” Mr Vanderbom said.
