Yarragon Lions celebrate 40 years
Yarragon Lion’s Club annual changeover dinner offered the opportunity to reflect on the past before moving into the future.
Roy Robins reflected upon some of the history of the club before the launch of his book, reflecting on the club’s first foray into catering at Field Days, providing assistance to those affected by fires in New South Wales and western Victoria and building its first shed at Dowton Park in 1997-98.
Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood launched the history book, which covers from 2003 through to 2018.
“Roy of his own accord has taken on the project of researching the clubs history,” he said.
“He has accessed old records, specifically all the old changeover books, with the exception of three years, and local newspaper articles.
“It is very important to keep the history of Yarragon Lions Club in written form so that it can be passed on and appreciated by current and future members, and our community more broadly.”
Charter member Ron Jolly also retold some tales from the past before cutting the 40th birthday cake.
The celebrations capped another successful year for the club.
While funds raised were about 20 per cent down due to not attending Farm World this year due to unforeseen circumstances, the club still managed to disperse $18,595.40 to community organisations, schools and local charities.
“We have lost from the club four members, and we have four Lions at large,” club president Tony Hayes said.
“The good news is we have inducted another two members and we hope to introduce a new member shortly.
“This will give us membership in the high twenties.”
The Yarragon Lions is set to have a big presence in the community in the next financial year, with several community barbecues booked, catering at clearing sales and the annual swap meet at Warragul showgrounds. The fashion parade will go ahead again following last year’s success, while the club will also cater for a running race through the Mount Worth State Park next month.
Drouin Lion Murray Gardiner inducted the new board, with Tony Hayes (president), Shirley Gibson (secretary) and Richard Sandy (treasurer) continuing. Other board members include Peter Petschel, Roy Robins, Jim Geary, Leanne Evans, Lionel Deane, Rolly Ruck, Joe Van Den Broek and Kevin Arnold.