The success of separate projects to help hearing-impaired people and identify vision problems in children were among highlights nominated by Beccy Field in her final address as president of the Lions Club of Mount Gambier.
The annual changeover dinner – where Martin Vercoe was installed as the new president – also included the announcement of a special Roley McAtee OAM Vision Award for Jill Austin who oversees the club’s children’s vision screening program.
“Jill has been tireless in ensuring the project reached the level that it has,” Ms Field said.
“Her efforts to ensure the kit was put together, her constant visits to schools and keeping the communication lines open between the schools, the training team and the screening teams has been nothing short of exemplary.”
Presentations were also made to members who have helped with follow up training of an Australian Lions Hearing Dog that was placed with a local couple who attended the dinner along with their dog Angus.
Hearing dogs are provided free to recipients, with the training costs of $40,000 funded by Lions clubs and corporate sponsors throughout Australia.
A Melvin Jones Fellowship – the highest accolade a Lion can receive – was presented to Gary Ashby, a charter member of the former Port MacDonnell Lions Club who transferred to the Mount Gambier Lions Club in 2022.
A Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowship was announced for Greg Driscoll, a club member for 32 years who has contributed in many ways including catering, Youth of the Year, Lions Mad Minute and member welfare.
Ms Field also congratulated Allen and Sandra Woodham on their achievements over 25 years with the Blue Lake Brass Band Festival which concluded as a Lions club project last year.
Other projects undertaken by the club in 2023/24 included the Lions Foodbank Meat Project, as well as ongoing assistance to Riding for the Disabled, and the Graduate of the Year and Youth of the Year Awards.
Funds were raised through catering, Bunnings sausage sizzles and selling firewood, mints and raffle tickets.
The club also reported record Christmas cake sales.
