The Lions Club of Mount Gambier recently held its changeover evening at the Mount Gambier RSL, initiating its 69th year of community service.

Lions Club Mount Gambier publicity officer and treasurer Allen Woodham said the evening was a success.

“There was a good crowd of Lions there and their partners and Lions from other clubs as well and people representing the district, so it was quite a gathering,” he said.

The induction of new Lions Club Mount Gambier president Steve Bell and his board was celebrated and now-retired president Jill Austin, the first female president in the club’s history, handed over the role to Mr Bell.

Ms Austin thanked her board and club members for their good wishes, support and co-operation throughout the year as the club emerged from the many COVID-19 restrictions endured.

Ms Austin presented President’s Awards to various members, which recognised their contributions to the club for service and social events throughout the year.

Two other major awards were also presented, including the Australian Lion James D Richardson Award and the Lions Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.

District Governor Darryl Morley presented the Australian Lion James D Richardson Award to Lion Trevor Buckell for his service to the club and additional service to Lions Australia at a district level.

Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell was also asked by Governor Morley to present the prestigious Lions Melvin Jones Fellowship Award to long-standing Lions member Trevor Fulton.

“(It) is really the top of the tree, it’s the highest award you can give to a Lions member international,” Mr Woodham said.

“It recognises the effort that people have put in over a long time.

“We’re looking forward to serving the community more as more things are held and more things open up I’m sure we’ll be there.

“We do quite a lot of quiet work in the community and we do not do it for praise, we just do it because that’s the thing to do, to help whoever we can and serve our community.”