The 2024 Australia Day Community Organisation Award winners are seeking new members.
The Lions Club of Cobram is seeking new members as it continues its mission to help the community in 2024.
The club has been a stalwart organisation of the Cobram community for decades and is often seen assisting at community events.
The club, arguably most well known for its annual Christmas Twilight market, monthly markets and Mitre 10 sausage sizzle, has assisted many community organisations and members of the public through the funds it raises.
The group is proud to point out that all money raised by the Lions goes back to the community.
Money given back has gone to, among other things, helping families who have lost their homes, and financial assistance to rising sports stars such as Moira Shire’s wood-chopping champion William Hoyle.
The Lions are also well known for assisting local youths through school-based Lions programs as well as programs such as Youth of the Year, Junior Public Speaking, Lions International Peace Poster and the Cobram Lions Art Show.
The group has also supported various community events, including the Tri-State Games and Anzac Day events.
Club president Janet Austin said now was a great time to join the group and give back to the community, and that there was a sense of fulfilment in assisting others.
“(You) gain the personal satisfaction in knowing you are making a difference and in some way helping others,” she said.
Membership is open to anyone 18 years or older, and Ms Austin said being part of Cobram Lions could assist those looking for work as it showed a commitment to the community and a desire to help others while learning valuable life skills in the process.
“Being part of a Lions Club can be a very important reference on a young person’s CV,” she said.
“An active community service record rates high at job interviews and on some university applications.”
Though the club attends a lot of events and undertakes many projects, Lions members are able to fit their roles around their own timetable.
“All members attend what is achievable by the individual member,” Ms Austin said.
“You participate in what you are able to. The time commitment involved depends on your own circumstances.”
For those thinking about joining, Ms Austin said they shouldn’t hesitate to pop in.
“Come along and look at what the club does across a year’s activities, be a part of an active small club, striving to help others in as many ways that are possible,” she said.
“There is so much satisfaction in being involved in an active community service organisation.”
The upcoming year is set to be a big one for the Lions club, which will be celebrating 60 years of serving the community.