The Lion’s 60th Charter Anniversary dinner was held at Club Mulwala last Thursday night with over 80 Lions from nine clubs, guests and dignitaries in attendance.
The club was chartered on September 14 1964 and was sponsored by Corowa Lions Club before the Charter dinner was held at Cypress Garden Motel in Mulwala on December 5 1964.
The evening was launched with a very auspicious event with Life Membership to a club not given lightly and earnt by many years of tireless effort and dedication.
Phil Oliver is one of those rare people. Phil has been a member of the Yarrawonga Lions Club for 41 years serving on all executive positions and on too many committees to mention.
Phil is a quiet achiever but always there when needed. Congratulations and very well-deserved Phil.
The night continued with District Governor Julie presenting the local club with a “Club Excellence” award for 2023 – 24.
There are strict guidelines that must be met to receive this award, and the Yarrawonga Lions was one of six in the District to achieve this.
There are currently 55 clubs in the district – so well done Yarrawonga Lions.
Years of service Chevrons were presented to Robert Gover for 20 years and Jock McDonald for 25 years.
Club members are very proud of the longevity of members as they seem to hang around. Congratulations to you both.
This evening was the launch of the history book written and designed by Lion Ollie Tufvesson. This has been a labour of love since the beginning of COVID.
This covers the first 60 years of the club with many historical newspaper articles and photos. Copies were presented to current members and was available for purchase for $15. Thanks to the Yarrawonga Chronicle for the printing of this book.
The club also took the opportunity to present cheques for monies raised from events held within Yarrawonga.
President Don McPhee presented a cheque for $3,500 to Robyn Harrison receiving this on behalf of Australian Hearing Dogs. This money was raised from the recent Dachie Cup.
Then Don presented to Immediate Past District Governor, John Houghton, on behalf of Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation, a cheque for $1,500.
These funds were raised from the Town Garage Sale held a couple of weeks ago. Both events have been pencilled in for next year.
There were many photo opportunities but one very important one being one of current Melvin Jones Fellows.
This is the highest award that is presented to a Lion and the our local club have 8 members who have been awarded this fellowship.
Some short speeches and reflections from the floor were heard and many times glasses were raised to congratulate the club on its dedication to the community.
“We will continue to do this because that is what Lions do – Serve.”