The Lions Club of Benalla welcomed its first new president in three years at its annual changeover dinner on Thursday, June 15.
Long-term member Peter Poels will take the reins for the next 12 months from Denise Brown who had the unenviable task of leading the club through the COVID years.
Speaking to the gathered members and guests, Mr Poels thanked outgoing president Denise Brown.
Mr Poels spoke about some of the vital work in the community the club had undertaken since it was chartered in 1957.
“The club had four top quality builders. They had a great working relationship with council, who requested Lions demolished several buildings, which they were then able to rebuild in different location,” Mr Poels said.
Those included constructing a building to be used by the Police and Citizens Youth Club at the Friendly Society grounds, now home to the Benalla All-Blacks; the relocation of the old Ensign building on Mair St to Lowry Place to be used by the scouts and guides; and a shelter for St John’ Ambulance.
Six club members were presented with Chris August Memorial Award for outstanding service to the local community.
Those were David Lowing, Denise Brown, Helen Vaughan, Chris Vaughn, John Brown and Margaret Poels.
Three members — Peter Poels, Lachlan ‘Loch’ Lidgerwood, and David Lowing — were given the club’s prestigious James D. Richardson Award, which is named after the man, who in 1958, was the first Australian to serve as a director on its International Board of Directors.
The club also dispersed donations to several community groups including CFA, Benalla Guides, Benalla Scouts and the Rose City band.