Deniliquin Lions Club was officially chartered on November 1, 1961 and currently has 25 members who are well known and active in the community.
After 58 years of service the club continues to support the community and local causes.
Secretary Janet Mathewson said in a town with a comparatively small population, the Lions Club has raised a significant amount of money, mostly for local groups and causes.
‘‘Assistance has also been given over the years to many Lions’ national and international appeals like floods, bushfires, tsunamis and cyclones,’’ Mrs Mathewson said.
‘‘Local youth groups, schools and community based organisations have also received the club’s financial assistance.’’
Throughout the years the Lions Club has supported a wide variety of local community organisations such as the Deniliquin Hospital, Ambulance Service, Navorina Nursing Home, Four Post Youth Camp, St Vincent de Paul and Salvation Army.
The community has reaped the benefits of the club’s tireless work including practical gifts for community use.
‘‘In 1997 the club provided the finance and voluntary labour, in conjunction with the Deniliquin Council, to construct the toilet block at Cressy Street in the Waring Gardens and this was presented as a gift to the town to mark the 50th anniversary of Lionism in Australia.
‘‘Some of our other projects include the wetland area in North Deniliquin and the Liberty Swing in the RSL Park which was completed in conjunction with the Deniliquin Rotary club, Deniliquin RSL Club and Deniliquin Council.
‘‘We also recently supplied the means to purchase one of the treatment chairs for the Deniliquin Hospital’s renal dialysis unit,’’ Mrs Mathewson said.
The club has conducted weekly bingo sessions in the multi-arts hall since 1986 to raise money for the community.
‘‘We started the bingo sessions as a means to raise money to purchase and donate the land in Macauley Street on which Navorina Nursing Home now stands.
‘‘The monthly markets held in Waring Gardens also help to raise funds for the club and to provide an opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy our gardens and stalls.’’
The club’s commitment to improvement is evident in programs designed to assist local youth.
‘‘We have an annual debate between the high school and Lions Club and support is given to several school breakfast programs.
‘‘Financial support is given to 11 local schools for their award presentation ceremonies at the end of each year and participation in the Lions Youth of the Year and Junior Public Speaking programs.
‘‘Trauma bears have been donated to police, fire and ambulance services to be given to young children caught up in a stressful situation,’’ Mrs Mathewson said.
The Deniliquin Lions Club is a proud supporter of the community living by the motto ‘We Serve’.
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