Despite a brilliant record of service to the community - including three members being awarded for a combined 105 years of service this month - membership is declining.
There are currently only 15 registered members, and co-secretary Pat Fogarty said only five of those are ‘active’ on projects and activities.
While highlighting this problem is not unique to Deni Lions - or the Lions organisation as a whole - Mrs Fogarty said without intervention now, the good the club does in the community could be lost.
“This is the time of the year we usually set our directors for the next 12 month period, and we’re really struggling,” Mrs Fogarty said.
“Deni and district has already lost its Kiwanis Club, Soroptimists and Apex, and we don’t want to lose our Lions Club.
“We also lost the Country Women’s Association for a short time, and the way it has been revived is terrific.
“That’s what we hope to see emulated with Lions.”
Mrs Fogarty said the commitment to Lions does not need to be huge, but she said more help is desperately needed.
“Anyone who joins will not be expected to put in hours and hours of work - it’s more about the being part of the community and connectivity - but we do need more help to keep our projects going too.
“The Lions Club is important to the community. Over the years we’ve delivered two parks for Deni and district and the Waring Gardens toilets, and we were instrumental in the formation of Navorina Nursing Home and the Four Post Camp - among other things.
“We also run the monthly Lions Community Market in the Waring Gardens and provide catering across the community with our breakfasts and barbecues, and our volunteers help in community situations like sandbagging during the floods.
“Youth and older people has usually been our core focus, and that then leads to community enrichment overall.
“The Lions is also about camaraderie and connection, and historically clubs like ours have been avenues for young professionals new to town to make connections in the community.
“What’s happening to us is not unique as the way people volunteer is different now, but without a boost in membership that support we provide in the community will dry up as well.”
Mrs Fogarty said with a boost in membership and interest, the Deniliquin Lions Club could also reconsider the decision to end its Thursday night bingo.
It was forced into recess in 2023 due to volunteer fatigue and a downturn in attendance.
Before that decline, bingo was the club’s most significant fundraising initiative.
Deniliquin Lions president Mike Hallinan said while often looked upon as a group for older residents of the community, he said members of any age would be welcomed.
In fact, he said younger members are precisely what’s needed to ensure the succession of the club and its projects.
Mr Hallinan also took the time to congratulate Mrs Fogarty, Jim Grant and Daryl Whateley for their unwavering commitment to Lions over several decades each.
At a recent meeting, Mrs Fogarty and Mr Grant were presented with 30 year service certificates, while Mr Whateley was recognised for 45 years of service.
The Deniliquin Lions Clubs meets at the Deniliquin RSL Club on the second and fourth Monday of each month, from 6.30pm for a 7pm start. The next meeting is Monday, April 13.
Interested people are welcome to attend meetings, or you can call Mrs Fogarty on 0407 815 641 to inquire about membership.
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