President Mike Hallinan said one of its most well-known projects is the monthly Deniliquin Lions Community Market, which is held in the Deniliquin Waring Gardens on the fourth Saturday of each month.
Where the market falls on a holiday weekend - like Easter or Christmas - the market may be moved to the public holiday Monday.
Stallholders come from across the region, and the Lions are there with their trusty barbecue and catering van to feed the crowds.
Mr Hallinan said other projects and services include selling Lion's Christmas cakes and mints, the annual Christmas raffle, catering for Edward River Council’s outdoor staff breakfast each month, and manning the Lions barbecue or catering van at other key events.
“There are also smaller jobs like cooking for Yarkuwa and the Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Lands Council, providing tables for the Navorina Garage Sale and participation in the annual Clean Up Australia Day,” he said.
“We are also still involved with Lions Recycle for Sight, and this year we finalised a couple of small local projects in batteries and bicycles that we had collected over the years.”
Mr Hallinan said the Lions also assist other local groups with their storage requirements at the former Apex shed, including the Deniliquilters & Friends and Edward River Concert Band.
In the past 12 months, Deniliquin Lions have granted many donations including to the Deniliquin High School P&C following the devastating fire at the end of 2025, to a selected PSSA student with travel expenses and various other district and national projects, as well as supporting the Deniliquin St Vincent de Paul’s Christmas hamper appeal.
Despite this brilliant record of service to the community, Mr Hallinan said declining membership is preventing the club from doing more.
It may even force the club into recess.
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, May 25.
Interested community members can attend meetings to learn more, or contact Mr Hallinan on 0427 632 762 to inquire about membership.
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