Community
7 July, 2023
Lions honour Joe Bourke
PORT Fairy-Belfast Lions Club held its 46th changeover last week.
The new Lions leadership team for 2023-24 was installed by Lion Bruce Lowenthal.
In the absence of outgoing president Neal Hedger, the event was chaired by Keith Gibson who welcomed members and guests including representatives from the Port Fairy Rotary Club and Lions from Macarthur and Koroit.
A moments’ silence was held for three district Lions who had passed away over the last 12 months – Lion Bob Towler of the Port Fairy club, and Macarthur Lions Joe Burke and Bill Addinsall.
Joe was particularly remembered as a member of the Macarthur team that chartered the Port Fairy-Belfast club in 1977 and who was later made an honorary member of the newly chartered club.
He only missed one Port Fairy changeover meeting since the club’s inception. In his honour, the Port Fairy Belfast president’s award (presented annually to a local Lion) was renamed the Joe Bourke Memorial Award.
Lion Keith presented the President’s Award this year to Lion Geoff Hodgkinson for his outstanding work in all activities Awards were also presented to Lion Gary Blain for 20 years’ service, and Lion Robert Blackmore in recognition of 45 years.
Lion Bruce installed the 2023-2024 team reminding each of their responsibilities and duties while also stressing the Lions club ethics and the important role of Lions clubs locally, nationally and internationally.
The incoming team installed were president Henry Toller-bond, vice-presidents Gail McGregor, Neil McLaren and John Addinsall, secretary Graeme Munro, treasurer Neil McLaren, tail twister Jim Kent, Lion Tamer Chris Hetherington, membership Keith Gibson, welfare Geoff Hodgkinson, and club directors Anne Fry and Chris Hetherington.
In his address to the club, incoming president Henry said that he had not yet decided on a major project for the year but he wanted the club to continue in its role as the leading provider of community support and assistance in accordance with the Lions club purposes and ethics.
The Lions Club of Macarthur is one of the longest serving clubs in this district and will celebrate its 50 years of service within the next couple of years.
There are many local organisations and individuals who have benefited through the succour and support unselfishly provided by the club during its long service, and who regard the club as the beating heart of their town - and that without the beating heart survival was not a certainty.
So why not, to ensure the survival of your club and town, become a member?
You will enjoy some great fellowship as well as the satisfaction of service.
