Community
11 July, 2025
Fresh board named
CAMPERDOWN’S Lions Club enjoyed a night of fun, laughter and fellowship last Thursday as it looked back on its work for the 2024-2025 year at its changeover dinner.
The dinner was held at the Camperdown Uniting Church Hall, with the two-course meal catered by staff from DJ’s Café.
Guests for the dinner included District V2 Governor Michelle Challis OAM and her mother Phillipa, Corangamite Shire Council mayor councillor Kate Makin, representatives from Camperdown Country Fire Authority (CFA), Camperdown Rotary Club, Camperdown Returned and Services League (RSL) and Lions Clubs of Simpson and Mortlake.
Outgoing president Dennis Bant said he was amazed at how quickly the year had passed, with the club having been busy with numerous projects as well as social engagements.
“I thank every member for their dedication and effort during the year,” he said.
“Catering has been our major fundraiser for the year and most of the money raised is donated back into the community we serve.
“The club’s major project is the All Abilities Play Space carousel – a $70,000 project to be erected in Apex Park in coordination with our shire.
“Our club also helps the Pastoral and Agricultural Society with show gate control and the Camperdown Turf Club with various duties during their January Cup race day.”
Mr Bant also reflected on two strong relationships which have been forming over the course of the year.
“We have formed a good relationship with the local CFA and have conducted two projects together – namely smoke detector maintenance for the aged and special needs households in our community,” he said.
“This project the Camperdown Club has been involved in since the 1990s, however ageing membership has presented member insurance issues and thankfully the CFA came onboard and installed 10-year smoke detectors in the homes that did not have them.
“The second project was a recent barbecue at the Sunday market where free sausages were offered to the public as a CFA thank you for the community supporting their recent cause.
“Another good relationship is with our local RSL branch where we share their facility as well as helping with Anzac and Remembrance Day token selling.”
Across the 2024-2025 Lions year, the club has completed 169 service activities and volunteered a total of 4848 hours towards the community.
The club has also donated a total of $10,472.70 towards various community groups and projects.
The Lions Club officers were also installed during proceedings, with Simpson Lions Club member Tony Mallon acting as installing officer.
The 2025-2026 Lions year will see president Isabel Riordan supported by secretary and first vice president Judi Oakes, administration officer and publicity Maree Belyea, treasurer Andy Riordan, assistant treasurer and dinner secretary Jeanette Duncanson, membership and club harmony officer, lion tamer and safety officer Mr Bant, social media officer D’Arne Paton, tail twister Jan Smith and second vice president Glenda Hiscox.
In addition to the presentation of two gifts of appreciation to Mrs Belyea and Bill Duncanson, the Melvin Jones Fellowship award was presented to Mr Bant.
He said he was honoured to receive the award, which is presented by the Lions Clubs International Foundation.
“Quite a few of our members in the past have enjoyed the privilege of having the Melvin Jones, and for me to get it – I just can’t express my gratitude of the club for appreciating that work I’ve put in over that 46 years,” Mr Brant said.
“It’s a great privilege.”
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