The event brought together around 80 attendees and marked a return to an annual tradition that had been interrupted by the pandemic and the 2022 floods.
The dinner served as an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and recognise the contributions of volunteers.
“(The combined service dinner) is one way of uplifting the community but also recognising the volunteers that we have within our clubs,” Mooroopna Lions Club member Bill Winters said.
“It was a night full of frivolity.”
Local businesses generously supported the event by donating prizes for a raffle that raised $3637, a portion of which was donated to the Shepparton Bloke’s Biggest Lunch.
Guest speaker Shane O’Sullivan addressed the attendees, providing insights on men’s health and reinforcing the evening’s focus on wellbeing and community support.
Local elected members, including City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali and Crs Anthony Brophy, Sam Spinks and Ben Ladson, were also in attendance.
The dinner highlighted the dedication of local community members for their service to the Shepparton community. Special recognition was given to Les Young, who received the Mooroopna Kiwanis Club’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award, acknowledging his extensive contributions over decades of service.
“The whole night is centred around all of us getting together, giving our report,” Mr Winters said.
“It’s about revitalising volunteerism within our community, which has struggled since the floods in 2022 but also to acknowledge the fine efforts Les Young had put into Rotary and the broader community of Greater Shepparton.
“And we are talking about 50 to 60 years.”
Club members took the opportunity to share updates on their various initiatives, to promote greater awareness and foster collaboration among service clubs.
Looking ahead, the clubs are now preparing for the annual New Year’s Eve Carnival at John Gray Oval, which is expected to draw up to 8000 attendees.
The event will include music performances, food stalls and a fireworks display.
Mooroopna’s monthly market at Ferrari Park, backed by the ‘Mooroopna Matters’ group, also keeps the community buzzing, bringing residents together and building connections one stall at a time.
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