Gordon Newton, Geoff Durston and John Ferguson cut the anniversary cake.
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The 40th anniversary of the Murchison and District Lions Club was celebrated on Sunday, September 15 with a luncheon at the Murchison Bowls Club.
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There were 31 people in attendance, including V6 District Governor Lion Julie Ballard, and Geoff Durston from Rushworth, who was the Murchison club’s Guiding Lion when chartered. Past members and partners were happy to catch up with those present, and a great time was had by all.
The anniversary cake was cut by the club’s two remaining charter members, Gordon Newton and John Ferguson, with Mr Durston assisting.
The Murchison Lions Club was formed when young men who had reached the age of 40, some of whom had been in the Jaycees Club at the upper age of 40 for that organisation, still wished to be in a service club. The Murchison Lions Club was formed, with Rushworth Lions Club being its sponsor club.
An array of banners.
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Over the 40 years, Murchison community organisations have received over $150,000 from the club’s fundraising activities.
The annual wood raffle, held during winter months, the Christmas stocking raffle and maintenance of the cemetery are projects that are the main source of the club’s income.
Over the 40 years, the club has donated to Shepparton Legacy — it is the longest-running donor. The club also donates to the Murchison Historical Society, primary school, Ambulance Service, swimming pool and others.
Special efforts have been support of a local lass with a Hart Walker, distribution of funds to local flood victims, purchase of a defibrillator for the town, underground irrigation for the cricket ground, CFA trailer fully equipped, and support of the town’s nursing home (now closed).
The club’s annual projects are the Christmas raffle followed by Santa around town visiting single older residents with a gift. The wood raffle runs for 15 weeks, the club runs a collection of eyeglasses, the collection of used batteries sees proceeds sent to the swimming pool, and maintenance is carried out at the cemetery.
The club has provided assistance with the Boxing Day Carnival, Tomato Fest, Murchison 10km Run, Great Victorian Bike Ride, Easter driver reviver, Australia Day, car rallies, Licola Lions Camp, youth exchange and sausage sizzles.
From the first year of the club, members have assisted with the Italian Remembrance Day held around November 11, helping visitors to the Italian Ossario, located in the Murchison Cemetery, with the parking of vehicles. That first day there were 45 buses in attendance.
The club supports Lions foundations — national and in the V6 District — St Vincent de Paul services and Shepparton Legacy. The remainder of the club’s support stays in the Murchison community.
The club’s motto is ‘As Lions We Serve’.
The Lions Club of Murchison & District banner.
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