New Lions branch

Twenty-two members were inducted to the club, which matched the qualifying amount to start a new branch.

Shepparton-Wanganui started three years ago as a sub-branch of the Toolamba Lions Club called the Toolamba Forest Club and has grown in numbers since, giving it enough numbers to branch out as its own club.

Past district governor Kumar Swaminathan said they were thankful for all the hard work that was put in by Toolamba Lions Club members.

“I need to thank the Lions Club of Toolamba for nurturing these Lions for the last 20 years under your wings, which is today seen as a fully-fledged club,’’ he said.

“Thank you very much for what you have done.’’

The night saw members from Dookie, Toolamba, Tatura, Shepparton and Mooroopna attend to show their support for the new branch, along with independent candidate for the federal seat of Nicholls Rob Priestly.

New executive president for the Shepparton-Wanganui Lions Club Margaret Stewart was pleased to see such a strong turnout for the official charter launch.

“I think it’s a very good turn-up actually to support a new club starting there,’’ she said.

“We just hope that we can just continue on helping people in our town district, around our area.”

The new club will be led by Ms Stewart (president), Jeni Fitzgerald (secretary), Joy Norman (treasurer), Bill Milner (membership) and Des Good (tail twister).

The branch members already have plans to fundraise for a defibrillator for the hospital and a new garden for the Shepparton cemetery this year.