A fresh start: There were about 20 new members inducted into the Shepparton-Wanganui Lions Club last week.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
Despite the adversities many local community clubs faced in attracting members during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lions Club has been able to successfully open a new chapter.
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Last week saw the establishment of the Shepparton-Wanganui Lions Club 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.
A fresh start: There were 20 new members inducted into the Shepparton-Wanganui Lions Club last week.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
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Smile for the camera: Past District Governor Kumar Swamintham presenting Jeni Fitzgerald with her membership.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
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Father and son: Past District Governor, Omen Ndlovu presents his son Muzi Ndlovu with his official membership.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
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Making it official: PDG President Margaret Stewart accepts the new Club Charter certificate from District Governor Keith Yates.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
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All smiles: (left to right) Gary Thomas and Pat Goyne from Mooroopna Lions, Omen Ndlovu, Pat Mills from Box Hill Lions, John Matimba, Muzi Ndlovu and Tobi Ndlovu enjoying the night celebrating the new club charter.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
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A good night: (left to right) Keen to celebrate the night are, Shepparton-Wanganui Lions members, Cady Carter and Johanna Madden and Toolamba Lions Members, Pat Patt and Jeremy Patt.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
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Cutting the cake: Master of Ceremony Bill McDonald, Independent candidate for Nicholls Rob Priestly, District Governor Keith Yates, Shepparton-Wanganui President Margaret Stewart and Past District Governor Kumar Swamintham celebrating the occasion with some cake.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
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Time for celebration: (left ot right) Lorraine and Noel Hausfeld, Des Good, Dina Collins, Allan Shields, Bev Wall and Enid Richards are excited to see the opening of the new branch.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
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A proud day: (left to right) Keith Bryant, Bill Milner, Rob Priestly, Joy Norman, Olwyn Milner, Jeni Fitzgerald enjoying their dinner.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
All smiles: (From left) Gary Thomas and Pat Goyne from Mooroopna Lions, Omen Ndlovu, Pat Mills from Box Hill Lions, John Matimba, Muzi Ndlovu and Tobi Ndlovu enjoying the night celebrating the new club charter.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
A good night: (From left) Celebrating are Shepparton-Wanganui Lions members Cady Carter and Johanna Madden and Toolamba members Pat and Jeremy Patt.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
Cutting the cake: Master of ceremonies Bill McDonald, independent candidate for Nicholls Rob Priestly, District Governor Keith Yates, Shepparton-Wanganui Lions president Margaret Stewart and past district governor Kumar Swaminathan cut the cake.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato
Time for celebration: (From left) Lorraine and Noel Hausfeld, Des Good, Dina Collins, Allan Shields, Bev Wall and Enid Richards are excited to see the opening of the new branch.
Photo by
Nicola Ceccato