Vicky Lyons inducted as Moree Lions Club president at 64th annual changeover dinner

The long-time Lions Club member was honoured with the award, which is voted on by the members, at the 64^th annual changeover dinner, held at Moree Town and Country Club on Saturday, June 23.

“[Jock] is a very active member of the club,” new president Vicky Lyons said.

“He does a lot of projects, and runs the fishing days. He does a lot for the club and if there’s an event, he’s always there.

“He truly deserved that award.”

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The club’s Rookie of the Year award, sponsored by Lions Lady Eileen Keitlinghaus, went to new member Jack Rayner for all the work he’s done in his first year, while Dr Leslie Woolard OAM was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellows Award, which recognises an individual – it can be a Lions member or non-member – for their outstanding work and contribution to the community.

“We decided to give it to Dr Woolard for his contribution to rural medicine and training of young doctors,” Ms Lyons said.

Past district governor Brian McWhirter OAM was the special guest at this year’s changeover dinner, inducting the new-look board, led by Ms Lyons who was inducted to the top job.

The former first vice president stepped up to take the president’s role from immediate past president Barrie Brooks who decided to stand down from the position which he held for the past two years.

Ms Lyons, who has very recently welcomed her first child, said the new role was “a bit daunting” but one that she looks forward to tackling.

“I want to be involved and take on different projects and tasks and help out with the club wherever I can,” she said.

“I wouldn’t have taken on the job if my husband didn’t support me; he’s fully supportive of it. I’m very thankful that the club members and my husband have all got my back.”

Ms Lyons has been a member of Moree Lions Club since she was inducted in June 2015, after moving to Moree with her husband in February that year.

Originally from Hong Kong, Ms Lyons said she’s always been involved in various voluntary work, so joining Lions was an obvious choice when she settled in Moree. 

“It’s always something I’ve been passionate about,” she said.

“When you think about Lions, a lot of people think of barbecues and sausage sizzles, but it’s a lot more than that. We do a lot of different projects like the fishing days and are involved in different parts of the community. We get to meet a lot of people; it’s very diverse work we do.

“We also make a lot of donations to different organisations.”

Last year the club donated $17,270 to various foundations and organisations including $2,120 to local schools.

As president, Ms Lyons hopes to expand on the Lions’ 2018/19 theme which is ‘looking after and recognising our members’.

“We are not only a club, we are a family, and family looks after each other,” she said. 

“We need to take good care of our members among all the work we continue doing within our community.”

The president’s role isn’t the only one that’s changed on the board this year.

Jock King has stepped up from second vice president to first vice president, Sean Makim has taken on the role of second vice president and second year director, while Peter Duncan has stepped up to third vice president.

Amalda Field has taken Peter’s place as treasurer and new member Jack Rayner is the new secretary.

Meanwhile Brett Farlow and John Atkins are first year directors, new member Lisa Willis is a second year director and Darcy Churchland is the new membership director.

Ms Lyons paid tribute to immediate past president Barrie Brooks for all he has done for the club in his years as president.

“Barrie has done a wonderful job,” she said.

“He’s been slowly steering the club forward. We’re very grateful to have him; he has lots of knowledge of different aspects of Lions.”

Ms Lyons also thanked the Lions Ladies for their contributions to the club

“We should never forget our families and friends who support us every step of the way,” she said.