Echuca Lions members and guests enjoyed a combined annual changeover dinner with the club’s milestone 60th anniversary.

Lions came from clubs around the region to share the celebration, joining district governor Paul Shortis and his wife Lynda, State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh, Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell and the Good Friday Appeal’s Ben Christy.

Outgoing president Frank Ross said the 60th anniversary also marked the arrival of new member Carol Binnie and recognised others who had dedicated much of their lives to community service, including Arthur Duke, a member for 57 years, John Hewlett with 50 years and Kevin Woolnough’s half-century.

Mr Ross said the 2024-25 year had been an outstanding one for the club with a run of successes, culminating in the $138,423.75 raised in the twin towns for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

He said while the massive total was the flagship of fundraising locally, there had been a string of community projects which had proved equally successful.

“Major contributors to this year’s Good Friday Appeal were Echuca Racing Club, Ben Christy, Moama Bowling Club and fire brigades from both sides of the river, with strong support from many Lions and especially Howard Brettig, who did the organising throughout the year,” Mr Ross said.

“The annual golf day, run by Graeme Birch and John Hewlett and their team of Lions volunteers, was another big hit and the $10,400 we raised was donated to Echuca Neighbourhood House.

“We have also had other fundraisers such as the Christmas lights, Bunnings barbecues, working the gates at Moama Football Club and the training day at the east oval.

‘’The ladies nights were a hit, the Swan Hill trip organised by Doug Binnie pulled a big crowd and Kevin and Fran Woolnough made Santa’s letters a huge hit with the local kids.”

The annual Lions junior public speaking finals will be held on Sunday, June 22, and were well supported by schools across Echuca-Moama with John Simson and Jenny Brearley doing the hard lifting for the competition.

“Our trailer raffle and cake sales added $6844 and the Lions catering crew pulled in a further $6379, all of which enabled us to donate to all local schools for their annual awards nights as well,” Mr Ross said.

Lions and guests enjoyed the annual event, catching up with the achievements of the past 12 months at Rich River Golf Club Resort.

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