THE Penola Lions Club held their 51st changeover on June 30 where 53 members and guests celebrated the conclusion of another successful year.
The changeover, held at Upstairs at Hollick, acknowledged John Stayte as new president who will lead the club into its new year.
Mr Stayte has been involved with the Lions Club for five years, previously serving the club as vice president last year and he is also the Leo Club adviser.
“I believe servicing the community is important and the club’s main goal will serve when there is a need,” Mr Stayte said.
The new president said his goal this year was to increase mental health awareness and the club ensured it did this by having a strong relationship with The South East Junction.
“We have speakers from the service talk to all ages of the Lions Club,” he said.
Tributes were also paid to retiring president Jenny Hinze for her leadership of the club over the past year.
Ms Hinze has been a member of the club for six years and she held the position of vice president before becoming president.
“It is fantastic to be apart of a worldwide organisation that helps those in need,” Ms Hinze said.
She said each year the club injected $1500 into the community, raising funds from selling Merino wool as part of their Sheep Project.
“The members of the Lions Club sacrifice a lot of their time to volunteer services to the community,” Ms Hinze said.
Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin, Lions district governor Bryan Hearn and Lions zone chairman Wilf Nitschke were among guests at the dinner.
Tony Pasin spoke on the value of volunteers in the community, Bryan Hearn inducted Graeme Hinze as the newest member of the Penola Lions Club and Wilf Nitschke installed the new management team of the club for the 2017/18 year.
Several changes have been made to the club over the year to enhance its operations and attract new members.
A new category of membership “Friends of Lions” has attracted several people who are prepared to volunteer to help the club with projects.
Meetings have been streamlined and social media has been a tool used to appeal to a younger demographic.
