THE LIMESTONE Coast will be given a tourism boost next week when it hosts the annual 2019 C2 Crater City Capers District Convention.
Awarded hosting rights for the first time since 2005, the Lions Club of Mount Gambier has invited members from across the C2 district to gather in the South East for the three-day event.
The district covers half of South Australia, all of the Northern Territory, part of north-western Victoria and south-western New South Wales.
Event organising committee Malcolm Laslett said the event would provide Lions an opportunity to discuss issues and make major decisions for clubs in the C2 district.
“The convention is just one example where fellowship among members in highlighted,” Mr Laslett said.
“It is an event which will hopefully see around 200 like-minded attendees gather to discuss and sometimes argue ideas and issues.”
Mr Laslett said each year the event was hosted by a different region in the district.
“The event brings many benefits to the region where it is hosted,” he said.
“Everyone who attends the event requires accommodation and will be injecting economical benefits into the town.
“There is also the added benefit of being able to promote the Limestone Coast region to visitors.”
Lions Club of Mount Gambier member Ross Parkinson said each event was diverse and had its own character.
“Mount Gambier has also established a reputation which has nurtured the minds and hearts of Lions Club members for a number of years.”
“They all highlight their area proudly,” Mr Parkinson said.
Mr Laslett said Lions International had made significant contributions to society since its establishment.
“As a whole we donate around $50m annually to various activities,” he said.
“It is one of the leading service clubs in Australia with 1350 clubs and 30,000 members.
“All fundraising is embedded back into the community.”
The event will feature various special guests including paediatrics and child health associate professor John Collins, Lions Clubs International past director Sherl Kensen and South East resident and acclaimed photographer Ockert Le Roux.
Entertainment will be provided by the James Morrison Academy and Beachport resident and comedian Elise Lehmann.
The convention will be held at Casadio Park in the Italo Australia’s clubrooms from October 11 to 13.
In conjunction with the convention, the Lions Medical Research Foundation South Australia will hold a free skin cancer screening.
