IT’S been a big couple of years since the Blackall Range Lions Club became the hinterland’s newest Lions Club in November 2019.
Taking in the communities of Montville, Flaxton and Mapleton, the club provides an outlet for those who want to add a little bit more to their communities.
It’s the support of these communities that Blackall Lions marketing and communications chair Marcia Jensen says is integral to the survival of the group.
“I think our biggest achievement has been winning the trust and support of our local people and businesses,” Marcia said.
“They have been incredibly generous, selling our calendars and cakes, placing ads in the calendars, inviting newcomers to our welcome dinner, and so on.
“As we are a small club servicing an area with a small population base, we don’t really have any big achievements but we have completed a lot of small projects that have made a real difference in people’s lives.”
From spending several thousand dollars on grocery vouchers for school chaplains and student welfare workers to distribute to families struggling through COVID, to collecting money for the bushfire appeal and running information nights on cyber bullying at local schools, the continued community support has allowed the group to do what its members do best.
The past couple of months have been particularly busy for the club, with members popping up and lending a hand at pretty much every community event in the area.
“More than 20 members, as well as some community members, contributed to the running of the Montville Art Sale from November 12-15,” Marcia said.
“We sold more than 40 artworks over the weekend and also held a very successful opening on Friday evening when more than 70 people enjoyed wine and canapes in the garden at Camphor Cottage.
“A similar number of members contributed to the running of the Welcome to the Hinterland dinner, and 12 members met to ice and decorate Christmas cakes.
“During the same four weeks we also held barbeques at the Festival of Small Halls and Mapleton Markets, and completed a couple of other small projects.”
The group currently has 28 active members but it is always on the lookout for more.
Each month members attend two meetings – a business meeting in Montville Hall and a dinner meeting at various venues. There are also plenty of group outings to keep members busy.
If you’re interested in joining the Blackall Range Lions Club chat to a member, email
blackall-range@lionsq3.org.au or go to the website at www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/blackallrange/index.php for contact numbers.
Main image: Charter members of the club in 2019
