THE Lions Club of Redland City has marked a major milestone, celebrating 60 years of community service while signalling a bright future after a significant resurgence in membership.
More than 80 members, community leaders and guests attended the club’s 60th Anniversary Changeover Dinner on June 27, recognising six decades of volunteer service across the Redlands and welcoming the leadership team for the year ahead.
President Lachlan Gibb, who will continue in the role for another year, said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the club’s legacy while looking ahead.
“For 60 years, Lions has quietly made a real difference in our community,” Mr Gibb said.
“Behind almost every fundraiser, every community project and every donation are ordinary local people who simply wanted to make the Redlands a better place.
“We owe a great debt to those members who came before us.
“Our job now is to ensure their legacy continues.”
Founded in 1966, the Lions Club of Redland City has supported countless local organisations, schools and charities through fundraising activities including community markets, Lions Christmas cake sales, Bunnings sausage sizzles, raffles and hall hire.
The club has also contributed to youth leadership programs, mental health awareness initiatives, vision programs, disaster relief, Care Bears for children in hospital and practical assistance for families experiencing hardship.
Mr Gibb said the club had experienced a remarkable turnaround over the past year.
“Like many volunteer organisations, we faced challenges after Covid and with an ageing membership,” he said.
“But we’ve turned a corner.
“Membership has grown by almost 70 per cent, we’ve welcomed younger members into the club, launched new fundraising activities and strengthened our partnerships across the community.
“That tells me people still want to volunteer.
“They’re looking for purpose, friendship and the chance to give back.
“Lions offers exactly that.”
The anniversary dinner also celebrated the impact of the club’s fundraising efforts, with donations presented to three local primary schools to help provide food for students in need, along with contributions to Champions Life Services Foodbank, PCYC Redlands, Night Ninjas, the Lions Cord Blood Foundation, Lions Diabetes Foundation, Lions Prostate Cancer Research & Treatment Project and Lions Assistance Dogs.
Guests also viewed a video message from Dr Sunil Warrier thanking the club for its support of the Sri Lanka Eye Surgery Outreach Project, which provides cataract surgery for patients at the Lions Golden Jubilee Eye Hospital.
Despite celebrating six decades of service, Mr Gibb said the club’s focus remained on the years ahead.
“We’re not here to celebrate 60 years. We’re here to build the next 60,” he said.
“The needs of our community continue to change, but the spirit of service that founded Lions in 1966 remains exactly the same.
“If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, there has never been a better time to get involved.”
If you wish to join or know of someone who could use some support, contact redlandcity@lions201q1.org.au.
