About 70 people attended The Gerroa Boat Fishermen’s Club to witness the handing over the reins of the Gerringong Lions Club, from past president Peter Jeffrey to the new president Steve Pottie.

Peter outlined the Club’s activities and achievements under his guidance for the past 12 months. 

His report detailed nearly $75,000 of disbursements to many local and international charitable groups and individuals. There are too many to list here, but major beneficiaries included, Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation, sponsorship of two local youths to Outward Bound, SAHSSI Women’s Refuge, sponsorship of 3 young local Rugby players on Australian International tour, SALT Men’s support service, Southern Women’s Group (domestic violence support), Dementia Australia, Gerringong Junior sporting clubs in Hockey, Netball, Cricket, Surf Lifesaving, Football, Tennis and Rugby League.

Peter also announced some special awards, that were presented by guests Fiona Phillips, Member for Gilmore, Gareth Ward, Member for Kiama and Lions District Governor Ann Reed. Stefanie Allison was announced as Lion of the Year for her dedication and involvement in a number of Lions projects.

Bob Stewart and Ron Brett were awarded Life Membership, not only for their longevity of service but also for their tireless dedication to serving many, many Lions projects.

The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, is the highest award in Lions that recognises outstanding individuals who embody humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism. Bruce Ray and Bob Stewart both have demonstrated this in spades. They thoroughly deserved this recognition by the Gerringong Club.



Outgoing Zone 3 Chairman, John Moore inducted seven new members into the Lions, Sarah Carberry, Liz Atkinson, Janice Mark, Amy Osmond, Ben Osmond, Barry Parker and Lorraine Tibbits, all of whom were excited to be able to be responsible for lowering the average age of the Gerringong Lions by 35% and joining the largest service club in the world.

At the end of the evening District Governor Ann Reed made a very special announcement that had come from The Australian Convention of Lions in Darwin. Gerringong had been awarded “The Top Service Club” in Australia, for their Return and Earn project, initiated by Lion Bruce Ray. In five years from 2019 Gerringong Lions collected and processed through The Return and Earn machine at Michael Cronin Oval, 1,000,000 bottles and cans, earning  $100,000. In the past 12 months to April, 435,590 items have been processed raising a further $43,559. At this increased rate the next million items will be reached in just over another 12 months. All of this money is disbursed to charities, young people, local organisations and individuals in need.