Leading up to their 25th anniversary (and National Volunteer Week, 20-26 May), Minnamurra Lions Clubs are acknowledging the outstanding contribution their members have made to the club itself and the broader community. One compassionate volunteer in particular is John Knox - fondly known as Knoxy. 

He’s been a member of the club since 2007, according to the President of Minnamurra Lions Club, Bill Lyon. During that time, Knoxy has held the position of President (2011-12) and Zone Chairperson (2012-13). He has also coordinated numerous Minnamurra Lions’ service and fundraising programs. 

Knoxy’s teaching background has enabled him to connect with his local communities in both professional and volunteer capacities. This is something he continues to do today - not only through the Minnamurra Lions Club, but through other avenues as well. For example, when bushfires ravaged the South Coast several years ago, Knoxy was often absent from Kiama, busily contributing to local communities and assisting farmers through the BlazeAid volunteer-based organisation.

Clearly an avid believer in giving back to the community, Knoxy also assists many of Kiama’s older residents in accessing healthcare, social outlets and shops locally, and throughout Wollongong, as a volunteer driver for Kiama Community Transport.

“Driving some of our locals to their doctor and health appointments is a rewarding experience,” beams Knoxy.

“Many of our clients would be unable to access these opportunities if community transport didn’t exist. We are always looking for more drivers to help out. No particular qualifications are required, apart from a driver’s licence,” he urges.

Members of Minnamurra Lions Club know that Knoxy is always one of the first people to put up his hand when volunteers are needed - whether that be to help at the monthly Kiama Market barbeque, assist at the entrance gates for Kiama Rugby League Club or coordinate one-off events. 

Knoxy also played a central role in the Minnamurra Lion’s Killalea Parking Project, which kindly coordinated the parking of hundreds of cars for patrons attending the monthly Killalea Markets.  

“This was a big undertaking, requiring a very coordinated approach from members,” he recalls. 

“We would mark out the parking areas on the Saturday before the markets and then attend from early on Sunday morning, managing three parking areas until patrons left in the afternoon. This was all for a gold coin donation.

“Unfortunately, COVID and then a change in the management of the venue saw the markets close, which was a pity as every cent of the roughly $2,000 collected each month went straight back to the community.” 

As you can see - Knoxy is always on the lookout for projects that serve others. One of his current projects involved encouraging members to pass ring pulls from aluminium cans onto him. This might sound odd initially, but Knoxy has a heart-warming reason for this request - so be sure to bear this in mind and set your ring pulls aside. 

“The ring pulls themselves are not aluminium. They are titanium. The ones we collect are donated to make lightweight wheelchairs for people with disabilities,” he explains. 

Lyon and all involved in Minnamurra Lions Club applaud Knoxy’s consistent efforts, noting the significant difference his commitment makes to the lives of many. Thanks for your contribution, Knoxy!