Lions, dogs and walkers were on Gerringong Headland today to celebrate the opening of the Lions Club’s 75th Anniversary Commemorative Garden and local Dog Memorial.

The small, but impressive, native garden in the leash-free dog walking area boasts two comfortable wooden seats made by the Gerringong Men’s Shed, a collection of dogs’ water bowls and arguably one of the finest views on the South Coast of NSW.

“We have Peter Jeffrey [of Gerringong Lions] to thank for this,” says Carmel Sparks from Gerringong Dogs Group.

“He drove the whole thing. We’ve always wanted a memorial but, as an informal group, couldn’t get it through Council. Peter, who knew about plans for the Lions Commemorative Garden, put two and two together to make it also a memorial for our dogs.”

In 2020, Peter contacted Fiona Phillips, Gilmore Federal MP, to ask for $4,000 from a Stronger Communities Grant, then asked the Men’s Shed, of which he is also a member, to make the seats.

Peter Jeffrey talks to Fiona Phillips about the project

Ex-landscaper and Lions member Ross Wraight suggested the selection of native plants and other Lions club members lent a hand to design and build the garden.

COVID and wet weather delayed the opening last year, and when the cost of the project rose the local dog groups raised funds for the shortfall.

Carmel and dog Layla are at the Headland every day.

“Every afternoon from 4pm is big. It’s a great mix of people - not only retirees but younger people with their puppies. Everyone who comes here knows that if you’ve had a bad day, after looking at this view and playing with these dogs, you go home much happier,” she says.

Carmel and Layla

“The Gerringong Lions Club has such a strong connectedness with the community, dogs clubs and walkers’ clubs that I’m happy to support this project and provide the grant,” said Fiona Phillips MP when she unveiled the plaque, to 'celebrate 75 years of Lionism in Australia, 2022' with the President of Gerringong Lions, Mark Westhoff.

The ongoing maintenance for the garden will be by the Gerringong Lions Club, which also maintains the whale watching platform on the same headland as well as mowing that headland and the area around the BBQ facilities at Boat Harbour.