Gerringong Lions Club celebrated its 30th anniversary this month. Approximately one hundred people attended the celebratory dinner at The Gerroa Fisherman’s club. 

Lions President, Peter Jeffrey addressed the audience of Lions dignitaries, representatives of other Gerringong community groups and representatives of other local Lions clubs about the history of the Gerringong Club.

Robyn Jeffrey and Lions Club President, Peter Jeffrey

It was chartered on 21st March 1994, with 38 members, only seven of whom still remain active in the club. 

The establishment of the Gerringong Lions Club was largely due to the Kiama Lions Club and dedicated locals Geoff Heinicke, Rick Norris and Rob Danby. The group held some casual meetings at Cronin’s Pub with interested locals and the outcome was the formation of the club.

Bobbie English and Lions District Governor Danny Richardson

The first Club President was Clive Dopper, a local butcher, whose aim was to mix fellowship with good fun whilst doing community service.

Peter went on to accomplish a long list of community projects and service, too long to mention here, but included the restoration of the Boat Harbour picnic grounds with the building of the rotunda and bridge across the creek. The maintenance of this area continues today. 

Lions have established working associations with other community organisations such as CMRI, Gerringong Public School and the Uniting Mayflower Village. Local sporting clubs have also benefited from Gerringong Lions Club through the donation of grants. 

The avenue of trees on Fern St from Omega to the entry of town was planted by Lions.

The Whale Watching platform on the southern headland was another project and the recently completed memorial garden nearby was also established by the Club. 

The Lions Car Show has raised many dollars over the years for Prostate Cancer Research and more recently Childhood Cancer Research.



Steve Pottie, Korin, Rogery Berry and Peter Jeffrey presenting a cheque to Korin, owner of Soulfit

The list of charities, organisations and individuals that have benefited from Lions’ donations is long. Needless to say this wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of such a caring community. Locals are always up for making a donation, buying a sausage sandwich or a raffle ticket. 

The Lions recognise how lucky we are to live in this town. Peter touched on this support when he mentioned The Lions major fund raising project at the moment, which is Return and Earn. 

Brian Arberry, Michael O'Leary, Bob Stewart, Barry Smithers, Ian Mangelsdorf, Cliff Roberts receives a special commendation from District Governor Danny Richardson (absent: Vince Stalgis)

Last year, after five years of endeavour, Lions collected the 1,000,000th item to earn $100,000. Currently they are on track to collect the next million items in under three years. All of this money is dispersed back into the community or spent on Lions projects.

Entertainment on the night was provided by Night and Day, with Chris Cutting and Merryn Lee-Perez, and the meals were provided by the Seahorse Oceanview Restaurant. It was a memorable and relaxing evening of fellowship.