THE Lions Club of Strzelecki held its 28th Changeover Dinner Meeting on Wednesday, 14 May, at the Poowong Hotel. 

Celebrations included welcoming the first female member to the club, a terrific fundraising result for the year enabling disbursements of $61,750, more than halve distributed within our local community, and awards given for outstanding service to our community.

Funds were raised from our successful Loch Summer Markets and the annual Dairy Expo held at Korumburra. 

Recipients included Poowong, Loch and Nyora schools, and CFA units; Milpara House Foodbank, Lifeline Gippsland and Free 3D Hands of Phillip Island.

Established by local farmers, the Club became a traditionally male-only club, despite great involvement of women from the start. 

Following a review in 2024, a decision was made to welcome female membership and promotions led to the welcoming of three new members, including the first female Sue Hawker of Poowong. 

Nyora resident Allison Jones was awarded the Topsy Motton Award for exceptional support and contribution to the Club and community, for her longstanding support of local schools and the Lions Loch Summer Market. 

Retired member and Warragul resident Ken Hallyburton received the Allan Roberts Award.

The Dinner was presided over by Lions Zone Chairman Rod Jackson of Leongatha, who invested the new members and the incoming board. 

After two years at the helm, President James O’Connor of Mountain View is handing over to President-Elect Frank Hirst of Strzelecki.