Wee Waa Lions Club members were back together again at the Imperial Hotel on Tuesday June 23 for the installation of the club’s new president Julie Dowleans OAM.
Former president Sue Toop handed over the presidency to Mrs Dowleans.
“I congratulated Julie and really wanted to offer her my best wishes and support,” said Mrs Toop.
Mrs Toop took on the presidency position in July last year and had a very busy start to the role with Lions Club members offering their support at a number of drought and Christmas events around the district including work bees, cleaning up and installing shelving at the Lions Club shed, the combined clubs swimming carnival and Mardi Gras.
However, COVID-19 restrictions have wiped traditional community service commitments off the Lions Club’s calendar in recent months, including the Wee Waa Show.
“In the past year, our community service hours were 431 as opposed to last year we did 118 hours on the Wee Waa Show alone and 96 hours on the deb. ball.
“Obviously, there’s been a cut back due to COVID-19,” said Mrs Toop.
“We’ll be okay financially but we really miss our commitment to the community.”
Mrs Toop said the club would still be taking nominations for the Lions Club senior citizen for 2020 and she also hoped the debutante ball would be able to take place at the end of the year, and club members would once again volunteer to assist with the event.
Mrs Toop has been a Lions Club member for the last seven years and said she enjoyed working with the friendly group to make a difference and to help improve our community.
“They’re a great bunch and we do get a buzz out of helping people.
“We are always looking for new members too.”
Mrs Dowleans said recruiting new members is something she hoped to do during her tenure as president.
She also hopes to carry on the good work and commitment that the Lions Club members are so well-known for in our region.
“It’s very exciting to be the president and it’s going to be a wonderful experience.”
As reported by the Wee Waa News, Mrs Dowleans was recently recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the Wee Waa community and no doubt she will serve the district well in her new role as Lions Club President.
Mrs Dowleans said she valued the friendships she’s made through the Lions Club and that members always worked as a team to help the community, whether it’s volunteering time on big or small projects.
She also praised Mrs Toop for doing a great job and stepping up to take on the presidency role during the last 12 months.
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