International Lions award to Bob Percival

Narrabri Lion Bob Percival is a well recognised and respected member of the community.

On May 27 Mr Percival was applauded when he was announced as the recipient of the prestigious International Lions President’s award, a significant accolade in the global Lions organisation.

Mr Percival admits he was taken aback by the announcement which came as a complete surprise.

He was accorded a standing ovation by the audience at the 2023 District Lions 201N1 Cabinet meeting hosted by the Lions Club of Bellingen when District 201N1 Lions Club District Governor Rosalie Davis presented the award to Mr Percival at the District Lions Cabinet dinner.

Narrabri is in Lions District 201N1 and Mr Percival has represented this region on District Cabinet for more than 35 years

“It was my honour and privilege to present Bob with the Presidential Lions International Award,” District Governor Rosalie Davis said.

“Lion Bob is a committed Lion and has been for many years, serving his community and club. He is an invaluable and respected member of the Narrabri Lions Club, the 201N1 District and the community.”

Bob Percival is congratulated on his International Lions President’s award by District 201N1 Lions Club District Governor Rosalie Davis.

The International Lion Club President’s Award is awarded to Lions who have shown significant levels of commitment to the principles of Lions and made outstanding contributions in the world of service beyond club and district levels.

Narrabri Lions Club president Tom Bennett congratulated Mr Percival on his honour.

“The Narrabri club members congratulate Bob.

“The club is very proud of Bob. This award is an acknowledgement of his achievements throughout the years and long-standing services to the community.”

Mr Percival has been a member of Lions for almost 44 years.

He has been recognised with club awards before in his long Lions service career.

“But nothing like this direct from the international president” he admitted.

“It caught me by surprise. I certainly wasn’t expecting anything like it.”

A standing ovation accompanied the presentation of the award.

“It was very humbling,” Mr Percival said.

The scale of community work and engagement undertaken by Mr Percival over the years has seen him become a well known figure in Narrabri and a valued member of Lions. His Lions colleagues hold him in great respect and affection.

For Mr Percival, Lions is a fulfilling activity which provides the opportunity to make a real difference in the community.

“Lions is like a hobby, but that’s not really the right description,” he said.

“I have never been strong in sport so I was attracted towards the administration side of Lions and the general principles of the club.

“In Lions, we say ‘family first, then work and then Lions’ and I believe that.

“It’s a social network as well as a service organisation. I enjoy the social side, meeting Lions in clubs around the area.”

Narrabri Lions has an impressive catalogue of achievements in the community. “We have done many wonderful things,” Mr Percival said.

Lions has been responsible for major projects in Narrabri and a wide range of ongoing support for functions and organisations.

“I enjoyed the development of the Lions Lawn Cemetery, which Lions handed over to the council in 1984,” Mr Percival said.

“Since then Lions has set up the netball complex at Narrabri West – there have been some significant projects.”

For up to 18 years Mr Percival was a leader in running the Narrabri Festival as a community committee before the Lions took it on.

Narrabri is in Lions District 201N1 and Mr Percival has represented the local region on district cabinet for more than 35 years, holding various executive positions.

“Part of the job in representing the region in Lions District 201N1 is making sure all the clubs were happy, from Moree to Gunnedah, Collarenebri, Wee Waa out to Premer.

“I do a lot of driving,” he laughed.

He continues to be very active in Lions and is currently secretary of the Narrabri Club.

“They won’t let me have a spell” he said.

Next on the agenda is the Wee Waa Lions changeover dinner, then Moree, Narrabri and Collarenebri changeovers.

Mr Percival will meet up with many Lion friends and colleagues of many years who will be looking forward to adding their congratulations on his International Lions Club president’s award.