Pride of the Lions

WEE Waa Lions Club hosted its changeover dinner on 23 June, with special tributes to the late Noel Holland, a Wee Waa Lion, and the late Rob Gilbert, a Narrabri Lion.

A minute’s silence was held in recognition of both men, honouring their decades of service to the community, their loyalty to Lions and their unwavering dedication to the volunteer activities and initiatives the groups have supported over the years.

Narrabri Lions Rod Onus and John McPherson attended the dinner, held at Wee Waa Bowling Club, showing support for their neighbouring club and playing a few friendly tricks and jokes to keep the Wee Waarians on their toes.

The late Noel Holland was recognised for his dedication to the community and Lions club at last week’s Wee Waa Lions Club changeover dinner.

Bob Percival, Lions zone chair for Zone 12 in District 201N1, installed David Johnston as the Wee Waa Lions Club president, with members pleased to see Johnston continuing in the role after another year of outstanding contributions from the local group.

In his president’s report, Johnston highlighted how the club had clocked up an impressive 1100 volunteer hours and more than $12,000 in donations to community organisations and charitable causes.

Reflecting on the past 12 months, Johnston praised the dedication of club members and supporters who helped deliver a wide range of local projects and events.

Wee Waa Lions Club members Ron Lowder, Tegan Copelin, Tash Johnston, president David Johnston, Lions zone chair for Zone 12 in District 201N1 Bob Percival, Matt Copelin, front, Daniel Wohling, Andy Dewson, Ann Conomos, past president Rob Downey, Denise Robinson and Greg Robinson.

“What a year we have had,” he said.

“A special thanks goes to all of you Lions for your due diligence towards your tasks at each and every event – you are amazing.”

Throughout the year, members were involved in numerous community activities, including operating canteens at the Wee Waa Show and Cubbaroo Polocrosse Carnival, catering at the Cotton Capital Country Music Muster, supporting the Cotton See Distributors Awards night and Anzac Day commemoration.

Wee Waa Lion Ron Lowder with Narrabri Lions John McPherson and Rod Onus.

Dedication to helping youth has always been a priority for the group, including Lions contributing to Wee Waa High School’s year 12 formal and the much-loved annual debutante ball.

The club also played a key role in community celebrations and lifting spirits around town, providing the popular Christmas tree in the IGA car park, food and drinks at the Christmas Carols, and operating the Christmas Mardi Gras Ham Wheel.

The Lions club’s signature barbecue cooking is a hit wherever they go.

The Lions Club Senior of the Year award and luncheon attracts a crowd every year, with the participation of local school children a highlight for attendees.

Denise Horne attended the Wee Waa changeover dinner with her husband, Kevin Horne. Earlier this year, the couple made history as the first married couple to receive the Wee Waa Lions Senior Citizen of the Year award at individual events. Mr Horne was the 2021 recipient and Mrs Horne was this year’s award winner.

Denise Horne attended the Wee Waa changeover dinner with her husband, Kevin Horne. Earlier this year, the couple made history as the first married couple to receive the Wee Waa Lions Senior Citizen of the Year award at individual events. Mr Horne was the 2021 recipient and Mrs Horne was this year’s award winner.

Johnston said the club’s achievements would not have been such a roaring success without the support of its volunteers and community members.

He paid tribute to several individuals who made significant contributions throughout the year, including Anthony Gray for his baking skills, Connie Smith for her catering expertise and event organisation, and Bruce Gray for keeping members informed.

“Connie Smith with her brilliant planning and catering skills and sublime food that she whips up for all our events at a moment’s notice,” he said. He also thanked the Lions Ladies and Amber Johnston for providing cakes, slices and desserts for club projects throughout the year.

Ann Conomos and Mick Mayes.

Johnston welcomed new member Daniel Wohling, describing him as “a very handy person” who had already become actively involved since joining the club.

Overall, the president’s report showcased the significant contribution volunteers continue to make across the Wee Waa district.

Backing the Life Education Bus program featuring Healthy Harold, hosting barbecues for residents of Karinga Village and assisting the Save the Hospital campaign were also noted in the report.

The late Noel Holland was recognised for his dedication to the community and Lions Club at last week’s Wee Waa Lions Club changeover dinner.

Among the initiatives supported were the Christmas Lights Competition, Lions Drug Awareness, Lions Eye Health Programme, Lions Prostate Cancer Research, Lions Cord Blood Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Childhood Cancer Matter Foundation, Australian Lions Well Being and the Wee Waa Showgrounds Trust.

The report also listed assistance for the CWA Barwon Group, Wee Waa High School, Wee Waa Primary School, St Joseph’s School, Namoi Valley Christian School, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Nurraby Childcare, Wee Waa Preschool and Black Dog Mental Health.

Concluding his report, Johnston thanked members for their support during his time as president.

Matt and Tegan Copelin.

“Many thanks to you all, especially to those who have kindly assisted me with my journey into the president seat and oh what big shoes they are,” he said.

Looking ahead to another year of service, Johnston joked about his reappointment to the role.

“To our incoming president David Johnston – oh hang on that’s me,” he said. “And to the incoming secretary Andy Dewson, I wish you all the best for the upcoming year.”

Dewson is another Lions member who was recently welcomed to the club.

The late Rob Gilbert was recognised for his dedication to the community and Lions club at last week’s Wee Waa Lions Club changeover dinner.

The board of directors appointed for 2026–2027 include: president David Johnston; immediate past president Robert Downey; secretary Andy Dewson; treasurer Tegan Copelin; assistant secretary-treasurer Denise Robinson and Ann Conomos; first vice-president Ron Lowder; second vice-president Greg Robinson; third vice-president Paul Cooley; second-year directors Daniel Wohling and Denise Robinson; first-year directors Matt Copelin, Tegan Copelin and Dennis Lowder; Lion tamer Ron Lowder; tail twister David Johnston; membership chair Bruce Grey; safety officers Ken Trindall and David Johnston; charter member Kevin Roden; past president Connie Smith and members James Woodrow and Tash Johnston.