Past president Stewart Tyrrell thanked the club for its ongoing support of all the projects the club has undertaken in the past year.

Donations were presented to the Community Carer’s Accommodation South East project – making a total of $20,000 donated thus far – as well as to Can Assist and the Volunteer Rescue Association.

Projects undertaken during the 2015/16 year include:

Supporting the Lions Youth of the Year club finalist, local student James Burgess, who went on to compete in the regional final.

Club members creating and painting Santas and reindeers to adorn main street rooftops, which gave the town a festive feel. A big thank you to the VRA for the erecting and removal of these.

Getting involved in the BDN Christmas Toy Drive by door knocking local businesses and collecting items for this appeal.

Various fundraising barbecues including Bega hospital builders, hospital volunteers, hospital open day, Bega Vintage Machinery Day, Australia Day and Convoy for Kids.

All of these have resulted in monetary donations within the local community.

Phil Benny was sworn in as the new president for 2016/17, along with his new executive board of Susan Barsdell, Nick Collins, Peter Wiley, Peter Smith, Bryson Banfield, Keith Underhill, Bob Whiting and Alex Langworthy. Peter Wiley was named Lion of the Year for his contribution to the club. 

The Bega Lions Club has 22 members and meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7pm at Club Bega. For more information or to get involved with the Bega Lions Club, contact Phil Benny on 0407 574 758.