Community
10 July, 2026
Fresh faces for the Lions
THE Camperdown Lions Club has seen a fresh board stepping up for the 2026-2027 Lions year following the club’s changeover dinner last Thursday.
The dinner saw a strong crowd of Lions members and guests from across the area share in celebrating a productive year for the group.
Among the guests were members from the Mortlake, Simpson and Colac Lions clubs, Camperdown Rotary Club president-elect Pat Robertson and Corangamite Shire Council deputy mayor Cr Laurie Hickey.
Judi Oakes was welcomed as the new president of the club, supported by first vice president Glenda Hiscox, second vice president Andrew Kayler-Thomson, treasurer Andy Riordan, social media officer D’Arne Paton and Tail Twister Jan Smith.
Lions Marilyn Bourke, Kay McFeeters and Chrissie Fleming are also on this year’s board.
Outgoing president Isabel Riordan said the Camperdown Lions Club saw a great start to the year with four new members joining the club.
“A highlight of any year in a Lions club is the recruitment of new members and the introduction of new talents and ideas that come with each new induction,” she said.
“District governor Susan Eyton inducted Sylvia and Randy Walton during her visit early in the year.
“Andrew Kayler-Thomson became a member at our picnic meeting at the Botanical Gardens in February and we were thrilled to welcome Lion Russ Davis, a long-time friend of our club who transferred his membership from the Lions Club of Simpson.
“Over the past few years, the demand for our catering skills has been fairly frequent, and the past year has been no exception.
“Lion Maree Belyea and her subcommittee did a fantastic job with each challenge that came their way – from a simple afternoon tea and a funeral gathering to the McFarlane Dress Collection, Anzac Day breakfast and a light lunch following the two Returned and Services League (RSL) services.”
Mrs Riordan said the Lions’ regular catering activities also proved successful for another year.
“Our rostered turns cooking and serving the community meal at the Uniting Church were coordinated by Lion Alison Bant and rave reports came from each occasion Lions were on duty,” she said.
“Thanks to Alison and the team of Lions who helped fill the kitchen duties during the year.
“The other regular was the barbecue at the Rotary Club of Camperdown’s monthly markets with product purchases and the stall roster capably handled by Lion Kay McFetters.
“Grateful thanks to Kay and all the Lions who were able to cook and serve each month.”
Mrs Riordan said the club was pleased to be a part of some particularly heart-warming functions during the 2025-2026 year.
“Our play space project stage one was completed, and the carousel opened in late 2025,” she said.
“Thanks to the project subcommittee for its efforts throughout the long process.
“A second feature was hosting the convoy of trucks from the Need for Fed program, which delivered much-needed hay to this area.
“It was so great to be able to work with Simpson and Colac Lions clubs to provide hospitality, food and refreshments to such a large crowd of drought-affected families and the 30-plus truckies who made the deliveries.
“Thirdly, who could forget the dress collection weekend – it was something unique and different which saw support from people with whom we had little previous contact.”
Despite the positive year, the club had to farewell one of its ongoing projects.
“I took over the mints when our mint lady of many years went into Sunnyside,” Mrs Riordan said.
“Unfortunately, mints have run their course, becoming very slow to move – the rise in price to $1 may have possibly contributed to sales falling off.
“We will clear up the remaining stocks and sadly say farewell to a project we have had for over 40 years.”
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