Community
2 July, 2026
Heather Rowe returns as Lions president
THE Mortlake Lions are looking ahead to a busy 12 months with the guidance of stability after Heather Rowe put her hand up to guide the club for a third term.
The long-time Mortlake stalwart was nominated to return as president at last week’s Mortlake Lions Changeover Dinner.
“I’m glad to be back,” Mrs Rowe said.
“I’m looking forward to the next 12 months because we’re keen to try some new things.
“It should be good.”
Mrs Rowe said part of her determination to return for another term was the success of the previous year.
“We’ve had a really good year and were able to accomplish a lot,” she said.
“We supported the Great Vic Bike Ride, the Federation Picnic, the Mortlake Carols, the Mount Shadwell Open Day and two different trivia events.
“We were also able to induct two new members as well.
“We’ve lost a few members, unfortunately, but it is good to have new members joining us.”
Mrs Rowe said she was optimistic the next year could prove a highlight for the club with plenty in the works, including the planned launch of a new event designed to encourage the wider community to consider volunteering.
“We do hope to be able to do more for the community,” she said.
“At the moment we’re working on an idea to have a day for volunteers of service clubs to show their wares and invite people to come along.
“The Warrnambool Lions have run a similar concept, which has proven successful.
“We’ve been talking about doing something like that for around six months now, so we’re looking to host that in September when it warms up a little bit.”
Mrs Rowe said volunteers were the lifeblood of rural communities, but clubs across the region and beyond were finding it more and more difficult to maintain their numbers.
“Volunteers just aren’t out there,” she said.
“Our hope is it can help to get a few members for some of the service groups, who do some amazing things in our community.”
Mrs Rowe said anyone interested in joining the Mortlake Lions for the year ahead would be warmly welcomed.
“We’re a friendly group who wants to help the community,” she said.
“If anyone would like to come along and see what we do, and how many things we support in the town, we would love more members to be able to help.
“There’s a lot of stuff we do, and it’s rewarding to have so many opportunities to make a positive difference.”
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Mortlake Lions is encouraged to reach out to any members in town or visit lionsclubs.org.au to learn more.
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