Community
15 July, 2026
Simpson Lions seek new members as board remains
THE Simpson and District Lions Club’s board has not seen any changes this year following their recent changeover dinner, but president Jason Smith is keen on encouraging new members to sign up.
The changeover dinner has seen Mr Smith retain presidency for a second year while also acting as treasurer, Marie Van Den Broek serving as secretary and Tony Mallon named as lion tamer and tail twister.
Lion Bev Hawkes was also honoured, being named Simpson and District Lion of the Year.
Mr Smith said the low number of executive position holders was attributed to a combination of an ageing membership and many members being grey nomads who travel.
“Unfortunately, as our group ages and some of us have moved to the Colac area, the pool of people to take on the leadership roles is getting smaller,” he said.
“However, I believe this is the first time in the club’s 32-year history that a president has gone for two consecutive years.
“I’m very excited for another year – sometimes it’s good to give two years in a row because the first year is about getting settled, and the second-year things can be done.
“It’s not just for the position of president, but for other positions as well.
“We also have a large group of the club that are grey nomads who like to do a fair bit of travel, so we also have a list of deputies for each of the roles, especially with the likes of minutes secretary, to cover the members when they are away travelling around the country.”
Mr Smith said, with an average age of around 84 years and some members in their early 90s, the club is looking to be more realistic as their capacity for work reduces.
“One thing we’ve made a decision on is looking after each other as much as looking after Lions International – we have members who have been stalwarts in the community and have been original settlers in the Heytesbury district who might need firewood,” he said.
“We are looking inward and looking after each other as much as looking after the community as well.
“We have a smaller group with some who don’t drive at night, so we have to do more things close to home and be ready to pivot and change to deal with the ageing group.
“In the last few weeks, we’ve been visiting other Lions clubs for their changeovers – we’ve had three or four people at Mortlake and Camperdown, and we try to get to most of these events.”
As part of efforts to boost volunteer numbers for various events, the Simpson Lions Club has organised a Friends of Lions sub-group.
This group provides additional hands when club members are unavailable, as well as adding more manpower to activities where the limited member pool reduces capacity.
Mr Smith said anyone who was able to lend a hand was encouraged to reach out to the club.
“We really could do with anyone and everyone helping out in any way with Simpson and District Lions,” he said.
“We are there to help the community – whether that’s helping to make some slices for an event, standing at a barbecue for a couple of hours, helping us cut firewood or even becoming a full member and attending meetings.
“Anything you are willing to give at any time would be greatly appreciated.
“The Simpson and District Lions Club is highly regarded in the local community and everyone appreciates what we do.
“I’m fighting the fight and going to keep trying to find some new members – we need new blood as soon as we can.”
Anyone willing to put their hands up to be a part of the club can contact the club through the Simpson and District Lions Club Facebook page or by speaking to one of the club members.
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