Short History of the Lions Club of Hallidays Point.
Compiled by Charter Member the Late Lion Lew Colman
On the 15th of February 1990 a Public Meeting was called to put forward the idea of forming a local Lions Club. Three Lions living in the area, John Thomason, John McMullen and Lew Colman had organised the meeting which was held at the Black Head Bowling Club. Fifteen people attended and several others sent apologies but expressed interest. Ideas were put forward of ways by which a Lions Club would benefit the community. Assistance to Rural Fire Brigade, Local Surf Club, Schools, Aid to the elderly, projects for the benefit of the young and developing community amenities were listed as priorities. A steering committee of six was formed to further promote interest and to organize a further meeting. John McMullen was asked to approach the Lions Club of Taree expressing our interest and to seek their help in its formation.
A subsequent meeting was organized by the committee and held at the Black Head Bowling Club on 14th March attended by the President of the Lions Club of Taree and several members who pledged their support and nominated Lion Tom Ellis as our Guiding Lion. Lion John Thomason, Past President of the Lions Club of Tamworth Peel Valley and Lion Lew Colman Past President of the Lions Club of Griffith, addressed the meeting on aspects of Lionism and its activities and responsibilities of a Club and individual members. It was then moved that a Formation meeting be held on 28th March. This was followed on by a meeting on 11th April for the election of Charter Officers, President John Thomason, Secretary Lew Colman and Treasurer Ken Moncrieffe were duly elected. Application for charter to Lions Clubs International was made and acceptance was received on 20th of April 1990.
In just over three months from the suggestion of a club formation, on 11th May 1990 a large gathering of Dignitaries, Lions from many clubs, Local Politicians and prospective members and their wives met at the Bowling Club for The Charter of the Lions Club Of Hallidays Point. District Governor Keith Smith presented President John Thomason with the Charter and other Lions Regalia which had been donated by various clubs in District 201N1.
Since then the club has been through prosperous times and those times which presented difficulties. Membership as fluctuated and at one stage was down to 11. However through good times and bad Club members have given willingly of their time and effort and have always continued to gain the respect and support of most of the community. Support for local needs and priorities have always remained at the heart of the Club’s efforts. Monies raised during the years have mainly been returned to community organizations and needs.
Rural Fire Brigade, Surf Club, Senior Citizens, Schools and other Youth Projects. Town Library, Riding for the Disabled and many others have all benefited from these donations. Numerous work hours on Community projects such as park , Driver Awareness, Tidy Towns, Town Library, Catering for Community Events, Australia Day Celebrations, outings for the elderly, supervising youth on community service and many more projects, have been given freely by members.
Past Projects Undertaken
Following is a selection of projects undertaken over the years. Some are on going whilst others have been completed.
In 1990 the Lions Park at Hallidays Point was commenced with the clearing of dangerous trees, grubbing out of lantana and other noxious weeds and removal of car bodies and other assorted rubbish. Over the years trees were planted, gardens formed, tables and seats constructed and the area regularly mown and tidied.
- Community Library was painted and fitted with shelves and floor coverings.
- Club has catered for Surf Clubs Annual Surf Carnivals.
- Club has organised and run Hallidays Point Annual Christmas Fair.
- In early years club raised funds by Contract mowing for Fire Hazard Reduction.
- Collected used books from several Sydney universities and forwarded by container ship to Indonesia for use at their tertiary institutions. This required the cooperation of several Sydney Clubs, an Indonesian Club and a shipping firm.
- Commenced a Defensive Driving & Awareness Programme which instructs drivers on safe braking and other driving skills. This programme has now been adopted by District 201N1.