Lions Club of Goolwa
Making a difference in the community
If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a rose. If you want to touch the future, touch a life. Lions Clubs, touching lives every day.
Why Join Lions?
People join Lions for various reasons. Lions may have helped them, a family member or someone they know. Others join because someone they know and respect or admire invited them. Then there are those who join because it is part of their very nature to volunteer. Regardless of the initial calling, most members recognise early in the journey the powerful self-worth one gets from becoming part of something bigger than yourself. Often the journey of Lions is a is not only rewarding but is a life changing experience.
Who Can Join
Lions Clubs are for everyone, inclusive of gender, race, culture and linguistic background, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Our aim is to unite all in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship, and mutual understanding. With more than 1200 clubs in Australia, wherever you are from, whatever your background there is a club for you. Lions Clubs are built on the skills, ideas, interests, and labour of our members. We value the contribution everyone in our organisation.
We Serve
Lions are ordinary people from all levels of society who enjoy getting together and doing good things. We are kind and generous people who want to help. That is why we work on projects to improve our communities and protect the environment. Being a Lion is about leading by example, building relationships, and improving the world through kindness We get enormous satisfaction from the knowledge that what we do DOES make a difference. The bonus is that we are alongside our friends and have fun while doing so.
Develop Skills
As a member you may be content to simply attend meetings and help with projects, due to work, family, or other commitments. Others are content to be simply part of the team and enjoy that level of responsibility. But if you want to do more with your time and skills, then Lions can assist you to learn and develop the skills which are of interest to you. You may gain the knowledge that will set you up for potential leadership in the future. Lions gives you the opportunity to decide where you want to be within the organisational structure and provides the training to make it happen.
Work Meetings
Second Tuesday every month 4.00pm start at the Goolwa Lions Book Den, Wildman Street, Goolwa, SA 5214.
Dinner Meetings
Fourth Tuesday of every month 6.30 for a 7.00pm start held at the Corio Hotel, Railway Terrace, Goolwa, SA 5214. Visiting Lions, we would love to have you join us for dinner, contact our secretary to arrange.
Handover Luncheon 2025-2026
On Sunday, 22 June, Lions members, partners, and friends gathered at the Middleton Hotel for our Annual Handover Lunch and the official Induction of the 2025–2026 Board of Directors.
We were honoured by the presence of Lions District 201C2 Governor Carolyn Kilpatrick, accompanied by partner Roger, as well as several distinguished guests:
- Mayor Keith Parkes
- Lions D2 Diabetes Chair Cris Ramsey
- Charter Member Frank Tuckwell OAM
- President of the Rotary Club of Goolwa
- Chairperson of the Goolwa Community Association
- Manager of the Goolwa Community Centre
- President of Coorong Quays Boat Shed
- and members from neighbouring Lions Clubs
Lion Greg Johnston served as Emcee, once again bringing his signature enthusiasm and humour to the day. Mayor Parkes offered a heartfelt toast to Lions International, celebrating the global impact of Lions service. Past District Governor Ron Sargent OAM responded on behalf of our club with gratitude and pride.
Over lunch, outgoing President Tony Snelson acknowledged several members for their exceptional contributions:
- Presidential Medals to Greg Johnston, Geoff Clapp, and Debra Snelson
- Treasurer’s Medal to Lorraine McDonald for her dedication during a busy year
- Recognition to Andrew Schiller for his efforts with online book sales and the Need 4 Feed project
- Appreciation to Sheila Hunt for her loyal service at the Book Den
- Helen Keller Fellowship Awards presented to Sandra Annear and Anthony Fraser for their commitment to community service
- Special certificate of appreciation to Gary Clarke for his generous support to one of our members
District Governor Carolyn Kilpatrick then officially inducted incoming President Ron Sargent and the 2025–2026 Board of Directors.
The event was a true celebration of service, collaboration, and the strong community spirit that defines the Goolwa Lions Club.
