Projects

The Lions Club of Goolwa Celebrating the Growth of Lions Assistance Dogs As Lions, we’re deeply proud to share that the program many of us have supported and watched flourish over the decades—formerly known as Australian Lions Hearing Dogs—has entered a new and exciting chapter. As of July 1st, it will now be known as Lions Assistance Dogs. This isn’t just a change in name; it’s a reflection of the incredible growth and evolution of the program itself. What began as a groundbreaking initiative to support Australians with hearing loss has now expanded to meet the needs of those living with a wide range of health conditions. Medical Assistance Dogs and Psychiatric Assistance Dogs have been added to the program, extending the reach and impact of what our Lions community helped build. As a Club, we’ve always stood behind the power of service—and this change speaks directly to that commitment.

The Lions’ Roar That Echoes Through Goolwa In 1982, a small group of volunteers from the Lions Club of Goolwa saw a need—and quietly began a project that would grow into one of the town’s most enduring community treasures. With no local newspaper to call its own, Goolwa’s stories often went untold or were squeezed into the margins of regional publications. The Lions changed that by launching the Goolwa Community Newsletter, a modest monthly publication with a bold mission: to deliver free news, promote local events, and celebrate the heartbeat of the town. Today, more than 500 copies are distributed each month, filled with the voices and stories of Goolwa. One of its most beloved features is Around the Town, penned by Frank Tuckwell OAM, a local historian and Charter Member of the Lions Club. His vivid recollections offer glimpses into Goolwa’s rich past and the characters who shaped it.

More Than Just a Market—A Legacy of Service At the Lions Club of Goolwa, we believe small ideas—when built on community spirit—can grow into something iconic. What began as Warren Siep’s humble vision for a shed selling secondhand fiction near Goolwa Oval soon blossomed into a vibrant hub for fiction lovers, knowledge seekers, and anyone looking for a friendly place to gather. By the time it closed in July 2023, the original Book Shed had grown far beyond its roots. Shelves once stocked with popular novels now offered a rich diversity: children’s stories, non-fiction gems, puzzles, DVDs, and CDs. Staffed by both Lions and passionate locals, its roster swelled to over twenty-five volunteers. It wasn’t just stocked with stories—it became one. A place to connect, to browse, to linger. A place where funds flowed not into pockets, but into community programs, local clubs, and vital support networks. Then, on June

Turning Used Stamps into Mobility and Dignity The Goolwa community continues to show its generous spirit by donating used stamps to The Lions Club of Goolwa. These small contributions are sorted, trimmed, and packed with care by volunteers before being forwarded to the Australian Chapter of the Lions International Stamp Club. From there, they’re sent to Sydney, where the Philatelic Association of New South Wales auctions them to raise funds through their trusted network of stamp collectors. Every single stamp carries purpose—because all proceeds go directly to the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation, an inspiring initiative that provides walking frames and mobility aids to children who otherwise rely on wheelchairs. The Foundation’s motto says it all: “Walk with Pride.” Each device helps a child stand, walk, and gain independence—giving families hope and changing lives one step at a time. In 2022 alone, with the help of Lions Clubs across the

Lions Club of Goolwa Launches Life-Saving EMIB Project The Lions Club of Goolwa is proud to introduce the Emergency Medical Information Book (EMIB) to our local community—a proven life-saving resource that has been embraced by Lions and Rotary Clubs nationwide. Designed to provide immediate access to vital health information, the EMIB can be critical in moments where every second counts—particularly during an ambulance call to the home. When paramedics arrive by Ambulance to your home, having your medical history, medications, allergies, and emergency contacts visible and accessible can significantly improve response time and decision-making. The EMIB makes this possible. The booklet comes with magnets for easy placement on the refrigerator door—a location paramedics are trained to check first. This is not a fundraising initiative. We aim to provide the EMIB at cost—typically a $2 donation, which may be the most impactful $2 someone ever contributes. Every booklet distributed is a

Caring for Goolwa’s Most Vulnerable At the Lions Club of Goolwa, we’re deeply concerned about the growing number of people experiencing homelessness in our community. Through our Sleeping Rough outreach, we provide support that goes beyond shelter—focusing on dignity, hygiene, and daily essentials that many take for granted. One of the most vital parts of this initiative is the toiletry packs we assemble and distribute in partnership with the Goolwa Uniting Church’s Open Door program. Each pack contains practical items—soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, tissues, combs, brushes—and, when available, warm extras like a knitted beanie from one of our generous local crafters. These packs do more than clean hands or freshen breath—they restore confidence, promote health, and remind people they’re not alone. They’re a small, personal way for Lions to offer care and connection to those doing it tough. And the beauty of this project is how the wider community gets

A Gift of Tranquility from Lions Goolwa Tucked away on Dawson Street in Goolwa, Murray Smith Park offers locals and visitors a peaceful space to connect with nature, reflect, and share meaningful moments. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the surrounding wildlife, enjoy the calming rhythm of water from the lake’s central fountain, and take in the serenity from the comfort of a beautifully crafted gazebo. This striking gazebo—built and donated by the Lions Club of Goolwa—stands as a symbol of community spirit and service. It provides shelter and shade, whether you’re hosting a family BBQ, enjoying a quiet morning coffee, or catching up with friends surrounded by nature’s soundtrack. It’s a reminder of what Lions work is all about: enhancing public spaces and enriching lives. The park includes barbecue facilities, toilets, and is dog-friendly, making it a truly accessible and welcoming

Currency Creek Lions Park – Where Nature and Heritage Meet Just 5km from Goolwa on the scenic Strathalbyn Road, Currency Creek Lions Park—affectionately known as Lions Park—is a cherished haven for families, travellers, and nature lovers. Nestled among towering gums, with the gentle murmur of Currency Creek as your soundtrack, it’s an ideal spot to unwind, explore, and enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors. This peaceful retreat owes its existence to the hard work and generosity of the Lions Club of Goolwa, which proudly built the picnic area and walking trail and officially opened the park on 15 May 1977. Their legacy lives on in the community-focused design and continued upkeep that makes the park so welcoming. Visitors are greeted with clean facilities, BBQ areas, and a dog-friendly atmosphere, creating a relaxed environment for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re stretching your legs on a gentle bushwalk or sharing

Where Conservation Meets Community Service Just a short stroll down Barrage Road in Goolwa, nestled low among the reeds, sits one of the region’s quiet treasures: a beautifully constructed wooden bird hide overlooking a tranquil lagoon on the Murray River a short distance from the Goolwa Barrage. Designed to blend naturally into the wetland surroundings, this thoughtfully placed structure has become a sanctuary—for birds, and for those who appreciate them. Built, funded, and brought to life by the Lions Club of Goolwa in July 1987, the hide remains a proud example of how service to the community can leave a lasting footprint. Supported by the Department of Tourism, local Council, and Signal Point, the project was born out of a shared vision: to create a space that celebrates the region’s remarkable biodiversity while welcoming bird watchers, photographers, and nature-lovers from near and far. Open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm, the

The online store began trading in 2021, following some earlier development work. Set up and run by Lion Andrew Schiller during the Covid period, the store offers a valuable resource for book collectors, students, and readers seeking specific topics. Hundreds of titles are available for browsing and purchase, with home delivery included. All books are carefully sorted by Andrew from the extensive selection donated to our Book Den. Importantly, 100% of profits from online book sales go directly to the club’s fundraising account, supporting our local community and a wide range of Lions projects. The 2024/25 financial year has been particularly successful. A standout highlight was a generous donation from a club member of Racing Stallion Yearbooks, which sold for approximately $900. Other notable sales included several books in the $100–$200 range, and a military title that sold for $262. Although we haven’t received any “big-ticket” donations this year, the

Each year at 6.00am on 25 April, Lions members attend the Goolwa RSL – The Cuttings Dawn Service to remember and honour those who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. They stand silently with the community, acknowledging the sacrifices made and the suffering endured—by those in uniform and by the loved ones who waited and grieved. As dawn breaks, a wreath is laid by the Lions Club of Goolwa in solemn remembrance. This act is not ceremonial alone—it is personal. The Lions Club of Goolwa extends its heartfelt thanks to all who have served. Members are proud to uphold the ANZAC spirit, which lives on not just in history books or memorials, but in moments like these: shared reflection, community solidarity, and unwavering respect. Whether rain or shine, Lions turn out. It is tradition, yes—but more than that, it is a pledge. A pledge to remember.

Across Australia, Lions Clubs are playing their part in restoring sight and dignity for those in need—one refurbished pair of spectacles at a time. Lions Recycle for Sight Australia, headquartered in Queensland, forms part of Lions Clubs International’s Worldwide Eyeglass Recycling Program, delivering millions of pairs of eyeglasses to people in need across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. Requests from humanitarian organisations—stocking shipping containers with aid or venturing into developing regions—fuel this extraordinary initiative. In recent years, even members of Lions’ Marine Branch have sailed their boats into remote villages, testing vision and delivering glasses in person. These acts of generosity extend the reach of compassion to some of the world’s most isolated communities. Locally, Lions clubs play an essential role in keeping the momentum alive. In Goolwa, we have spectacle collection points at pharmacies, opticians, and community hubs. They can also be handed in directly to

Goolwa Lions: Supporting Young Voices, Growing Community Spirit At the Goolwa Lions Club, we believe the future isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we actively invest in. That belief comes to life every week in our deep connection with Goolwa Secondary College and Goolwa Primary School, where we roll up our sleeves and show up—not just for events, but for young people themselves. From sizzling sausages at Sports Day to cheering students through BBQs and fundraisers, our presence is hands-on and heartfelt. We sponsor projects that build resilience and leadership, such as the Operation Flinders initiative, where we help send a team of young women who take part in an unforgettable outdoor leadership trek in October each year. At College end of year award nights, we proudly present the Lions Student Good Citizen Award—honouring a student who over the year has consistently modelled Lions values— good conduct, kindness, integrity,

The YCE program has been around for 60 years. A Service Project in which Lions Australia and Lions International work together. The project is comprised of two major parts: international exchanges and international camps. Exchanges typically last for 4-6 weeks with the help of host families (Lions or non-Lions), sponsor clubs and host clubs. Camps last for 1-2 weeks and are operated voluntarily by the hosting Lions club. YCE gives youth from countries around the world, Including Australia the opportunity to travel around the world for the first and potentially the only time. In January 2023 two young travellers Alex, from New Zealand and Leo, from Texas shared a week living with Lions club members prior to them joining the formal camp. The concept is during their time with a host family they experienced daily life in Australia. Which they did and enjoyed. On the 17 January 2023 they joined

Keeping the Christmas Spirit Alive For more than 30 years, the Lions Club of Goolwa proudly coordinated the beloved Goolwa Christmas Pageant, a highlight of the town’s festive season. Though pageants were paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Lions’ commitment to community celebration has never wavered. In fact, Santa himself never left Goolwa. Each year, with joyful determination, the Lions Club hires a magnificent horse-drawn carriage, lovingly decorated for the season, and escorts Santa through the heart of town. Accompanied by his glittering helper—a Christmas Fairy—Santa visits the local primary school, children’s centre, and Community Living Australia, handing out ice blocks and spreading joy to children of all ages. The festive journey continues as Santa rides through Goolwa’s main street en route to the town oval, where he takes his place in a beautifully adorned grotto, ready to greet children and personally gift each one a present. The smiles,