Lions plan to set up club

By Kath Gannaway
YARRA Junction resident Phillip Hobba is the driving force behind a move to form a Lions Club to serve Warburton Highway communities.
A former Ferntree Gully Lions Club member, Mr Hobba said the benefits such a service club can offer communities from Seville through to Warburton could return to individuals who contribute as Lions members.
The Upper Yarra Lions Club folded some years ago, but Mr Hobba said the influx of new people moving into the area from down the line, along with community-minded long-standing residents, is the catalyst for an enthusiastic new beginning.
He, along with local residents Jeff and Cynde Smart, met with Lions District representatives Robert Kann and Terry Oakleigh and Healesville Lions Club members Maurie Gray and Bert Bresser on Thursday night to discuss the feasibility of a new club.
Mr Kann, a past district governor and current extension chairman, said after the meeting, the prospects were promising with every indication that the area was ready for Lions.
“Lions is very much a hands-on organisation which serves at many levels from providing a Hart walker frame for a person with cerebral palsy to helping build a senior citizens centre that serves the wider community.
“More clubs are becoming involved in local environment projects,” Mr Kann said.
He said a new club should not feel any pressure to tackle large projects, but could start off at its own pace.
Mr Gray said Healesville Lions would welcome the support of a neighbouring Lions Club, particularly with projects such as refurbishing of the Life Education Van, which they are currently raising funds for.
“This van serves this entire region and would be a great partnership for a forming Lions Club to be involved in,” he said.
He said he was optimistic about forming the new club.
“Terry and I have been involved in a club that started with two people,” he said.
“Two weeks after that we had 20, and two weeks after that the club was chartered.”
Lions is open to men and women of all ages.
A second meeting for those interested in finding out about the new club, will be held at Yarra Junction Library on Thursday 25 September at 7pm.
For further information, phone Mr Kann on 9846 3500.