By KATH GANNAWAY
Community celebrated with honour for top Lions…
HEALESVILLE Lions Club’s changeover dinner on Wednesday 30 June was a celebration of ‘community’.
The Lions Club of Healesville recognised the multitude of groups that encapsulate the word, from Dixons Creek and Toolangi, through to Woori Yallock and Mount Evelyn, and gave special recognition to four outstanding community volunteers.
Lions members were joined at the RACV Healesville by district governor Lou Olney and his wife Kay, members of Marysville Lions and representatives of more than 35 local schools and community organisations for the official changing of the guard, and the handing out of ‘disbursements’ this year, totalling more than $47,000.
Another $22,800 had been handed out during the year to individuals and organisations ranging from high school scholarships and Alzheimer’s research to equipment for disabled residents, Trauma Teddies for Healesville Ambulance and a recovery program for a badly injured mother and daughter.
The donation of Lions Christmas cakes to HICCI is included.
A number of the donations are made in situations where there is a real need, but no other source of help.
Individual recognition was given to community volunteers Arthur Harford, Heather Dynes, Robert Nolan and John Sutton who were each awarded the James D. Richardson Honour Award.
The award, named in honour of Lions first Australian International Director, represents outstanding service, and in the case of each of this year’s recipients, long and varied service also.
Heather Dynes started with Yarra Glen Guides in 1982 and has been Gumnut, Brownie and Guide leader over the years – and holds all three positions this year ensuring Guiding continues in Yarra Glen.
She has been division commissioner and district leader among many other roles, and has been instrumental, and inspirational to others, in maintaining the Yarra Glen Guide Hall as well as keeping guiding thriving.
Arthur Harford’s volunteering bent started with Badger Creek CFA over 30 years ago and has intensified and diversified. He is a valued member of Mt Toolebewong Landcare Group, a long-time member and chair of Badger Creek Old School Building Committee of management, member of Healesville Environment Watch Inc. (HEWI), and a founding and active member of Healesville Action Group (HAG).
A ‘hands-on’ approach was a common theme among his nominees.
John Sutton is a dedicated Yarra Glen CFA ‘firey’, past captain and a Life Member of the brigade. He has been a CFA volunteer since 1958 and served in numerous roles in the brigade, and at Group level.
He is currently communications officer and greatly admired and respected within the brigade, and in CFA circles.
Robert Nolan is a champion for the Healesville football and cricket clubs. He has been a player with both clubs, but his life-long contribution is off the field. He is historian for both clubs, currently keeping records for three football and four netball sides, and looks after all the dealings with the club’ Life Members.
He is a Life Member of the football club, has held numerous official positions and for the last 18 years has kept the teams, the club rooms, the jumpers and the grounds in pristine condition.
He was YVMDFL Volunteer of the Year in 2013.
Signing off as president, Paul Walker thanked all the Lions Members for a very solid year of work that underpinned the money raised, and passed on to so many on the night.
He also thanked the community for supporting the Lions fund-raisers including the opportunity shop, soft toys at the races, and Christmas cake sales.
“It’s hard work, but rewarding,” he said, adding that the club is always looking for more helpers.
Mr Olney swore in a new Lions team for the 2014/15 year, led by president Danny Rhodes.
