THE Muswellbrook Lions’ annual Changeover Dinner revealed a slice of history on Saturday evening.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The night not only gave the outgoing president, Mathew Benge, the chance to review the club’s achievements over the past year but saw the organisation’s first ever female president installed for the next 12 months.
Lorraine Manuel, aka the “Pocket Rocket”, was sworn in by 1st Vice District Governor Inga Kasch.
Lions were opened up to female members quite some time ago, with Muswellbrook Lions’ first being Janelle Eades (nee Risby).
Mrs Manuel and her husband Brent transferred into the Muswellbrook club from Blackwater in Queensland when he gained employment locally.
Since their arrival, she has taken on the roles of coordinator of the Lions catering at the Muswellbrook races and also as social director.
She’s been in similar roles within her former club, too.
Mrs Manuel comes to the position of president with some fresh ideas and an aim to have more fun within the club through weekends away and local activities.
In 2017, she organised a very successful club Christmas party at the Peel Inn at Nundle.
She is well-supported by the Board of Directors, which includes her husband Brent (membership director), Kevin Smith (secretary), Robert Chapman (treasurer), Mark Elsley OAM (assistant secretary/treasurer), Rod Upton (1st vice-president), Les O’Brien (2nd vice-president), Kevin Smith (3rd vice-president), Ken Paton (Lion Tamer), Geoff Delforce (Tail Twister), Mathew Benge (director), Mark Elsley OAM (bulletin editor), Mathew Benge (immediate past president), and Mark Elsley OAM (Lions Club International Foundation representative).
A number of awards were also presented on the night, including the Muswellbrook club’s inaugural Lion of the Year, which went to the president, Mrs Manuel.
As well, Years of Service plaudits were given out with the most notable being PDG Ian Seymour OAM with 56 years and Rod Upton with 51 years, both life members of the club.
Over the past 12 months, Muswellbrook Lions Club has supported organisations within the community.
Most notable are Riding for the Disabled with a donation of $2000 and the Muswellbrook Unit of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) with $1000 to continue their respective work.
There were the regular donations to schools for their presentation days and Variety the Children’s Charity.
One new organisation supported this year was the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, which aims to address the research into Cerebral Palsy.
The club provided catering for the September Walk and provided a sizable donation as well.
Membership of the Lions Club of Muswellbrook is open to both men and women.
Should you wish to join, then contact Muswellbrook Lions at mbk.lions@gmail.com for further information or go to their website at www.muswellbrook.nsw.lions.org.au