Darryl Sutcliffe, pictured with partner Sharon Bruynen, was re-elected as the president of the Lions Club of Balla Balla.
By Bridget Cook
THE Lions Club of Balla Balla celebrated its work of supporting individuals and community groups at its changeover dinner at the Tooradin and District Sports Club on Wednesday 27 June.
Members of the club, representatives from local community groups, Installing Officer First Vice District Governor David Barnes and his wife Raelene and distinguished guests attended.
President Darryl Sutcliffe, secretary Liz Birch and first vice president Garry Birch were re-elected to their positions for a further 12 months and treasurer Shane Harris was welcomed to the executive committee for the first time.
Mr Sutcliffe thanked fellow members for entrusting him to again guide the club.
“I am proud to serve Lions, which I believe is a truly respected worldwide charitable organisation,” he said.
“I look forward to the many projects and challenges our club will experience this year and look forward to celebrating those successes with an even bigger group.
“But, most importantly, I look forward to the year being full of fun and enjoyment with plenty of Lions fellowship.”
Mr Sutcliffe also recapped on the great work the club had done over the past year, including assisting families in need from Pearcedale, Tooradin and Devon Meadows primary schools, supporting a Blind Bight family with a weekend away after the loss of their son, paying for five local children from under-privileged families to attend the Lions Camp and sponsoring local sporting clubs.
The club also successfully ran the Tooradin Community market once a month, hosted the Australia Day Sunset Cinema at Tooradin and supported events including the Tooradin Tractor Pull and Truck Show, Pearcedale Anzac Day dawn service and various events run by the Casey council.
Mr Sutcliffe thanked the members and sub-committees for their help in achieving great outcomes for the community.
“My job has been pretty easy given the passion and commitment our members have made to our club during my presidency,” he said.
The community support continued at the changeover dinner, with the club presenting cheques to representatives from a large number of community groups to enable them to continue their invaluable work.
Anyone interested in learning more about our the club is invited to attend a monthly meeting at the Tooradin Public Hall on the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm, or contact membership officer Kay Freeburn or secretary Ms Birch at lionsballaballa@gmail.com.
