THE gavel and gong of the Kerang Lions Club has officially changed hands again at their changeover dinner held last week.
More than 35 people attended the dinner at the Kerang Bowling Club to see Roz Campbell take the reins from outgoing president Jeff Jackson.
Special guests included Lions District 201 V6 District Governor Steven Kazenwadel, his wife Alison Kazenwadel, Gannawarra Sire Council Mayor Charlie Gillingham, and fellow Lions members from Koondrook-Barham and Gunbower.
“It was lovely just to recognise the people that supported me … it was a chance for me to thank everyone for their work throughout the year,” Mr Jackson said.
Having been involved with the Kerang Lions Club since 2005, Mr Jackson said he would still continue as a part of the club despite handing over the presidency.
“Basically you are in Lions because you like doing things in the community, helping to serve, helping people, and trying to do our bit to make where we live a little bit better,” Mr Jackson said.
Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of a life membership to Joe Tartaglia.
As a member of the Kerang Lions Club for 47 years, Mr Tartaglia is involved in all aspects of club activities, having been president on three occasions, as well as holding a lot of other various positions.
He was also awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship in 2007, which is presented to people who donate over US$1000 to the Lions Club International Foundation.
The newly inaugurated president, who has only been a part of the Kerang Lions Club for the past 12 months, Ms Campbell said she was looking forward to serving the community as best she can.
“I’ve got some big shoes to fill, but I’ve got a great lot of people around me, so I think it should all run smoothly for us in these coming months,” Ms Campbell said.
Ms Campbell said a goal of hers while president was to try and encouraged some new members to get involved.
“Our members are getting older, and we can’t keep relying on them as they get on in their years,” Ms Campbell said.
“But I’m proud of the people we do have.
“They are always willing to put their hand up and give it a go.”
