Peter Haseler accepted the position of president for his second consecutive term, with Lions Keith Elrington and Rita Whitbread as secretary and treasurer respectively.

Chairman for the evening Rob McGregor began the proceedings with the National Anthem led by Lion Rita Whitbread, the loyal toast was made by Lion James Hamilton, and Lion Carol Nestor gave the invocation.

Lion Christine O’Donoghue welcomed guests - Lion Bob Chapman from the Dubbo Lions Club who performed the president and board’s induction, and other visiting Lions from Dubbo, Dubbo Macquarie and Wellington Lions Clubs.

Also welcomed were the recipients of donations - Neville Roberts from the Narromine Cancer Support Group, Tony and Colleen Barlow from Timbrebongie House and Terry Clarke from the RFDS.

A certificate of appreciation was given to Arnie and Beryl Hartley from the Narromine Gliding Club.

Apologies were received from Ann Chad and Michelle Heywood from the Narromine Hospital (Lions donated two chairs for patient use to the hospital), Ben Staines from Macquarie Real Estate Group who generously gives us storage at the Industrial Estate and Rod Perry who kindly donated his time and efforts to the club’s trailer maintenance.

The toast to Lions International was performed by Narromine Apex DG Mick Bell and responded to by Lion Dr Keith McLachlan.

Lion Brian Nestor gave the Lions Club Objects and zone chairman Lion Charles Burrowes read the Lions Club Ethics.

Brief highlights of the year were the induction of new member Lion Ron Roberts and Lions Lady Loyalty who were welcomed during president Peter’s term.

Youth Exchange and Youth of the Year also played an important role in the focus for his term. This portfolio was conducted by youth chairman Lion Brian Clarke assisted by Lion Teresa Healey and Christine O’Donoghue.

Narromine High School Year 11 student Joshua Wrench was the local finalist and participated in the regional final held in Narromine.

Another milestone for the year was the announcement of Lion Teresa Healey as Citizen of the Year for Narromine at the Australia Day celebrations.

Service director Lion Peter Parslow led a team of dedicated members who participated in collections at the race day and rugby gates as well as the rugby canteen, catering at barbecues, NatFly, painting of the service signs at the entrances to Narromine, raffles, the annual Smith Family Drive, Meals on Wheels, Venetian Carnival, barbecue at the Craft Expo at the Narromine library and Australia Day at the showground, Water Expo, Carols by Candlelight, clean-ups along the Narromine-Dubbo Road and maintenance of the roadside stop on the Dubbo Road. A total of more than 1000 hours was given to these community services.

Social chairperson Lion Marie Houghton held a number of social functions throughout the year including the Christmas gathering and dinners at the gliding club to welcome the youth exchange students. Marie’s decorative skill, along with Lion Rene as assistant, proved once again successful as the USMC was expertly presented in the Lions Club colours for the changeover.

The major highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Melvin Jones Fellowship award to Lion Bill Ballhausen, who has served the club for 55 years. He also received a Monarch framed certificate for his devotion and service to the community.

Lion Lady Jeanette also presented Lion Lady Jacki with a floral arrangement for her support during Bill’s term as a Lion.

Other Monarch certificates were presented to Lions Keith McLachlan for 55 years of continuous service to Lions, Jack Burgess for 50 years, Charlie Burrowes and Ken Makepeace for 30 years, and Brian Clarke and Bob Davis for 25 years of service. Congratulations to these outstanding Lions.

Other awards presented within the club were the Treasurer’s Award to Lion Vivienne Halbisch and Secretary’s Award to Lion Gerry O’Donoghue. President Peter thanked both for their time, effort and dedication to the executive of Lions.

The President’s Appreciation Award was presented to Lion Christine O’Donoghue.

Treasurer Lion Vivienne presented a successful written financial report, including monies donated to the mentioned charities there have been local donations to schools and individuals as well as Lions International for ongoing work with the Lions Club’s charities.

The Narromine Lions Club thanks the Narromine and surrounding communities for their support in their fundraising endeavours.

Money raised by the club is almost always donated back to the local community.

The club wish Lion Peter Haseler and Lions Lady Jeanette all the best for another successful year in Lionism.

Lions meets every first and third Wednesday at the USMC at 7pm for fellowship and 7.30 for dinner.

Anyone interested is asked to ring president Peter on 6889 6522 or membership chairperson Jeff Cook on 6889 7870.

New and interested members are always most welcome.