“For a small club, we have achieved so much,” she said.
Ms Austin was elected president after many years volunteering as a Lions member, and secretary.
In 2023, Cobram Lions donated to those who lost everything in a house fire, assisted local athletes such as Moira’s wood-chopping champion William Hoyle, helped students achieve their dreams and contribute to community events and initiatives.
“We continue to help those in need, with assistance, both in kind, and doing community service activities such as helping run the community shower project, plus also assisting other groups and organisations,” Ms Austin said.
“We have been very active in our local community, as well as having a great year with all the youth programs that are available across all Cobram schools.”
Such programs have included Youth of the Year, Junior Public Speaking, Lions International Peace Poster and the Cobram Lions art show, and supporting the Cobram On the Murray Leo clubs program.
Several local students have had considerable success in these projects.
Along with assisting individuals in the community, Cobram Lions have been an ongoing presence via Mitre 10 barbecues and monthly market, which, according to Ms Austin, has significantly grown in size over the past year.
“We are grateful to everyone from the stall holders and public attending each market for their support. More and more tourists are also attending the market, which is great for Cobram itself, as they also are exploring the area,” Ms Austin said.
Ms Austin said all funds raised via Cobram Lions activities go 100 per cent back into the community.
Going into 2024, Cobram Lions hopes to continue with their current yearly program of events and contributions.
However, Ms Austin hopes that new recruits next year will allow the club to increase its scope with new projects and ideas.
Anyone interested in becoming a member can phone the Cobram Lions Club on 0459 340 109.
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