A Change in leadership for Nhill Lions

On Sunday 28th June a large crowd attended the annual Nhill Lions Club Changeover afternoon. Representatives from nearly all local organisations plus visiting Lions from nearby clubs (among them Lions from Dimboola, Kaniva, Goroke, Edenhope, Horsham, Green Park) were in attendance. Guests, friends and family were present along with Hindmarsh Shire Council CEO Monica Revell and Deputy Mayor Cr Rosie Barker who was the emcee for the day.

Cr Rosie’s bright warm welcome set the scene for an enjoyable time of recognition, awards, looking back to the year that has been as well as facing the future with new intent and commitment to serve our community and beyond.

Prior to the official installation of new office bearers in both the Nhill Lions and Leo Clubs, the annual awards were presented by outgoing President Ian Meek and Secretary Lesley Gordon. First Year Lions Commitment Award was presented to Lion Barb Cavanagh.

The Salt & Pepper Award was given to Lion Shirley Blackwood for her dedication and commitment to a vast number of important Lions projects.

The 2025/2026 Nhill Lion of the Year was awarded to a very worthy, albeit surprised, Lion Merril Uhlhorn who is the exemplary treasurer of the club. Outgoing President Ian Meek presented his report on his year “in the chair”.

Following the award presentations, the installation of club office bearers for the next year. Lion Tony Lord was handed the traditional gavel and gong by outgoing President Ian Meek President Tony’s team consists of 1st Vice President- Lion Shirley Blackwood 2nd Vice President- Lions David Lansdown 3rd Vice President- Lions Barb Cavanagh Secretary- Lion Lesley Gordon Treasurer – Lion Merril Uhlhorn Following an inspiring address, including numerous Thank You’s from the new President Tony, the crowd enjoyed a bountiful afternoon tea. Unfortunately

Catering Team leader Lion Debbie Johnston was ill but Nhill Lions ever reliable Phyllis Pye, with the help of fellow Lions, provided the delicious feast. Note: Reports from both Outgoing President Ian Meek and incoming President Tony Lord are included in this edition of the Nhill Free Press.

President Tony Lord with partner Leanne Watson and outgoing President Ian Meek; Salt & Pepper Award Recipient Lion Shirley Blackwood; Leo Mentors – Lions Sam Holland, Mandy Myers and Julie McDonald. Photos: Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times

President Ian Meek Annual Report

My year in the chair commenced rather unhappily because my wife Jenny had been rushed to hospital in a serious condition after a bad fall. Following this there has been numerous hospital stays as well as operations.

I felt it was necessary, because of the constant trips to Melbourne for medical procedures etc, to request a Leave of Absence from the Nhill Lions Club. I am extremely grateful for the patience and understanding of all the Nhill Lions during the [almost] 6 months I was unable to fulfill my role.

Once back in “the chair” I really discovered what a busy club Nhill Is… I have to say that I was a little bit overwhelmed with the amount of work and commitments members just “took in their stride”. It is a lot different from when I was President of the club in 2006, that’s for sure.

Some of the activities, projects, functions and events include: Sausage Sizzles, Market Days, BBQ’s and all the setting up and setting down that is required is mind blowing.

The Driver Reviver at Lochiel each long weekend as well as school holidays and special occasions like the AFL Gather Round when the highway is awash with vehicles going to Adelaide and then returning to Melbourne.

The Nhill Cemetery Flag Project where some of our members [particularly the Blackwood Lions!] spend literally hours prior to ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day every year placing our Aussie flag on the specifically selected headstones. Then a week after these memorable times head out again to remove the flags and place them safely in storage. Quite a number of our members also enjoyed being a part of this project too.

Youth of the Year was a brilliant success and our Youth Team Leader Lion Shirley Blackwood certainly does a wonderful [and professional job].

Lion Shirley is always our Club Peace Poster leader as well as for the three Nhill Schools “In the Spirit of Lions” awards presented at the end of every school year.

The Club also hosts The Garden Walk and this was a wonderful success at the end of October 2025.

Our “Santa Around Town” was once again enjoyed in every street travelled by children and parents alike…. Our Club concludes their Christmas activities by providing the cooking for a massive BBQ for the annual Carols in Jaypex Park.

We try to have a break of a few weeks from Christmas however, as the main hosts of Nhill’s Australia Day celebrations the 26th of January seems to roll around very quickly. This year, due to uncertain weather conditions the Hindmarsh Shire Council agreed that we utitlise the Community Centre. The success of this move was applauded by the community and folk are hoping that this arrangement continues annually. It was certainly an honour to be the President of Nhill Lions our member Lion Bob Blackwood was awarded “HSC Citizen of the Year” which was fantastic. Our Club also recognizes someone in the community with our own special award this was the fifth year. The person to whom the award goes has no idea they will be presented with anything and so it is quite interesting to see the awardees’ reaction when their name is announced.

Each year our Club marches in the ANZAC Day parade and I had the honour this year of driving Nhill’s eldest ex-servicewoman Mrs May Craig in the parade. To see our members all walking behind our large striking banner cannot help but make one feel very proud.

The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal was front and foremost this year with our Lion Phyllis Pye as the Area Manager leading the charge with great money raising ideas. Good Friday the Nhill CFA members join us and we all use the fire station as the Good Friday Appeal centre where Lion Phyllis makes sure we have plenty to eat and drink plus lots of games and activities for the kids. This year our efforts were recognized on national TV news when they pointed out the creativity of a small country town conducting a “Rabbit Poo Lotto”. Just a note here the Nhill Lions Club can be extremely proud of raising over $19,000 this year for the RCH Good Friday Appeal. Lion Phyllis and her team concluded the fundraising this year with a very well attended concert where singer Don Costa was the guest artist.

Our members continue to sell raffle tickets for a variety of numerous worthwhile causes. They are also often called upon to help members of the community for various jobs such as assisting with a move to another home.

Recently, our Club hosted the Lions District Cancer Screen Unit. This was in Nhill for 2 full days and two dermascopists were completely booked out. What a wonderful free service this is for everyone in our community.

Finally, after several months of planning we opened the Nhill Community Pantry which is open on a weekly basis every Thursday from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Lions Club members are rostered on each week and frozen goods are delivered by the Centre for Participation in Horsham. Nhill IGA has a bin in the shop where people can purchase non-perishable items and place them in the bin. At the commencement of this project it was “slow going” however, more and more folk are using this helpful service.

Before I close this report I would like to acknowledge the passing of two very unique members….. Lion Stu Martin died very suddenly on July 1st last year [2025] and last month one of our longest serving members Lion Gordon “Paddy” Field died.

Although our member numbers show a slight decline the Club still has 48 members and a week ago it was a pleasure to welcome three new members.

I wish to thank all the members of our Lions family for giving me the honour and privilege of being President of this great Club.

Thank you to all the members who filled in for me whilst I was unable to attend meetings and to Lion Lesley Gordon [our Club Secretary] for helping me with my reports when needed.

I would like to wish Lion Tony Lord and his team all the best for the next 12 months and wish them a very successful year.

Thanks again.

President Ian Meek

President’s speech

I would like to begin by thanking you all for the trust and confidence you’ve placed in me.

To be given the opportunity to lead this club is something I don’t take lightly.

I’d like to thank our outgoing President Ian Meek and all the executive members for all their hard work over the last 12 months.

I’d also like to congratulate all the award winners today. Awards are earned and not just given away lightly so each of you can be proud of your achievements.

I’d also like to thank Councillor Rosie Barker for coming along and being part of today’s events as well as her enthusiastic support over the last 12 months.

On behalf of all of us, thank you for the work you’ve done and for the example you’ve set.

When people look at Lions Clubs from the outside, they often see the fundraising, the projects, the barbecues, the working bees, or the events we support. And yes… those things matter. They help communities grow stronger.

But I think what truly defines Lions clubs is something much deeper.

At its heart, Lions are about people caring enough to show up.

Showing up when someone needs help.

Showing up when the community needs support.

Showing up even when we’re tired, busy, or would rather be somewhere else. And in today’s world, that matters more than ever.

We live in a time where it’s easy for people to feel disconnected … where many people are struggling quietly, where communities can sometimes feel divided, and where genuine human connection is becoming harder to find.

Yet clubs like ours continue to remind people that kindness still exists.

That community still matters.

And that ordinary people can still make an extraordinary difference.

I think that’s something very special.

Nhill has always been a resilient town. Like all rural communities, it’s faced challenges over the years. But one thing that has never disappeared, is the willingness of people here to help one another. That spirit of community is part of who you are.

Every member here today has contributed to that in some way.

Some of you have given decades of service.

Some have been quietly working behind the scenes without ever asking for recognition.

Some are always the first to volunteer when something needs doing.

And some may not even realise just how much their presence, encouragement, and friendship means to others in this room.

But together, every single contribution matters.

Because the reality is, this club is not built on meetings or titles.

It’s built on people.

People with good hearts.

People who believe that helping others is worthwhile.

People who choose service over recognition.

And I think that’s something worth being proud of.

As I take on this role, I don’t see leadership as standing in front of everyone. I see it as standing beside everyone.

Supporting one another. Listening to ideas. Encouraging participation and making sure this club continues to be a place where people feel welcomed, valued, and connected.

I also believe we have an important responsibility for the future.

Volunteer organisations everywhere are facing challenges. Membership numbers go up and down and people are busier than ever.

But I genuinely believe organisations like Lions still have a major place in communities like ours.

And that is because no app, website, or social media page can replace what happens when people come together face to face with a shared purpose.

My hopes for this year are simple.

I hope we continue serving our community with pride.

I hope we continue supporting one another.

I hope we welcome new people into our club and help them discover the same sense of purpose and friendship that so many of us here have found.

And most of all, I hope we never lose sight of why we do this.

Not for awards.

Not for recognition.

But because small acts of kindness can genuinely change someone’s day, someone’s situation, and sometimes even someone’s life.

Before I finish, I want to thank not only our members, but also our families, partners, and supporters.

Volunteer organisations only survive because of the people who stand behind us, encourage us, and often sacrifice their own time so we can serve others.

Your support matters more than you probably realise. So …. To finish up, I’d like to thank you again for this opportunity.

I am proud to be part of this club.

I am proud to serve this community.

And I am excited for what we can achieve together in the year ahead.

Thank you.

President Lions Club of Nhill
Tony Lord 

This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 8 July 2026.