Junee Lions usher in new leadership at 51st annual dinner

WITH a legacy spanning more than five decades, the Junee Lions Club gathered on Friday evening to celebrate its 51st annual changeover dinner.

It was a night of reflection, recognition, and renewal as the club ushered in new leadership for the year ahead.

Held in a spirit of camaraderie and community pride, the evening saw outgoing President Nikki Cocks formally hand over the reins to incoming President Peter Jauncey, presenting him with the club’s Lions Charter.

In his address to members and guests, Mr Jauncey paid tribute to the tireless efforts of the club over the past 12 months, highlighting that more than $9,000 had been distributed to a variety of local initiatives and Lions-affiliated charitable causes.

The new board for 2024–25 features husband and wife team Steve and Vicki Gardner stepping into the key roles of Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

Neil Sheedy has been appointed as 1st Vice-President, with Garry Doneley as 2nd Vice-President, and Denis Sullivan taking responsibility for membership.

The Junee Lions Club gathered at the Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club for its 51st annual changeover dinner on Friday night | Image: Supplied

Federal Riverina MP Michael McCormack with incoming President Peter Jauncey, 1st Vice District 201 N4 Governor Judy Ryan and her husband, PDG Michael | Image: Supplied

A number of distinguished guests joined the celebration, including 1st Vice District Governor for Lions District 201 N4, Judy Ryan of the Mount Panorama Lions Club in Bathurst, accompanied by her husband, Past District Governor Michael Ryan.

Junee Shire Mayor, Cr Bob Callow, and Federal Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, also attended, offering their congratulations and praise for the club’s ongoing contributions to the region.

Mr McCormack, a long-time supporter of service organisations across the Riverina, commended the club for its generosity.

“It was a wonderful evening,” he told The Junee Bulletin, “highlighted by incoming President Peter Jauncey announcing that Junee Lions had raised $9,000 for local and Lions’ charities in the past year.

“Having 1st Vice District Governor Judy Ryan in attendance made the changeover dinner all the more memorable.”

Junee Mayor Cr Bob Callow (left) and Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack (right) pictured with incoming Lions President Peter Jauncey | Image: Supplied

As it turns the page on another year of dedicated service, the Junee Lions Club remains a pillar of the local community — guided by its enduring motto, We Serve, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference where it matters most.

MAIN IMAGE: (from left) Outgoing President Nikki Cocks, Membership Officer Denis Sullivan, 2nd Vice-President Garry Doneley, Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, Treasurer Vicki Gardner, 1st Vice District 201 N4 Governor Judy Ryan, incoming President Peter Jauncey, 1st VP Neil Sheedy, and Secretary Steve Gardner.