After a successful year as President of Torquay Lions Club, Lion Colin Bellis has passed the role to Lion Brian Keane.
“During 2022 – 2023, Torquay Lions have done a wonderful job in raising a memorable $96,616 to be gifted to many local, national and international causes,” Lion Colin said.

According to the outgoing President, success of the year was based on the strong support of club members and our local community.

“Monies distributed this year have helped a considerable number of groups or individuals achieve a better way of life for themselves or others.
“Some of our larger donations went to supporting organisations determined to make the world a better place,” Lion Colin said.

“The greatest amount raised was through Lion Peter McMahon who organised the Good Friday Appeal in Torquay enabling us to pass $41,848 to the Royal Children’s Hospital,” Lion Colin declared.
“Various Lions Foundations, created to assist communities in need, received $13,177 from Torquay Lions, and $10,000 is being given this year to Foundation 61’s new House of Hope to support women confronting life-controlling issues.
“Last week, (22/6) Lions presented a donation of $12,500 to Art of the Minds which has evolved into a powerful community conversation centred on mental wellbeing,” Lion Colin concluded.
Preparing for the year ahead, incoming President, Lion Brian Keane, declared his vision is to make a difference in the Community, and the Club’s purpose is to see a need and do something about it.
“We will do this by Strengthening Lions and our Club locally, through developing New models for growth by looking for new service opportunities, reaching out for new members of a younger generation and building partnerships with businesses and other not for profit organisations,” he said.
“The club will align goals, governance and operational support by ensuring we continue to have strong financial management, concise safety protocols, robust maintenance programs and a culture of looking after each other.
“I am looking forward to a year full of activity, interest and fun. I know that I will have the support of our Members, Friends of Lions and our partners,” Lion Brian acknowledged.

Torquay Lions teamed up with the Friends of Taylor Park and the Torquay Men's Shed to build wildlife nesting boxes in Taylor Park. Lions provided the funds to purchase the materials, the Men's Shed built the boxes and GORCAPA funded their installation. Great things happen when local organisations work together.

Great Ocean & Otway Classic Ride was held with around 3,000 riders completing the 60 km, 145km, and 204km rides. Torquay Lions were there assisting O2 Events with marshalling from 6 am as each of the races started from Torquay. We also ran a BBQ at the finish line at Point Danger. It was very busy, with around 900 sausages cooked and served as the riders returned. We raised $2,200 which will go back into the local community. Lion Allen Osman can be seen on the winner’s podium after hours of cooking, doing a Shoey!

Torquay Lions were at Point Danger to help with traffic, directions and crowd control. Our Torquay Lions President Colin Bellis laid a wreath on behalf of our club. It was a superb morning; clear and crisp, without wind or rain! Police estimated that there were around 10,000 at Point Danger, and it was pleasing to see lots of children. As we know, Point Danger is an ideal place for the Dawn Service, but our secret is out. The Channel Nine Today Show were there, with weatherman Tim Davies doing the weather report every half an hour, with glorious shots of the Point, the Front Beach and the RSL Service and 2 Up at the Torquay Bowls Club. Tim interviewed Torquay RSL President Bob Brackin, Past President Bob Tyler and Secretary Daryll Topp.

Torquay Lions and their many local helpers raised $41,382 dollars for the Royal Children’s Hospital 2023 Good Friday Appeal.
The local appeal shattered last year’s record of $13,000.
“We not only achieved our target, which initially was $20,000, but we finished the day with $41,382 for this year’s Appeal,” Regional Co-ordinator, Lion Peter McMahon, enthused.
An elated McMahon declared community generosity, small projects by children, a Lions bowls day and many other donations has led to the new record.
“More than tripling last year’s figure almost leaves me speechless,” McMahon stated.

“Volunteer highway collectors from Deakin University, Torquay Lions Club, with help from Grovedale Fire Brigade and various other volunteers, all helped us achieve the $41,382”.
“I thank all who supported the appeal so generously.”
According to McMahon, the Good Friday Appeal resonates with many local families who have had some contact or contacts with the Royal Children’s Hospital over the years.
“Almost every family has been touched as the Children’s Hospital has helped so many youngsters,” McMahon stated.
He said he expected a few more donations would be forthcoming to add to Torquay’s figure.
‘The Lions Club, which donated $11,000 raised at their Billy Ryan charity bowls day, promised a few more hundred dollars would be directed to the Appeal from money raised at a small online auction for a gymnasium membership voucher,” he concluded.

Photograph: Torquay Lion Peter Mc Mahon, Co-ordinator of the Torquay Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, hands over his final collection of cash to Armaguard for banking. Torquay raised $41,382 for the Appeal.