Local Lions keep busy during lockdown

THE Lions Club of Meredith and District are working on a range of projects during an interrupted 2020, including the second stage of development on the town’s Pioneer Park.

Funded by a $5000 Meredith Masonic grant and money raised at Lions community events like sausage sizzles, president Jim Baker said the park’s next round of upgrades have been in development in the last few months.

“We’ve purchased new barbecue settings that have been painted, a new flagpole and flags, and shade cloths to go over the kids’ playground and barbecue area,” he said.

“We’ll also be repainting the bandstand. An old rowboat from down on the coast is being donated, so we intend on putting in a dry creek scenario with sand, so the kids can play.

“It’s been quiet during the pandemic, but we’re doing what we can when we can get five people outside. We’re anxious to get going.”

Gardening, a dog park, and a kids’ playground were part of the first stage of work in recent years, funded by a $35,000 grant.

The senior students at Meredith Primary School were consulted about what they would like to see in the park’s play space.

The Lions are “always there” for people in the community who require support, especially vulnerable residents who are impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

“All people need to do is ring up and ask, and we will deliver food to elderly people in need,” Mr Baker said.

“This pandemic has brought us closer, made us focus on community and each other. I really see that.

“There’s nothing like living in the country. People look out for each other, even if it’s a phone call.”

The service club is also looking ahead to helping Linda Wong and Chris Ardrey develop Meredith Sharing Shed’s community garden.

Primary school students will use this project as a life skill learning opportunity within Hands of Change’s Nurturing Young Minds for their Future program.