Members needed to keep local Lions roaring

THE Ballan Lions Club is keen to welcome new members and is urging locals to get involved.

Membership numbers have dwindled to just eight, club secretary Mike Vale said, way down from the 25 there were when he joined 38 years ago.

“It’s kind of exasperating, you’d have to say,” Mr Vale said.

“We have been in Ballan now for over 50 years. We’re not a Johnny-come-lately by any means.

“For whatever reason we just can’t get over that line. I do realise people can be time poor and that’s a bit of a concern.” Mr Vale said the reason for the dwindling membership is unclear and could range from wider societal changes and working life pressures to a misperception that the club is for retirees.

In fact it is welcoming anyone aged 18 or over and the benefits that derive from joining, at both a personal and community level are considerable, members said.

“Our current membership ranges from people in their 40s to people in their 70s,” Mr Vale said.

The club runs monthly community markets, and sausage sizzles at the local IGA supermarket, a successful autumn festival and an upcoming Christmas twilight market.

The money it raises goes back into community causes and offers members a sense of fellowship and satisfaction.

Health related charities supported include those tackling childhood cancer, mental health needs, and providing hearing assistance dogs.

About 12 years ago they started another registered charity called Keeley’s Cause providing iPads to assist young people on the autism spectrum overcome communication barriers.

The Ballan club and the state’s many other Lions Clubs also provide vital support during natural disasters.

“Next month for two days we’re going to have the Skin Check van turn up providing professional skin checks for people at the IGA supermarket carpark over the weekend,” Mr Vale said.

“When we had it two years ago for a weekend it was fully subscribed.”

The club’s regular monthly meetings take place after general work hours at 6.30pm on the first Monday of the month, in a private meeting room at the town’s Commercial Hotel and everyone is welcome to attend.

“If the clubs overall don’t renew then in 20 years we’re all gone, and that’s the same for the organisations of Lions and Rotary International because they’re in the same position,” Mr Vale said.

Anyone interested can email [email protected], attend a monthly meeting, or chat to members running their sausage sizzle or market.