The Lions Club of Mudgeeraba celebrates 40 years of community service

The year is 1984. Bob Hawke is the Prime Minister, the one-dollar coin is introduced in Australia, and the Lions Club of Mudgeeraba Inc is born.

Chartered by the Burleigh Heads Lions Club, the Mudgeeraba branch started out with 20 members, including famous names d’Arcy Doyle and Frank Critchlow, and has now grown into an organisation that has helped countless individuals and families in the hinterland over the past four decades.

Lions members and friends packing bags to support women escaping domestic violence

Some of the projects the Mudgeeraba Lions have worked on include putting together Christmas bags for aged care residents who didn’t get visitors during the pandemic, support bags for ‘Share the Dignity’ to help women escaping domestic violence situations, disaster relief BBQs during the recent storms, and driving donations down to northern NSW in the aftermath of their tragic flooding event. This is just a few of the many initiatives the Lions have put their hands up to help with.

The Lions cooking a free BBQ for people in need after the Christmas storms

Club Secretary Sharon McDonald has been involved for several years and started out with the Lions at the Mudgeeraba Show BBQ. She said the people she met in the club were friendly and community minded, and it’s been that way ever since.

When asked why she has stayed involved for so many years, Sharon remarked that “it is easier to help people in need if you are part of a group, and harder to do it by yourself. I hope our club continues to help people for many more years to come!”

Lions Club of Mudgeeraba Secretary Sharon McDonald with four-legged helper

To celebrate the 40-year milestone, the Mudgeeraba Lions are hosting an anniversary dinner at the Wallaby Hotel on 22 May from 6pm, with a fun 1980s theme. If you’ve been thinking of getting involved, then now is the time.

For more information about the Lions Club of Mudgeeraba and to get involved with their wonderful initiatives, get in touch with mudgeerabalions@gmail.com or head to https://www.facebook.com/mudgeerabalion