TWO long-time residents, Peter Webb and Lorna Russom, were honoured for their commitment to community service at the Lions District 201N3 63rd Annual District Convention Remembrance Service on Sunday.
Held at The Entrance Leagues Club at Bateau Bay, the ceremony remembered members whose dedication embodied the international service club’s enduring motto, We Serve.
“In their work with charity and community service, they offered dignity, hope and compassion, three very important things in our world,” said presenter Margaret Pearce OAM.
Webb, a Tea Gardens Lions Club member for more than 40 years, served four years as president. He was awarded the James D Richardson Honour Award and the internationally recognised Melvin Jones Fellowship.
“He was a life member of the Tea Gardens Lions Club and served his community very well,” Ms Pearce said.
Webb’s leadership helped sustain charitable fundraising, strengthen community connections and deliver projects.
Lorna Russom joined the TGHN Lioness Club in 2002, later serving as president before becoming a Lion.
“She was a very active member of the club and owned a local business,” Pearce said.
Russom’s service reflected an important chapter in Lions history, when women carved out their own dedicated space for service through the Lioness club framework, while excluded from full Lions membership.
While the restriction ended globally in 1987, the local Lionesses proudly maintained their distinct, longstanding tradition of fundraising and community involvement, including their much-loved Australia Day celebrations, for three more decades before merging with Tea Gardens Lions Club in 2018.
“It was lovely to see Lorna and Peter’s community service honoured in such a moving ceremony,” Tea Gardens Lions Club president Helen Watkins said.
For those receiving support, the impact of Lions’ humanitarian work extends beyond financial assistance, offering reassurance that their community cares.
The Tea Gardens Lions Club welcomes new members interested in friendship, volunteering and making a meaningful difference.
To join, email teagardens.nsw@lions.org.au or call Chris Lock on 0429 990 018.
By Charlene RUSSOM
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