Members of the Lions Club of New Norfolk have a reputation for enjoying themselves amid lots of laughter as they volunteer and fundraise. The Club was established more than 50 years ago and has been very active in supporting communities and Lions causes in Tasmania and across Australia.

Fund raising and and providing labour for local causes and projects has been high on our agenda. Projects have included:
- the Toddlers Pool at the New Norfolk Olympic Swimming Pool,
- steps from the Bush Hotel down to the Esplanade,
- steps to the Gretna War Memorial,
- the information bay at the entrance to town on the Hobart Road,
- BBQs at the Bushy Park,
- pergolas at many locations including Tank Street and Ouse District Hospital,
- shade over the Bushy Park Pool and the New Norfolk Toddler’s Pool
- seating and play equipment at Tynwald Park
- construction of practice nets at many local schools
- the lookout at Peppermint Hill
- and even a house renovation at Molesworth.

Our fundraising has also paid for, or contributed to, important local programs, causes and services including:
- the first “Learn to Swim” Campaign in New Norfolk
- furniture for units for the elderly on the grounds of the old Turriff Lodge
- kidney dialysis machines in Tasmania
- a stainless steel cot for Ouse District Hospital
- recliner chairs and water beds for the New Norfolk District Hospital
- recliner chairs, water beds and a service lift for Corembene Nursing Home
- a blanket warmer for the New Norfolk District Hospital
- defibrillators for local ambulances, schools and Banjo’s Bakery
- a vehicle for Derwent Valley Community Services
- a service lift at Corembene Aged Care
- the Peter Hudson Bronze State Project
- Teddy Bears for local ambulance and police cars to support children in distress
- end of year school prizes at local schools

In addition, Tasmanian and Australia wide donations have been made to emergency relief for bushfires, drought and floods; cancer research; drug awareness and education; Red Cross Blood Bank. Regular donations are made to Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation, Canteen, Tasmanian Clown Doctors, Cystic Fibrosis (65 Roses Day), Diabetes Tasmania, Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Give me five for Kids, Haemophilia Foundation Australia, Lion Eye Health Program, Lion Cord Blood, Lions Australia Operation Smile, Lions Australia Spinal Cord Fellowship, Lions Hearing Dogs, Lions Prostate Cancer Research, Parkinson Tasmania and St Johns Ambulance

Our volunteer work also extends today to recycling eye glasses, hearing aids, and contact lenses, recycling stamps, supporting Relay for Life, running the Derwent Valley Council Australia Day BBQ, responding to local letters to Santa and of course organising the Carols in the Park event.

Our fundraising activities have been wide and varied. Our famous chocolate wheel has been a great fundraiser since the early 1970’s. We have also been known to sell sheep manure, operate transport at festivals, run the Lions Train ride (sadly no longer with us) and offer morning teas, lunches and afternoon teas. Our love affair with sausage sizzles started in 1991. Regular raffles with wonderful prizes, mostly donated by local businesses are also popular.

Would you like to find out more?
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a member of the New Norfolk Lions Club? Do you have questions? Do you want to be part of a local group of service-minded men and women who regularly volunteer to support our community?

Joining a Lions Club is by invitation, and applications are encouraged from all members of the community over 18 years of age and of good character and reputation. Because so many of our fund-raising activities are public events, every Lions Club member must have a Working with Vulnerable People Card.

The benefits of becoming a member of a Lions Club include fellowship, good times, meeting people, building lasting friendships, service to the community, learning new skills, leadership and personal development.

If you would like to know more, just speak with one of our members or call one of our membership and retention officers, Greg Hudson on 6261 1329 or Troy Bester on 0401 064 172