Newcastle Lions Club bags two prestigious awards

Nicolette Baney, President of the Newcastle Lions Club, has brought honour to the town by winning the 2022-2023 International Presidents’ Award at the Lions annual midyear conference.

The conference took place on November 3-4 at Stonehenge in Parys and was attended by Lions Club members from across the country.

“I do not serve the community to win awards so this was a big surprise for me. I also do not serve the community on my own – we are a club of 14 ladies who have big hearts and I am lucky enough to be able to serve with these ladies.

“So although this award was given to me, it is thanks to all the members who dedicate their time and care to our community that I received this award,” said Baney.

Nicolette has been a dedicated Lion since 2016 and remarked that serving the community has taught her more about humanity than anything else ever will.

“It is such a gift to receive a heartfelt thank you or a shy smile from a child or to again see a sparkle in an elderly person’s eyes. Serving the community has become a part of who I am,” she said.

Nicolette added that she is grateful to receive the award and proud that she has made such an impact. She was nominated for this one-of-a-kind award, (which is an expression of appreciation by Lions International) by past District Governor, Sydney van Heerden.

International Lions Club President, Brian. E. Sheehan, said it was his honour to present Nicolette with the International President’s Award for her outstanding service.

“This International President’s Award is an expression of our appreciation for your dedicated service to those in need. Your hard work and compassion serve as an example to your fellow Lions, your community, and our world. You understand that together we can achieve great things and thanks to you; together we will.”

He continued: “Along with this award, I would like to express my gratitude for your efforts and accomplishments. I know you will continue to enrich the lives of your fellow club members and others and to provide even greater humanitarian service as we begin our next century of service,” he concluded.

Adding to the celebration, the Newcastle Lions Club which falls under the Lions Club International District 410-E, was also awarded the Membership Growth Award for the club that grew with the most members in the Lionistic year, 2022-2023.

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