A team of familiar faces were revealed as the front-runners of the Cobram Lions Club at a recent changeover meeting, but one new Lion is set to be at the head of the committee.
John Johnson will now serve as president of the club, his new title announced at the Cobram Lions’ 60th annual change over.
Glynis Bailey, who is in her third year as secretary, now sharing the role with Lion Lyn Matthews, said it’s nice to have a fresh pair of eyes leading the pack.
“We’ve got a new president, and he actually only joined the club about a year ago,” Mr Bailey said.
“It’s good to have somebody new coming along and stepping up because we’re always short of members that can take on positions in the committee.
“It’s a fresh perspective on things.”
Robert McPherson, treasurer, Janet Austin, membership chairman, and Ron Simon, first vice-president, will remain in the same roles as the previous year.
Last year’s president, Lion Max Austin, will now serve as second vice-president.
In the 2024-25 president’s report, Mr Austin expressed his gratitude to all who aided him over the 12-month period.
“I would like to thank all the Cobram Lions members for their support over the past 12 months, working together, we have achieved so much working as a team,” he wrote.
“A special thank you to Glynis as secretary and Rob as treasurer, I have appreciated all your work to keep the bookwork in order across the year.
“ In closing, I would like you to welcome our incoming president John into the role of president of the Cobram Lions Club ... I wish John a successful year for 2025-26.”
The coming year will see the club continuing to strengthen the events it facilitates, such as the successful Cobram Lions Market, as well as the growth of newer initiatives, like the eye health screening service, where Lions will aid local primary school students by offering free basic eyesight assessments.
Over the next 12 months, Ms Bailey hopes that recruitment efforts will come into fruition.
“We’ve had a few new members this year, but we’re still very short on members,” she said.
“We are calling out for members. Some people have got work commitments and other things, but they can still join Lions and just come along when they want to.”
To mark the commencement of his new role, Mr Johnson thanked the previous board for their contributions to the club and took a moment to look ahead.
“Working together as a team, we will continue to support all the community projects we currently have in place,” he wrote.
“Thank you to all the members for their current support of the Cobram Lions’ market, and Mitre 10 ... I would also like to express my thanks to the ‘Friends of the Lions’ for all they do in assisting the club at the markets.
“I look forward to a successful year, and thank you for your confidence in me to lead the team for 2025-26.”