Benalla Lions changeover celebrates more than $28,500 donated to good causes

“Our priority this year is membership,” Mr Brown said.

He said when people attend a Lions Club meeting, they might think it’s just for older members of the community.

“We got to change our focus and attract new younger members,” he said.

“And that is male and female members.”

The club was honoured to have newly-elected Lions International director Phillip Johnson, accompanied by his wife Anne, carry out the induction of the new 2026-27 board.

Mr Brown said the club was proud of the money it had given to a range of Lions charities and community groups in the past 12 months.

“The major one we've supported this year, was the CFA where we financed two thermal imaging cameras,” he said.

“Which we thought was important after the (January) bushfires.

“They can use them to see if trees are still smouldering and burning.

“They use them in houses and all different types of things.

“We knew that Rotary gave donations (of these cameras).

“So we also donated two.

“We've got 18 or 19 local brigades, and they can be used right around our whole area, which is great.”

Mr Brown said everyone in Lions is excited about the new board.

“We have our new membership chairman, Chris Vaughan.

“So he’ll be contactable and available for anyone who might like to join.”

If you’re interested in finding out more about the Lions Club of Benalla, and membership options, you can find them on Facebook and send a message.