New leader Lions end 2022/23 with a bang Fishing in the spotlight

The Lions Club of Mount Gambier’s 60th anniversary celebrations have wound up with the Changeover Dinner at the Mount Gambier Community RSL and there were plenty of highlights at the final event for the 2022/23 year.

As club president Stephen Bell stepped aside, there were still some prominent presentations to be made with past president Peter Pignotti receiving a Melvin Jones Fellowship and another past president Robin Conboy OAM adding life membership to his accolades as a hard working community member over decades. The formalities also included Mr Bell handing over the presidency mantle to Beccy Field, along with the induction of the incoming board for 2023-24. The 1st Vice District Governor elect Ruth Pearsons, who happens to be Beccy’s sister, was in charge of the leadership handover, making for a special occasion for the siblings. million a year – got underway last week.

The official changeover dinner capped the 60th anniversary year and was a time to reflect on the many community groups the club was able to support over the past 12 months. Organisations including The Royal Flying Doctor, In House Hospice Service, Four Reasons Why, Sunset Kitchen, Mount Gambier City Band and the Local RSL all received support to continue their valuable service within our community.

“The executive and membership wished to recognise the support the community had extended to Lions throughout the past year by in turn supporting selected organisations who give so much to our city and its people,” outgoing President Bell said.

PASSING THE BATON: 1st Vice District President (elect) Ruth Pearsons; outgoing president Steve Bell & newly inducted president Beccy Field.

A statewide, industry led survey is taking place to help plan ahead for future growth of the sector, and to deliver on an election commitment to develop an integrated Recreational Fishing Tourism Strategy.

Recreational fishing tourism is an important component of the South Australian visitor economy – with around 810,000 leisure visitors to and within South Australia including fishing as part of their trip.

The South Australian Tourism Commission, in partnership with

• help the sector achieve its full potential; and

• maximise its contribution to the South Australian economy, people and nature.

Recreational fishing tourism plays an important role in the wider visitor economy. It is an important driver of visitation across the State, with recreational fishers contributing to the dispersal of tourism dollars deep into tourism regions.

Once developed, the strategy seeks to consolidate South Australia as a key recreational fishing tourism destination and provide a framework and set of indicators