Australia Day Lions Breakfast a roaring hit

By Sandra BOURKE

THE LIONS Australia Day

BBQ was back in a big way with a perfect summer morning by the Myall River and lots of people enjoying bacon, eggs and sausage rolls, local Best Buzz Mobile Coffee, jam drops, and free entertainment by the Old Bones Garage Band and DJ Allan.

After a two-year break, President Peter Webb and the Lions were all very happy to see over 500 people all enjoying Pelican Park, clean and ready thanks to MidCoast Council.

“A big thank you to the public who are here today supporting today’s celebrations and all our other fundraising events which the club has held during the past year,” Peter said.

“The support we receive from the public and local businesses is fantastic.”

100 percent of the funds raised are donated to causes including the restoration of the Bennett’s Beach Petrel Frieze Wall, supporting the Tea Gardens Primary School, Clinic Bus, as well as residents and services.

Tea Gardens Lions also directly supports national and international causes including Australian drought, flood and fire relief packages, as well as donating to diabetes research, vision care, paediatric cancer developments, hunger relief, and environmental restoration programs.

Peter Webb commenced proceedings with an acknowledgement of the traditional owners of the land, the Worimi, and paid respects to Elders past, present and future.

He also acknowledged the 27 Lions, especially the event organiser Linda Allen, who all arrived in their bright yellow shirts at dawn to set up and run the BBQ, stage, and the children’s races.

The Lions cooked over 300 sausages, sold countless Jam Drops, and raffle tickets with three winners being drawn for a popular prize - Bunnings Gift Vouchers.

A highlight was the live performance of the local Old Bones Garage Band featuring nine great musicians led by Cherry Hughes with Wendy, Sally,

Anna, Ruth, Frances, Ross, Phil, and

The Band, which includes ukuleles, a harmonica, and a lagerphone, played a popular mix of well-known Aussie songs, some adapted to highlight the best of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest.

The President of the Tea Gardens RSL Sub-Branch, Mr Mal Motum, raised the Australian flag over the Myall River, followed by the awarding of the Lions Citizen of the Year to Mrs Pat Burnett for her long service to the community.

The children’s races were then on, with fun egg and spoon races, threelegged races (with some tripped up parents), hessian sack races, and a ‘final best of three’ tug-of-war.

The race turn-out was excellent and after a few practice rounds the competition was on with everyone winning (well at least sweets for trying!).

The Lions Club is always welcoming new members and if you can volunteer, please email teagardens. nsw@lions.org.au