LIONS Club Port Macquarie officially opened the refurbished ramp at the Lions Club Hall on Hastings River Drive on Monday 31 August.
Robert Dwyer MP, Member for Port Macquarie, officiated the event.
President Dennis Marks welcomed visitors and guests, including neighbours from Endeavour Clubhouse who joined Lions members for morning tea.
Lions member, John Fulton spoke about the history of the hall, or “the den” as it is fondly known.
“The hall was constructed by Port Macquarie Lions Club, primarily built using club labour,” Mr Fulton said.
“Mostly it was club funded, but also with an interest free loan from Lion Ken Dick, which we had partially repaid.
“In his will Lion Ken waived the debt, bequeathing the hall to the club.”
Mr Fulton also acknowledged the contributions of late Lion Brian Langley, who acted as project coordinator for the building project, and Lion Bruce Thompson, who was the president at the time and responsible for leasing the land and building the hall.
The hall is on Crown Land and under the custodianship of Port Macquarie Hastings Council.
The Lions Club has full ownership of the building. It uses it for their meetings and hires it out to other local organisations.
In 2025, the Club was fortunate to secure a NSW Community Partnership Grant of $15,000 towards refurbishing the then-existing access ramp for people with disability that served the hall.
The total cost of the project was over $30,000, and was minimised by various members who provided labour for the gardens and painting.
“Accessibility is fundamental to a community that genuinely includes everyone,” said Robert Dwyer MP.
“For someone who relies on a ramp, it’s the difference between being part of community life and being locked out of it.
”The Port Macquarie Lions Club has been a fixture of our community since 1998, and this refurbishment ensures their hall can continue to serve everyone, regardless of mobility.
“I was pleased that the club’s application for the $15,000 Community Partnership Grant was successful.
“This is exactly what those grants are designed for.
”Port Macquarie is stronger because of organisations like the Lions Club, and I look forward to seeing this hall serve our community for decades to come.”
By Pauline CAIN
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