In 2017-2018, the hardworking volunteers at the Lithgow Lions Club raised $46,973 in support of charity works and completed 1524 hours of community service. 

As a result of all this, Lithgow Lions Club was recently recognised as one of top 100 Lions clubs in the world for the number of service projects completed in 2017-2018. 

As a result secretary Bill Neubeck received an international president's award for leadership from international president Dr Narresh Aggarwall. 

Mr Neuneck said this recognition of the club's achievements was the result of many hours of dedicated work by club members in serving not only the Lithgow community but the broader communities of Australia and internationally. 

Many local individuals benefited from these funds, notably a $14,000 special chair was donated to a young lady living with a disability. There was work for the Capertee house fire appeal, Lithgow High School's VIVO program, vision camp and hearing camp programs, Walk 'n' Talk, the Men's Shed, Cruise for Laney appeal, and all local schools. 

Members also assisted Cullen Bullen raceway, Lithgow caged fight nights, football gates, Australia Day, Cooinda Fete, Lithgow CanAssist, Mt Piper 25^th anniversary, Young Children’s film night and PCYC. 

They supported LINC with its  programs for disadvantaged families in Lithgow and Portland and supported people with a disability in attending Camp LICOLA. 

National programs supported included: Careflight, Australian Lions Fund, Lions Drought Appeal, Lions Red Kidney Bus, Lions Papua New Guinea Assistance Fund and Lions Children’s Cancer Research Foundation. 

Other minor programs included free barbecues for many Lithgow organisations such as Landcare and Lithgow City Council events and Armchair Travel at the four aged care facilities.  

More recently they assisted the Wallerawang community with its drought fundraising for the community of Louth. 

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Internationally the members support World Vision, Lions International Fund and several Lions Foundations, such as Sight First, Health Care, Measles Fund and Smile. 

Mr Neubeck said, when it came to international and national programs they mostly direct the money to Lions organisations because there was no administration charges on fundraising.

“All money goes to the cause it is directed to, which is not the case for almost all other fundraisers,” he said. 

At present Lithgow Lions are wanting to increase their membership as there are some projects which can’t be undertaken by such a small group. 

Should anyone over the age of 18 be interested in getting involved, please contact secretary Bill Neubeck on 0438 234 336. 

For a cost of $80 a year you too can make a difference.