Long-time Lion serves with pride

Albany South Coast Lions Club awarded long-term member Robin Trewarn its highest honour at the same time as he was announced the new club president at a function earlier this month.

Picture by Laurie Benson: Robin Trewarn received the Melvin Jones Fellowship at an officer changeover ceremony from outgoing president Lee O’Shannessy.

Mr Trewarn was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship at a gathering on June 7 that marked the officer changeover and the end of outgoing president Lee O’Shannessy’s tenure in the top job.

After 23 dedicated years of Lions membership, Mr Trewarn said the fellowship honour was a surprise.

“I like the Lions and serving the community but to get an award like that is a huge moment,” he said. “It’s not what you serve for, it’s what your fellow Lions give you.”

Mr Trewarn’s award, which receives worldwide recognition, is the fourth awarded to a member of his club since it began.

His name will now be added to a display screen at Lions’ international headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois, the place where Lions founder Melvin Jones started the organisation in 1917.

As the new president, Mr Trewarn said his agenda would focus primarily on the Bargain Bonanza and Lions’ mints and cakes projects.

He encouraged people to join Lions, a non-religious, non-political organisation that has spread to more than 200 countries around the world, including China.

To join Albany South Coast Lions, call Robin Trewarn on 98415473.

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