A group of Kyogle businessmen pledged in August 1952 to make Kyogle a better place to live.
The coming 70th anniversary of that founding of Kyogle Lions will bring past and present members, families and friends together to reminisce on their time with Lions.
Various critics said this or that project the group took on could not be done.
However, through determination and community support, the skeptics were proven wrong.
Tony Lickiss is president of Kyogle Lions.
He joined Lions in Far North Queensland because it’s a good organisation and is apolitical.
“Lions members are only there to do good for and with other people.”
The club has worked strongly in the community and has many projects happening at any time.
In particular the Lions Road has gone from strength to strength since the project was started more than 50 years ago.
That road over the Richmond Gap now provides a vital link between Northern NSW and Queensland and has been included in many lists of top scenic tourist routes.
Such a project certainly wouldn’t be allowed to happen today.
Money from donations is used to help Kyogle Council maintain and improve the road.
Kyogle Lions club is proud of its achievements and contributions to the Kyogle community.
The club is very aware that it cannot rest on its laurels because there are many people and projects in the community needing help.
The club recently took on operating the Community Food Pantry.
In addition to local projects, Kyogle Lions club continues to support national Lions projects.
These include the Lions Medical Research program and the recycling of spectacles.
Lions collect used stamps to fund a program that helps children with cerebral palsy become independently mobile.
The club offered a special thanks to the community for its support, because without that support, Kyogle Lions would not have been able to achieve the success it has enjoyed.
Mr Lickiss called for community-minded people to join so Kyogle can have a strong and successful Lions Club for the next 70 years.
Ode to The Lions Road
By Harry Jensen, former Lord Mayor of Sydney. He was NSW Minister for Local Government and Roads when this was written.
On McPhersons Range at Richmond Gap,
Near Lynchs Creek on the council map,
A road has been built by Kyogle’s Lions,
That countrymen’s spirit and courage defines.
The twists and turns of the tortured tracks,
Have been straightened out by unstraightened backs,
Officialdom said “It couldn’t be done”.
But the people knew better and finally won.
This road through Wiangaree offers so much,
With staghorns and elkhorns, too lovely to touch,
The scene at The Loop is grand and unique,
As is the wild country approaching the peak.
Strong people must always be ready to fight,
When governments deny them a basic right,
Kyogle’s great effort, its people’s concern,
Provides an example for all who would learn.
When the future provides its paved link,
I hope there’ll be some who will stop and think,
Of the boldness, faith and vision of men,
Who built the road by the glow worm’s glen.
Poem read below by Michael Burlace
and then