AFTER 56 years of service, the Loxton Lions Club will officially close its doors at the end of June.
Loxton Lions Club secretary and treasurer Karren Durkin and her husband Paul plan to move to Woodside for family reasons, and with no one to take over the administration, the pair said there was no other choice but to go into recess.
“We had a crew of young people come along – because we’ve been looking at moving for about three years – but it’s hard for them (to take over) because they have young families,” Ms Durkin said.
“The commitment is the big thing because of family holidays and most partners work nowadays, and then you’ve got the retirees of 65 to 70 who are all travelling (as well).
“They still want to play a part at the club, but no one wants to do the administration of it.”
Ms Durkin said it was disappointing to have to say goodbye to the club, but keeping it going the past 10 years had been no easy feat.
She said membership had been a constant struggle and new regulations meant the club had to get permission to perform roles, which was a lengthy process.
“My dad was a charter member of the club, so when we moved back down 10 or 11 years ago, they were struggling then,” Ms Durkin said.
“I think it’s a lot to do with the regulations – which are required – but years ago you could just go and do things – like fix someone’s garden or go down and work on the lion’s park.
“Nowadays, you have to have council clearance, OSHC clearance, working with the aged and working with the children (clearance) – which are all necessary – but now most people find it’s too much.
“People have a different lifestyle nowadays – they travel a lot more and it’s very hard to get members who can dedicate the time to (the club).”
Despite everything, Mr and Mrs Durkin would like to thank the community for all the support they have shown for fundraising and other projects over the years, and hoped the club could find a way to reform within the next 12 months.
The pair said some of the club’s private funds have been allocated to the district in hopes the club can be reinstated, but if it does not, the money will then be donated to the Royal Flying Doctors.
Vaughans Shoe and Sewing Centre will continue to sell the remaining Christmas cakes and Lions mints on behalf of the club, and the Apex Club has volunteered to take over management of the catering van.