Margaret River Lions Club members recognised

“Absolutely, the fact that we have been able to make such a difference to people’s lives over the years is the thing that is most rewarding,” said Don Miller, a 30-year stalwart of the Lions Club.

Awarded the WA Volunteer Service Award alongside friend and co-member Brian Prendergast, Mr Miller said he had seen the community undergo changes, both positive and negative, in his years of service. 

“Of course, there are more people now and with more people comes more problems, more need for help, but with that comes more people wanting to help as well,” he said.

Mr Prendergast said his involvement with the Lions Club began during his time in Collie, where as a business owner he expressed a desire to join a service club. 

“I had a profile in the paper saying I was keen to join somewhere, and by 8pm that night I had the Lions knocking on my front door,” Mr Prendergast said.

“A Rotary fellow knocked on my door at 8.30pm and I had to tell him he was 30 minutes too late!”

27 years of service later, Mr Prendergast said he was continually amazed at the support received from the Margaret River community.

“Our garage sale has to be seen to be believed, we are working all week to prepare these items ready for sale.

“We get entire houses of furniture, bedding, and appliances donated to us, it’s absolutely incredible.”

The duo said friendship, purpose and a sense of giving were enormous motivators for club members.

“We are able to make tangible differences to so many people in our community, from providing swimming pools for children who need rehabilitation and water therapy to erecting a badly-needed garden shed for a residential community,” Mr Prendergast said. 

The Lions Club is always seeking new members and both gentlemen urged their fellow retirees to get on board.

“It’s the most rewarding work you can do with your time, I’d recommend it to anyone,” said Mr Miller.