Orange Lions Club members have paid tribute to long-serving member Bob Cleal, who was presented with his 50-year service medal last Thursday, June 8.

Bob, now 93, first joined the Lions Club in Temora on November 13, 1972 and served the club in various capacities over the years: Second Year Director and First Year Director, Bulletin editor, Treasurer, Secretary, convention chairman and ball committee member.

Moving to the Colour City in 1991 Bob and wife Barbara transferred into Orange Lions Club, where he continued to serve in various roles.

Bob was awarded District Governor’s Star for his service to the community in 1996, among other honours. 

Bob was always on the board as a director, and membership chairman, and was involved with the Field Days committee over several years.

District Governor Michale Ryan presented Bob with his service medal at a function held at Orange Grove Care Community, where Bob and Barbara are now residents.

In attendance were fellow residents along with local Lions Club members and Federal Member for Orange, Andrew Gee, who offered his congratulations and thanks on behalf of the community.

“This is a great afternoon, where we honour a Lion who has given a lifetime of service to the cause of Lions, but also to the service of humanity,” Mr Gee said.

Think about all of the causes that were supported throughout those years. Think of all of the people that were helped through all of that good work that was carried out by Bob's Lions clubs all through those years.

“Fifty years of service to others really is something to celebrate and I wanted to, Bob, offer you the best wishes of the community and congratulations. Thank you for all that work over all of that time and also Barbara as well, who has been with you every step of the way,” he concluded.