IN 1972, there was a corner store on Vanessa Boulevard that serviced the few occupied houses in the area.
It was where the first discussions were held about forming a local Lions Club. People met in person and used the area’s only public telephone to drum up support.
Since 1986, that spot has been occupied by Springwood Mall where a plaque and sandstone plinth was unveiled on Saturday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Lions Club of Rochedale Springwood.
The centre is currently being refurbished, and the plaque will be a permanent part of a new main entry garden.
Lions Club of Rochedale Springwood secretary Chris Richardson said the plaque commemorates 50 years of wonderful support for the areas of Rochedale and Springwood.
He said there had been many projects including such vital needs as funding the first ambulance for the Springwood to Beenleigh region in the 1970s.
“Last year was also the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Lions in Australia. At our local branch, we are proud to have created the first Lioness Club in the district in 1977 for the ladies, which hosted and catered events,” he said.
“We created playgrounds and bus shelters for many years until these became the responsibility of council; we built fences, concreted paths and driveways, helped with gardening, painted houses and did home maintenance for many community members until public liability changed our focus to fundraising only.
“We have fundraised for flood relief, bush fire relief, cyclone relief including for as far back as Cyclone Tracey, plus held community barbecues, car rallies and all sorts of events to help the community.
“Importantly, all of our fundraising goes directly to the recipients as our annual membership fees cover our administration costs.
“The event was a very special celebration and we know our Rochedale Springwood Lions Club members will continue to support the community for many years to come.”
Lions District Governor Ian Bruning uncovered the plaque, along with Springwood MP Mick de Brenni, federal member for Rankin Jim Chalmers, and Greg Nothling OAM, who has been a member of the club since its inception.
Springwood Mall marketing manager Donna O’Neill said management was thrilled to incorporate the monument into the newly renovated gardens, to commemorate the huge role the Lions Club of Rochedale Springwood has played in the local community.
“The local Lions Club is a special part of the community fabric,” she said.
“Their ongoing contribution to projects and fundraising over the years have helped thousands of people and causes in the area.”
Mr Chalmers said the Lions Club had played an indispensable role in how the community has “grown up” over the years.
“If you stack up all of the remarkable things that the Lions have done over such a long period of time, we owe you a massive debt of gratitude,” he said.
“I think it’s wonderful that every time people come up this ramp and they come to shop here or have a coffee with a friend they will be reminded on every single occasion how important the Lions are to our community of Springwood and beyond.”
Locals Alan Taylor and Euan Stevens shaped the piece of sandstone, which was donated by Alan from his private collection, into the final plinth that holds the plaque.
Both men got “very messy” creating the special tribute and were thrilled to help celebrate its unveiling.
