Lions roar against order to disband Geelong club

Jessica Benton
Members of a Geelong Lions club have slammed the organisation’s governing body for closing their branch.
Lions Club International told Bell Post Hill members their branch had to shut amid dwindling membership.
A letter from club president Robert Jobson and secretary Jan Jobson said Bell Post Hill members were “very upset and disgusted” about the closure.
“Although our numbers are small, we are totally dedicated to Lions club services in our area,” their letter said.
“It’s unfortunate that if clubs don’t meet international criteria then they are doomed, even if they’re functioning successfully.”
Lions Club International criteria states that clubs with less than 10 members must close.
Mr Jobson told the Independent that the Bell Post Hill club began with 14 members but was down to eight.
The Bell Post Hill Club has joined a long list of Geelong services clubs to have closed in recent years.
Mr Jobson blamed the closures on a lack of interest among younger generations in charity work.
“We’ve tried to get younger members including our own children to join but they can’t comprehend doing it on top of their other responsibilities,” he said.
“They find it hard enough to juggle work, family and social commitments, let alone any voluntary work.
“It’s family first, work second and voluntary work last but we managed all of that, so why can’t the younger kids?”