Lions Lines

ABOUT 90 minutes drive from Palmwoods is Lions Camp Duckadang, a natural bushland setting on the upper reaches of the Brisbane River.

It has been specially designed for Lions Clubs to foster fellowship and environmental education for city youth, handicapped and underprivileged children to have low cost holidays.

Camp Duckadang was the setting for a recent outing when the Lions Club treated mothers and children from the local Lions Emergency Accommodation Centre to their annual fun weekend. Members pitched in to make sure that the families had a great time.

The following was compiled by a staff member of the Lions Emergency Accommodation Centre.

"For many club members this has become an enjoyable annual event, where all members pitch in to make sure the families have a great time.

Chefs galore come out of the woodwork, golf handicaps go through the roof, swimmers looking for a quiet time in the pool are disappointed and bushwalkers disappear.

"It is wonderful to be part of giving such fun to a group of children and their mums who have come to our centre in a time of great stress. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of this camp. Many of the families haven’t had the opportunity for a holiday and there isn’t much room for fun in their everyday lives.

"It never fails to amaze me what a talented lot we are - bushwalkers, games players, canoeists and lifeguards. We take on the role of house parents without blinking an eye and cater for the hungry hordes with vim and vigour.

"The cakes and the huge trifle made by Val sold the thunder in the cooking section and the shepherd’s pie encores left all rolling down to the canoes the net day.

"It’s a change for the mums not to have to cook and clean up - although they do offer - but the stalwart Lions and their hearty band of supporters take delight in playing Santa at a different time of year.

"While it really is a great relief when we get into the bus to come home and we’re all in one piece, I wouldn’t miss it for anything and regard this as a tremendous service.

"A big thank you to all from Palmwoods Woombye Lions Club for being part of this and making it such a success."