Community
29 August, 2025
Lions recognise and welcome
CAMPERDOWN Lions Club had much to celebrate last Thursday night as they welcomed two new members and awarded an Alan J Holding Memorial Community Service.
The award presentation and the induction of the two new members was conducted by Lions district governor Susan Eyton, who was a guest of the dinner meeting alongside husband Robert.
Camperdown Good Friday Appeal area manager Kellie Kempton had attended the dinner meeting, held at the Vine and Velvet, to present a certificate of appreciation to the club for their work during the Good Friday Appeal.
She found herself quite surprised when the Lions Club presented her with an Alan J Holding award.
The community service award is devoted to Alan Holding, a previous Skipton member who originally instigated the award during his time as district governor.
“It was a nice surprise to be recognised,” Ms Kempton said.
“I didn’t realise how much I’ve done until someone pointed it out. It was great.
“Thanks to the Lions Club for recognising me.”
Camperdown Lions Club secretary Judi Oakes said Ms Kempton has been an active member of the community over many years, which led to an Australia Day Award in 2009.
“When much interest was shown in the district to establish a Bendigo Community Bank, Ms Kempton very keenly volunteered as a member of the steering committee,” she said.
“She has also been a very involved member of the local Camperdown College, Parent and Friends Association over many years.
“Ms Kempton has been heavily involved in all aspects of the Camperdown Basketball Association, including holding the role of secretary.
“She was instrumental in establishing the Camperdown and District Mixed Netball Association creating a fun event for people of all ages and has also held the role of president for over a decade.
“She took up the role of area manager for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, taking over from mum and dad who had filled the role for over 40 years and has successfully filled the position for the past five years.”
Ms Kempton is also involved in the Sunnyside Aged Care Consumer Advisory committee.
New Lions members Randy and Sylvia Walton were sponsored by Lion Marilyn Bourke and both were thrilled to become members.
Mr Walton said he was looking forward to serving the community as a Lion.
“It’s going to be fun,” he said.
“My dad was a member of Lions when I was a kid for about 20 years before we moved away from where we were.
“It’s a good organisation and it gives a lot back.
“It’s going to be good fun being a part of a service organisation that works around the town and helps out.”
Mrs Walton said she saw Lions as a great way to become engaged in the community.
“It’s all about community and volunteering and we see a lot of people in a lot of volunteer organisations who are ageing,” she said.
“You need to, while you’re fit and able, to get out and about and do as much as you can because hopefully they’ll be here to support me when I’m ageing.
“It’s a great organisation, they do a lot of good, they’re well-recognised in Camperdown, and we meet up with all sorts of people as you cross paths.”
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