Lion Bill East was awarded the Paynesville Citizen of the Year Award for his outstanding community service on Australia Day.
Bill has been president of the Paynesville Lions Club for five years, in 2018 and from 2020 to 2024.
Bill has been a dynamic and effective president, leading the Paynesville Lions Club with passion and commitment.
Bill’s finest achievement has been the development and organisation of the Paynesville Community Market. He has developed excellent relationships with the stallholders and is respected for his organisational skills and attention to detail.
Bill’s significant and varied achievements have made a large difference in the lives of many Paynesville citizens.
These activities include:
– Lions Community Market Coordinator 2014 – Current
– Planning and management of major club fundraising efforts (raffles) 2017, 2018 resulting in the club raising funds for Bairnsdale Regional Hospital to purchase major items of vital equipment for emergency and surgical functions.
– Planning and management of a series of fundraising activities with funds donated to Country Women’s Association to assist families adversely affected by drought and bushfire – 2019.
– Liaison with Paynesville Cemetery Trust regarding the upkeep and maintenance of Paynesville Cemetery.
– Strong involvement in cemetery maintenance activities.
– Responsible for the recruitment and introduction of new members to PLC – membership officer.
– Liaison with East Gippsland Shire for the provision of necessary permits and administration for club activities.
– Liaison with East Gippsland Shire for the provision of Lions Food Van services at various shire activities.
– Liaison with Paynesville Business and Tourist Association and Paynesville Sea Scouts about Australia Day celebration activities involving Paynesville Lions Club.
– Pre-COVID – strong involvement in the organisation and provision of Senior Citizen Christmas lunch (usually 110 persons)
– Relationship building and maintenance with local business – Bendigo Bank; Ritchies IGA; Threedouble8zero Café; – regarding PLC activities.
– Recent initiation of a recycling bin for bottles and cans – this is proving to be a very good source of income for the club.
Bill is a compassionate person and has initiated several behind the scenes aid to some of Paynesville’s most vulnerable citizens. He is also very caring about Lions members often showing empathy and understanding to members going through tough times.
Bill has shown exceptional service to the Paynesville Community and is thoroughly worthy of the Paynesville Citizen of the Year Award.