Up to 135 delegates from across the N1 Lions club district will converge on Maclean this weekend for the Lions District Convention, providing flow-on benefits to boost local businesses.
The district covers a large region from Iluka in the north, down the east coast to Forster and Tuncurry, west to Murrurundi and as far as Collarenebri, Moree, Premer, and Ashford.
Clarence Valley Council’s Mayor Dr Ian Tiley said the economic benefit to Maclean and the Clarence Valley may amount to around $137,400 based on Tourism Australia’s estimates of visitor spending.
“Delegates and their families will be filling up the local accommodation options in Maclean, including the RV facilities at the showground before spilling out into the wider communities,” Dr Tiley said.
“The convention is also an opportunity to show off the Clarence Valley to the visiting delegates as well as for our community to get involved in the diverse and exciting program that the Lions have on offer.”
Clarence Valley Council has sponsored $7640 to support the event through the Special Events Sponsorship Program.
Highlights of the weekend’s activities are the keynote speakers including Dr Gregory Smith, Ann Ethridge and Deborah Tabart OAM from the Australian Koala Foundation.
Visitors will also be treated to a talk by Robert McPherson OAM, founding member of Maclean – Scottish Town in Australia, and a morning tea hosted by specialist arm Lions of Clarence Environmental.
Lions District Governor Robin Parker said she was looking forward to the event and hoped talks would inspire change, in line with her own motto.
“Vibrant splashes, vigorous growth is my theme for inspiring new ideas and a fresh approach,” Ms Parker said.
The convention will take place in various venues in Maclean over the weekend (18-20 February). All are welcome.
Registration for events is available online at 201n1.lions.org.au
