November - December ’25 Roundup

We have had a number of big events following on from the official opening of the
Hallidays Point Skate Park in November.
Christmas Dinner at Hallidays Point Caravan Park on Tuesday 25th November.
Thanks to Norm Maberly-Smith and Ray Piper for organising the Christmas fare of ham, chicken, BBQ meat, and salads followed by Christmas pudding with ice cream. Also, thanks to FoodWorks for supplying the food.
A good time was had with Lions, Op Shop volunteers and ‘Friends of Lions’ sharing together over a meal and reflecting on some of the events that have occurred and discussing some of the events still to come and, of course, what a treat it was to have Elvis appear and serenade us with some classic songs. Who could ask for more!
I must also thank Anthony and Sally for their hospitality in providing the venue, including kitchen facilities, at no cost. We are so fortunate to have their support, not only allowing us to use the venue but also providing sites for our containers and truck as well as providing gas for our BBQ.
Social Dance (50s,60s & 70s) at the Surf Club on 29th November.
Over one hundred people attended the dance, and the consensus was incredibly positive with many saying they had a great night and asking when the next one will be. Tezza (Terry) had most people up dancing throughout the evening through to just before 11:00pm. I was extremely impressed with many of our members who danced the night away. Special mention to Norm, Alison, and Tina (who was a of ball of sweat at the end of the evening). Then Elvis made another appearance supported by Rastafarian Ray. What a night!
Again, thanks to Garry Munro and John Finnie for organising the posters, tickets, and advertising and also, to all those who assisted with the evening. I am sure Garry will have some ideas to put forward at the Board meeting regarding future events.
And the good news is it will all be happening again! Save this date: Saturday 14th March at the Surf Club. Keep an eye out for advertising and posters with the full details.
NoOW Presentation
On Saturday 29th November Hallidays Point NoOW held an end of year function attended by NoOW executives and Editorial staff, advertisers, guests, and volunteers who distribute the magazine to households throughout the Hallidays Point and surrounding areas.
During the proceedings HP Lions were presented with $12,000 for distribution to local organisations/ events as part of mutual agreement. On consultation with HP NoOW it was decided to donate to the following organisations / events: Forster Women’s Shelter $2,000; Taree Women’s Refuge $2,000; Into the Wild $2,000; NoOW/Lions Scholarship $3,000 HP Community NYE Fireworks $2,000 and HP Community Church Carols $1,000.
Student Scholarships
Congratulations to Charli Kizilos, Katie Rebbeck and Maya Ljumanovic who were the students who received the HP NoOW / HP Lions scholarship. Each student will receive $1,500 to help with their ongoing studies.
Congratulations also to Travis Stephens who was the recipient of the Dr Dorothy Greening Memorial Scholarship to assist with his start to High School. I attended and presented the certificate and cheque to Travis at Hallidays Point Public School on 10th December.
Carols In the Park: Sunday 14th December
At Wylie Breckenridge Park HP Lions provided a BBQ and drinks. We were kept quite busy providing food for the families that attended the carols. Thanks to Alan Tickle again for his organisation and input from the Hallidays Point Community Church. There was a good variety of entertainment throughout the evening.
New Year's Eve Fireworks Wednesday 31st December.
From 5:30pm Lions provided a BBQ to feed the masses before being dazzled and amazed with the firework display at 9:00pm, a full 12-minute eruption of colour and spectacle thanks to the guys from Ka-Boom Fireworks.
Op Shop:
Over the holiday period the Op Shop has been terribly busy providing for both the local community and also the visiting tourists. The shop has increased its hours and traded extra days over this time. A huge thanks to our Lions members who work in the shop and also those volunteers from other organisations who also work in the shop. Without your support the shop would not be able to operate the hours it does.
It is hard to believe that the Op Shop started eleven years ago as a pop-up shop to cater for people visiting over the holiday period making use of the vacant newsagency. What was a short-term venture has turned into a full-time commitment due to the support of our Lions members, community organisations, and a very supportive community. Thanks so much.

Cheers, President Vaughn