Field Days are Lions’ pride

THE Speed Lions Club has been named a finalist in the Awards Australia Community Achievement Awards.

The club is one of four organisations across regional Victoria to make it to the final round of judging for the Community Group Award.

The club’s 24 volunteer members have been recognised for their commitment to raising much-needed funds for charitable causes and the local community through their signature agricultural event, the Mallee Machinery Field Days.

Speed Lions Club member and Mallee Machinery Field Days secretary Matt Brady said it was a great achievement for the small group who strive to make a difference.

“We’re really proud of the nomination,” Mr Brady said.

“We’re a small but dedicated group and while we prefer our focus to be on the other charitable organisations and community groups we are able to assist as a result of the field days, it is nice to be recognised for our ongoing commitment to the event.”

Mr Brady said this year’s field days was a huge success following its two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Community Achievement Awards started in 2002 and are designed to encourage, acknowledge and reward the valuable contributions that individuals, communities and businesses make throughout regional and rural Victoria.

The awards aim to recognise their success and achievements, which contribute to making regional Victoria a better place.

“There’s so many great groups out there doing wonderful things for their communities,” Mr Brady said, acknowledging they were up against some tough competition with the Ballarat African Association, Bendigo FoodShare and Morwell Neighbourhood House the other finalists.

The awards also incorporate a People’s Choice Award and Mr Brady encouraged the wider community to show their support for the Speed Lions Club and Mallee Machinery Field Days by voting for them via the Community Achievement Awards Australia Facebook page.

The overall winner will be announced at a gala presentation dinner in Melbourne on November 11.