By Nayda Hernandez
As August unfolds and students settle back into their school routines, the Lions Club of Inala is busy preparing to visit as many local schools as possible before the end of the year.
The club offers support, encouragement, and builds strong connections with the community.
In July, the club hosted its annual Changeover Dinner, a meaningful event reflecting on the achievements of the past year, celebrating dedicated members, and welcoming the new executive team for 2025/26.
The incoming leadership team includes:
President: Kylie Gates
Vice President: Lean Metzroth
Secretary & Media/Marketing Officer: Nayda Hernandez
Treasurer & Club Administrator: John Moynihan
Service & Activities Chair: Les Josiah
Membership Care Officer: Carol Hare
The evening was honoured by the presence of distinguished guests including Past District Governor Heather Short, First Vice District Governor Stuart Matthews and his wife Barbara, LEHP Coordinator PCC Kim Forrest, and PDG Ross Forrest.
Members from Brisbane Oxley-Sherwood and Forest Lake Lions clubs also attended.
The club thanks The Blue Fin Fishing Club for their ongoing support and hospitality.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Melvin Jones Fellowship, one of Lions International’s highest honours, to longtime member Les Josiah.
It was presented by Past President Bob Richards and 1VDG Stuart Matthews, recognising Les’s outstanding service since joining the club in 2014.
Les Josiah a proud local Inala resident, recalled being invited to his first Lions meeting by the late Rangi Ross, and quickly recognised that his previous community involvement with barbecues, fundraisers, and volunteering aligned perfectly with the Lions’ mission.
Since then, Les has served six years as Club President and currently leads as Service Chair.
He is widely respected for his dedication, particularly through fundraising efforts such as the annual Christmas cake sales.
“I love that at Lions, we get the job done. We are great team,” he said.
Recently, president Kylie Gates, secretary Nayda Hernandez and Xavier visited Ca-Phe-La Inala to discuss upcoming Lions projects at Inala Plaza. Supporting local businesses remains a key focus which helps strengthen the heart of the Inala community too.
For enquiries or to get involved, please contact secretary Nayda Hernandez at inalalionsclubinc@gmail.com.
