A diminishing membership meant that it became increasingly difficult for the club to form a functioning board, with the difficult decision made to close the club earlier this year. 

The club held their final dinner on Tuesday, June 5, in what was a sombre occasion but also an opportunity to celebrate the work the group has done for the community over the past few decades. 

During the evening Charter Members Glenda Howe, Barbara Humphries and Glad Vickery were awarded Melvin Jones awards for their outstanding service to the community.

When it first formed three decades ago, the Lioness Club was sponsored by the Rutherford Lions Club.

Following the closure of that club several years ago,  the Maitland Lions Club became the Lioness’s sponsor, with the two building up a hugely successful partnership in the last several years. 

Many organisations including the Cancer Council, the Fred Hollows Foundation and the Mark Hughes Foundation have benefited from the work of the Lioness Club over the years, while the sight of volunteers selling raffle tickets and fundraising around Maitland has been a common one. 

“It might be the end of an era for the club but the difference the members of the club made to the community will be remembered for a long time to come,” the group’s Willma Lilley said.