HISTORY OF THE LIONS CLUB of HEATHCOTE INC. - AUSTRALIAN CLUB No. 693
The Lions Club of Heathcote was presented with its Charter on May 15, 1971 by Lions International President, Dr Bob McCullough of Canada. The official dinner was held at the Brolga Hotel (demolished 2009), Lake Eppalock.
In 1971, Heathcote was only the second club in Australia to have been honoured by a visit from an International President. Pictured on that momentous occasion are (from left), Bryan Armstrong (Bendigo Lions Club President), Dr Bob McCullough (Lions Club International President), Geoff Patience (District Governor 201) and Allen Stephenson (first President of Lions Club of Heathcote).
Heathcote Lions Club was Chartered on 25 March 1971 with 21 Members. The formation of the Club was instigated by the Bendigo Lions Club. 
The first regular club meeting was held on 20 April. The first major project was the ’Royal Children's Hospital Appeal’ (Instigated by Phonse Lonergan)

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