Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Cardwell Lions Club members have been proudly serving the local community since 1968, continuing a long tradition of friendship, volunteering and giving back. Photo supplied
Over the course of almost six decades, the Cardwell Lions Club has been quietly woven into the fabric of the community, bringing locals together while lending a helping hand wherever it is needed.
Established in 1968, the club has grown and changed alongside Cardwell. Its Lions Hall at the Cardwell Sportsground was built over the years through the voluntary work and generosity of members, creating a home for a club founded on community service and companionship.
The club was also ahead of its time when it came to welcoming women as full members.
While Lions Clubs were originally open only to men, with women supporting activities as Lions Ladies, that changed internationally in 1987. Cardwell was among the early clubs to embrace women as Lions members in their own right.
Over the decades, generations of local families have crossed paths with the club. Long-time residents may remember its three-day camping trips to Gould Island for final-year primary students or the annual Country Music Festival, while many of its traditions continue today.
One of the most enduring is the Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch, which has been held for 57 years and now provides food, drinks and entertainment for more than 120 local seniors each year. Carols by Candlelight also brings residents of all ages together during the festive season.
The club's community spirit extends well beyond Christmas. Its annual Biggest BBQ for Childhood Cancer Research, held alongside a car boot sale during the UFO Festival, typically raises $2,000 or more for Lions Childhood Cancer Research.
Closer to home, funds raised through weekly Goose Club raffles at the Marine Hotel and other activities are returned to the community in practical ways. Recent contributions have included a reclining chair for the Cardwell Medical Centre and a sound system for Cardwell State School, while members also provided assistance and vouchers following last year's flooding.
The Lions Hall remains a community space too, hosting activities including Tai Chi, line dancing and the Cardwell Lions Choir, which visits residents at Rockingham Home each month.
Behind each fundraiser, event and donation is a group of locals giving their time to support their town. For members, however, Lions is just as much about the friendships formed along the way.
With almost 60 years of service behind it, the Cardwell Lions Club is welcoming new members keen to contribute in whatever way they can and become part of a long tradition of community spirit. Interested parties may email cardwelllions@gmail.com.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes. Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
