LEADING WITH A SPIRIT OF SERVICE Elizabeth Phillips Head Of The Ingham Pride

Elizabeth Phillips, President of the Ingham Lions Club for 2026-27. Photo supplied: Elizabeth Phillips

‍

By Victoria Velton

‍

After more than 15 years of serving her community through Ingham Lions, Elizabeth Phillips has stepped into the role of President for 2026-2027, describing the appointment as both a huge honour and a proud moment.

‍

Elizabeth and her husband joined Ingham Lions in 2009, motivated by friends whose commitment to helping the community had made an impression on them. Her connection to Lions began even earlier, however, with Elizabeth having been involved with Leos, the youth-oriented branch of the organisation, during her early twenties.

“Becoming President of the Ingham Lions Club is a huge honour and a proud moment for me. It’s an achievement and an opportunity to support my fellow club members as we work to fulfil our Community Goals,” Elizabeth said.

‍

Over the next 12 months, Elizabeth’s role will involve leading the club, presiding over meetings, coordinating projects and bringing members together to continue Lions’ presence across the Hinchinbrook community.

‍

That work encompasses a wide range of local causes, with the club currently assisting Council with funding towards a cover for a barbecue in Rotary Park. Over the years, Ingham Lions has also collaborated with Apex to replace a 14-seater bus for the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, while supporting Meals on Wheels, the Hurley Bus, Coast Guard and the School Breakfast Program.

The club has also contributed to local initiatives such as the CCIA bike ride and supported causes including Childhood Cancer, Mental Health and the Lions Clubs International Foundation.

‍

For Elizabeth, the importance of Lions is particularly evident when the community faces challenging times.

“The Lions Club contribution is crucial as we serve often as first responders during emergencies, such as floods or cyclones,” she said.

‍

While her goal is to continue the excellent work established by previous presidents, Elizabeth’s year will also feature a major event, with Ingham Lions hosting the 201Q2 District Convention from November 13-15.

‍

The three-day convention will bring Lions members from across the district to Ingham, with a bus tour of the Hinchinbrook area planned as part of the itinerary. It will also be a special occasion for the local club, with Ingham Lions member Ed Morris taking on the role of District Governor.

‍

As Elizabeth looks to the future, however, she recognises that attracting new members remains an important challenge.

“Membership… like many non-profit organisations of today, we find it increasingly difficult to engage and recruit the younger generation,” she said.

‍

For anyone who has considered joining but is unsure whether Lions is for them, Elizabeth has an enthusiastic invitation.

“Take a Leap! The rewards of serving your community and building lasting friendships are immeasurable,” she said.

‍

“If it’s something you think you might be interested in doing, it’s as simple as contacting me or any other member at inghamlionsclub@gmail.com”

Elizabeth would ultimately like to see the wider Hinchinbrook community get behind Lions in whatever way they can, whether that means volunteering, attending an event, donating or simply learning more about the club.

‍

“I would love to see Hinchinbrook community supporting one, two or all of the above. It can make a significant impact on our collective efforts,” she said.

After years of service, Elizabeth is looking forward to leading the club into its next chapter, while remaining grateful for the support that has allowed Lions to continue making a difference locally.

‍

“I’d like to thank the Hinchinbrook Community for all their past support and I look forward to a successful year ahead,” she said.

And, fittingly, she returns to the words that have guided the organisation for generations: “We Serve.”

‍