WHEN Jeff Shoemark moved to Nambucca Heads 10 years ago, he went up the street to get a feel for the place.
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It was there that he noticed some fellows selling Lions Club raffle tickets – he introduced himself and asked if they wanted a new member.
He was welcomed with open arms. Their warm reception was the beginning of what has now been a busy decade as part of the Lions ‘family’, working hard for the local community.
“I was a Lions when we lived in Orange and also in Bateau Bay but had a break while we were in Newcastle,” Jeff said.
“There are about 40 of us in the club here … they are a great bunch of blokes and I love it.
“We raise around $30,000 every year for this community. All the money we collect here goes back into caring for people here.”
Along with two other Lions, Jeff is the familiar face of the weekly fund-raising raffles, which alone raised $8650 last year.
You see his smiling face across the Lions Club van barbeque at the markets and a whole range of other community events, including seven days straight at the VW spectacular last year.
And it is thanks to Jeff that the barbeques at the V-Wall are clean every day.
“I’ve always been the type of person who enjoys doing things for people … I enjoy talking to people and being part of the community.”
His wife Barbara is of the same mentality.
“Whenever we cook a baked dinner (in the caravan park where the couple have retired), we invite some of our neighbours who are single … and also for Christmas dinner,” Barbara said.
“And if we go to the pictures, then there is always room in the car for others.”
Only the other day Jeff was stopped on his way home from his early morning barbeque routine to help repair a friend’s clothesline.
I'd rather be doing something for someone ... I have always been that type of person
- Jeff Shoemark
He is well-loved in the park as a ‘helpful, supportive and dependable friend’.
But when it comes to talking about his award, as the shire’s Senior Citizen of the Year, Jeff is overcome with emotion.
“I told the club that I didn’t want this … I thought they were joking,” he says quietly.
“But I’m happy about it now. Being a Lion is way of life – once you are a Lion, you are one forever.
“It’s a wonderful family and I am so glad I resurrected my life as a Lion when I moved here.”
