A ceremonious tree planting was held on Saturday at the Port Lincoln Lions Hostel’s 50th anniversary family day.
The native tree, a eucalyptus ficifolia, was placed in the ground next to a new commemorative plaque by the Lions Club district governor for South Australia Peter Korndorfer and Port Lincoln mayor Diana Mislov.
Mr Korndorfer described the Lions Hostel as a “phoenix that rose from the ashes”, after the Black Tuesday fires in 2005, and praised the club for all its efforts in the past 50 years at the hostel.
Port Lincoln Lions Hostel manager and club member Mel Adams, who helped organise the event, said she was pleased with the outcome.
“The weather was good and so many families in the community came out for the day,” she said.
“We haven’t done this before and we had many helpers in the lead up so thank you to all who helped.
“The dinner in the evening was catered by Damien Mrjden, which was excellent.”
The Lions Club hosted the free event in North Shields, which had face painting, a bouncy castle, live music, the Royal Flying Doctor Service donut van and Wild on Eyre – staple good times for any Port Lincoln event.
One of the longest serving members, Peter Blacker, said he was very impressed with the day.
“Our club president Michael, hostel manager Mel Adams and all the organisers did an excellent job with the formalities,” he said.
“It was a great day for all and good to see so many families come out and young people enjoying the playground and activities.”
The Port Lincoln Lions Club had the flags accumulated over the decades on display in the hostel’s shed for all to view, possibly while consuming some wonderful scones and a cup of tea.
