Published in The Ararat Advocate, Ararat's weekly newspaper published by West Vic News Pty Ltd.
THE Simpson Lions Club didn’t let the District Convention’s move online stop them from visiting Ararat on the weekend.
Simpson member and past District Governor, Biddy Weel, said the group of Lions decided to still support Ararat’s economy by spending the weekend in town.
“We never cancelled our booking because we were always in hope we could come,” she said.
“We just decided - I'd been there, and I think a few others had - so we all decided, no, we're going to come and support the town.”
Mrs Weel visited Ararat several times in her prime golfing days and jumped at the opportunity to return with her fellow Lions after an isolating year.
“I used to play golf at Chalambar once a year - it's a lovely place. You've got lovely shops and restaurants, and nice places to go so we always have a wonderful time,” she said.
“It was a chance to get away when we haven't been able to, and the wonderful Matt and Kaylene at the caravan park gave us that chance.”
The group of volunteers were unable to visit many of the local attractions that remain closed, but spent time at the One Tree Hill lookout, on the banks of Green Hill Lake and at Sunday’s market.
Mrs Weel said members also attended the physical event’s online replacement from the comfort of the caravan park.
“We had it Zoomed in to the telly so everyone could watch in the camp kitchen and some of us were delegates, and it was so well organised, so those that were delegates got to vote in a secret ballot,” she said.
The Lions have already rebooked their sites for next year when the District Convention returns for a second attempt at a physical event in town.