Lions Lookout set to be revamped

Port Macquarie’s most iconic and historical lookout will be having a major face lift thanks to the funding and support provided to the Port Macquarie Lions Club.

Lions Club Publicity Officer Colin Hardwick said they couldn’t have got the project started without the assistance they’ve received from the local community

“The two Lions clubs in Port Macquarie would like to thank ETC for the grant that they’ve given us. It has made it a lot easier for us to do what we need to do, along with help from the local community,” Mr Hardwick said.

“We’ve even had some local tradespeople offer to help us free of charge.”

The historical lookout was first established in 1968 by Port Macquarie Lions Club and was the site of two cannons which overlooked the river during early settlement to stop convicts escaping. It was also a settlement of the Birpai people.

“It has tremendous importance to local history and is visited by thousands of people every year, including travellers from all over the world,” Mr Hardwick said.

“Unfortunately the area has been neglected and we hope to restore it.”

Enterprise and Training Company (ETC) donated $4,900 to the Lions Club to assist with the project costs.

“Our club members will remove the existing garden and brickwork which is rundown. The remaining slab will be renewed and new signs added. The signs will be local and highlight Aboriginal history, Lions and lookout history, and include a town plan from the early days,” Mr Hardwick said.

“New gardens will also be installed in the centre and pathways with local artworks.”

The Lions Club and Port Macquarie Hastings Council are currently finalising plans for the project and envisage the works to commence in the coming months.

ETC Deputy Chair Lorraine Mouafi said it had been a pleasure to be able to support the Port Macquarie Lions Club.

“The ETC Community Support Fund is designed to help organisations improve the social and economic development of local communities,” Ms Mouafi said.

“Since 1989, ETC has placed over 54,500 Australians into jobs, trained more than 27,000 people, helped over 37,000 small businesses to start-up and grow, and contributed in excess of $25 million to the local communities in which we operate.”

If you would like to get involved with this great community project, contact the Lions Club on (02) 6581 1156.