The Casterton Lions Club initiated its 2026 activities with a January dinner meeting at Island Park. Lions members provided the two-course meal, served by Lion Eileen Hulm and her Lions Catering Group. Despite holiday-affected attendance, 23 members and guests were present.
Academic Recognition
A significant event of the evening was the presentation of Sports and Achievers Medallions to the 2025 Duces of Casterton Secondary College.
The college bestows a dux award for each of its two academic streams: the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the Vocational Major (VM).
VCE Dux: Olivia Nolte
Olivia Nolte was named the VCE Dux. Her subjects included Food Technology, Health, English, Psychology, and General Maths. Olivia, who served as college captain for 2025, plans to pursue a double degree in nursing at Warrnambool’s Deakin University in 2026.
Vocational Major Dux: Reghan Parsons
Reghan Parsons received the Vocational Major (VM) Dux award. Reghan's subjects comprised Work Related Skills, Personal Development, Product Design Technology, Foundation Maths, and Literacy. As Casterton Secondary College's vice captain in 2025, Reghan intends to continue Modelling Studies with Bonds in 2026.
Both Olivia Nolte and Reghan Parsons were recognized with Lions Club Sports and Achievers awards for January in acknowledgment of their 2025 academic achievements.
Upcoming Activities
The Lions Club's Friday night medical vouchers raffle is ongoing. The first scheduled weekend activity for 2026 is in late February, when the club will assist the Heywood and district community at its annual Wood, Wine and Roses Festival on Saturday, February 28.
Additional planned events include:
- A poets' breakfast during the Kelpie weekend.
- Four Casterton Racing Club meetings.
- A visit from the Skin Cancer Van.
- The Casterton Show.
Future dinner meetings are scheduled for February at the Casterton courthouse and for March at Casterton Youth HQ.