AFTER seven years of overseeing the Mallee’s largest agricultural field days, outgoing president Terry (Jacko) Kiley has called it a day.
Mr Kiley, who resigned earlier this year, said he had enjoyed the role.
“The 40th anniversary of the Mallee Machinery Field Days in 2018 was a highlight,” Mr Kiley said, noting around 20 original Speed Lions Club members made the journey to attend the event and enjoy a memorable luncheon.
“That was pretty special,” he said.
However, the top job didn’t come without adversity.
The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic proved to be the toughest challenge the event has had to face, forcing it to be cancelled for two consecutive years in 2020 and 2021.
“We had a couple of Covid years and uncertain times in there,” Mr Kiley said.
The club was forced to cancel the 2021 field days just three weeks out from the event.
Mr Kiley said while it was a disappointing outcome, it was a necessary one with the Speed Lions Club committed to ensuring the safety of the community.
The event bounced back last year with the help of Federal Government funding as part of its commitment to Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program.
With the determination of the Speed Lions Club and loyal exhibitors, the event made a remarkable comeback, with record crowds on the opening day.
While Mr Kiley has resigned from his role as president, he remains actively involved in the Speed Lions Club and continues to play an integral role in the execution of the field days.
“The field days is a special event for the Mallee, it’s great to be involved and contribute to helping people in need,” Mr Kiley said.
He said the event had enabled the Lions Club to make many worthwhile contributions to community groups and charitable organisations over the years.
“It’s also the camaraderie, and the people you meet,” he said.
