The Lions Club of Toukley has confirmed more than $22,000 in donations to a range of local and national organisations, continuing a proud tradition of supporting causes that make a genuine difference in the lives of people throughout the Central Coast and beyond.
At the Club’s June meeting, members reviewed their annual donations program and agreed to provide support to organisations involved in community welfare, healthcare, youth development, education, disability services, and disaster relief. While the Lions Club has always supported a broad range of charities, members were particularly pleased to continue supporting several organisations that have a significant impact within the local community.
One of the organisations receiving support is the Toukley Neighbourhood Centre, a long-standing community organisation that provides assistance to vulnerable individuals and families throughout the northern Central Coast. The Centre offers a range of services including community support programs, referrals, volunteering opportunities, community activities, and assistance for people experiencing hardship. For many local residents, the Centre serves as an important source of connection, support, and practical help during difficult times.
The Club also confirmed support for Elsie’s Retreat, a community-led initiative that has become synonymous with palliative care advocacy on the Central Coast. What began as one woman’s wish for better end-of-life care has grown into a major movement that helped secure the region’s first dedicated palliative care unit and continues to advocate for expanded palliative care services. The work of Elsie’s Retreat helps ensure that individuals facing life-limiting illnesses, and their families, receive compassionate care and support when they need it most.
Another important recipient is Camp Breakaway, located at nearby San Remo. For more than four decades, Camp Breakaway has provided respite programs, camps, and support services for children and adults living with disabilities, along with their families and carers. The organisation creates opportunities for participants to build confidence, develop friendships, experience greater independence, and enjoy activities in a safe and supportive environment. Its work has had a profound impact on countless families across the Central Coast and New South Wales.
The Club also approved support for the Australian Cadet Corps Tuggerah Lakes Cadet Unit, a local youth organisation dedicated to developing leadership, confidence, discipline, and community spirit among young people. Through regular training, outdoor activities, community service, and leadership development opportunities, the organisation helps young people build valuable life skills while encouraging them to become active and responsible members of their community.
In addition, funding was confirmed for the Education Building Bridges Project, a program that assists students through educational opportunities and resources. Education has long been recognised as one of the most powerful tools for improving lives and strengthening communities, and the Club was pleased to support a project that focuses on helping young people access learning opportunities that may otherwise be beyond their reach.
The donations form part of a wider program of support that also includes health charities, Lions foundations, children’s health services, disaster relief programs, and organisations providing assistance to people affected by illness and hardship. Together, these contributions reflect the Lions Club’s ongoing commitment to supporting both immediate community needs and long-term community wellbeing.
The members of Toukley Lions acknowledged that these donations are only possible because of the continued support received from the local community. Through initiatives such as the Toukley Lions Markets, community events, Bunnings BBQs, fundraising projects, and the efforts of dedicated volunteers, the Club is able to return funds directly to causes that make a meaningful difference.
All organisations approved to receive funding confirmed in the June 2026 Lions Club meeting will be contacted in the coming weeks to arrange the presentation of their donations. The Club is proud to support a diverse range of organisations whose work benefits individuals, families, and communities both locally and across Australia.
The organisations confirmed to receive donations are:
- Diabetes Australia
- Prostate Cancer Support Initiatives
- Hearing Dogs Australia
- Australian Lions Foundation (Disaster Relief)
- Lions International Foundation Disaster Relief
- Toukley Neighbourhood Centre
- Elsie’s Retreat Palliative Care
- Lions Wellbeing Foundation
- Motor Neurone Disease Support
- Camp Breakaway
- Kidney Foundation
- Sydney Children’s Hospital
- Brain Cancer Support Initiatives
- Australian Cadet Corps Tuggerah Lakes Cadet Unit
- St Vincent’s Hospital
- Education Building Bridges Project
The Lions Club of Toukley looks forward to recognising the valuable work undertaken by these organisations and contributing to their ongoing efforts within the community.
For nearly 60 years, the Lions Club of Toukley has worked under the simple but powerful motto of “We Serve.” The confirmation of more than $22,000 in donations is another example of that commitment in action, helping local and national organisations continue their valuable work and ensuring support reaches those who need it most.