Welcome to the Lions BBQ Den

Traditionally if you find yourself in a Lions den, you’re likely to be on the menu, but if you take advantage of the new barbeque ‘den’ at Urunga Lions Park, then the most likely thing on the menu will be steaks, sausages and onions.

Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Cr Dominic King, said local Urunga Lions Club members had worked tirelessly to raise the funds to build the new barbeque facility and shelter, located in Urunga Lions Park adjacent to Anchors Wharf in Bellingen Street.

“This area of the foreshore at Anchors Wharf serves as an iconic gateway to the Kalang River and Urunga, so I can’t think of a better place to come down by the river and have a barbeque, sit back, relax and take in the scenery.”

“It’s a credit to Lions Club volunteers that they’ve been able to achieve this remarkable outcome, because the barbeque facilities here are fantastic and the shelter easily seats 16 people on hand-made tables and bench seats.”

“Council assisted with this volunteer driven project by establishing a water mains connection to the site and a tap point to assist Lions Club members to maintain their cleaning roster to ensure the two barbeques and shelter are regularly maintained.”

Urunga Lions Immediate Past President, Jo Brotherton, said Urunga Lions had raised $15,000 and secured a dollar for dollar grant for a further $15,000 from the Australian Lions Foundation to go towards funding the project.

“We were also very fortunate to have been bequeathed funds from the estate of Ian Storey, a well-known local who retired in Urunga after falling in love with the park during his rest stops passing through the Shire as a travelling salesman.”

“Ian loved this place and spent much of his spare time here wetting a line and chasing a feed of fish while his wife played golf, so our local Men’s Shed volunteered to make the fabulous hardwood tables and bench seats with timber we purchased in Kempsey so a new generation of locals and visitors can also enjoy Ian’s favourite spot.”

Jo Brotherton said the barbeque tables and seats were specifically designed to enable wheelchair seating so those with a disability can easily sit and use the barbeque facilities and enjoy the park.

“We will also include a cement pathway in the near future to improve mobility access."