Cobram Lions market raises funds and showcases student talents

There was a huge variety of stalls to discover, from plants, books, bags and sculptures to handmade items and knick-knacks.

Not only were there unique stalls to explore but a whole range of delicious food available, including the staple Aussie sausage sizzle and soft serve van.

Cobram and District Specialist school teacher Joseph Nieuwenhout said it was the school’s first time setting up a stall at the market and it had been successful in showing people what the students were capable of.

“We've got three hands-on groups that all support Dutch Thunder Wildlife Rescue,” he said.

“Our photography group has taken photos over the year of the local area and made a calendar.

“Our woodwork group have made bat boxes, possum boxes, bird boxes, and also made some other wooden items to sell at our market today.

“And our sewing group, they made joey pouches and assembled rescue kits for Dutch Thunder Wildlife, and they also made scrunchies and bags to sell.

“Three senior classes this year have been involved in the hands-on learning program, and we'll expand next year to five senior classes.”

Cobram Lions president Ron Simon said the Lions had been running the market for 30 years and all the money raised went towards supporting different community organisations.

“Usually, we do our disbursements in June, at the end of the financial year, and last year our disbursements amounted to $22,000,” he said.

Mr Simon said he joined the Lions club in June of 2018 after his wife died.

“I knew I had to reinvent myself, I’d been looking after her for a while,” he said.

“It's because of the Lions that I'm keeping fit because I'm active, my brain's active.

“Lions have done a lot for me, and personally, I believe I've got more out of it than I've given ...it's the reason I get up in the morning.”

Mr Simon said the next Cobram Lions market would be the twilight market on December 19, starting at 4pm, with a special visit from Santa planned.