The Lions Club of Kiama has welcomed Alf Bartolotta as its newest member, bringing with him a quiet commitment to service and a lifetime of local experience.

Alf was formally inducted by secretary Jim Webb at a recent club gathering, joined by members including Dr David Grant, Gerry McInerney and John Larkins.

Dr David Grant, Alf Bartolotta, Jim Webb, Dr Michael Barbato and Gerry McInerney. Photo: Supplied

The evening also featured a moving presentation from Dr Michael Barbato, whose talk on end-of-life care sparked both personal reflection and discussion about the role of community in supporting families through difficult times.

While the Lions Cancer Care Trust has been covering the cost of palliative care medications across the Kiama LGA for more than a decade, an initiative originally inspired by one of Dr Barbato’s earlier talks, the club has now announced a bold new step.

In response to community need and growing capacity, the trust has launched a new six-month trial to cover the cost of all cancer care medications prescribed by a doctor for local patients.

“Michael reminded us how vulnerable families can be during treatment and in the final days of a loved one’s life,” said Gerry.

“From confusion about where to get medications to concerns over cost and supply, it can be a deeply stressful time. We want to remove at least one of those burdens.

“This is about dignity. About giving families a little peace of mind when it matters most.”

For Alf, it was a powerful introduction to the values and reach of the club’s work.

“I joined because I wanted to give back,” Alf said. “I didn’t realise just how far-reaching and quietly effective the club’s work really is. I’m honoured to be part of it.”

The evening captured what the Lions Club does best: pairing practical compassion with long-term vision, and making space for new voices to carry the work forward.