A group of committed volunteers lifting the limits for children with hearing or vision loss.
Lantern Clubs are made up of enthusiastic, fun-loving and committed volunteers who fundraise for the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) through activities that include events, raffles and street stalls. There are more than 14 Lantern Clubs across NSW, with a membership of over 500.
Since 1964, they have raised more than $14 million to help support children with a vision or hearing loss.
What We Do
Lantern Clubs aim to create a friendly and social environment whilst also helping lift the limits for children with vision or hearing impairment through vital fundraising.
For 53 years, RIDBC Lantern Clubs have fundraised for RIDBC through a variety of fun and creative activities; morning teas, raffles, fashion shows, guest speaker events, market stalls and much more.
Lantern Clubs are raising funds and awareness for RIDBC’s Alternative Format Publications (AFP). AFP create tactile and braille resources for children all over Australia – from babies as young as a few weeks old to school students needing textbooks translated into braille to allow them to keep up with their class. This ensures children are not held back by their vision impairment and are able to live a life unlimited.
How We Work
There are 14 clubs across NSW and each club has an Executive Committee including a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The clubs meet regularly to discuss their fundraising activities and to have fun and social catch-up’s.
Every 6 weeks, the Executive Committee from each club meet at the Central Council and discuss the ongoing activities. There is a Central Council Executive Committee who oversee all Central Council activities including the end of year Annual Combined Luncheon.
Our goal is to engage our community with our fundraising activities which help raise awareness for the valuable support and services that RIDBC provide for children with hearing loss.
Get Involved
Do you like socialising and being involved in fun and creative activities?
Would you like to be a part of an enthusiastic and dedicated group of volunteers?
Do you want to make a difference and help help lift the limits for children with hearing or vision loss?
Then you should join a Lantern Club today! For more information on Lantern Clubs sign up now or contact your nearest Lantern Club.
Find an Event
Lantern Clubs are always hosting fun and entertaining fundraising events. Find your nearest Lantern Club event below:
Blue Mountains Lantern Club
Event: Lower Mountains Open Gardens Weekend
Dates: 22nd and 23rd September 2018
Six Gardens Open
60 Bunnal Ave, Winmalee
363 Hawkesbury Rd, Winmalee
58 Lee Rd, Winmalee – Plant sales at this property
226A Singles Ridge Rd, Yellow Rock
228 Singles Ridge Rd, Yellow Rock
35 Purvine Rd, Yellow Rock
Cost: $25 per person for all 6 gardens or $5 per garden
Cronulla Lantern Club
Event: Spring & Summer Fashion Parade (including shoes & accessories) Presented by Rainbow Fashions
Date: Monday 24th September, 2018
Time: 11am for 11.15am (Parade starts at 11.15)
Venue: 'The Greens Room' Gymea Bowling Club, Kingsway, Gymea
Cost: $45 per person includes main course, dessert, tea & coffee
RSVP: 16th September, 2018 to Judy Davis Phone: 9540 2397 / Mob: 0413 131 907
Hornsby Lantern Club
Event: Cowra Bus Trip
Date: Sunday 7th - Tuesday 9th October, 2018
Time: Bus leaves at 8.30am on Sunday 7th October
Venue: Sydney - Cowra - Sydney
Cost: $500 for twin share or $600 for single.
Price includes all meals, entry tickets and travel costs. A $100 deposit is required by the end of July to book your spot
RSVP: Please contact Joanne on 9484 5608
Mosman Lantern Club
Event: Morning Tea with bestselling author Amanda Hampson
Date: Wednesday, 10 October 2018
Time: 10am for 10.30am start
Venue: St Luke's Church Hall (Upper)
Heydon Street, Mosman
Cost: $20
RSVP: Elaine Cox on 02 9960 3714 or Helen Low 02 9953 7026
Event: Melbourne Cup Luncheon
Date: Tuesday, 7 November 2018
Time: 12 noon for 12.30pm
Venue: Home of Elaine and Joe Cox
3/14 Esther Road, Mosman
Cost: $35 per head
RSVP: Elaine Cox on 9960 3714
Warringah Lantern Club
Event: Fella Hamilton Fashion Parade
Date: Thursday 1 November, 2018
Time: 11.30am
Venue: Fella Hamilton - Shop 1/17 Bungan Street, Mona Vale
Cost: Free
RSVP: Judy Sunnex Phone: 9977 4818
Find a Lantern Club
Lantern Clubs offer members the chance to be enterprising in a fun, social setting, while at the same time, allowing these members to contribute to the important work of RIDBC, Australia’s largest independent special educator.
Contact your neatest Lantern Club via contact information below or for more information about Lantern Clubs email LanternClub@ridbc.org.au
Avoca Beach Lantern Club
Established in 1972.
Club meetings
Avoca Beach Lantern Club meets every 4th Wednesday of the month at 1pm at the Waterford Retirement Village, Kincumber Street, Kincumber.
Contact info
Marie Fuller
(President)
Phone: 4382 2264
Email: marie_fuller@optusnet.com.au
Blacktown Lantern Club
Established in 1972.
Club meetings
Blacktown Lantern Club meets at the Jack Robinson Room, Blacktown Workers Club, Campbell St, Blacktown every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 10:30am. Visitors welcome.
Donate to Lantern Clubs
Contact info
Mary Holdsworthy
(Secretary)
Phone: 9671 1878 or 0402 943 149
Email: columbia98@hotmail.com
Blue Mountains Lantern Club
Established in 1969.
Club meetings
Blue Mountains Lantern Club meets at Springwood Sports Club, 83 Macquarie Road, Springwood every 3rd Thursday of the month at 11.00 am. Visitors welcome.
Donate to Lantern Clubs
Contact info
Diane Marris
(President)
Phone: 4751 9697 or 0409 662 344
Email: dma.26751@bigpond.com
Donate to Lantern Clubs
Contact info
Carol Bennett
(Secretary)
Phone: 6586 3347
Email: bonnypublishing1@bigpond.com
Donate to Lantern Clubs
Contact info
Patricia Woodford
(President)
Phone: 0419 618 123
Email: p.woodford@optusnet.com.au
Donate to Lantern Clubs
Contact info
Patricia Bower
(Secretary)
Phone: 4471 1336
Email: tbpower@bigpond.com
Forster Tuncurry Lantern Club
Established in 2001.
Club meetings
Forster Tuncurry Lantern Club meets at CWA Rooms, Little Street, Forster every 2nd Thursday of the month at 1:30pm. Visitors welcome.
Donate to Lantern Clubs
Contact info
Margaret Pollard
(Secretary)
Phone: 6555 8997
Email: teaset78@gmail.com
Goulburn Lantern Club
Established in 1977.
Club meetings
Goulburn Lantern Club meets at Centretown Lagoon Motel, 77 Lagoon Street, Goulburn every 2nd Friday of the month at 11am. Visitors welcome.
Donate to Lantern Clubs
Contact info
Rona Hope
(President)
Phone: 4821 5148
Email: thehopeys@gmail.com
Hornsby & District Lantern Club
Established in 1973.
Club meetings
Hornsby Lantern Club meets at Leisure and Learning Centre, 8 Warne St, Pennant Hills every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 10:30am. Visitors welcome.
Donate to Lantern Clubs
Contact info
Joanne Gracie
(President)
Phone: 9484 5608
Email: joanneg@speednet.com.au
Maitland Lantern Club
Established in 1966.
Club meetings
Maitland Lantern Club meets at East Maitland Bowling Club, Bank Street, East Maitland every 1st Tuesday of the month at 10:30am. Visitors welcome.
Mosman Lantern Club
Established in 1964, Mosman was one of the first Lantern Clubs. It closed down in 1992, and was started again in 2000.
Club meetings
Mosman Lantern Club meets at 3/14 Esther Road, Mosman or 16/67 Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10:30am. Visitors welcome.
Donate to Lantern Clubs
Contact info
Elaine Cox
(President)
Phone: 0428 469 990
Email: elainecox11@gmail.com
Parramatta Lantern Club
Established in 1964, Parramatta is one of the first Lantern Clubs.
Club meetings
Parramatta Lantern Club meets at RIDBC North Rocks every 1st Wednesday of the month at 1pm. Visitors welcome.
Donate to Lantern Clubs
Contact info
Elaine Brock
(President)
Phone: 0438 396 159
Email: elaineishome1@bigpond.com
Ryde Lantern Club
Established in 1966.
Club meetings
Ryde Lantern Club meets at St Anne’s Centre, Church Street, Top Ryde every 3rd Monday of the month at 10am. Visitors welcome.
Warringah Lantern Club
Established in 2006.
Club meetings
Warringah Lantern Club meets at Dee Why RSL Club, 932 Pittwater Road, Dee Why every 2nd Thursday of the month at 10:30am. Visitors welcome.
Donate to Lantern Clubs
Contact info
Judy Sunnex
(President)
Phone: 9977 4818
EMail: judysunnex@yahoo.com.au
