19/07/2026
Vale Keith Kent OAM (July 2026) 🦁💛
It is with deep sadness that the Wattle Grove Lions Club acknowledges the passing of Keith Kent OAM, an extraordinary Lion, leader and humanitarian whose lifetime of service has inspired generations across our district.
Keith's Lions journey began in 1962 when he joined the Lions Club of Liverpool. In 1976, he transferred to the Lions Club of Ingleburn Inc, where he continued a remarkable commitment to serving the community for more than 60 years. Throughout that time, he became one of the most respected Lions in our district, serving as a Past District Governor (Lions District 201N2) and providing leadership, guidance and mentorship to clubs throughout South-West Sydney and the Macarthur region, including the Wattle Grove Lions.
The Lions Club of Ingleburn has long been a cornerstone club within our district. Through Keith's leadership and the support of Ingleburn Lions, many newer clubs, including Wattle Grove, benefited from mentoring, member inductions, leadership transitions, and district training. His encouragement and wisdom helped strengthen Lions service far beyond his own club.
Keith believed wholeheartedly that "there can be no better thing than a person giving their talent, time and energy for the community." Those were not simply words,they were the values by which he lived every day.
His service extended well beyond Lions. Keith was actively involved in Scouting, school Parents & Citizens Associations, and local heritage preservation, dedicating decades to building stronger, more connected communities throughout the Campbelltown and Macarthur regions.
Within Lions, Keith championed causes that changed lives. He supported local welfare programs, coordinated fundraising initiatives, community barbecues and practical assistance for families experiencing hardship. He was instrumental in promoting regional food collection programs that partnered with organisations including St Vincent de Paul helping ensure food reached those who needed it most.
Keith was also a passionate advocate for the Lions Recycle for Sight Program, supporting the collection and recycling of used glasses to restore sight for people in developing countries. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Lions Save Sight Foundation, serving as its inaugural Foundation Secretary, and was a dedicated supporter of the Australian Lions Children's Cancer Research Foundation (ALCCRF), helping raise funds to advance lifesaving childhood cancer research.
His extraordinary contribution was recognised with some of the highest honours in community service, including: 🦁 Order of Australia Medal (OAM) 🦁 Lions Clubs International Ambassador of Goodwill – the highest honour in Lions International and awarded to only a small number of Lions worldwide each year. 🦁
NSW Government Community Service Award (2018), presented by the Member for Macquarie Fields in recognition of more than 50 years of dedicated volunteer service. 🦁 Neil Williams Honoured Member Award from the Australian Lions Children's Cancer Research Foundation.
Keith's legacy is measured not only in awards, but in the countless lives he touched, the leaders he mentored, the clubs he strengthened and the communities he helped build.
On behalf of the Wattle Grove Lions Club, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Keith's family, friends, and our Lions family at the Lions Club of Ingleburn, Wattle Grove Lions members, and all Lions throughout District 201N2 and beyond.
Thank you, Keith, for your unwavering commitment to We Serve. Your leadership, kindness and generosity will continue to inspire Lions for generations to come.
Rest in peace, Lion Keith Kent OAM. Your service will never be forgotten. 💙💛🦁
