To the leadership of Lion's Australia,
We write this not just as names on a page — but as people who care deeply about a place that has been brought back to life by hard work, heart, and community.
Since 2022, Leanne O'Donnell has poured everything into the Licola Caravan Park and General Store — turning around a struggling business, providing fuel, food, emergency support, and above all, a safe, welcoming place for every traveller who comes through this remote part of Victoria.
Now, after everything she has built, she is being forced to walk away…
To remove fuel tanks, fridges, tools, and her entire livelihood — with no plan in place, no support offered, and no care for the community left behind.
And despite this, Wilderness Village is not buying the business — not the stock, the equipment, or the years of hard work. Just demanding it be taken away.
The Wilderness Village is saying they will reopen the Licola General Store immediately after Leanne’s lease ends. That’s the timeline they’ve given.
But how will that be possible?
They are demanding full vacant possession — meaning everything must be removed: the fuel tanks, fridges, equipment, and supplies. They are not buying the business, not retaining anything Leanne has built, and not taking over a functioning operation — they’re starting from scratch.
Yet, they have also stated that they are running at a financial loss. So how will they afford to reopen the general store and caravan park immediately — especially when it will take a significant investment to refit, restock, and operate both sites?
It doesn’t add up.
If they can't afford to buy the business now, how can they afford to rebuild it the day after it’s gone?
The public deserves answers — not vague timelines and financial contradictions.
Leanne didn’t just fight to hold on — she presented solutions. She offered to increase the rent, share profits, help raise funds, and mentor the next generation of operators to ensure the store and park could continue thriving. Instead of working with her, they shut the door.
No conversation.
No compromise.
Just a demand to leave.
This is not how community works.
This is not how Lions should treat people.
You ask people to serve, to give, to care — and she did. And now you're taking it all away.
Your own Code of Ethics says:
"To remember that in building up my business it is not necessary to tear down another’s."
So why are you doing just that?
What message does this send to every person who trusted in your mission — especially those in small towns like Licola who rely on the services you’re now removing?
Renew the lease. Let Leanne stay. Don’t erase what she’s built.
We stand behind her, and we will keep standing until this is made right.
Contact info@lions.org.au or 02 4940 8033 for direct contact.
#SaveLicola #SupportSmallTowns #LionsAustralia #smallbusiness #CommunityMatters #LicolaGeneralStore
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