General News
26 May, 2025
Louis Catania – giving the sign
Louis 'Lou' Catania is unique among volunteers in Dimboola because his contributions are an extension of his professional expertise.
As a professional sign writer with years of experience, Lou brings his skill and a vast collection of his own materials to offer his assistance to anyone in need of a sign in Dimboola.
Whether it's creating captivating signage for events like the Dimboola 'Christmas in July' or crafting the welcoming entry road signs for the town, Louis's work can be seen all around Dimboola.
Notably, he played a significant role in the Steampunk Festival signage, including designing and executing the eye-catching Steampunk sponsor sign in Tower Park, showcasing his talent while supporting the Town Committee initiatives as a volunteer.
Lou has also created other signs around town including the Little Desert National Park sign on Lloyd Street and town entrance signs.
His closest volunteer affiliation, however, is with the Lions Club, where he currently serves as a committee member.
Devoting around 30 hours per week helping with the recycling machine, Lou joined the Lions a year after relocating from his forty-acre farm to Dimboola in 2017.
Taking initiative, his first move was to replace worn-out signs throughout the town, demonstrating his proactive approach.
"I just get things done," Lou said.
"I know what needs doing."
He said he's come to love the camaraderie of the Lions.
"We take a break and have morning tea together - have a good time," Lou said.
"I like the interaction with people - that's what I get out of volunteering the most.
"We enjoy the day and look forward to the work."
Lou acknowledged the decline in membership with the Dimboola Lions Club comprising of only 12 members.
"We could do with more volunteers, even someone who just has a few hours or a morning a week," he said.
"But that's a problem all over Dimboola. Nobody can get the volunteers. And a few of the clubs that were here before are gone."
Lou's willingness to contribute extends beyond sign painting.
In the past, he volunteered with Driver Reviver in Lochiel, a program offering respite and refreshments to long-haul travelers on the A8 highway between states.
Driver Reviver was instigated by the Lions Club in conjunction with the Lutheran Church.
At that time the relief program operated 24 hours a day, on four hour shifts.
The program was abandoned during Covid lock downs, but now it's run alongside Nhill Lions Club.
"Since we're short on volunteers, Nhill Lions Club has got involved," Lou said.
"It's split so they do the mornings and we do the afternoon.
"The work is fun, handing out coffee and food, chatting with the travellers."
Lou said refurbishments of the site are continuing with plans to repaint the building inside and out to make it more "attractive" for travellers.
Additionally, he actively volunteered with the now-closed Allambi Care home, undertaking tasks such as gardening and general repainting of units.
Lou, who was born in Sunbury, but has fond memories of a childhood spent in St Albans, said that volunteering was a thing for him, even when he was very young.
"I was always doing things for people and I still am." Lou said.
"I do my own paintings too, I do my own artwork. But I have to find time for it."
Lou Catania embodies the spirit of selflessness and community engagement, utilizing his professional skills and dedicating his time to make a meaningful difference in Dimboola.