The Lions Clubs of Victoria & Southern NSW have confirmed that the Licola Wilderness Village and associated Licola properties are being prepared for sale, with plans to establish a dedicated Lions Licola Foundation to continue supporting young people in need.
For more than 50 years, Licola has provided respite, nature-based learning and wellbeing programs for disadvantaged young people. A recent strategic review found that increasing financial pressures, ageing accommodation and infrastructure, reduced school and camp participation, rising insurance costs and limited capacity for reinvestment have made the current facility-based model unsustainable.
“Our responsibility is to protect the mission, not just the physical place,” a Licola Board spokesperson said. “While Licola holds deep emotional and historical significance, continuing to operate the site in its current form would place the organisation and its purpose at risk. This transition ensures we can support more young people, more often, and in safer and more sustainable ways.”
The review also identified ongoing operating losses, declining volunteer availability and reduced support from schools and community partners, along with challenges such as:
• Accommodation no longer competitive with modern school camp facilities
• Difficulty sourcing qualified outdoor education staff and volunteers
• Minimal, if any, financial return from the current store and caravan park lease
• Property insurance costs at unsustainable levels
“The decision to sell was not made lightly,” the spokesperson said. “It followed careful review and was based on long-term sustainability, risk management and what will ultimately allow Lions to support more children into the future.”
The Board is recommending the sale of all Licola properties, including the Licola Wilderness Village, general store and caravan park, with proceeds to be invested into the new Lions Licola Foundation.
The Foundation will:
• Fund deserving children and young people to attend professionally run camps across Victoria
• Support programs aligned with Licola’s longstanding mission and values
• Reduce financial and operational risk associated with owning facilities
• Enable Lions to reach and support more children over time
Licola will continue as an Incorporated Association and retain control of the Foundation and its invested funds. Lions Clubs are expected to continue contributing to sponsorship alongside the Foundation.
By law, proceeds from the sale cannot be distributed to Lions Clubs or members and must be directed to an organisation with similar charitable purposes, which is why the foundation model has been chosen.
As of the end of January 2026, the Licola Wilderness Village will assume management of the general store and caravan park, with operations managed by paid staff and profits reinvested into current operations. The previous lease was not renewed in order to consolidate revenue during a period of financial stress.
“Lions, volunteers and supporters have poured decades of heart and service into Licola,” the spokesperson said. “This decision does not step away from that legacy – it protects it. Instead of investing in buildings and infrastructure, Lions will be investing directly in a larger number of children through a broader, more flexible and sustainable model of support.”
