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Meet our newInternationalPresidentJoe Preston and wife Joni

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3

Connections, influence, friendship, philanthropyAUGUST - SEPEMBER 2014 Volume 114 No. 5LION

Lion – Australia and PNGLion - Australia and Papua New Guinea edition ispublished bi-monthly for the Multiple District 201Council of Lions Clubs International and circulated toall members.Published by MD201 Council of Governors and printed byPMP Print, 37-49 Browns Road, Clayton Victoria 3168.An official publication of Lions Clubs Interna tional, the Lionmagazine is published by authority of Board of Directors in21 languages: English, Spanish, Japanese, French,Swedish, Italian, German, Finnish, Korean, Portuguese,Dutch, Danish, Chinese, Norwegian, Icelandic, Turkish,Greek, Hindi, Polish, Indonesian and Thai.Editor: Tony Fawcett, Fawcett Media20 Millett Road Gisborne South VIC 3437Phone: (03) 9744 1368Email: [email protected] Enquiries: Lions National Office31-33 Denison St, Newcastle West, NSW 2302Phone: (02) 4940-8033Lions Australia website: www.lionsclubs.org.auDeadlines: 1st day of month before co ver date.MD201 Council of Governors: C1 Rosemary Wenham,C2 Ron Sargent, N1 Peter Willis-Jones,N2 Lorraine Mairinger, N3 Margaret Pearce, N4 Ian Warren,N5 Dr Anthony Cheung, Q1 Kent Wilcox, Q2 Gordon Bailey,Q3 Greg Rollason, Q4 David Trigg, T1 Michael MacLaren,V1-4 Kevin Tait, V2 Phillip Johnson, V3 Marjorie Radford, V5 Alan Fluck, V6 Peter Niall, W1 Ivan Sturgess, W2 Maxine C. Whitely. Council Chairperson: Warren LathamDistribution of Magazine: Clubs and MembersAdditions to distribution list, deletions, changes of addressand of club will be made only when advised through theClub Membership and Activities report. Non-Lions, librariesand other organisations who wish to advise changes shouldcontact Lions National Office, Locked Bag 2000NEWCASTLE NSW 2300, Tel: 02 4940 8033 email:[email protected] Editor-In-Chief - Scott DrumhellerManaging Editor - Dane La Jo ye, Lions Clubs International300 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842 USAExecutive Officers: President Joseph Preston, Dewey,Arizona, United States; Immediate Past President Barry J.Palmer, North Maitland, Australia; First Vice President Dr.Jitsuhiro Yamada, Minokamo-shi, Gifu-ken, Japan; SecondVice President Robert E. Corlew, Milton, Tennessee, UnitedStates. Contact the officers a t Lions Clubs International, 300W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, Illinois, 60523-8842, USA.

Directors First year: Svein Ǿystein Bernsten, Hetlevik,Norway; Jorge Andrés Bortolozzi, Coronda, Argentina; EricR. Carter, Auckland, New Zealand; Charlie Chan, Singapore,Singapore; Jack Epperson, Nevada, United States; EdwardFarrington, New Hampshire, United States; Karla N. Harris,Wisconsin, United States; Robert S. Littlefield, Minnesota,United States; Ratnaswamy Murugan, Kerala, India;Yoshinori Nishikawa, Himeji, Hyogo, Japan; George Th.Papas, Limassol, Cyprus; Jouko Ruissalo, Helsinki, Finland;N. S. Sankar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; A. D. Don Shove,Washington, United States; Kembra L. Smith, Georgia,United States; Dr. Joong-Ho Son, Daejoon, Republic ofKorea; Linda L. Tincher, Indiana, United States.

Second Year: Fabio de Almeida, São Paulo, Brazil; LawrenceA. “Larry” Dicus, California, United States; Roberto Fresia, Albissola Marina, Italy; Alexis Vincent Gomès, Pointe-Noire,Republic of Congo; Cynthia B. Gregg, Pennsylvania, UnitedStates; Byung-Gi Kim, Gwangju, Korea; Esther LaMothe,Michigan, United States; Yves Léveillé, Quebec, Canada;Teresa Mann, Hong Kong, China; Raju V. Manwani, Mumbai,India; William A. McKinney, Illinois, United States; MichaelEdward Molenda, Minnesota, United States; John Pettis Jr.,Massachusetts, United States; Robert Rettby, Neuchatel,Switzerland; Emine Oya Sebük, Istanbul, Turkey; HidenoriShimizu, Gunma, Japan; Dr. Steven Tremaroli, New York,United States.

‘We serve’“To create and foster a spirit of understandingamong all people for humanitarian needs byproviding voluntary services throughcommunity involvement and internationalcooperation”

C O N T E N T S

4 International President’s report

5 Barry’s red carpet triumph

6 Lions action

8 Council Chairman’s report

10 Two hours away by air

11 Two generous givers

24 Looking after your members

14 Around the nation

16 Our new International President

17 Presidential theme

29 Preventable blindness fight

30 Lions sight saving honoured

Page 10 - Our new IP

Page 6 - High tea happiness

Page 5 - Aussie triumph

Our c

over

ContributionsContributions for the Oct-Nov 2014 issue

should be submitted by September 1 to The

Editor, Lion magazine, Fawcett Media, 20

Millett Rd, Gisborne South, Victoria 3437 or

emailed to [email protected].

COVER: He comes fromArizona and in the comingyear he is our newinternational leader. Learn ofJoe Preston’s backgroundand his family on page 10,and read his program for theyear ahead on page 11.


Lion4

DON’T HIDE YOUR PRIDEDON’T HIDE YOUR PRIDE

By JoePreston,Lions ClubsInternationalPresident

Do you remember what you were like when you were 21? I do, and letme just say I still had some growing up to do. I was shy, even timid.

Yet when I joined the Mesa Host Lions Club in Arizona, even though I wasits youngest member, I felt comfortable, even empowered. The club put meright to work, and several members ser ved brilliantly for me as role modelsand mentors. Today I am at ease with leadership and in public speaking, as Ineed to be as your new Interna tional President, of course. I owe my growthas a Lion and as a person to other Lions.

I cite this story because it not only introduces me to you but also becauseit perfectly illustrates my presidential theme. This year I urge Lions toStrengthen the Pride. Strengthen the pride through ser vice, membershipdevelopment, club dynamics and other ways (see pa ge 11). But also cultivateyour own growth as a Lion by taking advanta ge of the best resource wehave: other Lions. Role models and mentors surround each of us. Let’s allgrow our clubs and our personal desire to ser ve by leaning on each otherand learning from each other.

“Lion” is a great moniker. Our founders chose it because it symbolisedcourage, strength, activity, and most of all, fidelity. The lion symbol “standsfor loyalty to a friend, loyalty to a principle, loyalty to a duty, loyalty to atrust”, according to a LION Ma gazine story in 1931. So this year, as welaunch our celebration of the centennial in 2017, let’s strengthen ourcourage, strength, activity and fidelity. As the great Helen Keller said, “Alonewe can do so little; together we can do so much.” Strengthen our pride,indeed, and always keep in mind tha t our pride, both in terms of our self-esteem as volunteers and our family of Lions, is our strength.

Our Intenerational President shares a Lion-friendly book with a c hild at a library inhis home state of Arizona. Photo by John Timmerman

Victorian Lions are funding promising new research at the Centre forEye Research Australia to enable the early diagnosis and treatmentof the eye disease keratoconus.

Keratoconus is a common condition affecting the cornea (the frontcovering of the eye), often developed in childhood. It is characterised byprogressive corneal thinning resulting in an abnormally steep cornea andconsiderable vision loss.

In the early stages of keratoconus, vision can be corrected by glassesor contact lenses, but as the disease progresses corneal transplanta tion isoften required. A significant number of kera toconus patients requiremultiple transplants. Almost half of all eye transplants performed inVictoria are due to kera toconus.

According to Associate Professor Paul Baird, Principal InvestigatorOcular Genetics, recent advances in imaging techniques, particularly usinga Pentacam corneal imaging system, now allow the detection of cornealchanges in individuals who would not normally be dia gnosed until theirdisease is more advanced.

“The key focus of the new stud y funded by the Victorian Lions will beto identify any characteristics or risk factors tha t might exist in parentsand may impact on the a ge of onset and severity of kera toconus in theirchildren,” he said.

“We will also identify the presence of an y corneal changes in siblings ofchildren to allow us to better assess whether these children are a t risk ofkeratoconus.

“If this study is successful and the Pentacam becomes the tool for earlykeratoconus diagnosis, corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) could becomethe standard treatment option at the early stage of keratoconus within acouple of years.”

In March this year, CERA reported conclusive evidence that cornealcollagen cross-linking (CXL) slows or even halts the progression ofkeratoconus. CXL is a rela tively simple process involving the a pplication ofriboflavin (vitamin B2) solution to the cornea. The riboflavin is thenactivated with ultra-violet light.

Associate Professor Baird said tha t early diagnosis and treatment withCXL will allow the majority of kera toconus patients to be managed withglasses or contact lenses throughout their lives, and avoid the need forcorneal transplantation.

“It is a promising time for families with kera toconus – only a few yearsago there were limited trea tment options and the prospect of multiplesurgeries and transplantations,” he said.

“Now there is hope and the real promise of a better , healthier future.We can’t thank Victorian Lions enough for their generous support.”

EYES ON RESEARCH: Lion Alf Hawken, Chair of the Victorian Eye BankCommittee, with Dr Srujana Sahebjada and Associate Professor Paul Baird, ofthe Centre for Eye Research Australia.

Lions funding offers new hopefor eye disease sufferers


5August - September 2014

If you’re interested in attending the secondAustralian-held ANZI Pacific Forum, inAdelaide this year, you need to act now.

Registrations for the Forum, being held fromAugust 29-31, close on August 15.

The Forum promises to be one of the best yet.The 32 Forum sessions all have excellent

presenters covering the modern Lions scene.Both Australia’s Barry Palmer, the former Lions

International President, and Joe Preston, the newInternational President, will be attending.

“A special function entitled Joes’ Party will beheld on the Friday evening at the Hilton Hotel andattendees will be able to mix with both men in a

pleasant and relaxed Aussie style,” said co-organiser Bob Dewell.

The Saturday sessions, in particular, areexpected to be well a ttended to hear Tim Jarvistell of his Antarctic adventures along with foureminent medical personnel.

Details: www.lionsclubs.org.au/anziforum

ANZI Forum cut-off close: REGISTER NOW!

BARRY’S RED CARPET TRIUMPHAustralia’s first Lions International President, Barry Palmer AM, went out in style on a redcarpet with the thanks of world Lions ringing in his ears.

Barry and his wife Anne were widely applauded at his last major convention, the InternationalConvention in Toronto, of his year-long term as International President for their tireless ser vice toachieving and promoting the aims of Lions.

It was fitting that at the Convention with Barr y and the large contingentof proud Australian Lions was entertainer Olivia Newton-John who

performed on stage for attendees. Throughout his presidency, Barry has promoted the

message of dreaming big in our Lions ideals and never being put off by hiccups tha t might happen along the

way. In the process, he has inspired and sho wn other Australian Lions they can play a major part in Lions

around the world.

Pictures: Svend Mikkelsen, Editor, LION magazine, Denmark


Lion6

LIONS ACTION

Last year in the LION magazine an artic letitled “Lion Solomon now calls AustraliaHome” appeared.

It was a story of how Solomon Wahome and

his family arrived from Kenya, settled in Adelaideand soon joined the Lions Club of Marion.

In June, the story assumed greater proportionswhen Lion Solomon was installed as the 53rdPresident of the club and also received hisAustralian Citizenship.

The joint ceremony was held at the club’s

handover. Breaking with tradition, the handoveralso included the presentation of AustralianCitizenship certificates to families from Kenya, SriLanka and Poland.

Her Worship the Mayor of the City of Marion, DrFelicity-Ann Lewis, officiated and spoke highly ofthe work of Lions and of the forethought ofcombining these ceremonies.

Before the ctizenship ceremony, outgoingPresident Kel Waters made donations of $10,000to local and national organisations andfoundations. He also presented two portablebladder scanners worth $11,000 to the Ro yalDistrict Nursing Service (SA Branch). A grant of$5,500 was received from the ALF to assist.

Postscript: One of the other newestAustralians will shortly be inducted into theMarion club.

LEFT: President and now official Australian, LionSolomon Wahome (right), is joined by his family, Beth,Charity and Grace, in receiving citizenship certificatesfrom Mayor Dr Felicity-Ann Lewis.

Queensland’s Samford Leos were in highspirits after a recent English Rose High Teafundraiser they organised.

With Samford Lions and other dedica ted

volunteers, they raised $2,349 for their LionsClub’s Personality Quest Entrant Shayna Lutzke,with proceeds going to the Lions MedicalResearch Foundation.

To the Leos’ surprise, the high tea was sold outjust three weeks after it was promoted on theclub’s Facebook page and website.

The high tea, held at the Samford Homestead

Restaurant, included raffle prizes and 10 silentauction items and featured a talk by Dr PeterDarben, head of the SPARQ-ED Institute at theTranslational Research Institute of the PrincessAlexandra Hospital.

The Leos also modelled in a fashion paradewith accessories and clothing from Urban Dwellerin Samford.

High tea happiness

Meet the new Pres


Dance “miracle”Lion Rosalie McPhie knows the value ofputting a spring into the step of young people.

Rosalie, from Queensland’s Macleay Islandclub and a former Australian Ballet examiner,gives free classical ballet lessons to youngstersas a form of physical expression and relaxa tion.

One of her latest ballet successes has beenJorja Delaforce, 7, who suffers from autismspectrum disorder (ASD).

Since Rosalie began giving Jorja balletlessons her general wellbeing has improveddramatically. And so impressed was she withJorja’s enthusiasm and ability, she volunteeredto give her free priva te one-on-one lessons.

Recently Jorja’s parents, Kevin and JuliaDelaforce, approached the local Lions club topublicly thank Rosalie for her extraordinar yexample of Lions community ser vice. “The twoof them have formed a wonderful rela tionshipand we are so ver y appreciative of Rosalie forcoming into our lives,” said Julia Delaforce.

“Ballet in many ways provides a means forcommunication for Jorja where the thera peuticuse of movement is further developing heremotional, cognitive, physical and socialintegration. Recently, after we posted a photo ofJorja and Rosalie on Facebook, we weredelighted when a long-time family friendcommented that ‘this is the most relaxed I thinkI have ever seen her’. Rosalie’s kind, loving andgenerous human spirit is exactly wha t ourcommunity requires.”

Said Rosalie: “If you can make a difference toone little child perhaps there are other Lionswho can do the same. They’re all going to be ourfuture.”FOOTNOTE: Rosalie McPhie credits Lions withgiving her a new life after her husband Johndied suddenly. Realising she needed newdirection (“loneliness and being alone isdangerous and I was not going to go downthat road”), she approached the MacleayIsland club to join. “From there I made newfriends and became a very active member.”

It was a perfect South Australian sunrise inBeachport that set the scene for the 2014Anzac Day service.

It was even more noteworthy because thenew war memorial had been constructed as acommunity project involving Beachport RivoliBay Lions, the Wattle Range council and many

Sydney’s Epping Eastwood Lions are makingjams and preserves to boost their fundraisingpotential.

So far the club’s products have been ‘flyingoff the shelves’ a t local festivals andcommunity fairs and members took part in thisyear’s Arts & Crafts Competition a t Sydney’sRoyal Easter Show.

“We have each used different recipes,” saysMargaret Wright who has developed the brand,Lions Homemade.

Members entered the show to help raise theprofile of their products. “Being a part of ‘The

Royal’ is valuable for us as a c lub,” said cluborganiser Chris Geraghty. “Firstly, it validates ourLions Homemade products. Secondly, relatedarticles in the local press increase our profile inthe community. Hopefully this will transla te intonew member enquiries.”

Interested club members get together forcooking sessions, demonstrations and productdiscussions.

Profits from sales are dona ted to the AustralianLions Children’s Mobility Foundation. Details:www.eppingeastwood.nsw.lions.org.au

Money for jam

Club membersRosemary Jackson,Margaret Wright andChris Geraghtyproudly display theirRoyal Easter Showentries.

local artists whoapplied the mosaictiles.

Conducted by clubmember Bob Grieve,the service was heldin front of a 300-plus crowd.

A moving tributewas paid to localWW1 veteran ArchMcArthur, while MayorPeter Gandolfi spokeof the new warmemorial.

The opening ofthe foreshore memorial was dedica ted byAnglican lay preacher J.L (F red) Smith anda group of Beachport primar y schoolstudents paid their respects by readingpoetry and laying red poppies they hadmade.

Memories live



8 Lion

Hello to my fellowLions.

I feel very proudand privileged tohave been elected asyour CouncilChairman for the next12 months.

Thank you to all2014-2015 District

Governors for having the confidence in me to bethe Council Chairman. I am sure that part of thereason is the support given to me by my wife, LionMarilyn.

I look forward to working with the Council ofGovernors, the Senior Management team and theExecutive Officer and his staff. I am excited, as Iknow they are, at the challenge that lies ahead ofus for the next 12 months.

It is my role to work with and assist each DistrictGovernor to have a successful year and to achieve

the goals they have set themselves. They will needthe assistance of every Lion in their District toachieve these goals.

I have had the privilege of ser ving as DistrictGovernor 201N5 for the past 12 months and Iwould like to thank all Lions and fellow DistrictGovernors and their partners for a wonderful andsuccessful year.

On behalf of Marilyn and myself I wish tocongratulate Past Council Chairman Gar y and LionsLady Lois for their support and leadership duringthe past year and during the handover process.

The role of Council Chairman presents newchallenges and I look forward to working with thenew District Governors and their partners andcompanion in 2014-2015.

I have been a civil engineer working as a localgovernment engineer all my working life. Marilynwas a teacher of fashion with TAFE and still has a

senior role as coaching convenor for the localnetball association.

I like to use the local government analogy withthe management of our organisation. We need tocontinually focus on working around the ‘potholes’of life, the swings and roundabouts in theorganisation and the speed humps put in our waywhen serving our organisation and communities.

My theme will be the same as it was when I wasDG – “Serving and Growing Together”. Thisexemplifies to me what being a Lion is all about ata Club, District and even more so, when consideredfrom a Multiple District perspective.

Our mission is ‘To Serve’, and to continue toserve we need to grow and to increase our levels ofservice – and we need to do this as part of a TEAM.The role of Council Chairman is to lead andencourage the Council of Governors in theirmanagement of the Multiple District so that Lions ofAustralia can continue to Ser ve and Grow Together.

We have all enjoyed the past year with the firstAustralian International President Barry Palmer atthe head of our organisation. He has been ver y ablysupported by his wife, Lion Anne. When on the fewoccasions they have been in Australia, they havebeen very generous with their time. This wasevident at the recent Multiple District Convention inTamworth.

On behalf of all Australian Lions I congratulatePast International President Barry and Lion Anne ona job well done and I am sure they know that wehave all taken great pride in their achievements.

In 2013-2014 we followed Past InternationalPresident Barry’s theme of ‘Follow Your Dream’ andin 2014-2015 we welcome International PresidentJoe Preston from Arizona. Joe is supported by hispartner Lion Joni.

International President Joe’s theme is ‘Strengthenthe Pride”. This incorporates the pride ofaccomplishment in building communities, providingmeaningful service and helping those who cannothelp themselves. He states that the feeling of prideforms the foundation of our commitment to ser vingothers and this has made us the global leader inhumanitarian service.

He will be attending the ANZI Forum in Adelaide(29 August to 1 September) and will also beattending the Skills Forum in Sydney the followingweekend.

Planning has already commenced on the MultipleDistrict Convention in Newcastle between 1-4 Mayin 2015. Please mark these dates in your diar y andwatch out for further details and information.

In the near future, a committee will beestablished to formulate a five-year strategy for ourorganisation and progressive reports will besubmitted to the Council of Governors.

Membership will remain a major challenge for

From Council Chairman Warren

NEW ON THE BLOCK: Our new CouncilChairman Warren (left) and his wife Marilyn (right)catch up with incoming International PresidentJoe Preston and his wife Joni at the Inter nationalConvention in Toronto, while (above) Aussie DGsshow the flag. Pictures: Rob Oerlemans


August - September 2014 9

From Executive Officer Rob

Joining HandsThe recent NationalConvention inTamworth NSWadopted the “JoiningHands” Project as aNational Project forLions in 2014-15.

The project, incollaboration with

Beyondblue, is to raise awareness in our localcommunities about the impact of mental illness anddepression. This is an issue that is close to thehearts of Lions in Australia; we all have friends,family and business associates who are affected. Itdoesn’t discriminate on the basis of age, gender orgeography.

Your club can get involved. All we need your clubto do is to hold one meeting in the next 12 monthsto discuss the issue of mental health and open thatmeeting to the public.

Through the Lions National Office, Beyondblue canarrange a speaker to attend your club meeting toinform you about this issue and lead a discussion onpractical ways your club can help.

Please contact Lions Public Relations Officer tobook your meeting soon by e-mailing

[email protected]. Sessions are filling fast!

Newcastle Convention 2015The Newcastle Convention Registration will be available in

the next few months. The Convention will be the opportunityto visit the home of our National Headquarters and theConvention Committee is building an exciting and informativeprogram.

There is a change to our Convention Satchels that I wouldlike you to known about. We would like to provide a highquality satchel that will be a long-lasting and useful mementofor you. Council has resolved to make this change for theNewcastle Convention. Satchels will only be provided toregistrants who apply and pay for them as part of theirregistration.

The satchels will be printed with the Lions Australia logoand must be ordered before 27 Februar y 2014.

If you don’t order a satchel, simple bags will be available inthe registration area.

Look for the design of the satchel on the Conventionwebsite soon!

Social MediaThanks to the many Lions, their friends and family who are

joining us on social media.It is great to read about your clubs and their projects. It’s especially nice when Lions are brave enough to also

comment on the stories! Communication is the key tobuilding a strong Association so I look forward to seeing youon www.facebook.com.au/lionsaustralia.

– Rob Oerlemans

Coming up1. Last chance to get involved in

the ANZI-Pacific Forum. Go to

http://lionsclubs.org.au/anziforum/

for registration information.

2. Do you want to plan early for

the next International

Convention? The Convention will be

held in Hawaii from 26-30 June

2015 and the information can be

found at

http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/news-

and-events/international-

convention/about-the-

convention/index.php

3. The Newcastle Convention

2014 will be held from 1-4 May

2015. Early information is on the

website with registration forms to be

published early in September 2014 –

http://lionsclubs.org.au/conventions/

our organisation. We must continue to be involvedin worthwhile community projects. These willencourage others to see our work and join ourorganisation. Remember the important things likemember and club care, changing club culture,ensuring meetings are well organised and run andthat they have interesting guest speakers. If ourmeetings also include fun and fellowship,members will want to attend.

This year there will be an increasing focus bythe GMT and GLT Co-ordinators at both Districtand Area/Multiple District levels.

This is all aimed at making sure we remain theglobal leaders in community and humanitarianservice.

We also need to continue to support our YouthPrograms and Projects through the Youth of theYear, Youth Exchange and Youth Camps, Leos andPeace Poster Program.

We all need to believe that we can continue tobuild our clubs and charter new clubs and this willalso require the courage and commitment of allmembers.

Can we do this? Yes, I believe we CAN!As Marilyn and I continue our journey into this

Lions year, we look forward to meeting andworking with you and being your representativeover this time. We look forward to being part ofanother successful year for Multiple District 201.

– In Lions Service, Warren Latham


10 Lion

Looking back over old copies of “The Bulletinof the Norfolk Island Lions Club” for someinspiration as how best to start this artic le, Icame across a report of the charter night ofthe club, which took place on Saturday, 17thOctober 1964.

That was 50 years ago and looking for an eye-catching heading for this article I chanced upon aphotograph of the charter night dinner and behindthe head table was a Lions banner from the ManlyLions Club. I am sure that banner was there toacknowledge all the Norfolk Island Pine trees thatare such a feature in the famous Manly beach area!

Now, I can hear you say, “what has this to dowith an article about the 50th birthday of theNorfolk Island Lions Club?”

Well, it’s like this. As an eight-year old I made myfirst trip to Sydney, and a great delight of a Sunday

afternoon or during school holidays in the late1930s and World War 11 was a trip to Manly onone of the Port Jackson and Manly SteamshipCompany’s ferries, be it the Barrenjoey, Curl Curl,Dee Why or South Steyne. One of the company’spromotional catch phrases was that Manly was only“seven miles from Sydney and a thousand milesfrom care”.

Needless to say, when I saw this phrase Iimmediately thought that using a little bit ofjournalistic licence it was a good heading for myarticle on the Norfolk Island Lions Club’s 50thAnniversary. Two hours flying time with Air NewZealand from Sydney, Brisbane or Auckland andwithout any doubt, 1,000 miles away from theproblems and care that beset all you Lions who livein so called “civilisation”.

This article is to put on notice all Lions clubs in

N5 and elsewhere around Australia of our 50thAnniversary, and also our forthcoming DistrictConvention which takes place in 2015.

The 50th anniversary will be celebrated fromMonday, 22nd September until Monday 29thSeptember 2014.

During this care-free week we will have anofficial visit by District Governor Anthony Cheungand other Cabinet Officers plus any past membersof the Norfolk Island Lions Club who have shiftedfrom this island paradise.

Believe me there will be a never -to-be-forgottensocial program for the occasion of our 50thbirthday, which we hope will also whet yourappetites to come back for the District Conventionin 2015.

– Tom Lloyd

Two hours away by air,Two hours away by air,1,000 miles away from care1,000 miles away from care

Sydney’s Lugarno Lions believe in giving something back to the generouspublic who donate to their fundraising appeals.

In return, they offer music. Typical was their recent fundraising effort for theAustralian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Fund at the local Roselands ShoppingCentre. The attraction this time was Lion Colin Campbell and his accordion.

The centre was delighted with the entertainment, $1350 was raised and,according to members, it was “a lot more fun than a barbecue”.

The winning sound of music

Pic: Wikimedia/thinboyfatter



Recruiting – Just ask!

ANYWHERE, ANYTIMEAnother true story

One of the great recruiting tools av ailable toLions is the JUST ASK program, but Isometimes wonder how many of us actually“invite” members of the public we have justmet into our organisation.

Do we have the confidence to “sell” who we areand what we do on a regular basis.

Maybe the following “True Story” will giveconfidence and encouragement to members andclubs looking for inspiration in the recruitment ofnew members.

Just over a year ago I attended the funeral inTownsville for PDG Des Urquhart, and coincidentallyI had Q2’s Lions Recruiting Trailer hooked on to my4WD and parked prominently right at the exit fromthe crematorium. One of our senior Lions mentionedthat he knew I was passionate about Membershipbut thought I was a bit ambitious tr ying to recruit forLions at a crematorium! Well – that’s all changednow!

A couple of weeks later I was back for anotherfuneral, and on completion I complimented the

celebrant on the service shehad just conducted, and ingeneral conversation advisedthat I had used some wordsfrom PDG Des’ funeral a fewweeks earlier in my training ofthe new District GovernorsElect in Sydney.

She showed great interestso I asked if she had everbeen invited to join Lions. Heranswer was “No”, so I askedif she would like to be a Lionsmember. Her answer wasemphatically “Yes please, butI thought I had to be a spouseof a member to join” and thenshe volunteered that her dad"was a Past President ofTownsville Castle Hill LionsClub”. We soon sorted that, andthe end result was that I passed on her details tothe club.

Gay Rebgetz was subsequently inducted intoLions in March 2013, and last month received her 1Year Membership Attendance pin from the club.Congratulations Lion Gay, and well done to theCastle Hill club on your prompt follow-up of this

referral. And in talking to Gay recently, she is verymuch enjoying her membership and is activelyinvolved in the social and fundraising activities.

Want some more recruiting tips? Please engageyour District’s GMT Team or a New Club Consultantwho will be only too pleased to assist.

PDG John MullerGMT Area Leader MD201

JUST ASK: Marriage celebrant Gay Rebgetz being inducted intoLions last year.

JUST A LITTLE WEARY: Even hard working Lions need a break at some stage. These tirelessworkers from V2’s Belfast club ‘take five’ after staging a Biggest Mor ning Tea to aid the CancerCouncil. Belfast has staged a fundraising morning tea for almost 10 years. This year, they gatheredmorning tea orders in the week prior to the event and ended up delivering 107 ser ves of creamscones, sandwiches and cakes to 34 business locations.

When members of the Lions Club of Sydney W aratah go to lunch, you must beprepared to expect the unexpected.

When they gathered with friends to celebrate their 8th anniversar y at Sydney’s Zilver ChineseRestaurant, they hoped to raise a little money for prostate cancer research at St GeorgeHospital. They raised a mammoth $24,476.

The club had already donated $280,000 to various community causes.

The Lion magazine could be filled each issue withstories on Lions who have done good deeds butthat’s not feasible.

Instead, we highlight just a few. The latest is DesLattin of the Lions Club of Mount Gambier who earlier thisyear received an OAM in the Queen’s Birthday Honoursfor his good deeds.

An achiever in many fields, Des was singled out for hislong community service.

Described by journalist Sam Dowdy in the local BorderWatch newspaper as a “humanitarian who doesn’t knowthe word no”, Des says that being a volunteer gives him apurpose in life.

"If you've got a talent, use it to help someone else, ” hesays. “I'm tired of hearing people say they don't havetime. I ran my own business and had three children andstill found time to give back to the community .”

Des is a life member of Lions and has held almostevery position within his club including President.

Des shows the spirit

A $24,476 lunch ... not a bad effort!


12 Lion12

Looking after your members

CLUB CAREA true storyOne of the greatest things we as Lions can dois to look after our c lub’s greatest asset – ourLions members and their families.

We hear about this on a regular basis – atannual Club Officer Training, during DistrictGovernor and Zone Chairperson visits, and in theAustralian Lion – so what does it really mean?

Rollingstone And District Lions Club just north ofTownsville in Q2 was chartered in March 2007, andin 2009 Charter Member Lion Terry Giles, a singlequiet builder who had done some wonderful thingsin our community, passed away from pancreaticcancer. In the last few months he was with us,Lions quietly became his support network, hisextended “family” who helped him through his lastdays.

Lions got involved in a major clean-up of hishome and surrounds, helped to finish his home so itcould be sold as part of his estate, aided in his dailybathing and hygiene, prepared and helped him eathis meals, drove him to Townsville Hospital for hisweekly oncology appointments, helped him toreconcile with his children and supported his familywhen they did come to visit in the last few weeksbefore his passing.

When family could not be here for his final hours,two of our Lions were with him in hospital when he

passed away, because no one should pass alone.Nothing unusual here, and I expect all of our

clubs would do similar if placed in the samecircumstances. However, Terry really appreciatedthe support from his Lions Family, and as hefinalised his will and with the understanding andsupport of his family, he left a small sum of moneyto his Lions club to help them establish apermanent facility where they could meet and storetheir gear.

In his wildest dreams Terry could not have

envisaged the lasting legacy of our new Lionsbuilding. With the wonderful support of hiscommunity who donated much of the materials andtheir professional expertise, the “Lion Terry GilesMemorial Lions Den” with an outlay of about$45,000 but worth $200,000 is a wonderful tributeto a dedicated Lion, and proof that in our case,Rollingstone Lions Club is indeed the beneficiar y of“Club Care” in it’s simplest form.

PDG John Muller GMT Area Leader MD201

Western Australia’s Margaret River Lions have againpulled off a bumper fundraising sale.

At the club’s latest mega sale, about 100 eager customerswere waiting outside the roller doors of the sale shed evenbefore it began.

“When the doors went up and the cro wd surged forwardinto the shed and the cash started to change hands, it waslike opening day at a Myer’s winter sale,” said club PresidentBrian Prendergast.

“The shed was full to the brim with c lothes, toys, furniture,bric-a-brac and electrical gear all dona ted by our loyalsupporters in the Margaret River and surrounding areas.”

Queensland’s Bellingen Hospital now has a much needed ultrasound unitthanks to local Lions.

Bellingen Lions raised $50,000 to make the unit possible.Lions NSW & ACAT Save Sight & Health Care Foundation contributed $15,000

towards the project. The handover became a dual celebra tion as Lion Lester Shea ther, a major force

behind this project, was that day celebrating his 80th birthday. A birthday cake wasenjoyed by the guests and Lion Lester thanked ever yone, especially the people ofBellingen and surrounding districts, for their support.

Bellingen Lions have supported the hospital for the past 60 years.

Club Care: The new building, dedicated to a wonderful Lion.

Bello Lions rally for mobile ultrasound

Monster sale draws crowds


Lions raise funds in many ways but MurrayBridge City Lion Deggy Mockett’s method isdifferent to most.

She hand knits aeroplanes and sells them froma table at the local Centro, Coles and Market Placeshopping centres.

A volunteer for the Royal Flying Doctor Ser vice,with the assistance of her husband, Milton, MurrayBridge City Lions and friends, she raised $1306.75from selling 93 handmade knitted aeroplanes.

She was helped in the lucrative fundraising byfriends Barbara Herbert, Amanda Haskell, GlenisWinfield and Kevin Markham.

Thanks to two supergenerous givers!

Thanks to the amazing generosity of Jeffrey and Geraldine Underhill,Queensland’s Lions Club of Capalaba opened a new community centre earlierthis year.

The Jeffrey and Geraldine Underhill Community Centre was opened by the Redland

City Mayor, Lion Karen Williams. During the opening, Jeffrey and Geraldine’s work in the

community was acknowledged.

The plaque was unveiled jointly by Mayor Karen and Jeffrey . The building was funded

by over $1 million by Jeffrey and Geraldine.

During the opening, they presented the club with a further $1 million to be put in

trust.

New community centre ... and another$1 million donation

GREAT GIVERS: Mayor Lion Karen Williams, a Lion herself, at theopening with Lions Lady Geraldine Underhill and Lion Jeffrey Underhill.

Kids Fund, an Illawarra-based charity managed by The Disability Trust that purchasesessential aids and equipment for children with special needs, has an extra $10,000 due toNSW club Figtree Lions.

The money came from a gala charity golf day at Calderwood Golf Club south of Wollongong.More than 120 golfers of all ages and abilities turned up to play a two-man Ambrose event. For

their $50 fee, they also enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast of bacon and eggs and a lunch of steaks,sausages and salad.

Spokesman for Figtree Lions Club’s golf day organising committee Greg Dombkins said the clubwas delighted with the response to the event.

“Not only did we get a record roll-up of golfers but we also received tremendous support from anumber of local businesses and sponsors,” said Greg.

An auction of donatedprizes including haircuts,dinners, golf equipmentand golf balls raisedmore than $800.

In March, FigtreeLions helped MSAustralia raise more than$36,000 from theannual 24-hourMegaswim at theUniversity of WollongongRecreation and AquaticCentre.

Just playing a round for $10,000

Deggy’s fundraising goesinto take-off mode

In the swim for youthN3 is proud of its youth and earlier this year man y of thoseyouth took to the water as a show of their solidarity .

They were part of more than 300 students from across N3 whohad entered Youth of the Year and attended a Youth of the Yearcamp at Morisset. The weekend was organised and conducted byyoung Wyong Lion Rachel Davies.



Getting together to feed the happy, hungry throng

AROUND THE NATION

The NSW Lions clubs of Tacking Point and PortMacquarie joined forces to ensure the youngpeople of CanTeen were well fed and happy asthey travelled through Port Macquarie enrouteto their annual camp at Bonville earlier thisyear.

More than 60 young people and staff attendedthe camp.

For the past four years, Tacking Point Lions havehelped the Hunter and Northern NSW Division ofCanTeen in providing a meal and respite for thetravel weary, and hungry, lads and lasses, with PortMacquarie Lions providing ‘The Den’ in case ofinclement weather

CanTeen supports young people from 12 to 24who are dealing with cancer themselves or when a

parent, brother or sister has been diagnosed with ordies from cancer.

It helps them cope with the physical, emotionaland practical impact of living with cancer.

Tea Tree Gully Lions 50thFormer Tea Tree Gully Lions andpartners are invited to the club’s 50thAnniversary Dinner on 13th September2014. Details:[email protected],(08) 8263 2637 or 0466 965 544Lions Club of Cobram 50th

Past members are invited to attend a

reunion at the Cobram Barooga Golfclub on 13th September. Details: BettyBeasley [email protected],0422821392

Meantime, Lions Club ofToowoomba Inc. members (picturedbelow) celebrated the club’s 60thbirthday in style.

Queensland’s Lioness club of Palm Beach Currumbin waschartered in 2004 with 17 members and membership has morethan doubled in the 10 years since.

The club celebrated its first decade with a cake, being served (above)by President Glenda Myles and Past presidents Joy Mattingley , NancyeSkinner and Sonia Smith. Near the cake is a photo of Lorraine Gray , aPast President who died after a short illness in 2012. A perpetual shieldhas been named in her honour.

The enthusiastic group of CanTeen youngsters andLions show their support for a meal well or ganised.

Birthday joy in the Lions domainTaking the cake

12 Lion14


13August - September 2014 15

Sydney’s KingsLangley club hascombined with alocal cafe to raisefunds for awheelchair for thelocal WestmeadHospital.

It’s being donevia Kolatsio Cafe’sloyalty card.

Unlike mostloyalty cards, each completed card raises up to$20 for the cause. Since last October more than$2,000 has been raised.

From the first coffee purchased, the cafeputs $1 in the Lions collection tin. On theseventh coffee, there’s the choice of a free drink

or paying the normal amount and the moneygoing into the collection tin. There are four rowson the card.

Earlier this year $1,000 was presented to thehospital, and Kings Langley Lions and the cafeare donating $750 to purchase the $1,500wheelchair.

It was not all toil and perspiration whenQueensland’s Mareeba Lions, Lionessesand prospective members recentlycompeted in the gruelling Mareeba toChillagoe Wheelbarrow Race.

Before the race, there was lots of frivolitywith many dressing for the occasion.

The race takes three days and covers140km from Mareeba to Chillagoe.

The route is known as the Wheelbarrow Wayin recognition of the pioneer gold diggers whopushed their steel wheelbarrows laden withpossessions from Mareeba to the goldfieldsfurther north. In it mainly for the fellowship, theteam of 10 came in 22nd out of 74 teams.

Barrow loads of fun

Coffeeclub afundingwinner

A GOOD BREW: Lions and cafe staff show off the loyalty cards.


16 Lion

www.quikshade.com.auFreecall: 1800 678 982

Is Your Lions Club Looking forReliable, Quality, Portable Shade?

If you were at a Lions event and looked as ifyou were alone, you have possibly met Joe

Preston, or someone like him.Her husband is not always outgoing, says his

wife Joni Preston. But among Lions it’s a differentstory. Preston will spot a newcomer and make himfeel welcome. “I’ve asked him about that,” saysJoni. “He says he wants ever ybody to love being aLion like he loves being a Lion.”

Certainly, you don’t become an InternationalPresident by being an ordinar y Joe. But thecontours of his life are routine and familiar . He’s thefleet manager for the largest Ford dealer in Arizona.He and Joni have three grown children, all of whomfondly recall idyllic family times including vacationsat Sea World in San Diego and Saturday footballmatches.

These days the circle of life for Joni and Joe hasformed another loop. They have seven

grandchildren under theage of 7, all boys. So anydiscord or disagreementamong a crowd of Lionswill not faze agrandfather unhesitant towade into the mosh pit ofyoung boys. “They’re allpretty little and have lotsof energy. Any time wehave a family event andthey’re all there, it kind ofdominates what’s goingon,” Joe says. “They havefun doing almostanything because theyhave fun withinthemselves. Just going tothe park with them canbe a fun experience.”

Lions in Arizona firstmet Joe in 1974 when

he joined the Mesa Host Lions. He was 21. A workcolleague invited him to the meeting. His friendnever returned to the Lions. Preston never left.

“They really took me under their wings, ” he says.“It was amazing – you’d go out and work on theirservice projects and there’d be somebody that was80 loading bags of newspapers into the bin andhelping to recycle. It was pretty hard to say youweren’t going to do your share of the work whenthey’re working like that.”

Joe was no stranger to ser vice even as anewcomer to Lions. His upbringing predisposed himfor it. A native of Iowa whose family moved toArizona when he was 15, Joe says he had “twogreat parents”. But he has a special affection for hismum, who travelled to Toronto for his installation asInternational President. Early on, he volunteered forthe YMCA Leaders Club while in high school. Heworked with grade students, teaching them how to

organise sports events. It was fun and rewarding.So by 15 he knew he liked to play sports, paint anddraw, sing, play the piano – and ser ve.

As a young Lion, Joe again found himselfworking with youth. He did eye screenings andpromoted reading.

His growth as a person and at his job was tied tohis increasing role as a Lion. “I was so shy andtimid at the start of my year as a club president. Ithink about how confident I was by the end of thatyear,” he says. “Being able to speak in front ofpeople, it was amazing how I grew as a Lion. I wasmore successful in my business life. I was moresuccessful in my personal life.”

Lions delivered one relationship in particular. As abank manager, Joni realised it was time for her tobecome more involved in the community, and shejoined the Pinnacle Peak Lioness Club. Theincoming district governor, Joe showed up for theinstallation of the charter members. Joni and Joeran into each other again at the state convention.

“What attracted me to Joe was his energy , hisenthusiasm for life and just his good heart. I couldtell right away he was a good man, ” says Joni. Joewas similarly enchanted. “She had something verymagical about her, special about her – thiscompassion and caring about other people that youdon’t see in a lot of people, ” he says. “I would callJoni my soul mate. We’ve had a magicalrelationship, and we’ve been ver y supportive ofeach other.”

Their Lions-themed life together continued withtheir children. The Prestons took them to Lionsconventions and to service projects. “I’ll alwaysremember handing out white canes on the weekendand collecting donations for that,” says Dustin, afirefighter. Today their kids are on their own, and thePrestons live in a rural community of 5,000 people.

Adapted from a story by Jay Copp

HE’S NO ORDINARY JOEOur new International President is not an ordinary Lion. Well, yes he is, and hehopes you can match his enthusiasm for Lions, sow similar results and reap thesame benefits he has

An artist, Joe Preston wants Lions to create their own masterpieces of service intheir communities.


1818 Lion

A “pride” is a close-knit family of lions, as can befound in the savannahs of central

Africa. Each member of the pride has responsibilities. Whetherthey are the hunters, protectors, caregivers, teachers, or learners,they work as a team, for survival and prosperity. If even onemember of the pride does not fulfill its role, it can affect the entiregroup.

There is another group of Lions just as proud. But unlik e the lions ofAfrica, these Lions aren’t feared. Instead they are admired andrespected. They, too, form a ring of protection, and they haveshown themselves to be skilled hunters – providing food for thehungry and tending to the needs of a different flock. These Lionsdon’t restrict themselves to grassy plains. Their territory hasspread to every corner of the world, and they bring goodnesswherever they exist. It’s us – the 1.35 million members of Lions Clubs International.The English dictionary provides another definition of the word“Pride” – a feeling of happiness that you get when you orsomeone you know does something good. It is not the pride ofbeing boastful it is the pride of accomplishment in buildingcommunities, doing good, and reaching out to assist others.

Lions are indeed a proud organization. There is a feeling of prideshared among our members, knowing that our commitment to

serve the needs of others is what has made us, and keeps us, the global leader

in humanitarian service. It is the same pride that has sustained us

for 97 years.

We can “Strengthen the Pride” by bringing the full Lion’s family, closer together, working in a spirit ofcooperation and understanding, with

each Lion member doing their share. And we can “Strengthen the Pride” through our

many meaningful accomplishments. This is the platform for not only success this year,

but through our centennial and well into the next hundred years.

PresidentJoe Preston


STRENGTHEN THE PRIDE

THROUGH SERVICEService has been the bedrock of ourassociation since we were startedback in 1917. It is the essence ofwho we are and what we do best.

Our future is bright. We are about to embark on a three-year centennial celebration. It will be acelebration that embraces our past while shining a light for us to follow in the days and years ahead.And it will be centered around the pride that we allshare in our motto “We Serve.” It gives me greatpleasure to usher in our centennial by announcingour Centennial Service Challenge – a celebration ofservice that begins in July 2014 and will conclude inDecember 2017. There will be fourelements to the Centennial ServiceChallenge. Clubs that report their participation in the Global ServiceAction Campaigns service projects that contribute to the attainment of the challenge will be eligible to receive a special patch. Please go towww.lionsclubs.org/servicechallenge for complete information.

The Family and Women’s Task Force hasbrought forward the idea of Responding toChildren in Need. As such, I am asking allLion’s Clubs to participate in a specialproject that not only responds to children, butespecially to children in need. Whether you expand acurrent project you are doing or take on a new one,the ideas for this are endless. It can be to addressliteracy, hunger, abuse, poverty, or wherever you findchildren in need. Invite your friends and familymembers to participate in these activities.


Our focus is on service, but our strength is directly tied to our members. The expression “there isstrength in numbers” applies directly to ourassociation. The more members we have, the moreservice we can provide. We have been fortunate tosustain growth over the past six years. That growthmust continue – even escalate – if we are to maintainour premier role as the global leader in humanitarianservice.

Countless times as I approach neighbors, friendsand associates posing the question “why aren’t you a Lion?” the response has been “because I’venever been asked.” I’m sure many of you have hadsimilar experiences. It comes down to a simpleprinciple – ask.

“ASK ONE”My membership initiative this year adheres to thatprinciple. I call it “Ask One.” Just imagine if each andevery Lions member – all 1.35 million – asked justone person to join their club. It’s that simple – andLions already have great tools to help them invitenew members, such as the “Just Ask” brochure, oryou may want to develop your own strategy, tailoredto use with people you know.

But make it a meaningful ask. A genuine ask. The expression “it takes one to know one” can be applied to many things, not the least of which is Lions. It TAKES a Lion to KNOW a Lion – to know whether someone has the desire and passion to serve. After all, the single most importantcharacteristic to become a Lion is the desire to serve others. It really is that simple. So ask one. Or two. Or three.

It is my goal this year to have our Lions make more membership invitations than we ever have had, resulting in more new members than we everhave had. Just ASK!

“SET THE EXPECTATION”Before my visits and when I arrive, I will ask the hostLions, “How many new members do you have forme to induct?” I will ask the district governor to setthe same expectation when they make their officialvisits. I will also expect current and past officers anddirectors to do this as well. Be ready when aprospective member says “yes” so that there is atimely club approval, meaningful induction, properpresentation of the membership certificate and Lionpin, and a thorough follow up orientation.

Every Club Needs A PlanWhat we accomplish today, and what we

accomplish in the future depends upon building and

strengthening our membership. Survey after survey,

and study after study have indicated people are

volunteering now more than ever. But they have

options for volunteering. In other words, the

competition for volunteer time is keen. People who

volunteer or join a club want to be assured that their

time is being used to make a significant impact –

locally, globally, or both. Meaningful and impactful

service projects will keep members motivated and

will feed their altruistic spirit. They are a great way to

show our pride in serving others and involve new

members. So I’m challenging every club this year to

come up with both a Membership Development

AND Leadership Development Plan – one that is

unique to your club and your community. The “one

size fits all” model simply doesn’t work.

Strengthen our Membership by special targeting.

Although we want to grow all demographics, we

challenge all of you to invite women and younger

people to join, and to make the necessary

adjustments in your clubs to make these new

members feel welcome and to offer them equal

opportunity for advancement. If for any reason you

think that women, younger people or any special


THROUGH MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT


group will not integrate into your club, please considerstarting a branch club or a new club, specifically for theseindividuals.

“WE NEED MORE CLUBS”It is not uncommon for a district to lose one or twoclubs, so it is critical that we use all extension tools andresources to bring in more new clubs than we lose, if wewant to grow. New clubs take a lot of effort and energy,so it is important to have a team of Lions to help you. Itis also important to train Guiding Lions so that you have apool of qualified experts to assist these new clubs sothat they are successful. Remember, charter sizematters. Chartering a club with 40 members doubles thechances for that club to succeed, as compared tochartering a club with 20 members.

“REBUILD EXISTING CLUBS”Guiding Lions can also be used to rebuild existing clubs.Don’t lose a club without a fight. If you have a club that is in trouble, get a strong and active club towork with them, and assign Guiding Lions to work withthat club to increase their membership, develop betterclub operations and to expand the service that they areproviding.

My Membership Development strategy includesrecruitment, special targeting, involvement, retention,membership satisfaction, branch clubs, extension andrebuilding existing clubs. This comprehensive program isdesigned to grow and strengthen our association. ButI’m asking you to localize the strategy to make it work foryour club’s particular needs and character.


22 Lion

It is time that we got back to the basics of strengtheningour association from the Club Up. Every Lions Club will beencouraged to examine what they are doing and considerimplementing new management strategies and techniques toenergize their club. The goal is to have clubs with betterfocus, direction, drive and purpose. The old saying, “If youkeep on doing what you’ve always been doing, you’ll keepon getting what you’ve always been getting,” is very true.If we want new and better results, we need to try newways.

As we enter a new Lions year, I am asking all Lions tostrengthen our programs while expanding our impact, andfor each club to participate in the Community NeedsAssessment to determine how best to serve their respectivecommunities.

Clubs that have completed the Community NeedsAssessment have found it to be a valuable tool indetermining signature service projects. The vast majority ofclubs completing the assessment indicated that it wasuseful in identifying needs. Make it an ongoing processinstead of a one-time event, and use it also to buildrelationships with key members of the community and torecruit new members.


BY STRENGTHENING YOUR CLUB



As important as it is to recruit new members, it is equallyimportant to retain members – both new and existing. Newmembers are particularly vulnerable. Good hosts, whenentertaining guests at their home, will go out of their way tomake their guests feel comfortable. The same can be saidof your club. Your Lions club is your home away fromhome. Members of your club are like members of yourfamily. New members want to feel like they belong. Assigna mentor. Ensure all members have a meaningfulexperience and are allowed to contribute and share ideas.For new members, ask them to assess their experience ona regular basis.

Participate in the Club Excellence Process (CEP). CEP is a fun,interactive process that brings members together to look atwhat your club is today and what it will be tomorrow. Itgives you the tools to strengthen your service, improve

your club effectiveness and enhance your membershipexperience. Good for all members, and good for the overallclub atmosphere. For clubs that have completed CEP, youwill be able to establish a plan of action. Next you canimplement your plan, and the final step is to activelymanage your plan to make sure that it is successful.

Part of your plan to strengthen your club should includeensuring that all members are actively INVOLVED in your club.That should be part of your club’s Leadership DevelopmentPlan. When we match up our members to what they areinterested in, when we make sure they are participating andattending, when we listen to them, when we give them equalopportunity to lead and when we get them performinghands on service projects and activities - we will keep thembusy and add value to their membership. An involved Lion is a satisfied Lion.



THROUGH LEADERSHIPLeadership Development does not happen by accident. We can strengthen our clubs by developing strong clubleaders. Leadership Development starts with a meaningfulinduction and a proper orientation. From there we assign our members to committees, where they are given a chance to grow into leaders. We should encourage that they becomeclub officers and get the necessary training to be successful.As they move up the club leadership ladder they will developnew skills and expertise. Every club should have a leadershipdevelopment plan that includes goals for new member orientation,mentoring, and participation in zone meetings and leadership training.By continually building the leadership ability of our clubmembers we increase the pool of available leaders, which willreduce our need to recycle club officers. Successful clubleaders are a good pool for district leadership positions, andabove.

LEOSLeos are an important part of the overallstrength of our pride – our family. I amcalling upon all Lions to involve Leos,support them and celebrate their serviceaccomplishments so they may expandour pride even further to help us servemore people. Properly supporting andstaying in contact with our Leos willprovide an opportunity for these Leos to become Lions in the future. Reachingout to younger generations will benefitour organization today and throughoutanother century of Lions service.Strengthen your club by sponsoring a Leos club.



THROUGH CREATIVITYSurvival is a basic instinct inherent in every lion in the Serengeti.The pride is constantly migrating to new areas. They developcreative means to thrive and overcome unforeseen challenges.They adapt. Adaptability and taking on new challenges is just asimportant to Lions clubs. If our clubs don’t thrive and grow,countless needs go unmet and communities suffer.

The electronic age has ushered in new ways of doingbusiness and reaching a broader audience. It has alsoprovided us new and effective ways to communicate.LCI has built a strong network of social media tools. Followerson facebook, twitter, youtube,the LCI blog and other sites are growing each month. We’redoing live tweets from majorevents like our InternationalConvention, Lions WorldSight Day and Lions Day at the United Nations.

Each day more clubs aredeveloping web sites, eitheron their own or throughe-clubhouse, and facebookpages. New tools like ServiceActivity Reporting and My LCI make it easyfor clubs to report activities, find information,and share their pride.

Get creative. Create new avenues ofcommunication and take advantage of theelectronic age. It is easier than you think. Take asocial media seminar at your area Forum or theInternational Convention. Find a member within your district ormultiple district to host a seminar at your local convention. Thisyear LCI staff will develop a special “hash” tag for members totweet member recruiting successes, and also a special sectionon the LCI facebook page for Lions to share their stories.

For us to survive, grow and prosper in today’s world, we need to embrace technology, and use it to our advantage.



THROUGH PARTNERSHIPSWe can do more and accomplish more when we work together with like-minded people, companies and organizations. Every LionsClub is encouraged to partner with others when it is mutuallyadvantageous, strengthens their communities, and helps your clubbetter serve others. At the international level, LCI has grown by leapsand bounds in the last seven years, as to the quantity, quality andeffectiveness of the service that we provide, and most of this growthhas come from successful partnerships.


THROUGH REDEDICATIONOur pride not only resides in our past, it dwells in our present and will propel us toward the future. Our founder, Melvin Jones, instilledthat pride of service in our first members, and nurtured pride inmembership as Lions Clubs International began to grow. As weprepare for our centennial celebration, it is important to remember the legacy of service willed to us by our founder. I am asking all Lions next year to set aside January 13th – Melvin Jones’ birthday – as atribute to him, and to rededicate yourself to the community andhumanitarian codes, objects and principles of our association. As analternative, you might want to perform a service project, do a randomact of kindness, or hold a special new member induction ceremony.Whatever you do, make this a special day.


THROUGH

GIVINGThe more you give,

the more you have

to give. I don’t

understand how

this happens or

why, but it seems

to happen. This

year I am asking

all clubs to make

a contribution

to LCIF, the

charitable arm

of our association.

LCIF is there to

do more than clubs

working alone.

You decide the

size of your gift.




THROUGHCOURAGE ANDCONVICTIONOne of the story lines in the beloved movieclassic “The Wizard of Oz” centers around acharacter referred to as the “cowardly lion.”In the end, he discovers it isn’tcourage he is lacking, it is conviction.A roar without conviction is just aloud noise.Lions members have both courageand conviction. Did you ever stop toconsider how much courage it takes tostand up to a bully? To right the wrong?To defend a weaker person? Did you everconsider the amount of conviction it takesto live by a set of principles that says no needshould go unmet? No one should be hungry? Noone should surrender to a preventable disease?As Lions, we need to roar. We need to tell thewhole world who we are, and that we will neverstop trying, because we have service to perform,and we are going to provide it, no matter whatthe challenges are.Lions Clubs International was born of courageand has succeeded due to our conviction to theprinciple that it is better to serve others, than toserve ourselves. And if we stay focused - thatsame courage and conviction will carry us intothe future.


STRENGTHEN THE PRIDE – through Service,Membership Development, ClubDevelopment, Leadership Development,Creativity, Partnerships, Rededication andCourage and Conviction. It has beendesigned specifically to integrate andcompliment the work already underway byour membership and leadership network,the GMT and GLT, to take us to the next levelof efficiency and effectiveness. Please usethe GLT, GMT, DG Teams and all otherresources to support your efforts.

Ironically, our namesake is an animal thatstirs fear among many, while we are anorganisation not feared but respected. Wehave earned the respect of others becausewe are honest brokers of peace, goodwilland compassion for others. And we ask fornothing in return. It’s enough knowing thatwhat we do for those in need gives themstrength and hope.

So roar with conviction Lions. Roar withcourage. Roar because we are making adifference in the world. Focus on communityand humanitarian service, and

STRENGTHEN THE PRIDE.


By Eric MargulesImagine living for years withpainful eye lesions, watching theworld steadily dim as youreyesight weakens and eventuallyfails from what was ultimately apreventable condition.

This desperation is real for

hundreds of thousands of people

with onchocerciasis, more commonly

known as river blindness, and other

cases of preventable blindness in

countries across Africa and some of

the poorest regions of the world.

Former U.S. President Jimmy

Carter and 2013-14 Lions Clubs

International Foundation (LCIF)

Chairperson Wayne Madden recently

announced an $8.8 million grant to

the Lions-Carter Center SightFirst

Initiative.

The LCIF grant will be disbursed

over three years to eliminate river

blindness, and other causes of

preventable blindness are within reach.

Carter and Madden met in May with

top executives from both the Carter Center and LCIF

during a signing ceremony to express LCIF’s intent

to provide $8.8 million to the Lions-Carter Center

SightFirst Initiative.

The dramatic expansion of the initiative will help

both organisations continue the fight against

preventable blindness in Ethiopia, Uganda, Mali and

Niger.

“For 20 years, the partnership with Lions Clubs

International Foundation has been instrumental in

supporting The Carter Center’s leadership in the

fight against neglected diseases,” says Carter.

“The Lions’ continued financial support will help

The Carter Center, local Lions clubs, and other

national partners defeat preventable blindness in

some of the most affected communities in the

world.”

The Carter Center, which partnered with LCIF in

1999 when the Lions-Carter Center SightFirst

Initiative was established, plans to use the

increased funding to ramp up its fight against river

blindness and trachoma – the world’s leading cause

of preventable blindness of infectious origin,

according to the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention.

Mali and Niger are making progress in

eliminating blinding trachoma by 2015, and efforts

to eliminate trachoma in the Amhara region of

Ethiopia, the most endemic region in the world, are

generating promising results.

In addition, the Center has changed its approach

to river blindness in Africa. It announced last year it

was no longer working to control the disease, but

instead seeking to assist ministries of health to

eliminate it from the areas where the Center works.

“Lions have a long histor y of preserving sight, so

it’s an honour to work with The Carter Center and

our fellow Lion, President Carter, to help eliminate

river blindness and blinding trachoma in African

nations where we’re needed most,” says Madden.

Throughout the campaign, local Lions clubs will

provide logistical support and help mobilise at-risk

communities to participate in drug administration,

surgery campaigns, latrine construction and other

health-related efforts.

United by a desire to see the eradication of

preventable blindness, Lions are relying on

cooperation, education, advocacy and sight-saving

initiatives to rid the world of these preventable

diseases.

Preventable blindness to be reduced$8.8 million boost takes the fight up to River Blindness

LCIF Chairperson Wayne Madden presents former U.S. President Jimmy Carter with a plaque in r ecognition of his service to thevisually impaired community.

‘This desperation isreal for hundreds ofthousands of peoplewith onchocerciasis,more commonly knownas river blindness’



30 Lion

The contribution of Lions to saving sight iscelebrated in a new book published tocoincide with the 30th anniversary of theLions Eye Institute (LEI) in Western Australia.

LEI Managing Director Professor David Mackeysaid the book – Saving Sight: 30 Years of the LionsEye Institute 1983-2013 – detailed the remarkablerole of Lions in addressing rates of preventableblindness.

“It was Helen Keller’s famous address to theLions International Convention at Cedar Point, Ohio,in 1925 that was the catalyst for blindnessprevention programs all over the world,” he said.

In Western Australia, one of the foundationmembers of the City of Perth Lions Clubophthalmologist Dr Robert Linton, established theAustralian Foundation for the Prevention ofBlindness (AFPB) to educate the wider communityabout eye health, workplace safety, glaucomaeducation, the impact of genetics on eye health andthe importance of regular eye checks.

He told the first AFPB congress in 1963 that theinvolvement of Lions was integral to his vision:“Ships are useless without crews. We, theophthalmologists, can supply only part of the crew .We know where we want to go, but, not possessingthe navigating skill, we look to the nationalorganisations to help us on our voyage and bring ussafely into port. One such organisation is LionsInternational, which has always associated itselfwith this cause in America (where it was founded)and in most other countries outside the Iron Curtainto which the movement has spread, one suchcountry being Australia. With the help that it haspromised and with what others may give (such as£1250 from the members of the Western AustralianBranch of this Society), I feel that the Foundationwill surely achieve the objects for which it was

founded.”In 1964, the AFPB began community

glaucoma screenings of WesternAustralians out of customised mobilecaravans.

The screening process was embracedby the community and ver y effectivewith scores of Western Australians liningup for free tests. The caravans weremanned by a voluntary workforce ofophthalmologists, nurses and Lionsmembers and travelled all over the stateoffering free eye screenings. The first,set up outside Council House, attractedhundreds of people.

Over the next few years, the programbecame the largest district project of thelocal Lions movement and there was agrowing recognition that a more formalapproach was needed to its operation.At the Lions convention in Albany in1970, the Lions Save-Sight Foundation(LSSF) was formed, with Lions DistrictGovernor Dr Jack Hoffman appointedinaugural chair.

The LSSF greatly expanded thescreening programs already begun by DrLinton and added screenings foramblyopia (lazy eye) in children from1973, and diabetic retinopathy amongthe population with diabetes mellitusfrom 1978.

With a landmass of more than 2.25million square kilometres, providing eye screeningservices to Western Australia was a hugeundertaking and at its peak the screenings wereoffered out of 69 regional centres

Over its lifetime, the screening program

measured the intraocular pressure of an estimated300,000 Western Australians. A research study,Trends in Blindness Over 19 Years in WesternAustralia, found blindness from glaucoma falling 75per cent.

Past Lions District Governor Brian King AMMBE said the success of the screeningprogram was the catalyst for bigger things,leading to the appointment of Professor IanConstable to the first Chair of Ophthalmology atThe University of Western Australia and theeventual creation of the LEI.

Professor David Mackey said as well as ahistory of the Lions’ involvement, the bookcontained chapters on the LEI’s medicalresearch, clinical services and outreach workboth in remote Western Australian communitiesand overseas.

Lions clubs that would like a copy of SavingSight: 30 years of the Lions Eye Institute 1983-2013 are asked to [email protected] with postal details.

Lions sight-saving honoured in new bookA 30-year history of Western Australia’s pioneering Lions Eye Institute in review

Hundreds of people took advantage of free glaucoma screenings in Perth in the mid-1960s

Professor David Mackey with the book Saving Sight: 30 years ofthe Lions Eye Institute 1983-2013.

30



YOUTH OF THE YEAR PROGRAM

By now, District Chairs would have receivedthis year’s stationery and certificates andhave made them available to clubs.

If you are yet to receive your club’ s allocationplease contact your District Chair. Names andcontact details for DCs may be found at;www.lionsclubs.org.au/yoty. All stationery hasbeen updated to reflect the alterations to theProgram under the Strategic Review which wasconducted last year. YOTY WEBSITE: The YOTY website has a widerange of resources and information available. Allof the stationery, including the certificates, isdownloadable. All are in PDF format and mostare writeable and can be saved. I encourage newand past club chairs to download the ClubChairman’s manual, which is available from theNews and Resources page. I also encourage youto persuade potential contestants to complete thewritable, PDF, “Contestant Entry” form.

Accessing and downloading the certificatesand the Winner Advisory form may only be donewith a user name and password-protected logon.These are available, on request, from your Stateor District Chair.RECRUITING CONTESTANTS: Now is the timeto approach schools to seek contestants for thisyear’s Program. Schools are busy places withstaff being deluged by emails and phone callsfrom many sources. Emails, phone calls and snailmails must be followed up with a request for anappointment with the principal. The principal willlikely delegate responsibility to another member

of staff. If targeting specific staff we recommendyear level coordinators, staff with responsibilityfor public speaking, English teachers and thoseinvolved in careers and work experienceplacements. When visiting a school, clubcoordinators should consider inviting a recent,past contestant to address students. They areyoung – just a little older than the students thatthey will address and are accustomed tospeaking with youth. ORGANISING YOUR CLUB FINAL: Before theend of September, if club finals are scheduled tobe held before the annual December-Januaryschool holidays, club coordinators should:• Contact local schools through the Principal andarrange to liaise with a staff member.• Register the Club’s entry with the DistrictChairman.• Start organising.• Order supplies and awards such as pens, USBdrives, compendiums and badges from the Lionsonline shop. (Ensure that you use last year’ssupplies first).• Work with school-contact staff to recruitcontestants.• Organise judges, including one reserve judge.• Confirm date, venue and time.• Whip up club support.STATE WINNERS’ TOUR: Planning for last year’s(2013-14) state winners’ prize has commenced.The six contestants will attend a LionsInternational Youth camp at Rotorua, NewZealand, for 10 days. This will be followed by avisit to the National Winner’s home state/locality,which in this instance will be the area hosted by

last year’s National Winner, Jordan Green, andhis sponsor club, Fremantle (W2). The tour willcommence on the 26th December and willconclude on the 12th Januar y.PROGRAM SPONSOR: The National AustraliaBank, as the sponsor of the Program, requires usto report annually, in order that it can gauge thepenetration of its brand. As such, we, as Lions,have an obligation to accurately report data tothe NAB. To achieve this, the Winner AdvisoryForm must be completed. Data required includesaudience numbers, number of contestants,number of judges and the full name of the NABjudge as well as his/her position and worklocation. ALL Winner Advisory Forms must bereturned to District Chairs.

I must stress, that each judge may officiate atjust ONE club, zone, region, district or state finalin the year of the Program.

The data, below, was collected from last year’sProgram, and is compared with that of 2012-13:

2012-13 2013-14Clubs 519 469Contestants 1881 1736Total Judges 2052 1747NAB Judges 326 290Audience 28659 25878Schools 829 875

Youth of the Year; “You just can’t lose.”Brian Williams

ChairmanLions/NAB Youth of the Year Program

Lions are advised that:Project Notices of Motion , having been duly passed at a District Convention or adopted byCouncil, are to be provided to the Executive Officer prior to 1 Januar y 2015. (For fullrequirements, refer to the MD201 Constitution Clauses 93.1 and its sub-clauses)Fundraising Activity Notices of Motion , having been duly passed at a District

Convention, or adopted by Council, are to be provided to the Executive Officer prior to 1January 2015. (For full requirements, refer to the MD201 Constitution Clauses 101.1 and itssub-clauses.)Other Notices of Motion

Other Notices of Motion, having been duly passed at the Council, a District Convention, aDistrict Cabinet or a Lions Club, are to be provided to the Executive Officer prior to 1 March2015. (For full requirements, refer to the MD201 Constitution Clauses 93.2 and itssub-clauses.) Rob Oerlemans

Executive OfficerLions Australia

Program Position Term Expiry AppointeeLeadership MD 201 Global Leadership Team

Area Leader 30/06/2017 PDG Tim IrvineMD 201 Trainer 30/06/2017 TBA

Membership MD 201 Global Membership Team Area Leader 30/06/2017 PDG John Muller

Committee AppointmentsAt its meeting in April 2014, the Council of Governors considered nominations received and made the following appointments

Good growth in PNGRecently members of the PNG Member DevelopmentCommittee travelled to Papua New Guinea for theCharter Night of the Madang Lions Club with 39 newmembers.

They were accompanied by DG Gar y Kenny (Q2) who

inducted the new members.

Multiple District Membership Coordinator PDG Bob

Radford was the guest speaker for the special night.

Other visitors included two Lions from the Kingsley-

Woodvale Club from Western Australia and several

members from the Lae Lions Club.


LEND A HAND, OR TWO!

This copy of the Lion magazine has been brought to you by:

Australian Lions needs a hand. Each year we help countlessthousands of people around the world in hundreds ofdifferent countries. But we want to do more. To do that weneed your help. We need a hand in the for m of new membersto expand the load of good deeds being done . Joining is byinvitation but interested men and women over 18 and of goodmoral character and reputation are encouraged to apply.

Just fill in this form and send to the Executive Officer at Loc kedBag 2000, Newcastle NSW 2300 or [email protected] it can be forwarded to a Lions club near you.Full name:Email address:Phone number:Address 1:Address 2:City/Locality:State: Post code:Country:

Facing factsWant the latest Lions news quickly? LionsFacebook is the place to get it – and now it’seasier than ever. Just focus your smartphonecamera on the QR barcode below and it will beyours almost instantly. Or simply type “LionsAustralia Facebook” into your search engine.

Learn what’s on the go, what’s coming up, andwhat other Lions are thinking and doing

LIONSNEWSIN ASNAP


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