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FEBRUARY - MARCH 2009

Melbourne callingLast chance to register for National Convention – May 1-3 2009

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Lion-Feb-March 1-7 Sect 1 21/1/09 2:10 PM

February - March 2009 Volume 81 No. 2

The Lion – Australia and PNG

The Lion - 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 International, The Lion ispublished by authority of Board of Directors in 21 languages:English, Spanish, Japanese, French, Swedish, Italian, German,Finnish, Korean, Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, Chinese,Norwegian, Icelandic, Turkish, Greek, Hindi, Polish, Indonesianand Thai.EditorTony Fawcett, Fawcett Media20 Millett Road Gisborne South VIC 3437Ph: (03) 9744 1368Email: [email protected] Australia website: www.lionsclubs.org.auDeadlines: 1st day of month before cover date.MD201 Council of GovernorsTom Martin C1, David Savage C2, Malcolm Merrick N1,Phil Lawler JP N2, Ann Ryan N3, Bob Moore N4,Elvio Munzone N5, John Andrew McCrae Q1,Rodney James Bradley Q2, Bruce Unwin Q3,Lynnette Gail Forgan Q4, Anthony (Tony) Roney T1,Alan Crilly V1-4, Mary Harlow V2,Donald (Don) Blennerhassett V3, David Trevor Jones V5,Les Harrison V6, Rob Meney W1, Dora Ellen-Bushe Jones W2,Chairman: Bob BuckleyDistribution of Magazine: Clubs and MembersAdditions to distribution list, deletions, changes of addressand of club will be made only when advised through the ClubMembership and Activities report. Non-Lions, libraries andother organisations who wish to advise changes shouldcontact Lions National Office, Locked Bag 2000 NEWCASTLENSW 2300, Tel: 02 4940 8033 email: [email protected] Executive Director – Peter LynchManaging Editor - Dane La Joye, Lions Clubs International300 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842 USAExecutive Officers International President – Albert F. Brandel,Melville, New York, USA; Immediate Past President –Mahendra Amarasuriya, Colombo, Sri Lanka; First VicePresident – Eberhard J. Wirfs, Kelkheim am Taunus, Hessen,Germany; Second Vice President – Sidney L. Scruggs III,Vass, North Carolina, USA.Directors Second year: Malik Khuda Baksh, Karachi, Pakistan;Dana Biggs, California, USA; Ermanno Bocchini, Napoli, Italy;Wayne E. Davis, Virginia, USA; Ryuichi Goto, Kashiwa, Japan;Dr. Patricia Hill, Alberta, Canada; Larry G. Johnson, WestVirginia, USA; Maurice M. Kahawaii, Hawaii, USA; ShinjiKayamori, Japan; Vinod Khanna, New Delhi, India; Ed Lecius,New Hampshire; Dr. Harold R. Ott, Pennsylvania, USA;Georges Placet, Ludes, France; Tapani Antero Rahko,Jarvenpaa, Finland; Dr. Nelson Vidal, Lima, Peru; VinceVinella, Nevada, USA; William B. Watkins, Sr., Tennessee,USA. First Year: Bishnu Bajoria, Bankura, India; Ken Bird,Queensland, Australia; Kwang-Soo Jang, Seoul, South Korea;Douglas A. Lozier, Indiana, USA; Shyam Malpani, Mumbai,India; Art A. Marson, Wisconsin, USA; Dr. Jerimiah Myers,Alaska, USA; Ellis Suriyati Omar, Kuching, Malaysia; EugenioRoman Jr., Arecibo, Puerto Rico; Bojan Sober, Rijeka, Croatia;Dr Ton Soeters, Huizen, The Netherlands; Neil R. Spencer,Florida, USA; Beverly L. Stebbins, Texas, USA; TadaoSugimoto, Hokkaido, Japan; Prof. Dr. Hayri Ülgen, Istanbul,Turkey; Rosane Jahnke Vailatti, Penha, Brazil; DebraWasserman, Minnesota, USA.

C O N T E N T S

4 Island chief given back his sight

6 Lions action

8 Tiffini’s peaceful win

8 Leo Reece snares world honour

10 Chairman’s report

13 This school’s gone to the dogs

14 International news

16 Ride the Never Never

19 A happy walk down memory lane

20 Magnificent Melbourne

24 Around the nation

26 On the road again

27 Your say

28 Official announcements

30 Flying Doctors flying high

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

Page 12 - Lions showing heart

Page 16 - pedalling the outback

Page 4 - Island chief regains sight

Our c

over

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COVER: The work of Lionsrelies much on the generosityof the public in donating –but, despite what the labelsays, little Nicholas wasdefinitely not being donated.He was taking a break whilehis mum bought a raffle ticketat the Toolamba LionsChristmas Festival in Victoria’sGoulburn Valley. Story page12. Photo: Werner De Temple

‘We serve’

Contributor deadlineContributions intended for theApril - May 2009 issue of The Lionshould be submitted by March 1 to TheEditor, The Lion Magazine, FawcettMedia, 20 Millett Rd, Gisborne South,Victoria 3437.

Connections, influence, friendship, philanthropy


4 The Lion

Campaignbringssight tomillions

By Albert F. Brandel,President,The International Association of Lions ClubsThe Navajo Reservation in Arizona is beautiful, rugged country. The landscape

matches the people. Many Navajo survive with little income yet they maintain a strong

sense of community. Sadly, one thing their community often has lacked is vision care.

Maureen and I were privileged to participate in eye screenings on the Navajo

Reservation in Window Rock as part of World Sight Day. We were part of a very

worthwhile effort that uncovered vision problems and distributed eyeglasses to those

in need. (Lions also did diabetes screenings for Native Americans, Hispanics and

senior citizens in Phoenix.) If you've even been on a screening or mission, you know

what it's like to directly help those in great need. It's just a wonderful feeling.

Maureen and I also recently were in Africa to observe Lions in action. We met with

a grateful 26-year-old mother whose corneal transplant enabled her to see her two

kids for first time. Some people think I'm an unemotional retired police detective. But

meeting that mother and realising what the Lions did for her brought tears to my

eyes.

Thanks to Lions, the world is full of stories such as the mother in Africa. As in

Arizona, we've also helped community after community meet its vision needs. Our

main weapon in the fight for sight is SightFirst, of course, and the incredible success

of Campaign SightFirst II will enable Lions to protect or restore the sight of millions.

The $200 million we raised will bring sight – and the ability to live independently, to

attend school, to work and to reach one's full potential – to people in developed

nations such as in North America and in developing nations in Africa and Asia.

I want to thank all Lions who supported the campaign. Your generosity was

outstanding. As always, Lions came through. It's not easy to maintain your regular

club projects and also support a larger cause. But club after club, Lion after Lion, put

in the extra time and effort to ensure the campaign met its goal.

Now comes the part that makes the effort worthwhile – performing the operations

and screenings, building eye clinics and hospitals, distributing medication and training

eye care professionals, bringing the gift of sight to children and senior citizens and

everyone in between in all parts of the world. The campaign was a great success. But

a year from now, two years from now and for many years to come Lions will use

these funds efficiently and effectively to restore sight and prevent vision loss for

multitudes.

If the ancient Polynesian art of canoe building andnavigation by traditional methods survives then Gold Coastdoctors and a group of Lions will have played a major part.

As a navigator and one of the last living experts on suchmethods, Chief Moses Memuana of Taumako in the EasternTemotu Province of the Solomon Islands was a key to keeping thetradition alive ... until about 10 years ago when he becameseverely sight-impaired due to cataracts in both eyes.

Because of this lack of vision, Chief Moses could not carve hispeople’s canoes or teach them how to navigate by the stars andsea swells.

Now that has changed. The sight of Chief Moses has suddenlyimproved due to two eye operations on the Gold Coast inDecember and the combined efforts of the Lions Club ofMudgeeraba, along with Lion Dr John Kearney, Lion Dr StephenWeinstein, the Pacific Private Hospital and anaesthetists DrMichael Power and Dr Mark Sandler.

Back in Taumako, this hereditary chief is again able to provideimportant support to the Vaka Taumako Project, a cultural initiativecommitted to keeping the seafaring tradition alive.

Island chiefgiven backhis sightAn age-old tradition gainsnew life thanks to GoldCoast doctors andMudgeeraba Lions Report & photography: Lion KEN PHILLIPS


5February - March 2009

SEAFARING SKILLS OF TAUMAKO: It’s believed the 500 Polynesians on the tiny island of Taumakomay be the only people in the Pacific still capable of building and sailing traditional voyaging canoes incompletely traditional ways. Hidden away from the main shipping lanes, they have been able to followtheir ancient craft without the distractions of modern life with its cars, televisions and whiz-banggadgetry. Their only communication with the outside world has been via boat or the island’s marineradio. With the establishment of the Vaka Taumako Project, there has been a resurgence of interest intheir seafaring heritage.

Chief Moses, who believes he was born in 1935(he remembers World War II as a young boy), wasaccompanied to the Gold Coast by Dr SimonSalopuko, a young Solomon Islander who comesfrom the same island as the chief and filled thevital roles of translator and carer.

The trip followed an approach made to Lions byan Hawaiian anthropologist.

Following the extraction of the cataracts, lenses,supplied free of charge by Alcon, were inserted byLion Dr John at the Pacific Private Hospital.

According to him, Chief Moses, a normally quietand reserved man, was seemingly transformedimmediately his eye patches were removed.Suddenly he was more animated and bubbly andlaughing at jokes And when Chief Moses and DrSalopuko returned to the Solomons, the chiefeagerly sought a window seat so he could properlytake in the view.

During their Gold Coast stay, the pair saw thesights with Lion Dr Stephen and Lions Lady Lisand attended the Lions Club of Mudgeeraba’sChristmas function, which coincided with the visitof District Governor John McCrae and his wife,Lion Dianne. There the chief presented the clubwith a wood carving from his island and Dr Simonpresented a certificate of appreciation from theVaka Taumako Project team.

Funding assistance for the project was providedby the Australian Lions Foundation and LionsDistrict Q1, which includes the Gold Coast area.

COUNT THE FINGERS ... CHIEF MOSES SEES AGAINAFTER 10 YEARS OF DARKNESS

TOP LEFT: TraditionalPolynesian craft.

TOP RIGHT: Lion DrJohn Kearney confirmsthe good news ... ChiefMoses can see again.

ABOVE LEFT: ChiefMoses before his GoldCoast operation.

RIGHT: Medical teamwith their importantpatient.

LEFT: Cultures cametogether when ChiefMoses met Santa at aMudgeeraba Christmasfunction.

Vaka Taumako Project


The Lion6

SUPPORTING DIGGERS

FIGHTING DROUGHT

LIONS ACTION

A little war zone cheer

In a decade the District Disaster Relief Trustof V5 has dealt with fires, floods and nowdroughts.

Using corporate donations andemergency/disaster grants from the Australian

Lions Foundation, the Trust recently gave out 120$250 “food only” vouchers from Coles and Safewayto families in most need in the Goulburn Valley areavia the schools system.

Anonymity of the families was preserved and

vouchers were distributed by school principals.The trust has made other sizeable grants to

affected families and, as Secretary Frank Pettitsays, “we will just keep making grants until thebikkies run out”.

Imagine getting dressed for work every day inan amour vest, camouflage uniform, steelhelmet and goggles just in case youencounter a dust storm. And instead ofpicking up a handbag or briefcase on yourway out you collect an automatic assault rifle.And rather than an air-conditioned car youclimb into an armoured personnel carrier andhead off into temperatures that often soar to50 degrees in summer.

Welcome to the life of many Australian Diggersserving in the Middle East, Diggers with loved onesback home who await their safe return.

At Christmas, Lions Australia made thedangerous routines of our overseas Diggers thatmuch more bearable with a variety of treats.

For some it was a 1kg Lions Christmas Cakesupplied by Lions Australia with the help of Top

Taste Cakes, the Everyman’s Welfare Serviceand Army representatives. For others it was avariety of luxuries from individual clubs.

Typical was Burleigh Heads Lions Clubwhich, along with families with loved onesserving overseas, provided Christmas CarePackages for the 150 members of the ForceLevel Logistic Asset (FLLA) serving in theMiddle East.

The FLLA is a joint Army, Air Force andNavy contingent providing vital operationalsupport.

The packages contained 20 items includingcandy canes, drink holders, Christmasdecorations, tuna, ham and savoury biscuitsand were put together at Burleigh Heads RSLhall.

On the packing day, children were present toensure their dadreceived a special cardwith his parcel, andLions wrote in 150cards accompanyingthe parcels.

The parcels werereceived by CaptainJess Kibbey of the 9thForce Support Battalion,lead unit for FLLA.

On presentation,Diggers had their phototaken sitting on Santa’sknee. Some parcelscontained noveltyChristmas flashingearrings and broaches

which, along with tinsel wrapped around their hatsand uniform, were worn by the troops on the day.

As a result, Burleigh Heads Lions Club receivedcoverage by Nine News in Queensland and a front-page newspaper photo.

Spanner packsThe Lions Club of Kalamunda, W.A., did its bit by

donating $1000 toward the “Spanner Pack”program of the Royal Australian Mechanical andElectrical Engineers (RAEME), which supplies homecomforts for RAEME members serving overseas.

RAEME corps look after the vehicles andweapons that make the Australian Army such apotent force.

At least two packs are delivered to each RAEMEsoldier during each rotation of eight months. “Wetry to make sure no-one misses out,” saidKalamunda Secretary John Klein, also President ofthe RAEME Association of W.A.

Giving until “bikkies run out”

Headline grabber: When Burleigh Heads Lionspresented the Army with care packages for our forcesoverseas it made front page news. The packages were puttogether in a local RSL hall (left).



SAVING SIGHT

PROTECTING LIVES

With the speed that hereyesight was deteriorating,it was feared the youngNew Zealand girl wouldhave rapidly become blind.

It was June last year whenPID Lucy Armstrong from NewZealand contacted me aboutthe girl. She asked if DistrictN5 could assist the family intravelling to Sydney to enablethe 10-year-old, Monique, tohave urgent eye surgery.

Monique had beendiagnosed in early 2008 withKeratoconus, an inheritedcondition of the cornea.

As always our Lionsvolunteered their help. PDGLindsay Payne from SydneyHost arranged accommodation for the family at theMasonic Castlereagh Boutique Hotel though theNSW Masonic Club, and Greg and Margaret Lazarus

from Sydney Markets ensured the family had awonderful day at Featherdale Wildlife Park.

Back in New Zealand the Chartwell Lions and

others raised $8000 in three weeks to assist the

family in attending the Sydney EyeHospital knowing that all bills wouldbe paid. And Monique and herfamily travelled to Sydney in July forthe procedure.

Since being back in New Zealandshe has resumed schooling and herprogress is being monitored by aNew Zealand ophthalmologist.

Keratoconus is virtually unknownin a child so young and is moreoften seen in post-pubertyadolescents. The method ofovercoming this condition is by acorneal graft but this cannot bedone until the patient is 22. Withoutsurgery Monique would have spentthe next 10-12 years without sight.This effort has not only furtherunited our two countries in

friendship but ensured a young girl retains hersight.

– IPDG Carol Alderson

It was at a dinner meeting of the Lions Clubof Toowoomba Inc in early 2006 that one ofour members collapsed.

The local ambulance took him to hospital wherehis problem was diagnosed as dissection of theaorta. His family was told he had a 20% chance ofrecovery. The ambulance then rushed him toBrisbane where open heart surgery saved his life.

In late 2007 our member and his wife attendedanother dinner meeting, at the Cleveland Bay LionsClub in Townsville. There they learned that the clubhad successfully run a Melbourne Cup sweep overa number of years by putting self-serving boxeswith books of sweep tickets attached in variousshops around the town.

On his return to Toowoomba and armed with thisinformation, our member announced to our clubthat he would build 80 of these boxes if we wantedto run a sweep. We agreed, he built the boxes andour members distributed them around the town.

Some members also sat in shoppingcentres and sold tickets.

The sweep was a success, nettingalmost $6000 for new equipment for thelocal ambulance.

Fittingly, our member took part in apayback when he presented a cheque for$7500 (the sweep proceeds plus someChristmas Cake profits) to Michael Hooper,chairman of the Toowoomba AmbulanceLocal Area Committee.

The money will be used to purchaseGPS navigation systems with compatibleblue tooth mobile phones to equip sevenor eight ambulances so they can get tocall-outs quicker and more efficiently,thereby vastly improving service toToowoomba residents.

– Alan Yorkston, Secretary,Lions Club of Toowoomba Inc

Heart surgery saves more than one

Mercy visit halts a little girl’s blindness

ABOVE: Lions check out a new GPS system to make localambos far more efficient in saving lives.

Monique on her visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park.


The Lion8

February and March only: 10% Discount on AllBusiness Cards, Appointment Cards, Letterhead

PLUS: Lions still get 10%.*and With Compliments Slips

Tiffini Tran, 12, from Altona Gate PrimarySchool in Victoria used a jigsaw puzzle toexpress what peace means to her.

Tiffini’s jigsaw poster brought her triumph asthe overall winner in Australia for theInternational Peace Poster Contest, with thetheme “Peace begins with me”.

And her winning entry was a first for V2District, providing its first win in the Australia-wide section of the contest.

Tiffini's poster expressed co-operation,acceptance, tolerance and joy with each jigsawpiece conveying her thoughts on peace.

Her original and creative entry will nowcompete against others from around the world.

Her entry was sponsored by the Lions Club ofAltona which has been involved in the contestfor many years, winning the District level for thepast two years, thanks largely to its dedicatedPeace Poster Chairman, Lion Helen Proud.

Tiffini was presented with a winning certificateand a computer printer by V2 District.

Congratulations to all District-winning entriesand we wish Tiffini all the best for the next level.

I encourage all Lions clubs to participate inthis great youth project.

Lion Sam LochheadDistrict V2 Peace Poster Chairman

The 2008 Leo of the Year, Reece Colman, has beennamed International Leo of the Year.

The award for the Canberra Lake Tuggeranong LeoClub (N2) member came during his visit to six DistrictConventions throughout Australia to promote Leos.

His five-week journey started at the 201N1Convention in Tamworth, NSW, where he attended theLeo reception and participated in the Leo Conference.

Reece then travelled to Cessnock to speak toConventioneers in N5. There he met Past InternationalPresident Kajit Habanananda from Thailand, who wasimpressed with the work we were doing with Leos.

Next came beautiful Merimbula on the NSW SouthCoast where Reece caught up with some old friends inhis home District at the N2 Convention. It was duringthis Leo reception that he received his International Leoof the Year medal from District Governor Phil Lawler.During the weekend he also attended the formationmeeting of Leo District N2 and was elected secretary.

The next weekend, he was in Port Lincoln, S.A., forthe C1 Convention. Reece’s presentation was wellreceived and, after catching up with Council ChairmanBob and Cheryl Buckley and Past International DirectorCliff and Helen Heywood, he went kayaking with S.A.Leo co-ordinator Bronte Cameron.

Back into NSW at the N3 Convention in Argenton inearly November, he met local Leos and PID Cliff andHelen Heywood again.

His last convention was N4 in Griffith, NSW, – aspecial occasion as it was where his Lions/Leos journeystarted. Here he thanked his family and those who hadsupported him.

Reece is an exceptional Leo who believes one of hismajor achievements as a Leo was to become anhonourary member of the Canberra Friends of DiliGroup, which establishes youth centres in the EastTimor capital. Lion Martin Peebles

State Leo Coordinator NSW

Tiffini’sPEACEFUL

win

Tiffini Tran is congratulated on her winningentry by District Governor Mary Harlow, LionsClub of Altona Peace Poster Chairman HelenProud and V2 District Chairman Sam Lochhead.Now she will take on finalists from around theworld.

Leo Reece snaresworld honour


From Council Chairman Bob

Cheryl and Iwish allmembers of theLions family avery healthy,happy andsuccessful2009. I hopeyou had awonderfulChristmassharing sometime with those

you care about and those who care about you.We need to always remember that during the

celebration season there are those in ourcommunities who are in situations of being lessfortunate than us and, if we seriously believe in ourmotto “We Serve”, we must be part of ensuring thatthis problem is addressed.

I received a letter this week from the mother ofone of our overseas soldiers which says in part: “Iwas lucky to speak to him on Christmas Day and hewas able to tell me they were all enjoying Christmascake – thanks to Lions. This might be somethingsmall to you but it meant a great deal to me toknow others cared.”

As I have said before, sometimes it is the littlethings we do that have the greatest impact.

As you are aware Council over the last few yearshas been working hard with EO Rob to lift the imageof Lions in our community. There is a concern thatwe don’t promote what we do and consequentlythere is a lack of awareness in the communityabout our projects and our organisation. It is verypleasing to see that the promotional material is nowreceiving transmission times on a number oftelevision outlets throughout Australia. I havereceived reports that we have been seen in

Queensland, South Australia and New South Walesand no doubt other areas. Personally I have seenthe adverts on two different networks in centralNew South Wales. Keep watching, you may seeLions on a channel near you.

Awareness doesn’t stop with this level ofexposure and we must continue our efforts to liftour profile through local press and radio. If yourClub or District has a story to tell take the time toseek publicity – you may get some knockbacks butyou could generate some interest in what your Clubhas been doing. It is equally important that whenwe are out and about we wear our Club shirts, hatsetc so that people see who we are and what we do.Uniform is one of our easiest means of promotingLions and also one of our most powerful.

Membership continues to be a top priority. Duringthe first four months of this year it was pleasing tosee a net increase in the Multiple Districtmembership. This had been achieved through greatefforts by the District MERL teams, the MultipleDistrict MERL teams, Tony Benbow in his GlobalMembership role and the LCI consultants.Unfortunately we have faltered and November sawan unanticipated drop and our position is now notas good as we want it to be. This is not a problemthat is the domain of this group alone – it belongsto every Lion in every Club. Multiple District willcontinue to provide support for membershipinitiative but it is up to the entire membership toensure we continue to grow. Many other communityservice groups have disappeared due to the factthey have not addressed the membership issue –let us not go down the same path.

As an organisation we are at the crossroads andthe path we take is up to us. I suggest the wayahead is probably the hardest and mostchallenging. It is the one where we grasp theproblems and do something about them. Already weare heading in this direction, particularly with ourinvolvement with youth and the membershipchanges we have seen in the last few years. It isnow time to continue this momentum and ensurewe are a vital and important community group in 20years time. It is up to us all.

If you and your Club or District would likeassistance with any membership issue please don’thesitate to contact the Multiple District MembershipChairman, PDG Bob Radford – he is here to help!

The first six months as Council Chairman haveflown by and Council has worked hard to continueto move the Multiple District forward. The next fewmonths will be a period of consolidation to bring toconclusion a number of initiatives that have beencommenced. It is also the lead-up to the 2009Multiple District Convention in Melbourne where ourspecial guest will be International President AlBrandel and his wife Maureen. It promises to be anexciting time and hopefully we will see good supportfrom Lions from all over Australia. If you haven’tmade your arrangements I hope you will act soon.

Conventions are the celebration of the work wedo and a chance for us to feel part of the bigAustralian picture.

I look forward to seeing you in Melbourne.Regards

Bob Buckley

Melbourne Convention 2009 –Check those dates!

Please note the dates for the Multiple DistrictConvention in Melbourne, 2009. TheMelbourne Convention will run from Friday 1May 2009 to Sunday 3 May 2009. This is thefirst year that we will be trialling a 3-dayConvention to try to make it a little easier forLions to juggle this with their othercommitments.The Convention Committee has also asked me to letyou know that you should arrange your

accommodation quickly, since the booking servicewill soon be releasing unbooked rooms to thepublic. The Convention will be held on the sameweekend as The Logies, so accommodation maysoon become scarce. Perhaps we will see the ‘star’of our Lions advertisement, Tasmanian Lion ApolloBirch, there?You might notice from Council Chairman Bob'sreport (above) that we are receiving excellentcoverage for our current promotional campaign andit is pleasing to see new member enquiriesincreasing through our website, more than halfidentifying the television campaign as the reason for

their enquiry. But we need to do more to extend itscoverage. It would be great if you see theadvertisement to drop a short e-mail [email protected] telling us where you saw it, andon what network. This will help us to focus ourefforts on making it a truly national campaign.Of course, some of the best promotion of Lions ishappening at a local level, and I recently had theopportunity to look at just how successful our localmedia presence is through the resources of acommercial media monitoring company. Eachweek, around Australia, local newspapers andonline services are talking about Lions, and

From Executive Officer Rob

10 The Lion



SYDNEYWELCOMESTHE LIONS CLUBSINTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONJUNE 2010

For more information visit www.lions2010.com

reporting on the activities of clubs. Not only did Isee the weekly stories about visits from Governors,successful fundraisers, and Lions quietly helpingpeople in their communities, I saw the ten-foldincrease in media coverage during our Lions Cakepromotion as well! You will see a new service onour website soon, showing us where they aretalking about Lions around Australia.Plans are being finalised for a National Raffle. Wehope to have tickets to you towards the end ofFebruary 2009. This is a little later than expectedbut arranging separate approvals in each AustralianState and Territory has been ‘interesting’ to say theleast. We owe our thanks to the hard workinggovernment officers in each state who have been inthe most part very helpful and accommodating.Unfortunately, we cannot sell raffle tickets throughour West Australian Clubs since it is prohibited bytheir state legislation. We will look at ways that wecan run truly national, future promotions.I had the pleasure of meeting the DistrictGovernors-elect at their training recently. Ourexcellent training program, coordinated byLeadership Chairman PDG Norm Alcock, is one ofthe ways we ensure that our organisation, itsstrategies and development program maintain

continuity through successive Councils.Many of you will have received information fromPDG Doug Omond OAM looking for ways to improvethe promotional work being carried out by TheLifesaver Foundation. The Lifesaver Foundationeach year provides Christmas seals to promote ourAssociation with the Australian community and islooking for ways to extend the program. If you haveany suggestions, please contact PDG Doug [email protected] .Finally, I would like to invite Clubs to order theirsupplies for changeover as soon as they can. Weare planning for additional staffing to keep thingsrunning smoothly but the best way to help us is toget those orders in, as soon as you can.Here’s hoping we can all work together to make thenew year for Lionsproductive, meaningfuland exciting.

Rob Oerlemans


The Lion12

When farmers and small business people incountry areas do it hard, it’s often the stoicresilience of their womenfolk that enablesthem to survive.

But these sacrifices by women are oftenoverlooked.

Melbourne’s Essendon Lions Club, along withother city-based organisations, have been doingsomething to thank these country women. They’vebeen providing them with some of the smallpersonal luxuries women often go without whentimes are tough.

Club members Stan Falloon and Gerry Noonanand their wives Robyn and Bev recently visitedDonald in country Victoria to deliver 212 pamperpackages. The packs contain items such asshampoo, conditioner, face and hand cream, lipbalm and talc.

The idea was a joint one of Essendon Lions andRotary Clubs at which Birchip Cropping Group CEOAlexandra Gartmann was the guest speaker.

Alex’s subject included the impact of drought onwomen and how simple things could provide hopeand reassurance to struggling people who often feltisolated. The project developed a life of its own

when word spread to outside groups, such asRobyn’s sewing group the MSGs and residents ofthe Lionsville Retirement Village in Essendon.

Many wanted to assist and provided proceedsfrom collections or helped in packing items.

“The response was overwhelming,” said Stan.“We had anticipated getting maybe 50 packagestogether but we finished up with 212.”

Reprinted from The Buloke Times

Lions remember forgotten bush heroes ALTOGETHER NOW: Pictured in the front yard of Valand Lawrie Tonkin’s home are visiting Essendon LionsClub and Donald Lions members and Lions Ladieswith the gift pamper packs ... (left to right) GerryNoonan, Jenni and Graham Shilton (president ofDonald Lions Club), Robyn Falloon, Bev Noonan,Colleen Tonkin, Lawrie Tonkin, Don Tonkin and ValTonkin.

LEFT: Pamper Packs ready to bring happiness tocountry women who have made sacrifices.

The image of little Nicholas (right), ourcover boy this issue, might wellrepresent the enthusiasm of Victoria’sToolamba Lions.

With about 300 houses, this GoulburnValley town boasts just 12 Lions in a clubbarely six years old.

However, size counted for little when theyheld their first Bush Christmas Festival.Despite bad weather, it was ranked one ofthe biggest and best events in Toolamba foryears. Now most around the district knowabout the Toolamba Lions. The club is asub-branch of Shepparton Wanguni.

Little club, big heart


This school’s gone to the dogsYoung Autism sufferers gain new help thanks to their canine mates


Yes, dogs do wearmortarboards but only ongraduation after 18 monthsat the toughest trainingschool in Australia.

The school in question isRighteous Pups Australia, anot-for-profit organisation inBendigo, Victoria. Here dogsare trained to help Autismsufferers.

The eight dogs in theschool’s class of '08 wererecently warmly welcomed byeight families, each with achild (or two) with Autism. Sixfamilies hailed from Victoria,one each from W.A. andQueensland.

Two members of Sandringham Lions Club wereinvited to the graduation and what a truly happyoccasion it was. Some families described their newcanine family members as little miracles.

One mother said that since the dog joined theirfamily she had experienced her first uninterruptednight’s sleep in five years. Another family told howthey had watched a film together for the first timeever (their Autistic child lay happily on the floor withtheir new dog during the entire film). Then therewas the mother who, after including the dog in herchild’s bedtime routine, was overjoyed when herchild kissed her goodnight – the first time ever!

Interest in Autism Assistance Dogs increasedafter a demonstration hosted by Sandringham Lionsand several media stories. There are now about 200Australian families on the waiting list.

This innovative program is a first in Australia. Itwas created by Joanne Baker and her team withpassion, dedication and determination.

Successful Autism assistance dog-trainingprograms are well established in the U.S., Canada,Ireland and most recently New Zealand.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is an umbrellaterm used for five pervasive disorders, whichinclude Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.

ASD is almost always present at birth but doesn’tbecome evident until about two to three years, orfive or six in the case of Asperger’s Syndrome.

The cause is a mystery and there is no knowncure. ASD disorders are lifelong and characterisedby major impairment of communication skill, socialinteraction and restricted, repetitive and stereotypedpatterns of behaviour.

In 2008, the V5 Convention adopted theSandringham Lions Club motion to assist withpromotion of the RPA Assistance Dogs Programwhile increasing awareness of Autism and providing

financial assistance to purchase, train and maintainassistance dogs.

What a child with Autism is likeChildren with autism have great trouble learning,

understanding what’s going on around them andcoping with people. Signs include severe behaviourssuch as tantrums and hurting themselves or others,unusual body movements, social isolation, anxiety,obsessiveness – and frazzled, exhausted parents.

Severity varies from child to child, and over time.Behaviour and learning can improve enormouslywith maturity; others stay the same or even regress.

What helps a child with AutismAutism is for life but much can be done to assist a

child to learn and develop. They respond best to aplanned program that teaches everyday skills as theyhave difficulty learning by instinct or observation.

To reduce anxiety, they need to feel secure. Thisinvolves routines, a trusted person to help andguide and no surprises.

What an Autism dog can doEach family applying for a dog has different

needs and circumstances. RPA carefully evaluatesthese, and selects and trains the best dog.

The dog will minimise the risk of the child

wandering away (safety),minimise the severity ofbehavioural outbursts (diversion)and improve self esteem(companionship andresponsibility).

StatisticsAutism Council of Australia

(2004) research showsone in

100 Australians are touched by ASD, one in 500have an ASD, about 17 children are weeklydiagnosed with ASD and about 50% of ASD childrenwill never develop meaningful speech.

ASDs are 10 times more common than cysticfibrosis and muscular dystrophy combined, and ASDis more common than Multiple Sclerosis, Downe’sSyndrome and childhood cancer. Males are fourtimes more susceptible than females.

Dogs cost $29,000 each to train. There is nocost to families and dogs become family membersfor their life (about 10 years). Jan Standaloft

Project Chairman, Lions Club of Sandringham

The Righteous Pups team (0439 618 706) willtravel around Victoria to demonstrate whatthese amazing dogs can do. Details:www.righteouspups.org.au orwww.4pawsforability.org.

Jordy andhis AutismAssistancedog Axle.

The class of 2008 with their new families.

All tucked up: Jakewith his dog Albert.


Meet our new international representative

Gather round the campfireInternational

By Erin Crouch

For people around the world, going to campis a rite of passage and an experienceremembered fondly all year. For childrenand adults with disabilities, campsometimes seems out of reach, yetfortunately, Lions worldwide and LionsClubs International Foundation make thisexperience accessible for all.

“Before camp I had never experienced a boatride, I'd never experienced tubing. I really hadnever experienced anything that we do here. Ionly get to do this stuff once a year, and that's atcamp,” said Travis Sherrill. Sherrill has attended

Lions Camp Dogwood in North Carolina 10summers in a row. The camp, for blind andvisually-impaired children, is funded by Lionsthroughout North Carolina and has received LCIFgrants to help expand its facilities.

LCIF has a long history of providing grantfunding for service expansion, renovation,equipment and construction for more than 60Lions camps around the world. This includescamps in Georgia, Thailand and Denmark fordiabetic children, a camp for the blind inMontreal, Canada, a camp for the physicallydisabled in Australia and a camp for deaf-blind inEngland, among many others.

After the tragedy of September 11,2001, Lions sponsored a retreat to CampSunshine in New York for the families whohad lost loved ones in the Twin Towers.Following Hurricane Katrina, LCIF providedgrant funding to help rebuild Camp Wilkesin Mississippi.

The National Council on PhysicalActivity and Disability estimates there aremore than 300 active camps in the U.S.for people with special needs, and manymore around the world. These campsserve people with special needs of allkinds. In addition to providing an outdoorexperience, Lions camps often teachcampers life skills and expose them to adiverse environment with other individualswith disabilities. Some of these campsinclude non-disabled siblings or the wholefamily, making them a unique experience.

Lions are the backbone of thesecamps. They provide funding throughdonations, staff the camp and serve inpositions on the boards. Lions help

maintain the camps with regular “work days” toclean and repair facilities. Lions often providetransportation to the camp for campers and hostfundraising events year round.

“I've yet to see a camper that doesn't thinkthis is a fantastic experience. And I think it's oneof the best things we do with our money,” saidArt Hofberg of the Burlington Lions Club in NorthCarolinawho is a camp counsellor.

Many Lions camps are free of charge forcampers. In some cases they save lives. Duringthe 1980s and 1990s, most Type 1 (childhood)diabetics in the country of Georgia died within 10years of their diagnosis; however, with self-management methods and medication, morediabetic Georgian children today are livinghealthy lives.

14

Young American campers at the Lions Ronald JamesDiabetic Camp in Manglisi, Georgia, practise measuringfood portions.

Success of campaignSightFirst II ensurespromise of “Vision for All”More than 14,000 Lions from Lions clubs around the

world gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, during the 2008

International Convention to celebrate successfully

raising $200 million through Campaign SightFirst II

(CSFII). Lions and donors around the world had great

reason to celebrate the largest fund-raising campaign

in the history of the association and foundation.

As the funds-raised amount was revealed on the

70-foot wide screen, thousands of Lions in the arena-

sized convention centre stood up to cheer, whistle and

wildly applaud this accomplishment. But a few

individuals were missing. To be more accurate, many

millions of people were missing from this celebration.

These individuals are the 74 million people who will

keep or have their vision restored due to Lions'

SightFirst program and the funds raised to continue

and expand this extraordinary program. They live in

more than 90 countries in cities and villages around

the world where SightFirst services are delivered at

hundreds of SightFirst hospitals, clinics and eye

camps. Together, they make up those who would have

been victims of blindness, had it not been for Lions

taking action.

Far from the stage and pageantry, single patients at

a time rejoice and thank Lions for restoring their

precious eye sight. In humble rooms and clinics, each

patient’s gratitude resonates just as vibrantly.

Dukarui Otunno of Kenya received a SightFirst

trachoma surgery that returned his sight. “Seeing

again is like being reborn.”

Adabala Lakshmi Narasamha of India's world

became foggy and blurred by cataract, but most

distressing, she could no longer see the smiling face

of her grandchild. Through SightFirst, she received

cataract surgery. “I'm very happy to get back my

eyesight, I can see clearly, just like my early days. God

bless the Lions for the noble work they are doing.”

Said Dr. Tae-Sup Lee, Past International President,

CSFII Chairperson: “Your dedicated service during the

past three years will allow our SightFirst program to

provide the gift of sight for many years to come.”J. Frank Moore III, Past International President,

CSFII Vice Chairperson and InternationalCoordinator

The Lion

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By Nicole BrownOne child goes blind each minute and half anda million will lose their sight by the end of thisyear alone. An estimated 1.4 million childrenaround the world are blind, yet the vision of75 percent of these children could have beensaved. Childhood blindness is a major factorin the global vision crisis.

“Before I had glasses, I had so much trouble

seeing. Now I can see everything. I use my glasses

at school, to play football, to read and write, and

especially when I watch TV and play games,” said

nine-year-old Khun Pichudom.

Khun was screened at Preah Ang Duong Hospital

in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, one of 30 Lions

Children's Eye Care Centres aimed at eliminating

avoidable blindness in children.

Khun is just one of the 71 million childrenworldwide who have benefited through the

SightFirst and World Health Organisation joint

initiative. SightFirst has given more than $4 million

in funding to establish need-based centres in 30

countries around the world to provide preventive,

therapeutic and rehabilitative eye care services for

children. The centres also raise awareness and

educate the public on eye health care.

The partnership program, which began in 2002,

has provided training of eye health care workers in

areas previously under-served, the establishment of

low vision centres and equipment essential for

surgeries and screenings.

In a short time, the program has seen significant

accomplishments, including 8,010 pediatric

cataract surgeries, 1,358 retinopathy of prematurity

surgeries and 226,488 children receiving glasses to

correct refractive errors.

Khun only needed glasses to improve his vision,

while other children require surgery or preventative

medication.

Vision problems in children that are not caught

and corrected early can lead to blindness or vision

impairment later in life.

For children with Vitamin A deficiency, doses of

the vitamin can be provided at five cents a dose.

Not only does it help save vision, but it saves lives,

significantly reducing the child mortality rate in

many developing countries. A total of 64 million

Vitamin A treatments has been provided.

“Thank you to LCIF and WHO. They have

provided a lot of training to three of our doctors and

one nurse,” said Sau Sokunory, ophthalmologist at

Preah Ang Duong Hospital.

“They have taught a trainer, who is now the main

trainer in Phnom Penh and who is helping provide

screenings to other schools in Phnom Penh. We

have also received better equipment. It is crucially

important that we have partners like LCIF and WHO

to expand human resources and provide needed

equipment.”

Sokunory attended a three-month training course

through the program. More than 41,000 eye care

personnel in primary, low vision and surgery fields

have been trained throughout 30 countries.

“I would like to give my deepest appreciation to

Lions for helping my grandson,” said Nget Hay,

Khun's grandfather. “I hope Lions continue to

support this centre and future research to help all

children of Cambodia.”

SightFirst combats childhood blindness


WHAT SIGHTFIRSTRECIPIENTS THINK

“Speaking from my heart, theLions help us a lot, not just withthe cataract surgeries. They doeverything they can. I livealone, but they often visit me atmy house, checking up on me,giving me clothes. I am verygrateful.”

Maria Cristina Ramirez,a SightFirst patient from Uruguay

“I've received excellenttraining that I will be able totake back to the people ofRwanda. I will be able toprovide eye care where therewas none available before. Thiswould not have been possiblewithout the Lions.”

Emanuel,a student at the African Institute of

Tropical Ophthalmology (IOTA) in Mali

Dr. Sau Sokunory determines Khun Pichudom'seyeglass prescription during a screening at the PreahAng Duong Hospital.


16 The Lion

Bone-shatteringcorrugations and deep redsand weren’t enough tostop this dogged cyclist onhis Lions-supported trekacross Australia

RIDE THE

It seemed like a great challenge when localfarmer Murray Suckling approached DorrigoPlateau Lions in NSW.

An enthusiastic bike rider, Murray wanted to rideacross Australia to raise money for the Royal FlyingDoctor. He would be accompanied by a co-rider,Michael White, 72, his cousin from New Zealand.And he wanted help from Lions clubs along theway.

With his partner Marie, this super-fit 68-year-old had already accomplished several long-distance rides in Australia and New Zealand. Hisaim was to inspire other mature-age people tograb their own challenges.

After examining Murray’s detailed proposal andgaining approval from each of the four DistrictGovernors, and contacting each of the 15 Lionsclubs enroute, Dorrigo Plateau Lions declared theride a goer.

With Marie driving a back-up vehicle, it began atByron Bay (the most easterly point).

Lions clubs along the way quickly jumped onboard with Goondiwindi among the first. But therewere setbacks. The first came when wet weatherclosed the Strzelecki Track, forcing them to divertand re-commence the ride on the Stuart Highway.

There was a convivial Lions welcome in CooberPedy followed later by a side trip into Alice Springsand more Lions hospitality, plus a well earned rest.Uluru and the Olgas followed. While the countrywas magnificent riding conditions were appalling,with the road to Dockers River comprising soft,

deep and badly corrugated sand. From a cyclist’spoint of view, the sand here fitted into threeclassifications – hellish, damned hellish and “to hellwith it, I’ll get off and walk!”

West of Warburton the party met a Swiss ladywho was cycling unsupported from Perth to Ulurucarrying 50kg of water and equipment on her bike.After enjoying a cup of coffee with her, and,considering what she would be confronting, theydecided their trip with a support vehicle wasdefinitely “cycling for softies”. The next day they

met Geelong Lion John Olsen (previously reportedon in The Lion) who was walking Australia fromwest to east while pulling a cart with all his gear.

At Laverton, W.A., Murray wrote, "No more sand,no more bone-shattering, backside-numbingcorrugations and no more dirt roads!” There weremore Lions welcomes, at Geraldton andNorthhampton, before hitting Steep Point and thedeep blue Indian Ocean, the most westerly point oftheir journey. Here they were greeted by the sight ofa Humpback whale leaping high in the air.

The sand here fitted intothree classifications – hellish,damned hellish and ‘to hellwith it, I’ll get off and walk!’


February - March 2009 17

NEVER NEVER

SAND, SAND AND MORE SAND:Murray and his riding companion,cousin Michael White from NewZealand, negotiate outbackNorthern Territory (above).

RIGHT: After all that sand andhardship it was time for Murrayand Marie to celebrate their arrivalat Steep Point, W.A.

FAR LEFT: The support vehicledriven by Marie.


18

Two and a half days later, with a tailwind behind them, they reachedthe end of their journey at Carnarvon. They had travelled 6010km duringthe 70-day ride and raised $17,000 for The Royal Flying Doctor.

At ride’s end, Murray and Marie and Michael White thanked the manyLions Clubs and, in particular, Dorrigo Plateau Lions for their support.

Compiled from notes supplied by Lion Ian Price,Secretary, Dorrigo Plateau Lions Club,

who accompanied the ride

TOP: Murray and Michael congratulate one another near ride’s end.

LEFT: Lismore Lions show their support.

BELOW LEFT: Goondiwindi Lions with a cheque for The Royal FlyingDoctor.

BELOW: Murray and Michael meet Geelong Lion John Olsen during hiswest-to-east walk.

18 The Lion



Disadvantaged and “at risk” youth gained aboost when ACT Chief Minister Jon StanhopeMLA turned the first sod for a newdormitory/kitchen facility at the Lions YouthHaven.

The new building will accommodate up to 60young people on LYH camps or live-in courses.

The ceremony marked the start of a newbusiness plan initiated by the board of LYH to seekadditional partnerships. It’s hoped thesepartnerships will increase the opportunitiespresented to “at risk” and disadvantaged youth byWestwood Farm.

LYH approached the Student to Industry Program(SIP) and the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT)in June/July last year. This approach producedencouraging responses from both organisations,which place strong emphasis on “pathways” to

encourage “at risk” youth to develop basic skillpatterns leading to careers.

Talks with other organisations are alsoprogressing well.

The initial submission to the Chief Minister byLYH was made with the support of the Lions Club ofCanberra City. The ACT Government endorsed theinitiative wholeheartedly by providing $183,000 thisfinancial year – $100,000 to help with the newbuilding costs, $50,000 to purchase a bus totransport youth to and from the farm and $33,000for administrative support. Plus, consideration willbe given to a further $163,000 for administrativesupport over the next three financial years.

LYH Chairman Frank Brown, while thanking theChief Minister, said it was a tremendous fillip forLYH and will provide an excellent springboard tofurther consolidate the viability of Westwood Farm.

ACT grants $183,000 to Lions Youth Haven

It was a walk of memories when 22 engravedpavers were laid in a special path in the LionsSensory Garden at The Entrance North on theCentral Coast of NSW.

Appropriately it is called the Walk down MemoryLane project.

The Sensory Garden is a joint project of TheEntrance Lions Club and the Wyong Shire Council.The Lions Walk Down Memory Lane projectrecognises local citizens and organisations andhonours loved ones.

“People can buy a paver to celebrate a birth, awedding or anniversary, or just their love for eachother,” says Lion Don Grace who, along withSecretary Alan Turner and Lion Ken Bulkeley, is thedriving force behind this project.

The idea germinated when a member saw anadvertisement for these engraved pavers in TheLion.

It is a project also designed to help with the

upkeep of the Sensory Garden, in the past fundedby donations and the purchase of trees and shrubs.

The Lions Sensory Garden, a sanctuary from thehectic pace of modern life, has become a populartourist stop in recent years.

At the laying of the first suite of pavers, TheEntrance Lions President Ross Stuart thanked Lionswho established and have cared for the gardensince its inception in 2001, and especially Lionsinvolved in this paver project.

The club is happy to discuss logistics with anyothers considering similar projects.

Ross StuartLions Club of The Entrance

A happywalkdownmemorylane


20 The Lion

The Convention countdown to Melbourne 2009is on but you need to act quickly.

Lions and friends, this is your last update in

The Lion on the “Discover Melbourne” Convention,

although last-minute updates with all the details

can be obtained on the web page –

www.lionsclubs.org.au/Melbourne2009Convention/

A first class opening is expected and will start on

the Friday morning in the John Batman Theatre.

This will include formal speeches and the official

opening, with the Lions Memorial Service following.

International President Al Brandel will attend and

will host a formal session during the weekend. Al

will also attend as many of the social functions as

possible.

With so many restaurants and eateries within the

complex, lunch will be your choice of venue. The

afternoon will see the finals of the Youth of the Year,

a great chance to witness future leaders and to

encourage our youth.

An Informal Reception will take place at 5pm and

again this is a chance to catch up with old

acquaintances, make new ones and generally

socialise. It will be a finger food reception with

plenty available for all. The rest of the evening will

be free to savour the delights of Melbourne, or to

arrange dinners with your districts or just have a

lazy evening. The only formal event during the

evening will be the Past District Governors Dinner.

On the Saturday it’s down to business, again in

the John Batman Theatre, with the call to order at

8.30am. Included will be a question-and-answer

session, followed by the Partners Luncheon in the

complex.

If you are not going to this then again enjoy one

of the many local eateries.

The annual Australian Lions Foundation

presentation will be in the afternoon, followed by a

business session. Also in the afternoon will be three

interesting Forums (these incur Fares Equalisation).

At 7.30 on the Saturday evening First

Conventioneers will now be combined with the Life

Members and Key members. Fellowships and many

other Lions awards will be recognised. Again this is

a dinner not to be missed.

Sunday starts off as usual with a call to order at

8.30am followed by a business session until lunch.

Magnificent MelbourneDiscover this great southern city atour National Convention – May 1-3

Continued on page 23

Come on down

Tourism Victoria


The Lion22


February - March 2009 23

Again there is your choice of eatery, in the

complex or a short walk to the restaurants around

Southbank and the Crown Casino. The formal

luncheons will include PIDs, PCCs and partners,

and also past and present Cabinet Secretaries,

Treasurers and Partners.

Featured on Saturday will be Helen Jackson,

Principal of Pascoe Vale Girls College.

Magnificent MelbourneContinued from page 20

This session will introduce and welcome the

incoming DGs.

Finalising the convention will be a “Golden Night

on the River Dinner Dance” with music provided by

the full Melbourne Police Band. This will be a night

to remember and enjoy.

Whilst all this is happening over the weekend,

don’t forget to visit the display booths, to gain a

greater insight into Lions projects. These will be

open from Friday and all weekend during the

convention.

Multi-level parking is accessible off Siddeley

Street, which runs parallel to Flinders Street, and

behind the Victoria Police Centre, or over the river

off Normanby Road.

However, the easiest way to get there is by tram

or train. The Melbourne tram system is one of the

most efficient in the world and the Conference Hall

is the meeting place of trams coming from

Melbourne’s northern, eastern and southern

suburbs.

To enjoy Melbourne to the fullest stay on a few

days longer, take in one of the many shows in

town, see a football match, take a cruise and visit

Williamstown. Or perhaps you might like to enjoy

the view from the Southern Star Observation Wheel

which has just opened.

Come down and ‘Discover Melbourne’ – but

remember to book early.

Tourism Victoria


The Lion24

AROUND THE NATION

Two-tablecloth visitDistrict Governors’ official visits can sometimes be formalaffairs but that definitely wasn’t the case when V3 DG DonBlennerhassett and Lion Helen visited the Lions and LionessClubs of Trafalgar.

DG Don wore his Christmas hat, while Lion Helen lookedmagnificent in a Christmas dress she made out of twoChristmas tablecloths. The visit coincided with the Christmasbreak-up where members are advised to wear Christmasattire. And during the event DG Don’s address wasinterrupted by the arrival of Father Christmas, bearing aremarkable resemblance to club member Glenn Rodda.

DG Don Blennerhassett and Lion Helen get into the spirit

Lion Achiever

Bill bags a new award

“You can’t let little things stop you experiencing life,” says Bill Bradley, pictured here receivinghis National Disability Award in Canberra from the Hon. Brendan O’Connor MP, Minister forEmployment Participation.

Hornsby’s passionate Lion, Bill Bradley,has gained yet another major honour.

Bill, who has been making a difference inso many ways since becoming a quadriplegicafter contracting polio at 14, has beenawarded a National Disability Award atParliament House in Canberra.

Now in his 70s, this wheelchair-boundNSW Lion has achieved much. He hasstarted sporting clubs (he established thefamous Belrose Rugby League Club wherehe has fostered the talents of many youngpeople, helping them focus on what they canachieve rather than what they can’t). He hasrepresented his country at Paralympics andchampioned harness racing, fundraised andwon the 1998 International Paralympic

Committee's World Bowls Championship.This latest award recognises his

community commitment, including hissupport of young people in sport, particularlythose from disadvantaged or marginalisedbackgrounds.

The judges praised him as being anoutstanding role model who has madesubstantial contributions to his communitythrough inspirational sports leadership andmentoring roles.

“His inspirational leadership has helped toturn around the lives of hundreds of people,over many decades,” the judges said of theenergetic Lion who recently has beenworking with others in establishing a newLeos club in Hornsby.



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TAKING THE CAKE: Two of the original Chartermembers of Proserpine Lions Club, GeoffreyDray and Barry Humphries (right), cut the cakeat the club’s 40th birthday celebrations. On thenight, held at the Proserpine RSL Club, $11,000was presented to the Proserpine Aged CareHomes. Also presented was the Wally HinschenVolunteer of the Year Award to a local volunteer.This award was sponsored by the Hinschenfamily.

HOT ITEM: Just like a campervan, the new hot foodvan of Victoria’s Paynesville club (left) is able to beraised and lowered to make cooking and servingmuch easier. The van was made possible by theplanning and knowledge of Lions Mick Armstrong andIan Sharp, together with help from other Lions andlocal trades people. The van will be used duringemergencies such as fire and flood.

AND SO TO BED: The Gilbert ValleySenior Citizens Homes at Riverton, S.A.,is an electric bed better off thanks tothe Gilbert Valley Lions Club and theAustralian Lions Foundation. ClinicalManager Leslie Smith, demonstrates thenew bed to Lions Helen Karger, FrankGorey and Frank Reed. The homes nowhave 11 such beds and Leslie says it’shoped that one day all rooms will havesuch beds.

A thousand sausages kept awaythe pangs of hunger when eightSouth Barwon (Geelong) Lionscooked up a storm at the BarwonValley Special School’s break-up.

In previous years the barbecuefor the school, which educatesabout 200 handicapped students,has been cooked by parents butabout three years ago local Lionsoffered to spare them the task bydoing the cooking.

LEFT: Lions Bob Badham, DonTownson and Leigh Ross show theirskill at the grill.

90 YEARS YOUNG: Lion JoanWilson (right) celebrates her90th birthday with Lions ofthe NSW club MunmorahSummerland Point Inc. Stilldriving and the proud motherof Doctor Ross Wilson O.A.M,Joan has been a Lion for 14years and is a MunmorahSummerland Point Inccharter member.

Super Lionssizzlers


ON THE ROAD AGAINDedicated recruiters head west in the search for new membersIt was an old style recruiting drive when Q2MERL team recruiting and PR team took to theroad.

Four Cabinet members departed Townsville tosupport Zone 10 clubs out west to Mt Isa.

First stop was Hughenden where the Lions clubfolded in 2007. In its heyday Hughenden Lions hada membership exceeding 45 while supportingRotary and Apex clubs.

The team of VDG John Muller (also RetentionChairman); Leadership Orientation & TrainingChairman PDG Garth Gleeson; Membership

Chairman Betty Wilson and Chairman of CampKanga Robin Salmon (a past Leadership Chairman)spent a day and a half day in the town setting upthe recruiting caravan in the main street, and thenwalking the streets “cold calling” on all businesshouses and talking to anyone who could sparesome time. Nineteen people indicated they would beinterested in attending a community meeting to

discuss a whole new Lions club (or branch club) inthe town.

Next came a meeting with Richmond Lions and acouple of hours recruiting the next morning, thenMt Isa and another meeting and, the following day,a street walk to seek interested prospects.

With reports on local radio and in the North WestStar newspaper, the team’s work was promisingsuccess.

Then came Cloncurry, followed by Julia Creekwith the caravan in the main street.

Pavements were again pounded in Richmond,then on to Hughenden for a meeting to re-raise aLions presence.

In total, there were 19 prospects in Hughenden,15 in Mt Isa, 18 in Cloncurry, nine in Julia Creek,and 24 in Richmond (85 in total).

All will be followed up by local clubs and invitedto an information evening/dinner meeting, and it’shoped there will be up to 20 new members invitedinto the Lions family.

“Along the way we met and spoke to manyinteresting characters and were impressed with theway Lions are held in high regard in their localcommunities,” said VDG John Muller.

The trip also enabled many PR opportunities andmeetings with many local councillors and highprofile local identities.

“If nothing else was achieved, we certainly madethe most of every opportunity to promote our localclubs and the great work they’re doing.”

According to John,while age is creeping upwith some key Lions the enthusiasm is still asstrong as ever.

26 The Lion

Headquarters for these recruiting Lions was acaravan (above and below) that was prominentlyparked in the main streets of all the towns theyvisited. At trip’s end, the team had gathered 85prospects.


▲ Taking the cake I’m the Christmas Cakes Chairman of our club andperformed this song at our end-of-year Christmasmeeting. Members are used to me going on aboutpromoting Christmas cakes and puddings, butthey seemed to enjoy the novelty of this approach.

Neville ThrelfallLions Club of Killarney Bateau, N3

THE DYING CAKE-SELLER(To be sung to the tune of the bush ballad “TheDying Stockman”, accompanied on the Cakeophone– an empty 1.5kg Christmas cake carton, taped upfor resonance and slapped with the open hand.)

A Lions cake-seller lay dying,A large cake supporting his head.Club members around him were cryingAs he raised on his elbow and said:

27

To contribute to Your Say, mail letters toThe Editor, Your Say, The Lion magazine,20 Millett Road, Gisborne South, Victoria3437, or email [email protected] will be given to letters that areconcise. Letters may be edited for clarity,length and legal reasons.

yoursayLions’ letters

Dear Lions, Lionesses and Leos,I seek you assistance to ascertain the viability of

producing a business directory of Lionsprofessional services that would be circulated tothe membership, as is the Multiple DistrictDirectory, and/or via the Internet.

The directory, if produced, would be done on acost neutral basis and, as such, would be free toall members.

Advertising space would be sold to Lions whoare business owners, professionals and companyexecutives.

The primary benefit of the directory would be toenable Australian Lions to network their skills andservices within MD201 in the same manner as wedo within our clubs.

If adopted Lions would be able to promote theirexpertise to around 27,000 fellow Lions and theirassociates.

A secondary benefit is that such a directorycould be used as a powerful selling tool inattracting business owners and professionals tobecome members of our clubs.

If interested and for more information, pleaseassist by completing the questions below andreturning to me at:

Bob RadfordPO Box 162 Reynella SA 5161

Sincerely,Lion Bob Radford

Membership Services Manager

Name

Address

Phone

Email

Business or Service Provided

▲ Are you interestedin a Lions businessdirectory?

Wrap me up in a Christmas cake banner,And bury me deep down below,In rich Lions Christmas cake mixture -It's full of good dried fruit, you know.

O had I the wings of a wedgetail,And a pallet of cakes in each hand,I’d take Christmas cakes all o’er Australia,And outsell every club in the land.Wrap me up ....

Keep selling those Christmas cakes, fellers,Big reds and the green ones as well.There’s a banner patch there for our club, lads,If enough of those fruit cakes you sell.Wrap me up ....

Then there’s puddings, the big ones one kilo,And the little ones in the twin-pack;They make dandy gifts for the loved ones,So don’t let your selling go slack.Wrap me up …

Please give my regards to our Governor,And our District Cake Chairman so keen.Then tell them I’ve sold my last cake now,And they will know just what you mean.Wrap me up …

▲ Record contenderAfter reading the article on Lions Love Wraps –“That’s a Wrap ... but is it a record?” – in the lastissue, I write about what the Eildon Lions Club hasbeen doing regarding this project. In October 2005we sent 11 Love Wraps to earthquake victims inPakistan. Since then the club has sent 190 LoveWraps, 45 assorted-size jumpers, 122 beanies,eight scarves and 61 baby singlets to MahbobaRawi Inc in Sydney to be forwarded to theorphanage and school Mahboba has set up inAfghanistan. Most of this knitting has been doneby elderly ladies in the community who are notLions members. Two of these ladies have knittedmore than 100 Love Wraps between them.

Thelma LucasLions Club of Eildon

▲ Lion & LionessCongratulations to Lioness Betty Dickins ofYarrawonga Lioness Club and Joy Mattingley ofPalm Beach-Currumbin Lioness Club. Well done.We also have a Melvin Jones fellow in the name ofKay Hardy of the Lioness Club of Shoalhaven201N2. Kay was presented with this well deservedaward together with her husband Bevin Hardy (along serving member of the Bomaderry Lions Club)at a meeting of the Bomaderry Club in 2005. It isprobably the first time in Lions that a husband(Lion) and wife (Lioness) have been honoured fortheir many years of dedication and service to Lionsand Lionesses. Barry Passlow

Secretary, Lions Club Bomaderry 201N2February - March 2009

Australian Lions DrugAwareness Foundation Inc

Annual General Meeting 2009Notice is hereby given of the Annual GeneralMeeting of the Foundation to be held inMelbourne on Friday 1 May 2009commencing at 7.45 a.m.

Each Constituent Member is entitled to onevote and that representative should haveaccreditation from the Club Secretary.However in the case of a State/TerritoryDirector election only delegates from thatState/Territory may vote. Members notattending may complete a postal ballot.

Nominations are called for Directors forSouth Australia and Western Australia.Nominations are to be received by theSecretary by Tuesday 31 March 2009.

Nominee must be a member in goodstanding of a Constituent Club within therelevant State. Nomination forms areavailable from the Secretary at PO Box 530,Springwood QLD 4127, Fax: (07) 3341 0525or by email – [email protected]

Should a potential nominee wish to obtaina copy of the position description for aDirector please contact the Secretary of theFoundation as above.

David McKenzieSecretary


OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTSCOMMITTEE VACANCIESThe Council of Governors advises applications

are invited from Lions in good standing to fillthe following vacancies.

All Multiple District Committee positions are

honorary, and every Lion, no matter how new,is encouraged to apply. Lions intending toapply should note the following:

1 Applications will only be considered ifsubmitted on the current NominationForm, acknowledged by the applicant’s

District Governor and received at the LionsNational Office by the closing date.

2 Intending applicants must obtain a

Nomination Form, Position Statement andPerson Profile in relation to the positionfrom the Lions National Office.

These may be obtained by writing, faxing oremailing the National Office at one of thefollowing addresses:

Mail: Locked Bag 2000

Newcastle NSW 2300Email: [email protected]: (02) 4940 8034

The preferred method of distribution ofnecessary forms to intending applicants is by

email.

3 All candidates for Multiple District positions

shall submit- current standard Nomination Form- Curriculum Vitae

- Statement covering the issues outlined inthe Position Statement. This supportingStatement with CV shall not exceed three

single sided A4 pages.

APPLICANTS EXCEEDING THIS LIMIT

WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

4 The District Governor should ensure that

the nomination is complete in every respectprior to acknowledging it.

5 Nominations acknowledged by the DistrictGovernor must be received by the NationalOffice by email or post no later than 5.00 pm

Thursday 9 April 2009 (prior to Easter).

Late nominations will not be considered.

Nominations accepted will be considered atthe Council Meeting following the close ofnominations. All applicants will be advised in

writing of Council’s decision soon after thatCouncil Meeting.

ROB OERLEMANSEXECUTIVE OFFICERMD201 LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL INC.

January 2009

COMMITTEE POSITION TERM (to) COMMENTS

ADMINISTRATION

National Treasurer 30/06/13 The National Treasurer is a qualified accountant

who is generally responsible to the Council for allfinancial affairs of the Multiple District. Theincumbent receives an honorarium.

MARKETING

Hearing Dogs Committee

Following the initial term, all positionswill revert to 3 years.

Committee Members (5) -1 x

2 x2 xState Rep (4) -

NSWQLDTASWA

1yr 30/06/10

2yr 30/06/113yr 30/06/12

30/06/1230/06/1130/06/1030/06/10

Duties include being able to assist Clubs inassessments and follow up in dog placements,

prepare reports, represent and fully participate indecisions regarding the project.

Lion Mints District Co-ordinators (3)

'C', 'Q', 'W'

30/06/12 Demonstrated interest in the preparation,

implementation of strategies and programmes forthe promotion and marketing of Lion Mints.

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

MD Club Development Committee Chairman

District Co-ordinators (5)

'C' , 'N', 'Q', 'V', 'W'

30/06/12

30/06/12

Achievement of Council's objectives relating to

Club formation. Review & formulate policy of thesame.Attend MERL meetings, assist as directed by

Membership Manager & Chairmen.

Membership Development & Retention Chairman 30/06/12 Works in close co-operation with Club

Development, Leadership & Global MembershipTeam Leader. Relates to recruiting new members& development of existing members.

Lioness Committee Members (2)

SAVIC

30/06/12 Regular contact with Lioness Clubs, attending

meetings as required by the Chairman andsubmitting electronic reports.

YOUTH & COMMUNITY PROJECTS * Note: Police clearance is required for these positions

Australian Lions Children's Mobility

Foundation

Trustee

'W' Districts (1)

31/01/12 Acts as Trustee and is responsible for database

management and provision of administrativeservices for the foundation.

Youth Exchange Chairman

Program Chairman

Greeters (3)

28/02/12

28/02/12

28/02/12

Responsibilities include coordination of all aspectsof the Youth Exchange Programme and itspromotion

Duties include supervision of all aspects of theallocated programme and attending to all matterspertaining to the programme

Supervise Youth Exchange arrivals anddepartures - Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne



Ordinary and ConstitutionlalNotices of Motion

Notices of Motion to be considered atthe 2009 MD201Convention must besubmitted to the Executive Officer by theCouncil, a District Convention, a DistrictCabinet or a Lions Club not less than 60 daysbefore the opening of the MD201 Convention,or 2 March 2009.

Rob OerlemansExecutive Officer

Lions Australia

Notices of Motionrequirement

At its meeting in January 2009, the Council of Governors considered nominations received and made the following appointments:

ROB OERLEMANS EXECUTIVE OFFICER MD201 LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL INC. LIONS NATIONAL OFFICE NEWCASTLE January 2009

Committee Position Term (To) Appointee District

ADMINISTRATION

Sergeant-At-Arms

Insurance Committee Member

30/8/09 to 30/8/12 30/01/12

Bruce McLeod

Brian Favero

V5

N4

MARKETING

Christmas Cake Committee Chairman 31/01/10 Ross Gibbins Q1 Committee Members 'C' Districts 'Q' Districts

31/01/12 Tony Fairbank Tom Gould

C2 Q4

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Club Development (Extension) Chairman 'C' Districts 'N" Districts 'Q' Districts 'T' District 'V' Districts 'W' Districts

Pro-tem Carol Alderson Lyn Sparnon Vacant Tric Smith TBA Neil Wingrave Bill Robertson

N5 C2

Q1 T1V3 W2

Membership Development & Retention Chairman Pro-tem Harry Taylor V1

YOUTH AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Australian Lions Children's Mobility Foundation Trustee 'C' Districts 'T District

31/01/12 Vaal Dix Kae Campbell

C1 T1

Leo Committee Co-ordinator NSW 31/01/12 Martin Peebles N2

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

LIONS DIRECTORY 2009-2010The National Office will soon begin to compile information for the next edition of the Lions Directory.

Please let your Club Secretary know during February if you will choose to receive a copy of theDirectory – either in CD or paper format. Your Club will only be charged for the number of directoriesit purchases.

Club Secretaries are requested to provide the total number of copies required and total clubmembership figures to this office by Monday 16 March 2009.

This is also a good opportunity to notify your Secretary of any changes of address or other contactdetails, which may be required for the 2009-2010 Lions Directory.

LION MINT AUSTRALIAPROGRAM

Lions National Office no longer processorders for the Lion Mint Program.Please note that all enquiries, orders andpayments for Lion Mints are to be sent to:

Lion Mint AustraliaPO Box 637BROOKVALE NSW 2100FREECALL: 1800 815 787PH: (02) 9905 9799FAX: (02) 9905 4423EMAIL: [email protected]

VOLUNTEERS FORLIONS SHOP

Lions attending the Melbourne Conventionmight like to consider helping out at the LionsShop for few hours. If you can help, pleasecontact Catherine Urwin by e-mail [email protected]


The Lion

A Lion for only eight years,South Perth member Dave Wayhas left an indelible legacy.Before his untimely death inOctober last year he hadsponsored 11 new members,started a discounted musictuition program for children,formed a junior and senior bandunder the name of Lions, andserved two terms as President,1st and 2nd Vice President andthree years as MembershipChair.

Music was in Dave’s blood.Having emigrated to Australia as ayoungster with his family under aSalvation Army musicaldevelopment program, he joined theNavy while also playing in HectorCrawford’s Orchestra. He formed

and played innumerousbands andwas musicaldirector atAquinasCollege,XavierCollege andMazenodCollege. Whilst at Mazenod heformed a student jazz group thatmorphed into the Kalamunda YouthSwing Band that won internationalrecognition.

Dave’s legacy will continuethrough the junior and seniorbands. To book the senior band,contact band co-ordinator GeoffScarfe on 0414 609 940 or 9451 9275.

YOUTH OF THE YEAR

Ready, steady ... go!Christmas and New Year are gone and young people are back at school.That can only mean the footy season is coming! But it’s the start ofsomething more important in terms of the future of our country – Youth ofthe Year.

The YOTY committee has been working hard and hopes that work will berewarded with more clubs participating, which means more young peoplehaving the chance to reap the rewards and benefits from participating in thequest. This project is designed to give our young people a great opportunityto improve themselves – so it up to all Lions clubs to give them the chance.

Right now you will be looking at your Club, Zone and Region Finals, sothere are a few points we need to reinforce.Club finals

If you are unsure of how to run the public speaking section, download thesample Running Sheet fromthe web. Also, the Manual foreach level is a rich source ofinformation. Download thelatest version from the website(don’t use an old copybecause there were a numberof changes made at the startof this quest year). All clubsshould have received a copy ofthe Rule Updates with theirstationary. If you did not,contact your District Chairman,as copies were included in the stationary print run for every club.

Remember that your District Chairman is always available to assist withany issues you have.Judges

These are very important people, so choose them carefully. Make surethere is a balance of experience and professional background. Two pointsthat must be strongly reinforced:-

1. Judges can only officiate ONCE in any Lions Quest year2. Judges CANNOT be a Lion, Lioness or Leo. This is important to ensure

the integrity of the panel. A judge cannot be a teacher from a school thathas entrants in your final.Zone, Region finals and beyond

Please ensure your club members support your representative through allstages of the quest. If your club winner does not get past the next level,please go to the other finals anyway. It is always a good event and you willbe amazed and entertained while showing support for our youth.

Club, Zone and Region Chairmen, please read your Manual. There arelots of good ideas and suggestions there. If you don’t yet have your copy,download it from our website by clicking on the “YOTY Manual PDF” link.Merchandise

Remember to order your prizes and presentations either though yourDistinct Chairman or the MD Office in Newcastle. We now have an expandedrange available with pins, pens, compendium and the new thermal waterbottle.Scoring system review

We are still keen to receive input into the review of the scoring system.There is a review form available on our website. Please go to that site anddownload the page, or contact your District Chairman for details. Thank youto those who have already contributed submissions to this review.

If you want to learn more about Youth of the Year, please visit out websiteat http://www.lionsclubs.org.au/yoty

Youth of the Year - “You just can't lose”Adrian Miles, Chairman Youth of the Year

Farewell, Mr Music

It’s claimed to be the mostadvanced ‘flying intensive careunit’ operating in Australia.

It’s the Royal Flying Doctor’snewest aircraft, the Beechcraft KingAir B200C VH-MVW.

One of the defining differences inthis aircraft with its world-firstmodifications is its medical cabinet.

Dubbed the “nerve centre” of theplane’s life-saving capability, thecabinet, which contains many

medical necessities, has beenmade possible by a $57,500donation by Sydney Chinese Lionsto the RFD Service of Australia,South Eastern Section.

The donation followed a charityball last year at the SydneyConvention and Exhibition Centre.The aircraft was named RFDSFriends at a ceremony officiated atlast year by the Hon Nicola Roxon,MP, Minister for Health and Ageing.

Flying Doctors flying highDr Anthony Cheung of Sydney Chinese Lions in front of the new RFD aircraft.

30



VALE Past District Governor Don Owen– 6 January 2009

PDG Don Owen joined Lions in 1974 as aCharter Member of the Heywood Lions Club inwestern Victoria and when he and Sue movedback to Melbourne in 1985, he became aCharter member of the Lions Club of Clarinda.

A very active member with Clarinda for juston 24 years, he held most portfolios and wasinstrumental in setting up the branch club ofOrmond McKinnon. On completion of his year asDistrict Governor, the club presented him with aMelvin Jones Fellowship.

On District Cabinet he served as Zone andRegion Chairman, VDG and District Governor2007-2008. He had also held the portfolios ofChairman for Hearing Dogs; Lion Mints;Membership, Extension, Retention and NewClubs Manager; Leader of the FuturesCommittee; and also served as DistrictRepresentation with the Bionic Ear, VictorianLions Foundation and on the FundraisingCommittee of the Lions Cord Blood Foundation,being responsible for establishing the GreatAustralian Grocery Grab nationwide.

Lion Don washeavily involvedwith the Victorianchapter of Habitatfor Humanityhelping to buildseveral homes insouth-eastMelbourne andestablishing aRestore outlet inRingwood.

On a personalnote, Donparticipated in most sports, which includedtennis, ice hockey, basketball, Aussie Rules,table-tennis, squash and golf. He came throughthe ranks of Cubs and Scouts before becominga Senior Scoutmaster. He and Sue were marriedfor 41 years and when Sue served as DistrictGovernor he affectionately became knownthroughout the District as “The Bagman”.

Our thoughts are with PDG Sue and family.

Many young victims of abuse are unable tolive at home and find themselves living oncouches in the homes of friends. Others havenowhere to turn but the challenging culture ofthe streets.

It’s a situation that occurs Australia-wide butwhen the Adelaide Community Lions Club becameaware of it members decided to act.

Now the club supports youth at risk. Skilledcouncillors work with homeless young people toprepare them to make a fresh start.

A typical case might involve a young person whohas just been allocated a partially furnished house.

He or she might have a bed but no linen. Or a stovebut no cooking utensils.

If the young person were given a frying pan, asaucepan, some cutlery, some glasses, a dinner setand some tea towels they might be encouraged torepay their friend's hospitality and ask them aroundfor dinner. Their friend's mother might even sharesome cooking tips. While an agency can findgovernment money for housing, it can't findgovernment money for cutlery and the like.

Aware of the problems, Lion Sue Dunn has beenputting together starter kits for several years. Thisproved one way to encourage young people to takepride in their hard-won lodgings. Then the ideaextended to cleaning and personal hygiene kits.

Adelaide Community Lions is not a rich club butit does have close relationships with caring peoplewho can help. Fred Heidt from the Chapley RetailGroup (Foodland) generously made available $5000to fund its project. Andrew Wilkins of CampbellsCash and Carry provided items at generous prices.A mountain of goods was delivered to Adelaide HighSchool where community service students packedstarter kits, cleaning kits and personal hygiene kits.Redback cricketers Graham Menou and Dan Cullendonated time to mix with the students and AdelaideCommunity Lions members to put the kits together.

Kitting out those most at risk

Lion Sue Dunn works with Adelaide High Schoolstudents preparing kits.

Australian Lions QuestYouth Institute Ltd

Notice is hereby given of the Annual GeneralMeeting to be held during the MD 201Convention in Melbourne from 1 to 3 May2009. Time and location to be advised.

Nominations are invited for the positionsof State Director for Western Australia,Victoria, Tasmania, Northern NSW, ACT andsouthern NSW.

Nomination forms and details available onthe website www.lionsclubs.org.au/lions-quest or from [email protected]

Office moving to S.A.The Lions Quest office is moving to SouthAustralia. The office will be manned byDirector Lion Bronte Cameron and hisvolunteer helpers.

As of 1st January, 2009 the officialaddress will be PO Box 121, SalisburySouth. SA 5106

We will be retaining the toll-free number1800 805 334 and the email [email protected].

Donna Munro, our Senior Consultant andTrainer, will still be available to runworkshops anywhere we are asked to runthem. If anyone has any other enquiries, youcan contact the Chairman, David Knowles,on 0427 354 667 or by email.

If you recognise any ofthese names, thisinformation is for you...Cameron Kinghorn, Spud Wilson, Tracey

Warwick, Belinda Beard, Nicole O'Brien,Scott Harrington, Andrew Wylie and the listgoes on.

I am looking for any Victorian Leos whowere active in the 1990s.

If you know of any Leos who were activeduring this time, please encourage them tocontact me regarding a Victorian LeoReunion later this year.

This is going to be a great event and Iwould like to try and get the word out to asmany ex-Leos as possible.

I can be contacted on 03 9759 9052 orat [email protected]

Thanks,Belinda Whelan


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

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Become a LionFellowship ... good times ... meeting people ... buildinglasting friendships ... service to the community ...learning new skills ... leadership and personaldevelopment – these are just some of the benefits ofbeing a member of Lions, the world's largest and most active service club organisation.

Lions have been a part of the Australian communitysince 1947, serving the people without promise orwant of reward. Lions are people just like you!

Joining is by invitation, but applications areencouraged from all members of the community.Membership is for men and women over 18 and ofgood moral character and reputation.

Just fill in the form and send to the NationalOffice so it can be forwarded to a District or Lions Club near you.

Support LionsLions are about giving back to their communities.

Lions Australia supports medical research, peoplewith disabilities, emergency relief and leadershipdevelopment through its projects and activities.

But Lions cannot do it alone. Your donation orbequest will help Lions to continue this importantwork.

If you would like to assist Lions, please send yourdonation to:

LIONS DONATION

Multiple District 201 of Lions ClubsInternational Inc.

Locked Bay 2000

Newcastle 2300

If you would like information on how tomake a tax deductible donation to Lions, emailour Executive Officer at [email protected] or phone on 02) 4940 8033

Helping Lions will help so many others in somany different ways.

✄✄

www. l i onsc lubs .o rg.au

Time to give

Lions a hand?


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