PICTURING OUR BEAUTIFUL WORLD PICTURING OUR BEAUTIFUL WORLD Lions urged to take the environmental path NEW NEW PRESIDEN PRESIDEN T’S T’S PLANS PLANS FOR FOR LIONS LIONS AUSTRALIA PAPUA NEW GUINEA EDITION $1 AUSTRALIA PAPUA NEW GUINEA EDITION $1 OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2010 Aussie Lion wins endorsement for 2nd International Vice President MEET THE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN WITH A SONG IN HIS HEART Registered by Australia Post Publication No. pp255003/01624
Transcript
PICTURING OUR BEAUTIFUL WORLDPICTURING OUR BEAUTIFUL WORLDLions urged to take the environmental path
NEWNEWPRESIDENPRESIDEN
T’ST’SPLANSPLANS
FORFORLIONSLIONS
AUSTRALIA PAPUA NEW GUINEA EDITION $1AUSTRALIA PAPUA NEW GUINEA EDITION $1
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2010
Aussie Lion wins endorsement for 2nd International Vice President
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 International, 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, NSWPhone: (02) 4940-8033Lions Australia website: www.lionsclubs.org.auDeadlines: 1st day of month before cover date.MD201 Council of Governors: Ray Marks C1, GrahamSmithers C2, Peter Clarke N1, Warren Woods N2, CliffColeman JP N3, Richard Leonard N4, John Harrison N5,Lesley Lyons Q1, Patrick D Lynch Q2, Beverley Bates Q3,Neville Luckel Q4, Ken Gatehouse T1, Graeme Lukey V1-4,Max Oberlander V2, Shirley Higman V3, Anthony StockdaleV5, John Beale V6, Bill Laundy W1, Terry Gray W2.Distribution 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] Executive Director – Peter LynchManaging Editor - Dane La Joye, Lions Clubs International300 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842 USAExecutive Officers President Sid L. Scruggs III, NorthCarolina, USA; Immediate Past President Eberhard J. Wirfs,Kelkheim, Germany; First Vice President Dr. Wing-Kun Tam,Hong Kong, China, Second Vice President Wayne A. Madden,Auburn, Indiana, USA.Directors First year: Yamandu P. Acosta, Alabama, USA;Douglas X. Alexander, New York, USA; Dr. Gary A. Anderson,Michigan, USA; Narendra Bhandari, Pune, India; JanezBohori , Kranj, Slovenia; James Cavallaro, Pennsylvania,USA; Ta-Lung Chiang, Tiachung,Taiwan; Per K. Christensen,Aalborg, Denmark; Edisson Karnopp, Santa Cruz Do Sul,Brazil; Sonja Pulley, Oregon, USA; Krishna Reddy, Bangalore,India; Robert G. Smith, California, USA; Eugene M. Spiess,South Carolina, USA; Eddy Widjanarko, Surabaya, Indonesia;Seiki Yamaura, Tokyo, Japan; Gudrun Yngvadottir,Gardabaer, Iceland.Second Year: Enrico Cesarotti, Rome, Italy; Luis Dominguez,Mijas Pueblo, Spain; Gary B. D’Orazio, Idaho, United States;Yasumasa Furo, Dazaifu, Japan; K.P.A. Haroon, Cochin,India; Carlos A. Ibañez, Panama City, Panama; Ronald S.Johnson, Maine, United States; Byeong-Deok Kim, Seoul,Republic of Korea; Horst P. Kirchgatterer, Wels/Thalheim,Austria; Hamed Olugbenga Babajide Lawal, Ikorodu, Nigeria;Daniel A. O’Reilly, Illinois, United States; Richard Sawyer,Arizona, United States; Anne K. Smarsh, Kansas, UnitedStates; Jerry Smith, Ohio, United States; Michael S. So,Makati, the Philippines; Haynes H. Townsend, Georgia,United States; Joseph Young, Ontario, Canada.
C O N T E N T S
4 International President’s report
5 PID Barry Palmer endorsed
6 Lions Action
8 Great partners all
10 CC with a song in his heart
12 Council Chairman’s report
15 Grandmother’s jungle triumph
17 Environmental Photo Contest
19 In the swim at last
21 Putting smiles on young faces
22 Operation Kiribati
26 Official announcements
28 Your Say
“To create and foster a spirit of understandingamong all people for humanitarian needs byproviding voluntary services throughcommunity involvement and internationalcooperation”
PICTURING OUR BEAUTIFUL WORLDPICTURING OUR BEAUTIFUL WORLDLions urged to take environmental path
NEWNEWPRESIDENPRESIDEN
T’ST’SPLANSPLANS
FORFORLIONSLIONS
AUSTRALIA PAPUA NEW GUINEA EDITION $1AUSTRALIA PAPUA NEW GUINEA EDITION $1
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2010
Aussie Lion wins endorsement for 2nd International Vice President
MEET THE COUNCILCHAIRMAN WITH ASONG IN HIS HEART
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Page 17 - Environmental photos
Page 15 - Beating Kokoda Trail
Page 10 - New Council Chairman
Our c
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COVER: The last LionsEnvironmental PhotoContest was won bythis striking shot of aneagle landing on an iceflow ... and now Lionsare being urged toagain focus on theenvironment byentering this year’scontest. It just mighthelp preserve ourplanet. Details page 17.
‘We serve’
ContributionsContributions for the December -
January 2010/2011 issue should besubmitted by November 1 to TheEditor, Lion magazine, Fawcett Media,20 Millett Rd, Gisborne South, Victoria3437 or emailed [email protected]
Service atService atforefrontforefrontfor Lionsfor LionsBy Sid L Scruggs lll, President,The International Association of Lions Clubs
A few years ago I took part in an eyeglass mission. Some ofthe elderly people we helped had not seen well in years. Well,you can imagine their joy when their vision was improved. Iwill never forget one grandmother who eagerly gazed atphotos of her grandchildren. Tears rushed down her cheeks. Iwas choked up myself. When you can see how you havehelped someone, there is no better feeling. That grandmothergot her sight back, but my eyes were opened, too. I reallyunderstood the value of service and the importance of Lions.
This October I am asking Lions to consciously make a servicecommitment. Certainly, Lions exemplify selfless service. But Lionsand clubs can take their service to another level. We do a great jobbut we still can do more. Lions are the kind of people capable ofexpanding the range and depth of their service.
The service commitment complements the global service actioncampaigns this year. I am urging Lions to provide service related toyouth, sight, hunger and the environment during specific times ofthe year. We serve better the more we serve.
Let’s remind ourselves we are all about service. Perhaps thefellowship is what attracted some of us to Lions. We don’t want todiscount the satisfaction we gain from our Lions friends. But Lionsremain Lions because of the satisfaction we get from service. If weweren’t making a difference in people’s lives, we’d be anothersocial organisation such as a dance or travel group. But we areLions and service is our calling card.
I believe we write our own destinies and craft who we are. So inOctober I urge each Lion to make a conscious decision to becomeeven more involved in club activities. Please formalise this renewedcommitment by completing the Lions online service commitmentpledge. (Go to www.lionsclubs.org and search for servicecommitment pledge.) Completing the pledge will give you an extraimpetus to become more involved in club activities. The end resultwill be that someone in your community will have a better life andyou will smile or even tear up realising the difference you havemade.
Clubs also should take part in the commitment to servicecampaign by assessing their level of service, the needs of thecommunity and the steps to be taken to expand their service. Theyshould pay particular attention to their signature service project orimplement one if they don’t have one. A club should have a projectfor which it is widely known and admired. Such projects enhanceour visibility, increase the pride of members and serve as a rallyingpoint for the club. Signature projects boost our image and ourcapabilities.
So next month let’s be the best Lions and clubs we can be bypurposely committing ourselves to service. Let’s be who we are –Lions.
This Lion year International President Sid L. Scruggs III isencouraging Lions to commit themselves to service more than ever.
He has designated October as service commitment month and isasking Lions to sign an online commitment service pledge. (Go towww.lionsclubs.org and search for service commitment pledge.)
The pledge is non-binding. No one will check in subsequent months tosee if a Lion who has signed the form has indeed increased his or herservice. But the pledge serves as a kind of oath or promise for a Lion tobe the best Lion they can be and not to be satisfied with a routinecommitment. Lions can print the pledge and place it in their wallet or
purse, affix it to a wall in theclub house or otherwise displayit at a club meeting.
“Lions are all about service.We do a terrific job in servingour communities. But we cando better. We need to do better.Lions are the beacon of hopefor our communities,” saysScruggs.
October is traditionallyGrowth Month in which Lionsare asked to recruit newmembers. That emphasis ongrowing the associationremains. But Lions also arebeing asked to committhemselves to service tostrengthen their clubs and theassociation.
The commitment to service is part of Scruggs’ general emphasis onservice, particularly hands-on or direct service. Four special serviceevents are slated for the Lion year. In August, Lions were asked to shinea beacon of hope on youth by planning programs in conjunction with theUnited Nations World Youth Day. In October, Lions are asked to preventblindness in conjunction with Lions’ World Sight Day. Around theholidays, the emphasis is on alleviating hunger and in April, in support ofEarth Day, the focus is on environmental projects.
Scruggs also is encouraging clubs to join in the commitment toservice. A club may choose to assess its level of service and determinethe best way to strengthen its community service. A highly successfulstrategy is to adopt or expand a signature project, a club activity forwhich it is known and admired.
“My club is very involved in the VIP Fishing Tournament. Our memberslove going there. We bring a lot of joy to people with disabilities and wehave a great time doing it,” says Scruggs.
Indeed, studies have shown that volunteering amply rewardsvolunteers. Service improves volunteers’ problem-solving skills, ability toconnect with others and overall sense of self-satisfaction. Service evenresults in numerous health benefits, according to the Washington-basedCorporation for National and Community Service. Volunteers have greaterlongevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression and lessincidence of heart disease.
Commit for October!President’s call to strengthen service
October is the month to commit with acommunity project. This Lion is doinghis bit by straightening a headstone in acemetery.
On the 15th August, 2010 in the earlyhours of the morning Past InternationalDirector Barry Palmer received one of
the most important telephone calls of hisLions life.
The call was from the Executive Committee ofLions Clubs International advising him that he hadbeen selected by them to be the endorsedcandidate for International Second Vice President.
Their recommendation will be taken to the nextInternational Board Meeting for confirmation, andonce gained, PID Barry will present for election atthe International Convention in Seattle.
History tells us that the endorsed candidate isalmost certain of election.
This is incredibly exciting news for allmembers of the Australian Lions family – Barrywill be our first International Executive Officer.
Following Barry’s endorsement from the LCIExecutive we had the opportunity to ask Barrysome questions regarding his nomination andcampaign for International 2nd Vice President.
Q. Does the endorsement mean that you willautomatically be elected as 2nd VicePresident?A. No it does not. We still have to have the Boardapproval and then be elected by the delegates to
Seattle. That is why it is very important that weget as many Aussie Lions as possible to Seattle.Q. What will you and Anne be required to doprior to Seattle?A. We will have to travel to five different areaforums. Here we will meet and get to know theLions Leaders and the Lions from the differentregions of LCI. They will, in turn, get to know
Anne and myselfwhich willenable us to beas well knownand informed aspossible when Ijoin theExecutive.Obviously I willalso be seekingtheir support andendorsement.Q.What willhappen inSeattle?A. We will bebusycampaigning forthe votes. That is
why volunteers are important. We will need tohand out brochures and give-aways so thedelegates know who they are voting for. We haveto provide volunteers to different parts of theoperation, particularly in the voting area.Q. What is required of the volunteers and howmany do we need?
A We will need a lot of volunteers. There will bea variety of roles from working in the voting areasto handing out pamphlets, working in the arenafor the demonstration and assisting in the visitsto caucus breakfasts and the list goes on. Moreinformation and the opportunity to register as avolunteer will be published in future editions ofthe Lion magazine.Q. How does your endorsement affect futureInternational Directors from MD201?A. It means we will not be able to have anInternational Director until 2016. We will miss twoturns that will go to either New Zealand orIndonesia.
As can be seen the next 10 months leading upto the Seattle Convention will be exceedinglybusy for Barry and his Campaign Committee.
This will be our only chance for many years tohave an Australian International President andwe, the Campaign Committee, are asking forEVERY Australian Lion to support Barry in hisquest – starting by coming to Seattle.
He has proved that he can do the job – he willbe an effective and innovative leader of ourassociation and how proud can we be becausehe is an AUSTRALIAN LION.
As Past International Director Dr Bob CoulthardAM, chairman of the Campaign Committee, said“After 64 years of membership of LCI, we are, atlast, going to have an Executive Officer. We canbe very proud of Barry. He will do a great job”
PDG Carlene KingMember, Campaign Committee
‘This will beour onlychance formany yearsto have anAustralianInternationalPresident’
Australian Lions history in the making
PID Barry Palmer endorsedas candidate for InternationalSecond Vice President
Barry the Lion in the field, here on a visit to anorphanage in Chennai, India.
Barry the international Lions leader, here withInternational Preisdent Sid Scruggs and PID EdMcCormack.
Barry the husband and family man, here withhis supportive wife Anne.
If you hear clicking knitting needles whenpassing motorhomes or caravans on thehighway, it just might be a Lionsonozmember knitting garments for needychildren.
Lionsonoz ladies have been spending endlesshours knitting garments and toys for orphansand premature babies in third world countries.
Charter President Yvie Kearns said thatbecause Lionsonoz does not yet have an activityaccount, it can’t raise or donate money toworthy causes – so supplying desperatelyneeded items for children in AIDS or war-affected countries is a good option.
More than a hundred items have already beendispatched to childcare centres in Harare,Zimbabwe.
These centres look after hundreds of childrenwho have become orphans, mostly because theirparents have died of AIDS.
Because lice are a problem and children haveto have their heads shaved, beanies are in greatdemand.
Some Lionsonoz ladies prefer to knit “trauma”toys.
Chairman of the project is Betty-Anne White –0427603801 or [email protected] Betty-Anne received hundreds of articles atthis year’s national convention in Mildura .
Lionsonoz caters for Lions who are touringaround as "grey nomads".
LIONS ACTION
RIGHT: Dominic aboard his new four-wheel motorisedscooter provided by Beecroft-Cheltenham Lions.
A moving stich in time
Wheely good idea
Children in Harare excitedly receive the knitted gifts sent over by the members of Lionsonoz.
Sydney’s Beecroft-Cheltenham club believes inrecycling.
So when it presented local boy Dominic with abrand new four-wheel motorised scooter it wasn’tabout to throw out Dominic’s old scooter (previouslyprovided by the club).
It’s being refurbished for another worthyrecipient.
The new scooter was made possible thanks to atrivia night.
And Beecroft-Cheltenham Lions didn’t stop there.They made representations to the local council for afootpath to be installed to make Dominic’s “drive” toschool that little easier – and the council duly got towork.
Fire-ravaged Kinglake in Victoria has takendelivery of a new SES vehicle thanks in part tothe efforts of the Greensborough Lions Club.
It began with a giant parade through Sydney to the Opera House in which Lions from around the world joined in a show of unity and determination tomake ours a better world. By week’s end much of the city had been caught up in the mood of goodwill. For organisers, visitors, volunteers andSydney citizens alike it was a demonstration of just what can be achieved when Lions get serious about tackling an important project.
The fundraising efforts of Lions in fire-ravaged Marysville will go up a notchfollowing the donation of a chip cooker byLeeton, NSW Lions.
The cooker wasdelivered to MarysvilleLions earlier this yearafter a careful five-hour drive.
The cooker hadbeen lying idle in theLeeton club’s storageshed for several years.
“I knew that anotherservice club in the Leeton community hadrecently converted their barbecue van into achip-cooking facility, so the chances of futurework for our cooker would have been limited”,said Lion Col Attree.
The cooker was delivered in the back of Col’s
reliable old Holden one-tonner, often referred toas the “Lions Ute”.
Said President Alan Brink:, “The unit has threelarge gas-fired tubs and is in good condition. Withthe longer winters experienced in that part of ourcountry, I would guess it could get a lot of use.”
Cancer research by scientists at Sydney’sWestmead Children’s Hospital has been boostedthanks to a Lions donation of a vital piece ofequipment – a Kinematics Polytron System.
The state-of-art system was made possible by theWest Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Lions and the NSW
Lions Public Health Foundation.It will assist the hospital’s Tumour Bank to isolate
and analyse genetic material for various currentcancer research projects.
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead currently hasover 25,000 cancer specimens donated by patients
in the course of their treatment.The collection represents 50 varying
cancer types. The machine will facilitatea better understanding of variouscancers and provide information-sharingon a world-wide basis.
The club is a major donor to theoncology unit. “Because the equipmentdid not qualify for government funding,the Westmead Children’s Hospital isreliant on community volunteerorganisations like Lions International toprovide vital tools for ongoing research,”said President Ken Budden.
Polytron to the rescue
You little chipper!
Doing great things
LEFT: Dr Jennifer Byrne, Associate Professorand acting head of the Children’s CancerResearch Unit, accepts the equipment (picturedabove) on behalf of the hospital.
The cooker arrives in Marysville on the back of Col’s reliable Holden one-tonner(left) thanks to the efforts of these happy Lions.
Tiny Boyup Brook in south-west W.A.has just 19 members but it’s providinggreat service.
With help from the local IGAsupermarket it purchased an automaticdefibrillator for emergency heart attackpatients. And now it has its own Leo club.
The young Leos are mainly female sothere was much excitement when theclub hosted a handsome 17-year-old
male Leo from Argentina. “Leo SantiagoMamberti had corresponded with us priorto his arrival and told us he was from thesmall town of Allen (pronounced Ashen)with only 20,000 people,” reported LionLorri Jones.
“Santi had some wonderful stories ofhis Leo Club in Allen and his service tohis community, an inspiration to ouremerging young Leos.”
Argentinian Leo Santi came up with a problem in telling who was whowhen he met young twins Alisha and Lauren Jones. The girls are thegranddaughters of PDG Keith and Lorri Jones.
Individually and as an organisation,Lions can achieve mighty things.
But to maximise our efforts, to makeit all worthwhile, we need outsidehelp and financial support.That’s where our commercialpartners come in.
Lions Australia is in the happysituation of having some of the bestcorporate sponsors any organisationcould desire, great companies thatsee the worth in teaming with and
supporting Lions in its humanitarianprojects.
They are companies such as GMHolden which sponsors ourconventions and helps out in so manyother valuable ways, NAB thatsponsors our hugely successful Youthof the Year program, and, morerecently, InvoCare (Australia’s largestfuneral service group) andInterContinental Hotels Group with itsworldwide network of top class hotels.
As Lions Australia setsforth into a new round ofAustralia-wideconventions (see detailson opposite page), it is a
good time to say thanks for theinvolvement of these our fellowcommunity-minded organisations.
Without them these conventions andmany of our wide range ofhumanitarian projects would not bepossible.
At the same time, it is suggested thatyou might consider the services andproducts of these companies in yourown day-to-day lives.
It is just one way we canthank them for making iteasier for us to helpothers in our vital andon-going work.
HBR0467_210x277_LionsMag-FA.indd 1 10/9/10 11:12:59 AM
GREAT PARTNERS ALL!When there’s work to be done, it pays to have good support
Frank Sinatra might have been the chairman of the board but this crooner is morethan happy singing along as chairperson of the Lions Australia Council
CC with a song in his heartIf things get over-heated at Lions Councilmeetings there’s a ready safety valve onhand – chairperson Bob Gilchrist.
A long-time singer in amateur theatre, Bobknows just how to lighten the mood with a rousingsong – and, given half a chance, he’s happy tooblige with maybe a favourite from Phantom of theOpera or Oaklahoma.
In fact, he’s regularly sung at Lions and otherfunctions and even shared some of Peter Allen’sdownunder anthem I Still Call Australia Home at theAustralian Reception at the recent InternationalConvention in Sydney.
Not that Bob, who describes himself as an easy-going sort of bloke, expects fireworks as the newChairperson. He sees Lions Australia as being at anexciting crossroads, with a huge potential for growthand harmony in times ahead.
Born in Belfast, Ireland, Bob, a naturalised Aussiewith a ready wit, arrived here, thanks to a ‘Bring OutA Briton’ scheme, in 1959, the same year his wife-to-be, Barbara, arrived with her family fromManchester.
“My landlady, a friend of mum, came out afterthe war and I decided to come out as well with amate – but he found himself a girlfriend anddecided he didn’t want to come out so I wrote tomy landlady to see if she’d sponsor me out. Shewas a civilian widow and put me on to the Apexclub and they did all of the paper work and
sponsored me out here, and organised aclerical job at a Geelong company.”
Typically, Bob jokes that Apex can beblamed for his presence here. “Actually, Ifeel some people would offer 10 quid forme to go back again.”
Early on there was homesickness forIreland but quickly he found his feet,and his stage presence.
“At first I was at a bit of a loss so Ijoined a local amateur group here inGeelong, the musical comedy company,” saysBob. “It started from there really. Barbara (asoprano and dancer) sang in choirs quite a bit. Ijoined the theatre company first and she joined alittle later.
“Actually, the first parts we played were inOaklahoma. The leading man was transferred toSydney and he rang me up at late notice andasked if I would stand in as Curly. And Barbarawas playing the lead at the time. That was thefirst time a husband and wife had played
togetherin one of our bigproductions.”
Musical prideWhile Bob, a tenor who now classes himself as
more a light baritone, is proud of his musicalbackground he appears even happier that their twosons, Jonathan and Ian, have inherited their parents’love of music (Jonathon, the elder one, teachesdrama and movement along with biology at
ABOVE: The Gilchrist family, including sons Ian andJonathan with their partners Penni and Katie andgrandson Jasper, at Bob’s changeover dinnerearlier this year.
RIGHT: Sizzling sausages for the Leopold LionsClub.
Geelong’s Kardinia College, while Ian is in two bands,has co-written and produced a CD and has evenwritten a song about the work of Lions in Australia).
Looking back, Bob, a keen exerciser (he andBarbara regularly bushwalk, he played rugby fornearly 12 years and still fits in an occasional gameof squash) marvels at how good life has been forhim in Australia.
For 33 years he worked for the Ford MotorCompany as a purchasing officer in the productdevelopment and testing area, and after that for 11years as a part-time driver and overseeing couriersfor Geelong Hospital.
Bloodshed in Northern IrelandHailing from Northern Ireland, Bob is inevitably
quizzed about past sectarian troubles there. Hegrew up in Belfast against a backdrop ofProtestant-Catholic tension and, although notdirectly involved, well remembers fights and stone-throwing among
youths – and thebattles during July 12th celebrations when theOrangemen walked through predominantly Catholicparts of the city.
“I used to live around the Crumlin Road and FallsRoad area, which is the Catholic and Protestantdividing line just up near the Peace Wall,” herecalls. While he missed much of the ugliestbloodshed, he returned to visit family in 1969, justas the bombings were on the increase, and wasappalled by the damage and heartbreak in areas hehad known well.
Since 2000 when he last visited the city, theviolence has dramatically subsided but heexpresses dismay that once again some in the cityseem to be trying to reignite hostilities.
As a Lion, and a person, Bob’s mantra is one ofhappy co-existence. “I think I’m fairly easy going, Itry not to hassle or upset people. If I’ve got an ideaor feel strongly about something, well, I do like toforce my opinion. But, yeah, I can be a goodlistener at times.”
Observe that he’s a relaxed public speaker andhe advises, “My wife would say that’s because I‘man Irishman.” But this Irishman has nothing butpraise for his wife’s support in his Lions role,
especially in regard to his appointment as CouncilChairperson.
It came out of the blue. He hadn’t planned to puthimself forward but made the move after a pastcouncil chairman suggested he should give it go. “Ihad a talk to Barbara about it and she said ‘Yep, well,you only have one chance at it so let’s go for it.”
He won the appointment from a group of eight.While his Lions credentials are tailor-made, he
typically passes a lot of the credit back to his wife,a former office manager and bookkeeper with “anorganised mind”, for keeping him in line, especiallywith appointments.
For 20 years until last year Barbara worked withan auxiliary that supports school chaplains and canregularly be spotted helping out at Lions functions.
Obviously deeply happy together, theirs is arelationship of fun-loving banter. Among friends,he’ll often joke that she came out to Australia “as a
mail-order bride”. And that she was first attractedto him because “she just liked my legs when shesaw me in a rugby scrum”.
In his time as Council Chairperson (he prefersthe term “chairman” but conforms with protocol) heis keen to push a couple of children’s projects,including the V2-initiated Children’s CharityNetwork, a not-for-profit community organisationwhich acts as an umbrella for different programsand initiatives for young people, especially those“forgotten” children, the ones unrepresented andwithout a voice.
Then there’s the Lions-sponsored Children’sCancer Foundation that is close to his heart.
Above all, he is keen to join with others in takingLions Australia to a higher level.
“I believe we’ve started to grow more. We havegot to make people realise we are a force and animportant part of our community. I still believe that.And I think our growing membership is proving it.But we need to tell people more. We have got tostop being the silent majority. We have got to speakout and be seen and be heard. We have got toreally advertise ourselves, without going over thetop.” – Tony Fawcett
‘Sheliked my
legswhen she
saw mein a
rugbyscrum’ Bob and Barbara at the Sydney International Convention.
Patrick makes it easy to trackdown Lions and their wives(not to mention Lionesses
and Leos!)We’ve been making approvedbadges for Lions Clubs Internationalfor over 20 years.In all the right shapes, sizes andcolours.Talk to us about your requirements,and you’ll see how we’ve gained thelion’s share of the business.
With the initialeuphoria of theInternationalConvention withits manyhighlights,including a veryinspirational andmovingpresentation byour newly-electedInternational President Sid L Scruggsencouraging all Lions to be a “Beacon ofHope” through service within ourcommunities, well and truly behind us,Barbara and I have commenced our councilduties in earnest.
The first few weeks have been a mixture of highsand lows. We were very much saddened by thedeath of our respected National Treasurer PDGBryan Smith, a dedicated Lion at both his club andMD level, but then of course the news, which I amsure Bryan would have been pleased to hear as weall were, of the announcement of LCI’sendorsement of PID Barry Palmer for the position of2nd International Vice President; a great honour notonly for Australia but for our Constitutional Area. Wecongratulate PID Barry and his hard workingsteering committee for this tremendousachievement and wish him and Lion Anne everysuccess as they travel through the various stagestowards Presidency.
Barbara and I have met with 2011 LauncestonConvention Chairman Tony Roney and SecretaryPeter Burke and inspected the intended Conventionvenues and accommodation facilities and believethe organising committee have made excellentchoices. They continue to work hard to ensure allconventioneers have an enjoyable and memorabletime.
Our first Council of Governors meeting was heldlate August. This was a great learning andeducational experience for me. Again, I must thankmy Governors, Managers and Executive for theircooperation and assistance in enabling me toconduct a full agenda in an orderly and timelymanner. I believe the variety of matters presentedwere debated seriously (with the occasional bit ofhumour thrown in) but with the outcome directedtowards enhancing the future progress of our MultiDistrict.
It is important to note we have secured theservices of a very qualified Lion to act as NationalTreasurer in the short term while the position isbeing advertised. This will ensure our financialrecords remain up to date.
The response to the first stage of the MDRestructure Survey has been very positive; weawait the results from the consultants.
PCC Bob Coulthard, Chairman of PID Barry’scampaign organising committee, briefly outlined the2nd IVP selection process and PID Barry addressedthe meeting and thanked the Governors for theirsupport. PCC Tony Benbow briefed the Governorson the proposed new Global MembershipTeam/Global Leadership Team strategy; a detailedprogram will be forwarded to the Governors andDistrict MERL team members for theirconsideration.
There was some considerable discussion on themerits of continuing with the informal receptions atMD conventions after the tabling of the survey atMildura which showed inconclusive results. Therewas no clear majority for or against this event. TheGovernors resolved that the inclusion of this eventat conventions be left to the discretion of theorganising committee.
Our management teams are working well andare happy with the way the membership and youthprograms are progressing. Our marketing managerreminds us that Christmas is fast approaching andencourages all clubs to vigorously promote thesales of cakes and of course our new Christmaspuddings.
In reading and listening to the reports and, withthe exception of some localised issues which I amconfident the Governors have in hand, I believe theAustralian Lions family is in good shape. Barbaraand I look forward to continuing our journeyworking with these dedicated Lions to ensure thebest outcome for this organisation and itsmembers, and, of course, to having a lot of fun andfellowship on the way. – Bob Gilchrist
Lions will be thinking about our DistrictConventions that are held during the monthsof October and November each year.
The District Conventions are an important part ofour Lions democracy – a chance for clubs to shapeand guide the future of our organisation bypursuing motions to the Convention. Equally, theyare a time for Lions to celebrate our achievements,and to promote our association in 19 townsthroughout our nation – places like Broome, Yamba,Goondiwindi and Burnie – what a diverseorganisation we are! Congratulations to the manyconvention committees for their efforts and I wouldencourage all delegates to consider how we canuse these opportunities as a positive and productiveway to grow our organisation.
Hundreds of thousands of Lions dollarshave been raised through Christmascakes and mints and now there’s atangy new product joining the topfundraising line-up – Lions fudge.
The caramel fudge is being produced byAustralia’s leading fudge manufacturerGran’s Fudge (it’s been going since1975) and is being made available on a12-month feasibility trial.
It’s hoped that many clubs will give ita go as a fundraising tool.
In just a few months some fantasticresults have already been achieved withLions Fudge.
The fudge has a proud Australiantradition. The original owner of thecompany first made fudge in lamingtontrays on her backyard barbecue for aschool fair.
It was so popular that a fudgekitchen was opened in an old chickenshop. Demand, especially fromshopkeepers, grew so quickly that thecompany had to relocate twice more. Itis now in Bomaderry (two hours southof Sydney) and product is exported asfar afield as New Zealand, Japan, SouthAfrica, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Gran’s Fudge makes its product fromhigh quality ingredients sourced fromlocal dairies. “We use a high proportionof milk which results in a smooth andcreamy caramel flavour,” says RodSudmalis of Gran’s Fudge.
There is no initial outlay for clubsseeking the gluten-free fudge andbusiness is done on a 30-day account
with delivery included in the price.As an incentive, there’s a bonus offer for
every club’s first order. For moreinformation, contact Rod Sudmalis – [email protected] or phone 800 805 418.
Introducing the fudge factorA yummy new way to grow Lions dollars
Sampling the new Lions Fudge are National Lion Mint Chairman Sam Lochhead (left), MirandaHiggins who is the General Manager of Dollar Sweets which makes Lion Mints, and RodSudmalis of Gran’s Fudge.
In this magazine on pages 8-9, we feature our positivecorporate partnerships that assist our community service, andprovide important benefits to our association and members.
GM Holden has provided sponsorship to each DistrictConvention and Multiple District Convention over the past threeyears, greatly assisting us to stretch our budgets further andreduce the pressure on dues. This year, Holden extended itscashback to members who purchase new Holden vehicles, tomembers of our immediate families.
IHG Hotels continues to support Lions with our business travelneeds, and also offers a 10% discount to Lions who stay at itshotels.
Finally, we are joined this year by Invocare, which issponsoring many of our Remembrance Ceremonies where wehonour our Lions who have passed away. Invocare supportedour Sydney International Convention and is active in promotingmembership within its staff.
Please consider supporting the companies that support us.Organisational review
The Multiple District Council has embarked this year on areview of our organisation. Clubs will have received advice onhow they can participate in the review, by completing an onlinesurvey.
Every organisation takes time periodically to have a ‘good hardlook at themselves’. What are the biggest risks for ourorganisation? What does the future hold and how do we fit in tothe future? How can we shape ourselves to continue to berelevant, effective and productive?
It is critically important that members have a say in our future,and I would encourage you to find some time as a club toparticipate in the survey.
The outcomes of the survey will be reviewed by the currentCouncil in January 2011, and be subject to consultation with theincoming Council. The final results will be part of an importantdiscussion at the Launceston Convention in April 2011. I wouldencourage you to have your say.Coming up
Finally, please note the following deadlines and opportunitiesfor Clubs and Districts.1. Convention Bid MD201 2014 – Closes 31 December 2010 –See notice in this magazine for further information.2. PR Grants – support building the profile of Lions within yourDistrict with a grant of up to $1,000 – one per District per year.For further information please e-mail [email protected] with theword “PRGRANT” in the subject line.3. Best District Convention/Holden Promotion: $500 District prizefor the best display associated with your Convention. For furtherinformation please e-mail [email protected] with the word“HOLDENPROMO” in the subject line.4. Environmental Photo Competition: One entry to be selected byeach District and provided to the Executive Officer no later than12 January 2011. Further information is on page 16.5. Lions Australia Photographiccompetition. This competitionrecognises the best photographdepicting modern Lions! This year’stheme is “Community Service with alaugh!” A $500 prize to the winningentry. Entries close 28 February 2011.For further information please [email protected] with the word“LIONSPHOTO” in the subject line.
It took two years coming andinvolved a tremendous effort by afantastic group of people and itwas hailed a gigantic success.
It was the Special Olympics 2010National Games in Adelaide earlier thisyear.
Adelaide and Lions can look backwith pride on an event that providedathletes, their support staff, familiesand friends with memories for the restof their lives.
Success was made possiblethrough the involvement of many,some of them a part of the ‘1 in 1000Program’ that sponsored attendanceat the games.
“Approximately 25 clubs,individuals and both Cabinets from ‘C’Districts became sponsors throughthis program,” said Lyn Shoemark, theSpecial Olympics Lions Liaison. “Twoclubs in our district even got togetherto raise funds that enabled them tosponsor the entire sport of Ten PinBowling at the Games.”
‘C’ Districts clubs, encouraged byLyn Shoemark and supported byIPDGs Tom Martin and David SavageDGs John McIntosh and CorinneStone raised half the cost ofsponsoring the Healthy AthletesProgram (HAP), which was thenmatched by the Australian LionsFoundation.
With an outstanding director, JennyDaly, and HAP Manager, Lesley Attrill,the Healthy Athletes Program was set
up in the function centre of the LakesResort at West Beach (the athletesvillage location). This enabled athletesto attend the program when they hadfree time between events andcheering on their fellow team mates.
Even by the end of day two, theHAP part of the program had identified20% of all athletes, having completedthe program, as needing hearing aidsof some description. “I believe that theSeeing Eyes part also had a similarpercentage in need of glasses,” saidLyn Shoemark.
In the Fit Feet area, one athlete hadshoes so worn out and full of holesthat management took him out, hadhim professionally fitted andpresented with a new pair of runningshoes – a situation that put anenormous smile on his face.
Opening and closing ceremonies,staged by Darrilyn Wood and JanMartin from Life be in It, were at TheDome at Hindmarsh and were anoutstanding success, while a few tearswere shed as the flag was raised andthe cauldron lit and then extinguished.
Entertainment included MarkVincent (Australia’s Got Talent Winner2009), Adelaide singer Tory Hordon,Toby Moulton (Australian Idol 2009finalist from Adelaide) and top bandAcoustic Juice.
Singled out for praise was LionBrian Marshall from Whyalla Mt LauraLions Club who not only travelled toAdelaide for training (two or threetimes for just a few hours), but alsothen travelled to and stayed inAdelaide for the entire event where heacted as the team liaison for the fullVictorian team. He did all this inbetween his normal Lions work andvolunteer job of travelling guestspeaker on men’s health.
“This was one of the mostoutstanding and completelyworthwhile volunteer projects I haveever experienced,” summed up LynShoemark. “It showed our widercommunity just what Lions is allabout.”
Truly special OlympicsAthletes and organisers left this landmarkevent with a host of happy memories
VALE PDG BRYAN SMITH AMA special Lion and our National Treasurer
It is said that life is like a pathway, covered in snow, becareful how you tread it, for every step will show. Bryan’sfootsteps will stand the closest of scrutiny.
For over 40 years Kentish club has been a successful club. If youisolate one key factor in the success, it has been the long termpositive influence of Bryan. He kept his hand on the elbow of the club,and with his quiet, non-attention seeking manner, gave guidance onhow to handle the challenges that must be overcome if a club is togrow and stay relevant to an ever-changing society. Bryan was nevercaught in a time warp.
He was a problem solver extraordinaire, he spent a big part of hislife solving other people’s problems; they beat a path to his door.
Bryan possessed an incredible intellect, but he never imposed hisintellect on others. Like the gentleman that he was, he always waiteduntil he was asked. If deliberations became bogged down as theyinevitably do from time to time, most of us could pick it. Bryan wouldbecome a tad twitchy and start to glance ever so carefully around theroom. When asked, he would have the solution and give guidance in a
succinct and easilyunderstood way.
Bryan was a:• Melvin Jones Fellow ofLions International• A recipient of the GovernorGeneral’s Australian Medal• Past Club President• Past District Governor• Tasmanian District CabinetSecretary• Christmas Cake Chairmanfor TasmaniaHe served two terms on theTasmanian Lions Foundation.
His capacity for work was legendary. In our fines for fun session, Irecall Bryan being fined because he was becoming lazy; a clubmember had driven past his office at 7:30 on a Sunday morning andnoted that he was not at work. I recall once fining him because hehad been seen riding a pushbike one Sunday afternoon. It was sounusual for him to take time off for leisure, that I laid a fine, remindinghim that I was the cyclist in our suburb of Dog Town, Sheffield, notBryan Smith.
Australia would be a far greater country if more Australians lovedtheir work like he did.
I am sure the highlight of his 32-year club membership was lastyear when his very much loved wife, Lion Jenny, became our firstfemale president. He was so proud. At no stage did he in any waytake attention away from Jenny, but his support was a constant.Bryan wasn’t well, often he could not even eat his meal; physically itwas very difficult for him to be there, but for Jenny he was.
Not only was Bryan Smith a wonderful, caring man with a brilliantmind, over the last two or three years he was a brave soldier whokept performing against the odds.
Bryan, you have fought the good fight. You have finished the race.
■ Lion Jenny, David, Tim and family thank Lions and friends forattending Bryan’s funeral and the guard of honour on the day,along with the many cards, phone calls, emails, flowers, visitsand the tributes from PCC David Skinner OAM, Legal Officerduring Bryan’s time as treasurer and a friend. Also to Lion FrankAtkins of the Kentish Club, a great friend, for Bryan’s dedication.
Celebrating the success of the SpecialOlympics is Brian Marshall, a tirelessvolunteer.
Cancer survivor and profoundly deafgrandmother Hendy O’Toole hascompleted the gruelling Kokoda Trail,
raising almost $10,000 for the Bionic EarInstitute.
Hendy, a member of Victoria’s Croydon club whowas diagnosed with progressive hearing loss at 19,said she was pleased to complete the eight-daytrek across the rugged mountains of the OwenStanley Ranges in Papua New Guinea.
“As an Australian I am proud and honoured tohave conquered the Kokoda Trail. It was bothmentally and physically challenging, a once-in-a-lifetime journey and an adventure I will rememberforever,” she said.
The trail stretches 96km through wild jungle,rainforests and over seemingly endless fast-flowingrivers and creeks. Hendy had to scale slipperymountain slopes, slide in mud and work her waythrough tree roots.
“I always had to keep my head down and my eyes onmy feet to follow in my porter’s footsteps, listening to hisencouraging phrases: ‘One step at a time … take your
time … watch your step … it's not a race’.“We would climb to sounds of the porters singing
beautiful harmonised love songs, their voicesechoing through the mountains.
“To know firsthand what the Diggers had toendure to save our beautiful country by following intheir footsteps has brought the World War II history tolife and has left a big imprint on how we live today. Iwas privileged to meet the last two remaining FuzzyWuzzy Angels who display the same admirablequalities that were possessed by the AustralianDiggers: courage, endurance, mateship andsacrifice,” she said.
Hendy hopes her trek has raised awareness ofthe importance of communication, which has hadsuch a dramatic impact on her own life and that ofher family. “I rely on a hearing aid to communicatewith those around me and therefore know about theimportance of communication,” she said.
“Current research being undertaken at the BionicEar Institute will make this easier for thousands ofhearing-impaired Australians like me.”
Deputy Director of the Bionic Ear Institute,
Professor Peter Blamey, is delighted to haveHendy’s support.
“Hendy’s amazing fundraising efforts will help fundresearch into a new generation of bionic ears andhearing aids. Our work on a high-fidelity bionic ear incombination with an advanced hearing aid aims toimprove sound perception in noisy environments andimprove perception of music,” he said.
“Today’s bionic ear does not restore normalhearing, but gives profoundly deaf people thechance to hear spoken language. This has a hugeimpact for cochlear implant recipients and thehearing-impaired as they are able to communicateand make themselves understood,” he said.
Donations can be made via the Lions Club ofCroydon Inc. (P.O. Box 59 Croydon Vic. 3136) or viathe Bionic Ear Institute website (www.bionicear.org).
The Bionic Ear Institute (BEI) is an independent,non-profit medical bionics research organisationinvolved in projects to create new-generation bionicears, a bionic eye, drug delivery systems to preventhearing loss and implantable devices to controlneurological disorders such as epilepsy.
GRANDMOTHER’SGRANDMOTHER’S JUNGLE TRIUMPHJUNGLE TRIUMPHLion Hendy beats trail to the tune of $10,000
Service initiatives and seasons have much incommon. President Sid L. Scruggs III hasissued a call for four global service actioncampaigns during his presidential year.
Shining a light on service is the goal, and each ofthese quarterly campaigns will help the Lions’beacon burn a little brighter for people in need.
In August, Lions were urged to Engage Our Youthby involving Leos and other young people in serviceactivities. This month, Sharing the Vision highlightsour specific goal of helping the world to see, an aimsince Helen Keller first challenged Lions to become“Knights of the Blind” in 1925. Many Lions clubshave year-round sight activities but, since WorldSight Day is in October, this presents an ideal timeto put the spotlight on these pursuits.
The world will be watching as Lions focusattention on preventing blindness.
Clubs are asked to involve the community in your
efforts to share the vision. Plan an eyeglasscollection campaign or an activity to benefit thevisually impaired. Sponsor a vision screening or ahands-on service project that helps a blind citizen,such as making home repairs or other useful acts.Recognise and thank all those who help Lionsthroughout the year with their support andparticipation in projects that aid those in need.
In December/January, let’s shine our Lions lighton “relieving the hunger”. With the global economicdownturn, more families are finding it as difficult toput food on the table at the end of the year as it isin the beginning. No child should go to bed hungry.It’s estimated that more than a billion people live inconstant hunger – with 15 percent of those indeveloped countries.
Plan projects to feed those in need. Supporthunger relief organisations and local food pantries.Collect food and nourish people today.
Protecting our Planet is April’s service campaign.Adopt a stretch of highway to clear debris and litter.Pick a park to beautify. Plant a community garden.Collect laptop and cell phone batteries for properdisposal and recycling. For information andcampaign updates, visit www.lionsclubs.org orcontact [email protected].
Time for global service Get involved in preventing blindness
New Series II. The very clever Commodore. Yes, we’ve made sure these cars look smart, but more importantly, we’ve made sure these cars are smart. The new Holden-iQ System takes care of that, with a touch-screen standard across the entire range. Its Bluetooth capabilities let you search your contacts and make phone calls without even touching your mobile. It can also become a rear camera for parking and safety, and you can rip, store and play all your favourite CD’s with its built-in fl ash drive. The future friendly 3-litre SIDI engine is clever as well, able to run not just on petrol, but also on bio-ethanol such as E85. In fact, the only smart thing left to do, is take one for a test drive. See your local Holden dealer today or visit holden.com.au. Go better.
New Series II Commodore.The smartest cars we've ever made.
HBR0467_210x277_LionsMag-FA.indd 1 10/9/10 11:12:59 AM
It’s time for clubs to rev up their Peace Posteractivities.
As we near the end of the current contest, clubsare reminded of contest deadlines.
Clubs that sponsor contests in several schoolsshould also remember that the winning poster ofeach contest should be forwarded to your DistrictGovernor; it is a common misconception that clubsneed to hold a final judging before forwarding oneonly entry.
Contest Deadlines● October 1 2010: Deadline to purchase kits fromthe Club Supplies Sales Department at InternationalHeadquarters and Club Supplies Newcastle
● November 15: Postmark deadline for a club tosend one winning poster (per contest sponsored) tothe District Governor● December 1: Postmark deadline for a DistrictGovernor to send one winning poster to the MDCouncil Chairman.● December 15: Postmark deadline for the MDCouncil Chairman to send one winning poster to the Public Relations Department at InternationalHeadquarters.● February 1 2011: International winners notifiedon or before this date
Note: Entries that do not meet deadlines will bedisqualified.
Peace Poster deadlines: Time to act
The international winner of the last Peace Postercontest, Yu-Min Chen, signs copies of her winningentry at this year’s International Convention inSydney. Now other young artists can test theirtalents.
Ever been moved by the sight of a sunset, afield of flowers or a wild animal in its naturalenvironment?
Often we take such sights for granted. Weshouldn’t. For in this fragile world of ours whatinspires us today can, if we are not careful, becomejust a memory tomorrow.
If you value such sights and experiences, do yourbit to preserve them for future generations byentering the Lions Environmental Photo Contest.
Every Lion from a club in good standing canenter a photograph of his or her immediatesurroundings into the club-level section of thecontest.
In 1972, Lions Clubs International made acommitment to protecting the environment. As partof that commitment, we launched the EnvironmentalPhoto Contest to showcase the beauty of natureand to raise awareness for the environment.
Contest rulesLions from clubs in good standing can enter an
original, unaltered, black-and-white or colour photoof the environment of their Lions club in thefollowing contest categories:● Animal life● Landscape (urban or natural)● Plant life● Weather phenomenon● Special theme: Beacon of Hope for theEnvironment – Photos of Lions in actionimplementing an environmental project
The impartial judging of photos should focus onoriginality, artistic merit and portrayal of theenvironmental theme.
· LIONS CLUBS select and submit one winningphoto to the district.
· LIONS DISTRICTS select and submit onewinning photo to the multiple district. January 15,
2011 is the suggested deadlinefor districts to submit one 8” x10” (20.3cm x 25.4cm) printedphoto to the multiple district.
· LIONS MULTIPLE DISTRICTSselect and submit one winningphoto to the international contest.March 1, 2011 is the deadline formultiple districts to submit one 8”x 10” (20.3cm x 25.4cm) printedphotograph and an official entryform (available on the LionsInternational website) signed bythe council chairperson to LionsHeadquarters.
INTERNATIONAL will displaymultiple district-level entries at theannual Lions internationalconvention. Registered conventionattendees will vote for theirfavourite photos. An award will bepresented to the winningphotographers. The six (the fivecategory winners and the Best ofShow) winning photos will appearon the Lions website.● Photos on 8” x 10” (20.3cm x25.4cm) paper with a smallerimage will not be eligible for thecontest.● Photographs depicting peoplewill be disqualified (unless theyare in accordance with the“Special theme”).
Lion photographers acceptresponsibility for the cost of takingand processing all photos.
Contest photos become theproperty of Lions Clubs International.
Lions Clubs International reserves the right todisqualify entries that do not meet contest criteria or
that may be viewed as inappropriate orobjectionable. E-mail contest questions to:[email protected]
PICTURE OUR BEAUTIFUL PLANETBy entering the Lions Environmental PhotoContest you’ll be taking a small step to securingour planet for future generations to enjoy
Sometimes good deedsjust need to keep going.That’s the case withnumerous Victorian Lionsclubs and the bionic earproject.
Lions initially raised more
than $1.5 million for research
into the original Cochlear
Implant (bionic ear) speech
processors. But now those
devices, made 30-40 years
ago, are failing and need
replacing.
With that objective, the Victorian Lions
Foundation and ABC Radio, through morning
radio host Jon Faine, recently raised funds to
replace a speech processor for Simon, whose
family were unable to raise the necessary
$8000. Simon also needs to be trained to use
the new processor
Currently there are 55 people in Victoria
alone whose speech processors are reaching
their expiry date.
It’s hoped Lions can again lend support.
Make your cheque out to ‘Victorian Lions
Foundation’ and send to Secretary Norma
Barnard, Victorian Lions Foundation, 10 Birrong
Avenue, Noble Park 3174. Include a note saying
that the monies are for the new speech
processors.
ALL IN THE FAMILYWhen Invocare CEO Andrew Smith joined Council Chairperson Bob Gilchrist to
sign a sponsorship agreement to aid the work of Lions Australia, he knew just
how important it would be – for Andrew is familiar with the work of Lions, being
a charter member of the Sydney Executive Business Lions Club
AROUND&
ABOUT
ROLLER GLORYAbout a year ago there was anunnamed team playing in theRollerblaze WheelchairBasketball comp on the GoldCoast. So the Nerang-HighlandPark Lions Club sponsored theteam and supplied them withT-shirts and team logo (right).Now the Lions have finished the2010 season on top of theladder, winning 26-14 over theWicked Team in the grand final.
FROM MANILA TO MIGHTY MERINOIt was a chance to see everything from the big merino to Sydney whenRiverstone Lions hosted a party of 11 from Quezon City (Metro-Manila) BahaghariExecutive Lions. “It’s wonderful to have these very dedicated Filipino Lionsvisiting our city as they are doing excellent charity work in the Philippines,” saidLion and councillor Allan Green.
PROJECT BIONICEAR REPLACEMENT
Melbourne radio host Jon Faine with bionic ear recipient Simon (thirdfrom left) and Simon’s mother, along with Professor Richard Dowell fromthe Bionic Ear Institute.
Lion18
WORLD COMES TO TEWANTINIt was an international affair at changeover night in Tewantin(below) when the Queensland club was joined by 26 Lionsand partners from Finland and five Lions and partners fromthe Netherlands. They were in Australia for the InternationalConvention in Sydney and decided to drop in.
Three years ago, Nathan Kruse was denied theopportunity to swim due to occupationalhealth and safety issues when he tried to getin and out of the pool.
Now, the 27-year-old and other disabledswimmers around Shepparton, Victoria, will havegreater access to physical activity after theinstallation of a new hoist at Aquamoves’hydrotherapy pool.
The hoist was delivered after Nathan’s father andcarer – Mooroopna Lions Club member BarryKruse – told local Lions clubs of his son’s issue.
As a result, Lions clubs from across the GoulburnValley including Shepparton, Mooroopna, Dookie,Tallygaroopna, Tatura, Merrigum, Kyabram andDookie joined forces to fund the hoist, donating$10,500 to make the project a reality.
Barry Kruse said he was glad his son would nowhave the opportunity to undertake regular physicalexercise.
“The only exercise he can get is in the pool, so tobe able to put him back in the pool is going to befantastic for him – he’ll be here every week,”Barry said.
“He’s in a wheelchair all day and in a bed atnight, and he gets no exercise, so this will givehim so many more opportunities to do that.
“This is just what Lions is all about, whensomebody comes up with a big project, all thepeople in all the clubs get behind it, and I’ve seensome fantastic things happen.”
Aquamoves general manager Lindy Baldi saidthe hoist’s design would allow users to betransferred safely in and out of the hydrotherapypool.
“Patients can be transferred directly from awheelchair or change bed to the sling and then
lowered directly into the pool,” shesaid.
“It helps both the carers and thepatients provide a safe entry both inand out of the pool and allows greataccessibility.”
Greater Shepparton Mayor GeoffDobson praised Lions for fundingsuch a beneficial initiative at thecentre. “This has been a greatcommitment from the local Lionsclubs and a real community effort.You can see from the people heretoday that it’s going to get a lot ofuse.”
Story and pictures courtesyShepparton News
In the swim at lastNathan takes to the water in a joint Lions effort
Enjoy the wonderland of Japan in bloom, cherry blossoms in Spring. Walk through rustic villages, majestic castles and beautiful temples. Wander down the lanes of a Samurai town. Experience fi rst hand the amazing kimono silk painting. Perhaps visit the famous Mt. Fuji. Take a trip on the bullet train, visit both Tokyo and Kyoto and as an exclusive treat, experience a traditional dinner with a real geisha and take part in a traditional tea ceremony. Stroll through inspiring bamboo forests and visit famous gardens to enjoy the seasonal beauty of Japan. Experience a monastery and a farm house in the countryside for a truly unique experience and then relax in the luxury of fi rst class hotels.
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Stephen Phyland and Ray Saundershelp Brendan Cole in the new hydropool lift, while (below left) Nathan isjoined by his father Barry at thepool.
Tasmania is delighted to be host for this MD Convention, and theLions of Tasmania look forward to welcoming many members,Leos and Lionesses from interstate.
We are excited about creating an interesting and innovative programwith a blend of business and social activity for you.
Start planning your “overseas” trip now. Launceston is serviced byQantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger airlines, or, alternatively, bring yourown vehicle on the Spirit of Tasmania arriving in Devonport and just anhour’s drive from Launceston.
Tour our diverse, beautiful state before or after the convention byvisiting Hobart, the fabulous East Coast, the pastoral North West Coastand then the rugged West Coast. I am sure you will be pleasantlysurprised by what we have to offer.
The convention venue will be the Albert Hall and the headquartersHotel will be the Grand Chancellor, both venues being centrally locatedin the City of Launceston.
Launceston is the third oldest city in Australia and is noted as havingthe best preserved early cityscapes in Australia.
It is situated at the head of the beautiful Tamar Valley, known for itsquality Tasmanian wines and restaurants.
Within walking distance of the city is the wonderful Cataract GorgeReserve and guided historical walks are available.
There are many ideal accommodation places in the city andsurrounds. Just ask Launceston Travel on 1800651827 or visitwww.visitlauncestontamar.com.au. They will book or answer anyquestions on travel, touring and accommodation around the state.
We are working hard to make your stay enjoyable and as we are adestination city please take advantage of staying on for a short break inthis wonderful part of Australia.
We know you will have a DEVIL OF A TIME in Tassie 2011. I will behere and hope to see you.
For any questions or information, please do not hesitate to contactme. Peter Burke PDG,
Lions International Australia is excited at theprospect of having more than 1000International delegates attend the inauguralsouthern area forum on the Gold Coast duringSeptember 2011.
The ANZI Pacific Forum will see InternationalLions leaders from throughout Australia, NewZealand, the Pacific Islands and Indonesia gather todiscuss the future direction of the world’s largestservice club.
Chairman of the event’s host committee, LionKen Mulcahy, has been working closely with theGold Coast Convention Bureau (GCCB) to ensurethis first ever three-day forum provides amemorable experience for all attending delegates.
“Being the first forum of its kind in the southern
hemisphere, invitations to ANZI 2011 have alreadybeen accepted by the Lions International President,District Governors and numerous club members,”said Ken.
“The Gold Coast was carefully chosen over othermajor Australian cities to host this significant Lionsevent and we are looking forward to showcasing theregion to our interstate and international members.”
ANZI 2011 is a further boost to the Gold Coast’scredentials as a leading business events destinationand adds to a growing list of major conferencesbeing secured for the city.
The GCCB is assisting to pull together acomprehensive list of pre and post conferenceoptions for Lions delegates that will ensure amemorable Gold Coast experience for all attendees.
“We thank the Lions for choosing the Gold Coastto hold their inaugural forum which has thepotential to inject more than $1.5 million into thelocal economy,” said GCCB Director Jacqui Taylor.
“The Gold Coast guarantees one of the widestselections of leisure activities and recreationalpursuits plus a plethora of dining and entertainmentvenues to complement any sized conference inAustralia.
“We welcome Lions members in 2011 andencourage ANZI delegates to take advantage of allour great city has to offer during their stay.”
ANZI 2011 will be held at Jupiters Hotel & Casinoon 9-11 September, 2011.
HaveHave aa devildevil of aof a good timegood time inin Tassie!Tassie!
Gold Coast to host Lions inaugural Pacific Forum
59th NATIONAL MD CONVENTION – LAUNCESTON, TASMANIA
Friday 15th April, 2011 to Monday 18th April 2011
The attractions around Launceston are many andautumn is a good time to experience them.
When the youngCambodian child camein to be treated by theMission to Cambodiamedical team she wasdisfigured by a severecleft lip problem.
But, as the beforeand after pictures(above right) show, thatproblem was well onthe way to being solvedafter a life-improvingoperation.
It was just one ofnumerous successstories achieved by the40-person medicalteam, including 13from Australia. Thosesuccesses were duepartly to the LionsAustralia OperationSmile Project.
An amazing 423clubs have donated atotal of $92,110 to theproject.
Since its inception last year, it has funded twomajor ventures. Of the 228 possible surgical casesin the latest instance, 108 were operated on forcleft lips or cleft palates and/or other facialdeformities.
Operations in Cambodia were undertaken in oftendifficult conditions with sweltering dailytemperatures. “Only having the operating theatresair-conditioned made it rather trying for most of thestaff,” said Lion Joan Macrow, who has participatedin several previous overseas visits.
Because most babies were under the minimumsix months of age or less than 5kg in weight theyunfortunately had to be declined at this stage.“Hopefully, when the next mission returns toCambodia these children can be helped,” JoanMacrow said.
One young patient had severe facial scars and
could not close her eyes or smile due to bad scartissues on her face. Her operation, which releasedthe scar tissue, has given her the ability to smileand to close her eyes properly when she sleeps.
“Special mention needs to be made of LionJenny Tew, President of the Lions Club ofCabramatta Cabra-Vale, who journeyed to her homecountry to assist with the work of this InternationalMission,” said Lions Australia Operation SmileProject chairman PDG David Floyd. “Her thoughts onthe mission and its work are rather enlightening.”
Said Jenny: “Being a Cambodian myself, thismission was very close to my heart and being able toassist in any way I could was completely satisfying.
“In Cambodia there is no system of any kind ofaid from the government, like social security here inAustralia. Therefore children born with deformitieshave to rely only on help from within the family orthe generosity of voluntary and charitable
organisations and projectslike Operation Smile.
“As the majority ofpeople in Cambodia comefrom a poor backgroundand cannot afford privatemedical treatment, thosewho are born with ordevelop deformities of anykind are more or less lefthigh and dry to merelyexist rather than live.Especially in the ruralareas they cannot attendschools and thereforereceive no education,resulting in being unableto obtain any sort ofemployment; they have noplace in society and aremore or less outcast; their
parents are shunned andlooked down on as if thedeformity of the children isthe fault of the parent.
“You see thedesperation andhopelessness in their eyesand faces as they reach
out for help. It is a very depressing life for the entirefamily, with absolutely no light at the end of thetunnel ... until a project like Operation Smile orsimilar comes to their rescue. If they are selectedfor treatment it is amazing to observe the instanttransformation in their body language – a flicker ofhope lights up their eyes like stars in a midnightsky. It brings tears to your eyes and a lump to yourthroat just to witness their immense gratitude.”
In another project, a boy from the Philippines,Sonny Jay, was brought to Australia for majorsurgery on a cranio-facial deformity. While theoperation was successful Sonny Jay, picked up aninfection which affected his recovery. He had toundergo another two weeks of hospitalisation beforereturning to the Philippines with his mother. To viewan interesting Channel 10 video clip of his recovery,visit the MD website.
‘A flicker ofhope lightsup their eyeslike stars ina midnightsky’
ABOVE: Sonny Jay before his operation and (right) smiling with his mother afterwards.
TOP: This young girl has been assured of a better future thanks to the support of Australian Lions.
Putting smiles on young facesAussieclubs rallyin a projectthatchangeslives
The lives of many women in theRepublic of Kiribati in the CentralPacific will likely be saved thanks to
a local Lions initiative.Gaining its independence from Britain in 1979
(together with Tuvalu, the former Gilbert andEllice Islands colony), Kiribati has about 33 coralatolls, 15 of which are inhabited, and a total of100,000 people.
But it also has a serious health problem.Kiribati is similar to many Pacific countries, withconditions such as hypertension, diabetes andheart disease adding their toll to the formerlyprevalent respiratory and gut infections. Of themalignant tumours, cervical cancer is not only amajor killer but also one of the most preventablecancers.
The country is fortunate to have a highlyskilled and dedicated cytology scientist, TieroTetabea, who almost single-handedly is driving apap smear screening program for early cervicalcancer detection. However, with minimal backup,equipment and training, hers is a huge task.
Earlier this year it was made a little easier byLions. A Queensland volunteer team comprisingscientists, pathologists and others visited withthe intent of improving cytology training while
providing equipment and clinical support forlaboratory staff in Tarawa.
A $3000 Lions district/club donation formedan important component of the initiative. Whilethe money amount was not large by worldstandards of overseas aid, donations of this sizego much further in a small, low-income country such as Kiribati,while helping reinforce Australia’sstanding as a traditional friend ofPacific peoples.
Much of the donation wenttoward reagents and equipment,and it’s hoped when medicalsupply companies hear of thevoluntary undertaking they willoffer discounts and free material.
A key member of thedelegation was Joe Tooma of theAustralian Cervical CancerFoundation. His mission was to convince theKiribati health ministry of the benefits of the newcervical cancer vaccine, developed by ProfessorIan Frazer, an original Lions Research fellow,before trying to obtain sponsored donations ofthe vaccine. The vaccine, which costs about$400 a dose, would otherwise be unaffordable
for the country.Another team
member, LindaBeckett, asenior cytologyscientist atPathologyQueensland,trained the localcytologist andimproved labprocedures. Theteam was metby senior Kiribati
health officials, including the Minister of Health,Dr Kautu Tenaua, who praised the work andreceived the Lions cheque.
The Mudgeeraba Lions Club was financiallysupported in the project by District Q1’s EastTimor and Pacific Islands Medical Support Projectfunds to which many district clubs contribute.
Kiribati is racially and linguisticallyMicronesian, with all speaking the Kiribatilanguage (English is the language of commerceand administration). The people mostly live bysubsistence farming and fishing, with the percapita GDP being about A$1000. The mainisland of Tarawa is the only one with any urbandevelopment. There is little export apart fromfish and copra, little tourism, and the low-lyingatolls would be under great threat from risingsea levels.
By Lion Dr Stephen Weistein
* Stephen, of the Lions Club of Mudgeeraba,provided overall coordination for the project
Saving lives amongthe atolls of aPacific neighbour
Lions achieve many honours but few couldrival the one of Dianne Boddy of Melbourne’sLions Club of Ashwood-Mt Waverley.
She has won an award for mechanicalengineers – the 2010 AGM Michell Medal from theCollege of Mechanical Engineers. She’s the firstwoman to receive this prestigious award since itsestablishment in 1978.
Dianne’s career has spanned 56 years and shehas achieved national and international recognitionin the fields of food canning and processingequipment, robotics research, geo-mechanics andenvironmental fluid dynamics research equipment,materials testing apparatus and general automationand plant design in diverse fields of engineering.
She is currently Vice Chairman of the Lions CordBlood Foundation, has been a past President of the
Lions Club of WaverleyInc and is a life memberof the Association ofWaverley Lions Village Incwhere she is using herengineering skills in thedevelopment of anadditional eight homes forthe elderly.
It’s a record of which any club could beproud. In the past 15 years Victoria’sLions Club of Warrandyte has beeninvolved in the donation of $450,000 toCanTeen which caters to teenagerssuffering from cancer.
Much of the credit is due to Lion RonCuthbert and his wife Helen who have bothbeen honoured as “Ambassadors of CanTeen –Australia”.
Fundraising efforts began in 1996 for a longweekend camp away for the kids at Lake Eildonin central Victoria.
Now the club is partnered by the Lions Clubof Eildon and the Eildon Boat Club in supportingthe camp.
At a camp earlier this year a cheque for$59,000 was handed over. At the camp were72 CanTeen members, six staff and 10volunteers, with over a third of members attendingthe camp for the first time.
Friday and Saturday activities included horseriding, canoeing and boomerang throwing, with ascavenger hunt and a Who Dares Wins trivia night.
“The Sunday morning had a buzz about it asCanTeen was off to the Eildon Boat Club for theannual Day on the Lake, which followed an all-you-
“We then broke off intosmall groups and spent theday on houseboats jet-skiing, tube riding, boating,waterskiing, wake-boardingand I even saw a fewmembers fishing.
“It was an awesome dayput on by families who haddonated their time to haveour members on board theirboats. The day finished upwith an amazing meal at the
Eildon Boat club."As well as Warrandyte and Eildon Lions, the
event was made possible by the Eildon Boat Club.“The touchstone of CanTeen is the belief that
young people, through meeting and talking with oneanother, are better able to cope with the uncertaintiesof a cancer diagnosis,” said Michael King.
For more Information, contact Ron Cuthbert on0418 338 073.
Helping hand for teenagers coping with cancerA Lion-hearted effortbrings heaps of happiness
ABOVE and RIGHT: Lake Eildon is thelocation as camp guests enjoy a range ofactivities.
BELOW: Caring crew ... Helen and RonCuthbert have both been honoured for theirwork with CanTeen.
JUST FOR JAZZERS: If you have received thismagazine by October 15 and live around Brisbanethen you just might be interested in some cool jazz.Organised by the Queensland Parliament’s LionsClub in aid of the Royal Flying Doctor Service andcalled Jazz on the Green 2, it includes a buffetdinner, dancing and, of course, jazz. For details, [email protected].
Freshly picked Queenslandstrawberries were on the menuwhen Beerwah Lions hosted IPPJean Knaggs of the Twin Lions Clubof Bergvliet in Cape Town, SouthAfrica.
The strawberries were being checkedout by Jean, who recently received thehighest president award out of the 54clubs in her South African Lions district,at a breakfast at Gowinta Farms. Whilearound the Glasshouse Hinterland andthe Glasshouse Mountains Jean alsotested a good old Aussie pie with gravy
and mushy peas. Speaking at a dinner meeting, Jean
told how as a Lion in South Africa it isillegal to run raffles or gamblingactivities. She also related how thanks toa new member, a nurse who happens tobe a coloured person, her club hasrecently gained access to shanty areasin order to help older groups in need ofsupport. She said Lions there work hardto help despite many known dangers(meetings are always at night becauseof the risks of being out after dark).
Six years ago the Ipswich Lions Club couldboast just 13 members.
But times change. Now they’ve got 26, thanks tosome smart promotion and determination.
Earlier this year the club held its second three-day membership drive in two years at the RiverlinkShopping Centre.
Offering a free chance to win $300 worth offuel, the club received 56 completed entries.
A few weeks later it held a Lions informationnight using leads from the promotion and ended upwith 10 people attending. Of those 10, six havesince become members – maybe not a hugenumber but certainly an encouraging lift in clubgrowth.
The club credits a prominent front-page articlein the Ipswich Advertiser, which included thepicture (left) of club secretary Graeme Vassspreading the Lions message, for much of itssuccess.
AROUND THE NATION
Ipswich puts foot onthe gas pedal
A $1.5 MILLION WINNER!These bouquet-wielding op shop volunteers havereason to be happy. Their op shop has raised $71,000this year. The shop, run by Victoria’s Mooroolbark club,has raised nearly $1.5 million since it relocation about30 years ago. It is backed by community helpers andsupervised by long-time chairman Ken Nightingale.Ken, a tool maker who arrived in Australia fromPeterborough in England more than 40 years, has beeninvolved with op shops for more than 20 years. He isassisted by 20 volunteers.
SERVING THE TREEPLANTERS:Strathfieldsaye Lions Alan and Bev Andrews (below)brave the elements to cook lunch for the SuttonGrange Land Care Group who were taking part inNational Tree Day in Victoria.
SEEING THE LIGHT: Lions of V2 have takennew International President Wirf’s message of“A Beacon of Hope” seriously. When DistrictGovernor Max Oberlander visited Simpson inrural Victoria club President Biddy Weel had thelights turned off at the end of the meeting whileeveryone raised small lighted beacons. “It wasgreat to see this tiny town of a couple ofhundred people, deep in the farming area ofVictoria, showing such respect for ourInternational President,” said Max. Pictured arePresident Biddy, DG Max and his wife Chris, andDistrict Membership Chair Wayne Oakes and hiswife Judith.
It was an international occasion when fourAmerican Lions turned up for the PortMacquarie-Tacking Point Lions Club’schangeover.
In Australia for the International Convention inSydney and to see rural Australia, the four, fromNorth Carolina, bumped in to local Lions on theirway to the luncheon and were invited along.Pictured are (front row, left to right) Lion Neil Tubb,USA Lions Bob Walton and Ester Walton, (rear row,left to right) USA Lions Ret White and Gwen Whiteand Lion Stewart Payne.
Sue wins internationalstamp of approval
Welcome gate-crashers
Kits that make a caring difference
Lion Sue Johnson of V3 club Willow Grove &District has become the first femalepresident of the Lions International StampClub (LISC).
Friends and members of Sue’s family travelledfrom as far away as Perth and America to witnessher installation at the Sydney InternationalConvention earlier this year.
A member of LISC since 1979, she has been aboard member for five years.
She was installed by Ross Paine, a member ofQ4’s Peregian club.
Having staged a gutsy battle against lungcancer for the past two years, Sue’s spirit is strongand, with the support of her husband PDG Jim,she has the determination and enthusiasm to takeup the challenge of leading LISC over the next 12months.
Parents with children unexpectedly admittedto Sydney’s Westmead Children's Hospital willhave one less worry thanks to ParramattaLions.
The club is providing parents with care packsof essential items such as bed socks, tissues,toothbrush/paste, baby powder and baby wipes.
Marie Kingcott of Parramatta club said thepacks would help parentswho arrive at the paediatricintensive care unit withnothing but the clothes ontheir backs.
Unit Manager Anne Gouffedescribed the packs as anexcellent idea that would beappreciated.
LEFT: Marie and Neville Kingcottand granddaughter RhiannonHosking hand out the first carekit to one of the mothers.
AFGHANISTAN AID: There will be a parcel ofrecycled spectacles heading to Afghanistanfollowing a handover from Ken Leonard ofRedcliffe/KippaRing Lions and Marian Reynoldsof Boondall Lions to David, an Australianemployed in the war-torn country. It was part of‘Recycle 4 Sight Australia’, the LionsInternational world-wide collection of usedspectacles for refurbishment and distribution topeople in need in third world countries.
Executive Summary - International Board of Directors Meeting, Hamburg, Germany
Vacancy National TreasurerApplications are sought from suitably qualifiedLions for the position of National Treasurer toserve until 30 June 2015. Applicants musthold accounting qualifications and satisfy thecriteria in the Position Statement that may beobtained from the Executive Officer by email [email protected]
Executive OfficerRob Oerlemans
Notices of Motion requirementI would like to remind Lions that any Notices ofMotion proposing a Multiple District Project mustfirst have been passed at a District Convention,before being considered at the Multiple DistrictConvention.You will need to forward details of MultipleDistrict Project motions passed at your DistrictConvention to the Executive Officer by 31December 2010. The Multiple DistrictConstitution and By-Laws specify that thisinformation must include full organisation details
of the proposed project and financialresponsibilities, if any, of the participating clubs,and the required commitment (if any) of MultipleDistrict funds to start up the proposed project toadminister and conduct the project during itsfirst year of operation. I would welcomeapproaches from any Lions wishing to consultme about proposed Multiple District Projects inadvance of their District Convention.Ordinary Notices of MotionOrdinary Notices of Motion to be considered at
the 2011 MD201 Convention must be submittedto the Executive Officer by the Council, a DistrictConvention, a District Convention, a DistrictCabinet or a Lions Cub not less than 60 daysbefore the opening of the MD201 Convention, or14 February 2011
Rob OerlemansExecutive Officer
Lions AustraliaLocked Bag 2000
Newcastle NSW 2300
Convention bids 2014Seeking expressions
of interest!Districts and Clubs who wish to be considered tohost the 2014 Multiple District Convention mustsubmit their bid to the Executive Officer before 31December 2010, consistent with Clause 62 of theMultiple District Constitution.
Bids must comply with all provisions of theMultiple District Constitution and the MultipleDistrict Convention Bid Specification that can beobtained from the Executive Officer. I wouldencourage prospective bidders to discuss theirplans with me, prior to submitting the bid.
Executive OfficerRob Oerlemans
The National Office of LionsAustralia wishes all a happy,healthy holiday period andChristmas-New Year.Please be advised that theNational Office will close at 5pmon Wednesday 22 December2010 and reopen on Tuesday 4January 2011.
Bill Bristow says thanksI have felt an emotional attachment to Lionsclubs since the early days of Angel Flight.
In October 2005 the Boggabri Lions Club playedhost to local identity “Mad Dog” Gillham whosheared sheep for 40 hours straight in a majorfundraiser.
Angel Flight had flown “Mad Dog’s” niece,Charmaine, to and from Sydney many times as shefought, and beat, Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Tens ofthousands of dollars were raised to help AngelFlight keep flying people like Charmaine to receivevital medical care.
In early May this year I was given theopportunity to say thank you to a great many Lionsand Lionesses at the National Convention inMildura. I spoke for some 30 minutes to acompletely silent audience. I was told later that thiswas a good sign.
Since Mildura, more and more donations havebeen arriving from Lions clubs across Australia.Hardly a day goes by without a Lions chequearriving in the mail.
Angel Flight is always there to help Australiansdoing it tough with bad health, money troubles anddaunting distance.
With the help of powerful groups such as yourswe will continue to provide that help.
PS: If any club or Lion would like a free copy ofthe Angel Flight Compile CD that I displayed at theMildura Convention, please contact Bob Korotcoffon 08 8298 1599 or e-mail:[email protected]. Bill Bristow AM
Chairman and FounderAngel Flight Australia
A Leo’s prideIt was with a sense of great pride that Imarched down Macquarie Street, Sydneywith other Leos and Lions from around theworld at the recent Sydney InternationalConvention. In fact, I found the entire weekan exhilarating experience that resonatedfellowship, pride and the spirit ofcooperation.
As a LEO, I have been afforded a wealth ofmentorship that has fostered a greaterunderstanding of the world in which I live, and inparticular, the role that I can play in humanitarianprojects. So much of the Australian nationalidentity stems from our bush and ANZAC origins –where the spirit of mateship and egalitarianismprevails – that being a LEO is simply an extensionof being a good Aussie. This year, has been in
was still alive and it was always said he wasinstrumental in the Lions Christmas Cake project.
As the incoming president I have been askedby some of the older Lions to write and have thiscorrected. To do this, I have interviewed DoreenWilson, who I might add is now 93, and I mustsay she has an excellent memory.
Doreen is also a little bit upset that Cedric hasnot been given the recognition he deserves on theAustralian Lions Club Christmas Cake website.
I think this should be corrected and if there areany other Lions who were involved or know thestory about the Christmas cake beginnings wouldthey come forward to have their say.
These Lions need to have firsthand knowledge,not hearsay from their clubs over the years. I amafter facts, preferably facts backed up in writing ornews articles of the time.
The Wellington Lions Club believes Cedricdeserves to be recognised for his contribution tothe Lions Christmas Cake program. Thank you.
Graham ForsythWellington Lions Club President.
A case of goose bumpsFor the last 13 years, I have had the privilegeof being part of the Lions Cord Blood andChildhood Cancer Research AppealCommittee. For the majority of that time, ithas been my duty to enter each and everydonation cheque into the computer systemready for banking and to produce the thankyou letters and receipts.
Members will probably be aware that theappeal is changing and has become the AustralianLions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation. Iam sure you will be hearing a lot more about thischange in the near future.
However, I want to tell you about one of the lastcheques received as part of the donationsresulting from the Lions Biggest BBQ 2010project – a cheque which gave me goose bumpsin the nicest possible way. It was for $200 fromthe Darling Point Special School Leo Club (Q1),the only Leo club registered to take part in theproject this year.
As this is a 'special' school, it is probably aschool where the students would normally receiveassistance from Lions, and here they were takingpart in a project to raise money for childhoodcancer research.
Another special thank you to members of theLeo, Lioness and Lions clubs (about 1200 clubsacross Australia) which have supported the LionsCord Blood & Childhood Cancer Research Appealover the past 13 years. Congratulations on beingpart of a total donation of well over $4,000,000.
Gwenda SimLions Cord Blood & Childhood Cancer
Research Appeal Committee
yoursayLions’ letters
many ways a turning point in my young life.Initially, I was introduced to Lions Internationalthrough my school and the Youth of the YearCompetition. This in itself taught me many skillsbut what most appealed to me were the genuinepeople who supported and urged me to strive formy personal best.
Being part of Leos has given me the opportunityto serve others and it is in this service to othersthat I derive the greatest satisfaction. Thank youLions for giving me the tools that I need to make adifference in this world. Georgia Appleby (17)
Leos Hornsby Branch
Call to correct recordEditor’s note: In the following letter the WellingtonLions Club, in replying to an earlier Your Say letteron the origin of Lions Christmas Cakes, makes acase for recognition being given to the role of one ofits charter members.
The Wellington Lions Club is of the belief oneof our charter members, Cedric Wilson,played a big part in the introduction of theLions Christmas Cake program.
This is borne out by an article in the Lionmagazine, Vol 22 No 11, in June-July 1993 byLion John Douglas. In it he says under theheading, Cedric leaves tasty legacy:
Sir – Prior to joining Lifesavers I was with theSydney based company called Big Sister Foods.My position with this company was NSW salesmanager and in 1964, a sales representative bythe name of Cedric Wilson (Wellington LionsClub, N4) presented to Big Sister a propositionwhereby we would manufacture cakes for theLions organisation.Cedric, at the time, was a deputy districtgovernor and a charter member of the WellingtonClub.In those days the executive of Big Sister knewvery little about Lions but, as Cedric was a seniorsales executive, they took quite seriously hissuggestion to manufacture Lions Christmascakes.On March 29, Cedric passed away and I thoughtthat it should be remembered that Cedric wasinstrumental in starting the Lions Christmas Cakeproject through Big Sister Foods. Cedric leavesbehind him his wife Doreen and five children(two boys and three girls) and a lot of fondmemories for the Lions in N4 District in which hewas well known.
–Lion John DouglasIt would also appear Cedric Wilson has no
recognition on the Lions Christmas Cake website.Personally I believe this should be corrected.
In 1965 I was only 20 and living in Sydney andhad not even heard of Lions, let alone LionsChristmas cakes until I was in my thirties. When Ijoined the Wellington Lions Club in 1984, Cedric
HAVE YOU CHANGED ADDRESS?If you have changed your address, couldyou please contact your Cabinet Secretaryto ensure that your new details areupdated.
For your convenience the Lion magazine is available online at http://www.lionsclubs.org.au/news/lion-magazine/index.php. Members who no longer wish to receive a printed copy of themagazine at their home address can now elect to have their names removed from the database. Pleasecontact your Cabinet Secretary – name and membership numbers will be required to take you off this list.
Thanks where dueTo all those who assisted with the giftdistribution and registering of DistrictGovernor Elects, I would like to say a sincerethank you.
It was a pleasure to work with you all. The teamwork and enthusiasm shared by you all was verymuch appreciated. LCI was amazed at how welleveryone worked together and the feedback fromthe incoming DGs was also extremely positive. Welldone and thank you!
PDG Carol Alderson
Leos roarDuring August, Lions
throughout the worldcelebrated the first ofInternationalPresident Sid L.Scruggs III’s GlobalAction Campaigns,Engaging our Youth.
Firstly, our MD201Leo of the Year, Melanie Loomes (pictured above)from Southern Cross School K-12 Leo Club inLions District Q1 was named 2010 InternationalLeo of the Year. To qualify as an award candidate,Melanie needed to have developed outstandingleadership skills, achieved a superior record as aLeo in implementing successful service projects,made an identifiable contribution to thedevelopment and growth of the Leo Club, achieveddistinction in community or school activitiesoutside of Leo Club commitments, anddemonstrated high ethical standards and personalintegrity. Leo Melanie is the 6th Australian Leo inthe past six years to win this prestigious award.Congratulations, Melanie!
Also, in August we welcomed more youngpeople into our great organisation as Leos andgave them the opportunity to serve theircommunities in a positive way and gain essentiallife skills of leadership, experience and opportunitywhilst having lots of fun!
EDITOR: Letters to Your Say may beedited for reasons of space, clarity orlegal necessity.
I was honoured to attend the following charterpresentations:
Melbourne University Leo Club in V1-4 receivedits Charter from DG Graeme Lukey on August 14.A special function was attended by CouncilChairman Bob Gilchrist and Barbara as well asPast DGs and members of the Leo & YouthOutreach Committee. The Leo Club has over 30charter members and is sponsored by the LionsClub of Melbourne Chinese Inc.
Gwandalan Leo Club in District N3 received itsCharter from DG Cliff Coleman on August 23. Thefunction was attended by PDGs, State LeoCoordinator NSW Gail Hart and Lions andLionesses from visiting clubs. The club has 12charter members and is sponsored by the LionsClub of Gwandalan Inc.
Ambarvale High School Leo Club in N2 receivedits Charter from District Governor Warren Woodson August 30. A function was attended by PDGs,Lions and Lionesses from surrounding clubs alongwith proud parents. The club has 22 CharterMembers and is sponsored by the Lions Club ofCampbelltown City Inc.
Further information on the Leo Club program isat www.lionsclubs.org.au/leos. I congratulate allLions and Lionesses for your ongoing support andencouragement of our inspirational Leos. Youth areour Future, but they are also our Today.
– Martin Peebles, ChairmanLeo & Youth Outreach Committee Chairman
Fancy some UK hospitality? International Operation FriendshipDistrict 105EA England, is committed to Operation Friendship and our district has over the last few years hosted many couples.I am once again encouraging Lions in Australia and New Zealand to take up our offer. One Lion or Lioness and partner is invited to spend up to one month as aguest of the Lions and Lionesses of District 105EA. During this period, all accommodation and travelling within the District is provided by the family of Lions.The cost of travel to and from the District must be borne by the guests. The visit is arranged to coincide with the District Convention (held end of March) whenthe guests have the opportunity to address Convention.This is a wonderful program – an opportunity to meet and make new Lion friends from another country. Experience the International nature of our organisation. Contact Initially I.R.O. Len Russell District 105EA, [email protected] or [email protected]
Lion Len RussellDistrict 105EA international relations
Apex BadgesIf there are any Lions interested in buying theLions Apex badge, which we do not currentlyhave in stock, could they please contact theNational Office or [email protected] interest.
Club Supplies deadlinePlease note that the last Club Supplies ordersfor the year need to be in by 9am onWednesday, December 8.
LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAREach year we have students visiting the website and requesting a clubto sponsor them in the Lions Youth of the Year Quest. This year is nodifferent. During July we had 29 students from various parts ofAustralia requesting information about how to contact a club tosponsor them into the quest.
All of these enquiries are forwarded to the State Coordinator to distribute tothe District Chairman who is located in the student’s area. The DistrictChairman then forwards the information to a club.
The figures listed below are from 2009/10, and reflect the number ofcontestants that participate in Youth of the year, and this is with only 40% ofLions clubs participating in the quest. Each year we have: -Clubs Contestants Judges NAB Judges Audience Schools542 1863 2070 411 29,825 861
Imagine how many students could participate if we had all clubs involved inthe quest.
What happens to these students after the quest has finished for the year? Dothey return to their studies and concentrate on gaining the marks required toenter university? Or do they think about that trip they will be taking on BoxingDay from their nearest airport to start the 35-day whirlwind trip to thehometown of each of their fellow contestants?
A few of the comments, from some of our past contestants: Edward Miller (N Districts) National WinnerAn all-expenses-paid trip around the whole of our country, with five otherpeople who could well be family if they didn’t all live in different states. Stayingwith the warmest, most down to earth people you could imagine, all of themwith fascinating stories to tell after a long history of service to theircommunities. Seeing amazing locations not as tourists, but through the eyes oflocals – being truly immersed in the subtly different cultures of each state.Quite simply, National Tour is something that has to be lived to be believed.Lucy Radowicz (C Districts) National Public Speaking winnerSince returning from National Tour, I’m often asked what was the best thingabout the trip and without a moment’s hesitation I reply “the people”. Truly,while we climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, cycled around Rottnest Island,met Prime Minister Rudd and experienced just about everything else Australiahas to offer, the one thing I know will always stay with me is the camaraderiethat grew between myself and my new friends. As we travelled the country we(that is six law students and a medical student) had so much in common thatwe couldn’t help but have the time of our lives and instantly become closefriends, learning about Australia and each other. Emma Davey (T District) National WinnerAt the national final I found myself thrown together with five other people. Thismay initially have been daunting but even with the few days of the national finalit became clear that I was lucky enough to be with an incredible group ofpeople and I couldn’t wait for the national tour to begin. Our tour started inMatt’s hometown of Newcastle in NSW. We arrived separately, and we were alltogether for the first time the next morning when we met up for lunch beforewe went surfing. This proved to be an interesting experience, providing manylaughs for all of us. It was also where we discovered Dan’s fear of sharks(despite being the Queenslander). That night, New Year’s Eve, we went down toLake Macquarie to see the fireworks, before heading back to my host family’shouse where we stayed up talking, playing cards and learning guitar from Dan.
These three all have interesting stories to tell, and when they return fromtheir adventures, they have or will be visiting their sponsoring clubs to tellLions about their experiences.Edward Miller is in his second year of Law and has just returned fromoverseas where he attended the Worlds University Debating Competition inAntalya, Turkey.Lucy Radowicz is in her third year of Law at Adelaide University and ispresident of the Adelaide Leo Club that was chartered earlier this year.Emma Davey is currently in Vanuatu and living in a village without power andteaching English to grades 3-7 at a French-speaking village school at Latano inNorth Pentecost.
Have you invited your contestant to your club to tell members about theirexperiences within the quest? They do not necessarily have to have been astate winner, because just by entering they have become a winner.
Remember that each contestant has two parents who just may like to joinLions, but likely nobody has ever asked them. Bryan Coggle
Australian ChairmanYouth of the Year Quest
30Lion
YOUTH EXCHANGE“TRY IT - YOU WILL LIKE IT”
It is 12 months since I took over the reins as Chairman of the MultipleDistrict Committee, and in that time there have been a number of importantevents occur.
• We have welcomed two new members to the Committee – DarleneLawler (from the Lions of Canberra and wife of PCC Phil) and Helen Topp(from the Lions of Canberra)
• We now have greeters again at our major eastern airports (inMelbourne – Avis Perrett; in Sydney – Richard Goodfellow and his assistantsand in Brisbane – Scott Pickett)
• We have appointed a new Travel Agent – Corporate Traveller – Canberra• Lion Rod Smith has been recognised by the Multiple District for his
services to the Lions Youth Exchange ProgramWe have completed a successful end-of-year program 2010, where 61
young Aussies enjoyed their overseas exchange to numerous countries, andreturned home with “a mile” of experiences to relate to their family andfriends. By the time this article goes to print, we will have completed asuccessful mid-year program, in which in excess of 100 exchangees fromnumerous overseas countries will have been hosted, mainly by members ofour Lions family.
Part of the mid-year program is the running of four International YouthCamps (one each in Victoria and NSW and two in Queensland). These campsplay an important role and enhance our first object of Lionism: “to create andfoster a spirit of understanding amongst the peoples of the world”. We havesome young Aussies attending these camps and would like to encouragemore to participate.
Now that the mid-year program is completed, we need to be lookingforward to our clubs/youth involvement in the 2011 program. We also needto be educating our new Lion members (about 2500 inducted into our familyeach year) about the program and encouraging them to become involved.
During my term as Chairman of the Committee, I hope to create a newlook Youth Exchange Program – new promotional technology, new ways ofour family becoming involved and a new partnership with our District Camps.
Beyond all that, a new positive attitude by all towards the program. – PDG Rod Bradley
Chairman – M.D. 201 Youth Exchange Committee
Like many of our Australian clubs, the Beaudesert Lions Club hasrecently reached a major milestone – in this case a 50th anniversary.
To celebrate, the Beaudesert club got together all of its past presidents toattend a dinner. And realising the importance of the event, it invited along thelocal newspaper that snapped this celebratory photo which appeared on thepaper’s front page.
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 ExecutiveOfficer at Locked Bag 2000, Newcastle NSW 2300or [email protected], so it can beforwarded to a 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 Bag 2000
Newcastle 2300
If you would like information on how tomake a tax deductible donation to Lions,email our Executive Officer:[email protected] phone on (02) 4940 8033
Helping Lions will help so many others in somany different ways.
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www. l i onsc lubs .o rg.au
Time to give
Lions a hand?
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