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PICTURE: Victorianfirefighters amidthe flames

APRIL - MAY 2009

April - May 2009 Volume 82 No. 3

The Lion – Australia and PNG

The Lion - Australia and Papua New Guinea edition ispublished bi-monthly for the Multiple District 201Council of Lions Clubs International and circulated toall members.Published by MD201 Council of Governors and printed byPMP Print, 37-49 Browns Road, Clayton Victoria 3168.An official publication of Lions Clubs International, The Lion ispublished by authority of Board of Directors in 21 languages:English, Spanish, Japanese, French, Swedish, Italian, German,Finnish, Korean, Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, Chinese,Norwegian, Icelandic, Turkish, Greek, Hindi, Polish, Indonesianand Thai.EditorTony Fawcett, Fawcett Media20 Millett Road Gisborne South VIC 3437Ph: (03) 9744 1368Email: tonyfawcett@bigpond.comLions Australia website: www.lionsclubs.org.auDeadlines: 1st day of month before cover date.MD201 Council of GovernorsTom Martin C1, David Savage C2, Malcolm Merrick N1,Phil Lawler JP N2, Ann Ryan N3, Bob Moore N4,Elvio Munzone N5, John Andrew McCrae Q1,Rodney James Bradley Q2, Bruce Unwin Q3,Lynnette Gail Forgan Q4, Anthony (Tony) Roney T1,Alan Crilly V1-4, Mary Harlow V2,Donald (Don) Blennerhassett V3, David Trevor Jones V5,Les Harrison V6, Rob Meney W1, Dora Ellen-Bushe Jones W2,Chairman: Bob BuckleyDistribution of Magazine: Clubs and MembersAdditions to distribution list, deletions, changes of addressand of club will be made only when advised through the ClubMembership and Activities report. Non-Lions, libraries andother organisations who wish to advise changes shouldcontact Lions National Office, Locked Bag 2000 NEWCASTLENSW 2300, Tel: 02 4940 8033 email: admin@lions.org.auUSA Executive Director – Peter LynchManaging Editor - Dane La Joye, Lions Clubs International300 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842 USAExecutive Officers International President – Albert F. Brandel,Melville, New York, USA; Immediate Past President –Mahendra Amarasuriya, Colombo, Sri Lanka; First VicePresident – Eberhard J. Wirfs, Kelkheim am Taunus, Hessen,Germany; Second Vice President – Sidney L. Scruggs III,Vass, North Carolina, USA.Directors Second year: Malik Khuda Baksh, Karachi, Pakistan;Dana Biggs, California, USA; Ermanno Bocchini, Napoli, Italy;Wayne E. Davis, Virginia, USA; Ryuichi Goto, Kashiwa, Japan;Dr. Patricia Hill, Alberta, Canada; Larry G. Johnson, WestVirginia, USA; Maurice M. Kahawaii, Hawaii, USA; ShinjiKayamori, Japan; Vinod Khanna, New Delhi, India; Ed Lecius,New Hampshire; Dr. Harold R. Ott, Pennsylvania, USA;Georges Placet, Ludes, France; Tapani Antero Rahko,Jarvenpaa, Finland; Dr. Nelson Vidal, Lima, Peru; VinceVinella, Nevada, USA; William B. Watkins, Sr., Tennessee,USA. First Year: Bishnu Bajoria, Bankura, India; Ken Bird,Queensland, Australia; Kwang-Soo Jang, Seoul, South Korea;Douglas A. Lozier, Indiana, USA; Shyam Malpani, Mumbai,India; Art A. Marson, Wisconsin, USA; Dr. Jerimiah Myers,Alaska, USA; Ellis Suriyati Omar, Kuching, Malaysia; EugenioRoman Jr., Arecibo, Puerto Rico; Bojan Sober, Rijeka, Croatia;Dr Ton Soeters, Huizen, The Netherlands; Neil R. Spencer,Florida, USA; Beverly L. Stebbins, Texas, USA; TadaoSugimoto, Hokkaido, Japan; Prof. Dr. Hayri Ülgen, Istanbul,Turkey; Rosane Jahnke Vailatti, Penha, Brazil; DebraWasserman, Minnesota, USA.

C O N T E N T S

4 Flood and flames

7 The club that won’t die

9 Tears among the ashes

12 Chairman’s report

14 International news

16 Bring on the heavies

18 A special story of caring

19 Wedding bells for Youth winner

21 Riding into fashion

22 Longest walk for an Aussie kid

24 Around the nation

26 Lions International’s new website

28 Official announcements

31 Lions International Convention

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

Page 4 - Flood and flames

Page 21 - Fashion stakes

Page 12 - ‘Join the Club’ posters

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COVER: When floods and firebrought horror and sufferingto much of Australia, Lionswere quickly on the scene tohelp. And while the sufferinggoes on they will continue todo what they do best.Photo of firefighters inVictorian bushfires by AndrewBrownbill, AAP. Inset:Marysville Lion Delice Guscott

‘We serve’

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

Connections, influence, friendship, philanthropy

4 The Lion

LCIF is there for you– be there for LCIF

By Albert F. Brandel,President,The International Association of Lions ClubsWe’ve just concluded Lions’ most successful fundraising effort as

Campaign SightFirst II exceeded the US$200 million mark. The funds will

enable Lions and SightFirst to save the sight of millions of people. There is

much to celebrate. But we also need to be careful. We can’t rest on our

laurels and assume LCIF is set for a while.To the great credit of Lions, LCIF does much more than preserve vision. It helps

Lions help people in multiple ways around the world. We provide disaster relief. Weassist the disabled. We give youths the skills they need to succeed. For LCIF to keepsucceeding, Lions need to continue to generously support the foundation. Yes, theseare challenging times economically. But that's all the more reason to dig deep andhelp the most needy.

Please remember that LCIF reaches down into local communities to improve livesand provide opportunity. One day that backyard it aids may be your backyard. Itwasn't long ago that LCIF responded to raging wildfires in California, devastatinghurricanes along the Gulf Coast and disastrous floods in Bihar, India. Thefoundation's youth, vision and hearing grants regularly impact tens of thousands ofpeople in small towns as well as larger cities. Where there is need, there you will findLCIF.

The foundation efficiently and effectively serves humanity. You will be pleased toknow that LCIF will expand the range and scope of its humanitarian efforts. The greatsuccess of SightFirst II inspired us to re-envision the foundation. We will take it tonew heights and help even more Lions help even more people. More concrete detailswill be forthcoming. But the good news is that LCIF will become an even greaterforce for Lions' service.

LCIF lifts people up from suffering and neglect and allows them to chart their ownfuture. LCIF will be there for you. You can count on it. Will you be there for LCIF?

FLOOD&

FLAMESHow Australian Lionsstood up and werecounted

From north to south, Australian Lions have donethemselves proud in two horrendous disasters – thefloods in northern NSW and Queensland and thedeadly bushfires in Victoria and parts of NSW.

Whether raising funds at shopping centres, holdingfundraisers or consoling victims, Lions in all corners of thecontinent have been doing what they do best.

First there were Lions on the ground, then cameemergency relief grants both from the Australian LionsFoundation and LCIF, which also established an AustralianWildfire Disaster fund for donors from other countries.

Clubs dug deep. Typical was the Coolum club thatapproved an immediate donation of $10,000 for an appeallaunched by north Queensland Lions to aid victims of CycloneEllie. Then despite their endeavours, the Coolum Lionsmarked down $5000 for the Victorian bushfire appeal.

In some areas it was Lions who were in need of help. SaidFrank Pettit, Secretary of V5’s Disaster Relief Fund: “It is hardto ask for help in some areas such as Marysville, where theclub president owned a hotel that is now in ashes.”

In Kinglake, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd congratulatedLions from various Geelong clubs who provided more than600 meals a day for volunteers and survivors of the fires.

A new emergency vehicle presented by Corio Lions to theGeelong Red Cross First Aid Emergency Service was quicklybrought into service at the Whittlesea fire control centre.“Seeing our vehicle in action during the bushfires was aproud moment,” said Corio Bay President Elaine Anderson.

In Sydney, the Richmond Lions filled an 18-tonne cattletruck with toiletries, baby formula, school uniforms, dozens ofpairs of shoes and $1000 worth of new women's clothes.

Ballina and East Ballina Lions raised more than $17,000 inquick time. All over Australia Lions were helping.

Convoys of CareAs well as tending people, Lions aided farmers suffering

the heartbreak of starving animals.Typical was the Lions Club of Pakenham which, backed by

ute club members under the banner “Lights on Convoy”,organised a 70-vehicle fodder convoy to fire-struck areas.

With police escorts and help from other clubs, bales of haycontinued to towns such as Traralgon South, Hazelwood,Marysville and Narbethong.

Albert Brandel visits villagers in PengHua, China, devastated by the earthquake last May.Lions will construct a Lions Village complete with homes, a school and roads.

CONTINUED PAGE 6

5April - May 2009

EXTREMES OFNATUREFirst it was floods inQueensland (left), thenfires throughout countryVictoria where PrimeMinister Mr Rudd (right)congratulated Lara Lionson their humanitariandeeds in helping victimsand emergency workers.With tragedies in the northand the south of thecountry, Lions’ focus wasspread wide.

HEARTBREAKScenes like this (aboveright) greeted the firstLions into devastatedareas, and soon news ofthe disaster spreadworldwide. Quickly on thescene was 2nd VicePresident Sid Scruggs,pictured (avove right) inMarysville with his wifeJudy and V5 DG DavidJones.

TIME TO REACTFires wiped out Marysvilleand nearly took her ownhome but Delice Guscott(left), Marysville andDistrict Region 2 Chairman,was quick to assemblehelpers (see her story P7).

GOODS FLOOD INWith no time to delay,Lions rallied to help,donating money andservices and urging othersto do similar. Emergencyitems were collected in acentral point (above rightand right) and transportedto the worst affected areasfor distribution to victims.

The Lion

An incident which stirs the wholeAustralian community to participate in aNational Day of Mourning is a significantincident indeed. The horrendousdevastation caused by the fires in Victoriaon Saturday 7th February, 2009 will beremembered in Australian history. Notonly did the fires raze the communityfacilities and homes to the ground, butthe tragic loss of over 200 lives touchesevery Australian in a way we have neverexperienced before.

It is the loss of life that makes this disasterso horrific. Whilst Lions across the country helpto support the shattered families who have losteverything in the floods of Queensland andnorthern NSW, other Lions support thosefarmers who have nothing left. Yet while thedrought still persists, still others help the lonelyfamily struggling with the loss of a childthrough cancer and others try to rebuild familyunits as they face loss of life through drugs oraccidental death. The loss of one life is nomore or less significant than the loss ofanother, but the tragic and instant loss of somany lives through the terror of the fires willnever be forgotten.

Lions serve their communities every day.When it comes to major disasters they are onthe ground very quickly and quietly go aboutthe organisation of assistance at every level.Lions lost their lives in Victoria. Many otherLions who were suffering property loss ralliedto aid the families of their colleagues. Themateship of Australia was evident. The unity ofLions was evident too. It is at these times thatwe remember why we are here and weharness the resources of this hugeorganisation to support us.

Thank you to everyone who did anything tohelp. The people in other states, who raisedmoney and organised their clubs to help gatherproducts and services, assisted those inVictoria who faced the tragedy head on.Governors offering emotional support toGovernors on the fire front gave theircolleagues the strength to face yet anotherdistressed family each day.

Lions became part of the Australian cause.In these times we are humbled and proud toserve our community and filled with the spiritof Lionism.

Thank you, Lions of Australia, thank you.– Bob Buckley

COUNCIL CHAIRMANTHANKS LIONS

6

Some animals had not been fed for more than aweek and drivers were deeply moved by what theysaw. Understandably, one remarked he was glad itwas dark because he didn’t want to see any more.

By the Sunday after the fires, V3 Disaster Trusthad appointed Graham Cockerell to coordinate all

fodder donations and distribution for the Gippslandregion. And the fodder runs go on. It’s beenestimated that dairy cattle alone will need to be fedfor three to four more months (offers of hay ormoney can be made to Graham on (03) 59 444111 or 0419 744 664).

Australia’s 1400 Lions Clubs adopted displacedfamilies, prepared meals, consoled victims, helpedemergency services, shook cans, replaced burntfences, distributed donations, sourced and handedout generators, rallied international support andgenerally helped their fellow Australians in need.

‘The bravery ofour members wasan inspiration’

– International Director Ken Bird

Like most who saw the carnage of the Victorianbushfires early on, International Director Ken Birdwas moved but buoyed by the good work Lionswere doing.

“The human tragedy of loss of life and propertycaused by the bushfires was all too evident to seeduring my visit,” said Ken.

“It affected me deeply and I can only try toimagine the heartache experienced by the residentsof the towns involved, including our fellow Lionsand their families.

“My sincere condolences go to our memberswho lost family and friends during this catastrophe.The bravery of our members was an inspiration andtheir determination to rebuild their lives and theircommunities is an example of courage underextreme pressure.

“The Lions of the Districts in Victoria, supportedby Australian and overseas Lions, and assistancefrom LCIF and ALF with emergency grants, swunginto action immediately and were instrumental insupplying essential items such as food and clothingto relieve the initial needs. Their attention thenfocused on providing items such as refrigeratorsand washing machines, to enable life to resumesome sort of order.

“Our Lions performed magnificently in giving ahelping hand in very difficult circumstances, andwe are all proud of them.”

FLOOD&

FLAMESFROM PAGE 4

Lions brought feed to starving stock.

VIEW TO A TRAGEDYThe bushfire scene asphotographed fromthe Melbournesuburbs by a friend ofLions on BlackSaturday.

7April - May 2009

The Black Saturday fires might have rippedthe heart out of the Victorian town ofMarysville, burning down nearly every homeand building and taking at least 45 lives, butthe local Lions Club refuses to go under.

Within days of the holocaust, and despite thedeath of members, the club was back in business.

For Delice Guscott and her husband, PDG Neil,there was never any doubt about continuing.

“We’re functioning and we’ve already hadmeetings. We were invited to attend Alexandra’smeeting but because it was our first official meetingafter the fires we thought we should have our own,”said Delice at her home on the outskirts ofMarysville that she and Neil had miraculously savedon the night of the fires.

In fact, within days of the tragedy the pair hadhosted here a gathering of national andinternational Lions, including 2nd International VicePresident Sid Scruggs and his wife, Judy, andAustralia’s International Director, Ken Bird.

And Delice, the editor of the club’s weeklynewsletter, The Triangle News, quickly had a newedition underway. “We didn’t get one out the firstweek but we put a couple of pages out for thesecond week, and made it three pages for the nextone and five for the next,” she says.

Members lostYet despite this enthusiasm there is clearly an air

of sadness that will be present for a long time.“We’ve lost three members and the son of one ofthose who died. He was just like a member, always

at the catering jobs we did. A great kid.“I think we had 23 or 24 members, so it’s big

percentage loss.“Five Lions families lost their homes. One family

with children has re-established in Alexandratemporarily, another with a teenage family is inBuxton and we have two couples moving in eitherside of Marysville.”

The fifth family, laments Delice, did not live toknow their home had gone.

Delice puts their own survival on the night downto luck. “If it had been a normal bushfire then wewere very confident the place was defendable, butas it turned out it wasn’t a normal bushfire.”

The first hint they got of trouble was a warningmid-afternoon that there were fires in the area.Then later came a warning from a CFA contact toexpect the worst.

At 5.30pm the power went off at their 450-acreproperty and about 6pm the fires came steamrollingthrough. Unaware of what was happening in nearbyMarysville, the pair fought furiously with hoses (theyhad a back-up generator) to save their house.

Locked in by flames all around and withconstant ember attacks, they battled for almost twohours, desperately trying to keep flames from theirhouse.

While they lost fences, a vineyard, farmmachinery and sheds and a converted and historicold tram in which they had lived when they firstmoved here in 1989 to build, they were justthankful to have survived.

Miraculously the stock on their property also

survived, although three alpacas had to be putdown later.

One of the biggest shocks for Delice came thenext day when she was told that Marysville had justabout been wiped out.

“My daughter came in and said ‘I think youshould have a look in the town’. I didn’t want to butI thought I should. So we went in and I did a bit of atour and I took a few photos, not many. I didn’t evenget out of the car.”

Delice has been told the town, a tourist meccawith many historic buildings, burnt down in 26minutes.

A television interview she did immediately afterwas screened as far away as Spain, England andGermany.

Exhausted, Delice slept soundly each night forabout a week but says she now wakes mostmornings about 3am and can’t get back to sleep.But it’s getting better, she advises, stressing thateveryone has been overwhelmed by the generosityshown to Marysville and its Lions Club.

What locals now want desperately, she says, isclosure – and overriding everything is a need to feelthey belong.

“The people who have been offered homeselsewhere don’t want to take them,” says Delice.“They want to live as close as possible and be apart of the community, to get the support from theirfriends. To be relocated to another town where youmight only know a few people is just not the sameas being in your home town or within the area.”

– Tony Fawcett

Lion Delice Guscott relateshow Marysville Lions arefighting back from the flames

The club that won’t die

MEMORIES AMONG THE ASHESDelice surveys the charred hills around her home, lookingtoward Marysville where once stood a thriving town filled with historic buildings.

MARYSVILLE SAYS ‘THANK YOU’ – SEE LETTER PAGE 27

FLOOD&

FLAMES

Still time to donateTo support flood and fire victims via the Australian LionsFoundation, donate to the Emergency Grant Fund. Contactyour District ALF Chairman for details or send donations toyour District Treasurer.

Or, donate to District 201 V5 with cheques payable to"201V5 District Disaster Relief Trust" and sent to FrankPettit, P.O. Box 59, Croydon, Victoria, or via transfer toWestpac Bank, Wantirna South Branch, Account 201V5District Disaster Relief Trust, BSB and Acct 033-136142930 (use reference field in electronic transfer to identifydonor details, important if tax deduction receipt required).And indicate Club and District Name if you are a Lions Club.Individuals should include name and address. Donations tothe Disaster Relief Trust are tax deductible – DGR: Number:900463352.

COOL BEAT HELPS SOOTHE THE ANGUISHBelting out cool jazz to aid fire victims are world recognisedperformers Carol Ralph and Bill Dudley. The pair gave their timefree in Sydney’s Hornsby Mall, along with the New Orleaniansband, which then donated their CDs to the cause. The concert wasorganised by Hornsby Lions PR Maureen Bassett. “When I was achild I holidayed every year at Marysville at the Marylands Guesthouse, later known as Marylands Country Lodge. It was burnt tothe ground and we’re sending vital equipment to Lions down thereso they can clean up debris.”

Lions has acted to help tradespeople who lost tools in the fireswith Tools for Tradies.

TFT matches local needs(damaged or destroyed equipment) tooffers made nationwide.

TFT provides contact details ofdonors to applicants seekingassistance so the two parties candeal directly with the aim of gettingthe tradespersons back in theworkforce as quickly as possible.

For details and contacts, check outthe Lions Australia website.

Tools for tradies

After the firestorm swept through Marysville,survivors Adam and Catherine Webster andtheir children Talia and Chelsea were foundliving in a tiny room at the rear of a localhotel.

They might have remained there but for caringFrankston Lions John and Lee Ann Morrison whoknew they had to help bushfire victims. They did soby providing their fully-furnished, beautifully-maintained Eildon holiday home.

For the family’s stay, organised by Eildon Lionsthrough Lion Nancy Powne, the Morrisons alsocovered the costs of electricity, water, gas andlawnmowing.

The horror of the fire behind them, Adam,Catherine, Talia and Chelsea Webster are pictured(below) with Lion John Morrison.

Burnt-out family’sholiday relief

At the centre of much of the bushfire reliefwas the Lions Warehouse, a filtering depot toensure the right goods got to the devastatedareas where they were needed.

Within a day of members Deb Cox, Peter Adamecand David and Monica Jones deciding it wasneeded, Robert Kann had obtained the use of aBraeside warehouse free of charge until the end ofMarch. And two trucks, complete with daily fills ofdiesel, were loaned by CMV Truck and Bus, Clayton.Also supplied were a forklift, shrink-wrappingmachine, trestles and operating necessities such asa 12m skip from Clean Skips in Clayton.

As there were no washing facilities available,those living in caravans and tents were devoid of alaundry so another phone call to The Good Guysgained 16 washing machines for use by victimsliving in caravans and tents in four of the worstaffected areas.

Two young housewives organised the firstvolunteers and quickly Lions volunteers startedarriving in ever-increasing numbers.

At the height of the operation, 30 Lions weredaily sorting, packing and delivering goods and atweekends that number rose to about 60.

With Governor David Jones phoning recoverycentres for their wish lists, items were thendelivered. One of the first requests was forgenerators and the factory next door supplied two.Two days later we had an urgent request from theCFA in Gippsland who had lost their generator in thefire. A quick trip next door and we had anotherwhich they delivered to Gippsland that night.

A Telstra shop loaned us three mobile phonesand organised a warehouse hotline. About 14-16pallet loads of goods arrived each day from as faraway as north Queensland, where they weresuffering disastrous floods. They told us that at leastthey still had their homes, whereas so manyVictorians didn’t.

Ninety dozen eggs were donated by a localresident, while Richmond Lions in NSW supplied atruck load of new clothing. It was driven down bytwo local farmers who stayed the night and had

breakfast before leaving with a promise to returnwith more. Aussies are a wonderful bunch!

Not everything went to plan, of course. At10.30pm one night Debbie received a call that a1000-litre drum of liquid detergent had sprung aleak. Quick action was needed to get it outsidebefore the floor was flooded.

One Friday, on top of the usual deliveries, wecompletely fitted out a new home for a Lions family– linen, kitchen utensils, clothing, toys, toiletries andeven a bottle of wine.

Then we did the same for a lovely couple in their80s who had lost everything except what they werewearing.

The volunteers at the warehouse were lookedafter well, with those who couldn’t attend supplyingsalads and meat for lunch, cookies for afternoon teaand bottomless cups of coffee and tea.

Victoria thanks everyone who has donated time,money and resources in our time of need.

David Oakley,V5 Public Relations Chairman

Warehouse of new beginnings

8 The Lion

April - May 2009 9

Tears among the ashesThe tragedy was so great that only hard workdistracted this Lion from his griefGrown men do cry. Just ask V5 DistrictGovernor David Jones.

Barely a day has gone by since Black Saturdaythat David has not shed tears for the loss anddestruction.

But David, whose district takes in some of theworst affected areas, has refused to allow tears tointerfere with his crusade to bring happiness backto victims.

He has worked tirelessly for weeks after the fires,ferrying goods from the Lions collection depot todevastated areas, turning his back on his ownbusiness and losing 6.5 kilograms in weight in theprocess.

Colleagues estimate that many days he worked21 hours out of each 24.

What he’s seen will, says David, live with him forthe rest of his life. There are memories of totaldevastation in towns such as Kinglake andFlowerdale. His first look at the destruction ofMarysville when he toured there with visiting Lions2nd Vice President Sid Scruggs and Sid’s wife,Judy, he describes as “the most life-changingsituation I’ve ever encountered”.

“Mate, there wasn’t a dry eye in that car. I’llnever forget it.

“Twelve days earlier I had been in Marysville forthe Australia Day celebrations when we carried theflags. If someone had told me then that thisbeautiful town would soon no longer exist, l’d havesaid bull...t.

“You can’t comprehend that a fire could be sohot it could destroy a town in 26 minutes. The heatwas so intense that corrugated iron which needs ablast furnace to melt it was just in lumps on theground.

“If I ever see anything like that in my lifetime itwill be too soon.”

But like most Lions directly involved in the firerelief, David, a former NSW firefighter and applianceofficer with the CFA, is intent on getting things backto as normal as possible.

“We will rebuild my district and we’ll rebuild it

properly,”he says, relating howLions should feel proud about theirimmediate reaction to the disaster.

It was because of this high visualLions presence, he says, thatrepresentatives of the Victorian BuildingCommission sought him out in regardto reconstruction plans.

“I asked why me and they said ‘yourtruck is seen going into Kinglake,Whittlesea, Buxton and all the areaswhere the need is so great’. They saidthat ‘while all the others guys aresitting on their hands trying to work outhow to cut red tape, you guys are onthe ground doing it’. I told them that’sthe Lions charter, that we’reprofessionals and specialists who do itright.”

David says the Lions response to the fires waspossible only because of the hard work andgenerosity of all Australian districts and theirgovernors and members, as well as many in NewZealand. And members of the public like PhilWalmsley of Walmlsey Builders who suppliedvehicles and trailers, and so many others toonumerous to name.

Needs still greatWhile many items have been supplied to fire

victims, David says they are still seekingrefrigerators, freezers and washing machines. “Wewant good furniture, not rubbish, because thesepeople have nothing else. Let’s at least allow themto keep their dignity. We shouldn’t give themanything we wouldn’t use ourselves.”

There’s also a desperate need for metal

detectors so people can detect jewellery and otheritems in the debris. “Even if they can find onlymolten gold it’s something tangible,” says David.

And if anyone can donate a piano, David knowsof a young woman in Kinglake, a music student whowas burnt out and not long ago lost her brother toillness, who will put it to good use.

– Tony Fawcett

EMBLEM OF HONOURThe sight of the Lions emblem in bushfire areas has boosted theimage of Lions as an organisation that gets the job done properlywith minimal fuss.

HB

R01

23/L

A

Introducing the four-cylinder V8.

Active Fuel Management has arrived. Holden’s V8 engine has always had a lot of power. Which is great when you need it, but what about when you don’t? The answer is Active Fuel Management (AFM), our new V8 engine technology that cleverly shuts down four cylinders when they’re not needed, to increase fuel effi ciency that is needed. It’s part of our new Holden EcoLine range of more fuel effi cient vehicles and it’s available right now on V8 powered automatic Commodore, Sportwagon, Ute and Calais. And whilst you’ll save on petrol, you won’t pay for it in performance as AFM kicks in under light-load driving situations like freeway cruising. As soon as you need more power again, all eight cylinders are instantly and seamlessly reactivated. To learn more about Holden’s smart new AFM technology head to holden.com.au, or better still, go and see your Holden dealer today and take an AFM V8 for a test drive. Holden. Go better.

11April - May 2009

The Lions Clubs of District 25-B Indiana, USA,are inviting other Lions to visit.

The invitation is to Lions living outside the UnitedStates and is part of Operation Friendship.

District 25-B is one of eight districts in Indianaand has 64 clubs with approximately 2300members. One or two Lions will be invited eachyear to spend a month as a guest of the Lions ofDistrict 25-B. The invitation also is extended to theLions’ spouse.

During the one-month period, accommodationsand travelling within the District will be provided.The visitor must arrange and pay for travel to and

from Indiana. Indiana Lions will not be responsiblefor medical or general expenses.

Written/typed applications should containpersonal information, including home phonenumber, and furnish details of service as a Lion. Anunderstanding of and ability to communicate inEnglish is necessary, and a recent photograph mustbe included. Applications must arrive beforeNovember, 2009. Successful applicants for 2010will be advised no later than November 2009. Ifinterested, write to Lion Pat Ehle, 14711 State Road37, New Haven, IN 46774, USA.Ph: 260-657-5211. Email: patehle&yahoo.com

Indiana calling – chance to spread some friendship

The Australian Lions Pin Trading Club is seeking to obtaingreater exposure to improve its activities throughoutMD201.

Members are offering pre-loved pins for sale. The pins havebeen generously donated to raise funds for Lions foundations.

The club asks that funds raised be directed through theTreasurer of ALPTC, Lion Bill Sutton, P.O.Box 51 Inverell NSW2360.

It’s the club’s intention to make a presentation of all fundsraised to the benefiting foundation at the AGM of the ALPTC,held annually at the MD201 National Convention.

Publicity from such presentations will then be circulatedthrough The Lion magazine and district newsletters.

The club seeks the support of all Lions throughout Australia.The motto of Pin Traders is Lions first – Pin Traders next.

For details on ALPTC, contact Lance J Leak, Secretary, ALPTC,189 Kingston Road, Port Pirie, S.A. 5540.

Throughout her nursing career Trafalgar Lioness Club (V3) member Dorothy Hoarehad become very aware of the treatment and needs of young people within thecommunity.

Although many had supportive families she believed they could also benefit from outsideguidance and support.

So Dorothy became deeply involved.She was one of three people instrumental in setting up the Trafalgar Youth Resource

Centre in 1997 and is currently the program co-ordinator at the centre.She has served on numerous committees since her retirement from nursing in 1992 and

now devotes most of her time and energy to assisting young people.Dorothy was also involved in setting up the Trafalgar youth mentoring program with

Trafalgar High School and she organises training sessions for prospective mentors.All up, Dorothy would spend between 20 and 30 hours a week with these programs at the

Trafalgar Youth Resource Centre.So successful has Dorothy been in her efforts, she was earlier this year named Baw Baw

Shire citizen of the year. She was nominated by Trafalgar Lions.

If the sight of wildflowers inglorious colour cascadingdown from sandhills appeals,you might want to joinVictoria’s Maiden Gully Lionscome August.

They’ll be again taking off ontheir annual tour to BirdsvilleRaces. This year’s trip, whichleaves Melbourne on August 30,promises to be something special as flooding rains have coveredthe interior of the continent promoting wildflower growth.

Another highlight will be a memorable night around the quaintoutback pub in isolated Milparinka – population six.

Arrival in Birdsville is always cautiously anticipated. Passengersquickly adjust to the town’s festivities or relax beneath a shadetent with cool drinks.

The 10-day tour includes motel and camp accommodation.For more details, contact John Smith, 4 Hastings Drive, Bendigo

VIC 35501 – (03) 5449 6239, handjsmith@primusonline.com.au.

DorothyHoareproudlydisplays herawardcertificatewith mayorRuthMcGowan.

Pin sharp idea

AROUND&

ABOUT

Kids come first for Dorothy

HORSE TALK

Youth Projects newsletterIncluded in this edition of The Lion is the

Multiple Districts Youth Projects Newsletter and Icommend it to you. Lions is synonymous withcakes and mints and our commitment to sightprojects does not go unnoticed. However, ourcommitment to the youth of Australia and theworld goes somewhat unheralded.

I thank my Chairmen for their contribution tothis newsletter and for the work they and theircommittees do everyday of the year.

PDG Ron Skeen OAMChairman Youth and Community Projects

The Lion12

From Council Chairman Bob

Quite often theworst ofcircumstancesbrings out thevery best inpeople.

As we haveseen in the lastmonth or so,Australians haverespondedmagnificently tothe tragedy of the

Victorian fires and the Queensland and northernNew South Wales floods. The support bothfinancially and materially has been overwhelmingand out of it all emerges that true Aussie value ofbeing there to support your mate.

Lions, as a community service organisation, is anintegral part of how this support comes about. Ourmembers have been there from day oneproviding support wherever and wheneverrequired. The wider Lions community hasensured that those affected can besupported financially and materially,fundraising, making donations andcoordinating appeals.

It is times like this I feel so proud tobe part of such a wonderfulorganisation.

On behalf of the Multiple District Iwould like to convey our sympathy tothe families of Lions who lost their lives.We grieve with members who have lostfriends and pray for support for all familiesas they try to reconstruct their lives. Our verybest wishes for a speedy recovery go to all thosewho were injured. You are in our thoughts andprayers as are those who have suffered as a resultof the devastation in any of the areas. Therebuilding will take a long time and I know Lions willbe there.

What makes this organisation and our countrygreat is the ability to unite when things are at theirworst. We must always remember that spirit and tryto live it every day.

Over the last few months I have been indiscussion with Paul Gallagher, National Chairmanof Apex Australia, to re-visit the Memorandum ofUnderstanding between our two organisations. Theoriginal memorandum signed in December 1999was for a period of five years but unfortunately itwas not renewed.

Council and the Apex Board are keen to re-new

the agreement.The agreement between the two parties

recognises our commonality in purpose and bindsus to assist one another in our community activities.It also states that Apex members reachingretirement age will be encouraged to join Lions andthat the period of Apex membership may berecognised in counting towards Lions service.

Previously a combined Lions/Apex membershippin was available to members who met the criteriaand this will again be manufactured and availablethrough the National Office.

At the January meeting of Council the Governorsdiscussed the concept of a Constitutional AreaForum and its relevance to our geographical area. Asmall committee comprising our InternationalDirector, two District Governors and myself wereappointed to investigate and report back to the MayCouncil meeting. PID Barry Palmer was also invitedto attend. A meeting of the committee together withrepresentatives of MD 202 (New Zealand) tookplace at the end of February and after very fruitful

discussions a recommendation will be submitted toCouncil for further consideration.

The Melbourne Convention is almost here and asthe committee frantically finalise arrangements Iurge you make your arrangements to attend. Theprogram has been finalised and preparations arealmost complete and all we need now is the Lionsof Australia to show their support by coming toMelbourne and being part of what I know will be agreat weekend. We are excited that InternationalPresident, Al Brandel, and his wife Maureen havemanaged to fit the entire Convention into their busyschedule and it will be a wonderful opportunity tohear from the leadership of our great organisation

and to share what makes Lions in Australia sospecial.

The Multiple District is also honouredto host Immediate Past International

President Mahendra Amurasuriyaand his lovely wife Kushlani as

they visit our country inMarch/April in his role as theChairman of the Lions ClubsInternational Foundation. Dueto time constraints it isregrettable that Mahendraand Kushi will only be ableto visit two states,

Queensland and SouthAustralia. During the visit IPIP

Mahendra is keen to meet asmany Lions as possible and in

each District functions have beenarranged to ensure this wish is fulfilled.

The itinerary also includes many projectsthat have or may in the future receive assistance

from LCIF.Melbourne will also be the last convention where

PDG Bob Korotkoff will officiate as Sergeant ofArms. Anyone who has attended conventions inrecent years is fully aware of the skill, enthusiasmand knowledge Bob applies to this position. Many adifficult situation has been managed skillfully andquite often undetected by those in attendance.

PDG Bob, on behalf on the Lions of Australia Isay a very sincere thank you for a job well done.

I look forward to seeing you in Melbourne.Regards

Bob Buckley

A message on a wall sums up the spirit thatmotivated Lions in their daily service followingthe fires.

From Executive Officer Rob

In this tragic start to the year of bushfire andflood, so many Lions have such great storiesto tell of support, generosity, friendship andcourage. It is wonderful to see the generosityof spirit of Lions, exemplified by our flood-isolated Lions in the north fundraising to helptheir colleagues in the southern bushfires. Nomore needs to be said about the qualities of aLion.

You may have noticed some changes to the LionsAustralia website. It is worth having a look at the“In the News” Section. This newsfeed links our pageto around 2000 online news services and showswhat these media sources are saying about LionsClubs. It gives a great appreciation of those localstories that highlight the work we do.

At the time you receive this magazine, we will beready to launch our new ‘Join the Club’ postercampaign. You can purchase the ‘We make thingshappen’ brochure and four new posters highlightingwhy Australians should ‘join the club’. Now there’sa direct message! The colour, design and themesmatch the branding that you see in our letterhead,website, television advertising and banners. It’s allabout encouraging members of the community tothink about Lions when they want to give back tothe community. I would encourage your club to bea part of the campaign.

On the 3rd ofMarch I had thegreat pleasure toattend a functionorganised by theAustralian Literacyand NumeracyFoundation. Thekeynote speakerwas Ms ThereseRein, successfulAustralianbusinesswomanand the wife of our Prime Minister, the HonKevin Rudd MP. Ms Rein spoke with greateloquence and passion about the importanceof providing all Australians with the gift ofliteracy and numeracy, and with it the ability tofully engage within the modern word that reliesso heavily on the written word.

By coincidence, the function was held not twoblocks from where I as a much younger man,managing a local youth service, was confrontedeach day by the outcomes faced by children whosebasic education was well below what was needed

to succeed in our Australian community. Ms Rein,in her address, reflected on the causes of why we,in a prosperous, developed nation, still have somany men, women and children that lack the basicskills of literacy and numeracy that enables them tosucceed in our community. While our values maylead each of us to our own view of the answer, MsRein presented a persuasive argument that multiplefactors like location, health, family circumstanceand poverty can conspire to compromise thelearning outcomes of otherwise intelligent andcapable kids.

I was inspired by the work of thisFoundation which, a little like Lions,identified a problem and got to thebusiness of solving it – by their actionsand practical programs. Ms Rein gavetoo a reminder about the simplest thingsthat we can all do like reading to ourkids, our grandkids and those in ourcircle of friends. That is exactly what Idid on returning home that night,delighting my son, Evan, and greatly

increasing myknowledge of LittleBear, Old Bear andtheir strangeassociation of stuffedanimal colleagues.

I am looking forwardto our next Conventionin Melbourne and I dohope that many Lionsmight consider makingthe journey tocontribute to theplanning for the

organisation, meet up with friends and celebrateanother year of Lions in Australia.

And remember to please support our NationalRaffle for StepAhead Australia, to bring us a stepcloser to repairing spinal cord injury.

RegardsRob Oerlemans

Postersfrom thenew “Jointhe Club”campaign.

13April - May 2009

SYDNEYWELCOMESTHE LIONS CLUBSINTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONJUNE 2010

For more information visit www.lions2010.com

The Lion

International

The International Association of Lions ClubsSTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION - GENERAL FUNDJune 30, 2008All Figures Shown in U.S. Dollars(thousands)

ASSETSCash and Cash Equivalents $26,565Accounts Receivable $436Other Current Assets $2,597Marketable Securities $68,401Property and Equipment, Net $8,810

Total assets $106,809

CURRENT LIABILITIESAccounts Payable $4,654Interfund Payable $17,248Accrued Expenses $5,750Accrued Post-retirement Benefits $199Other Current Liabilities $2,096

Total current liabilities $29,947

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIESSelf-insurance Reserve $8,082Accrued Post-retirement Benefits $1,277Pension Liability $7,948Other Non-current Liabilities $173

Total non-current liabilities $17,480

NET ASSETSBeginning of Year $59,303Revenue over Expenditures $4,662Pension Liability Adjustment -$4,583End of Year* $59,382

Total liabilities and net assets $106,809

Last year was a record-breaking one for Lions ClubsInternational Foundation. Through Lions’ generosity, largely inresponse to Campaign SightFirst II, LCIF reached a new recordin contributions, enabling it to award the most grants ever.

Total contributions to LCIF were US$78.46 million, an increase ofmore than $24 million over the previous year and several million overrecent years. LCIF provided 570 grants totalling $40.93 million toaddress vital humanitarian needs.

LCIF was named the number one non-governmental organisationworldwide with which to partner in a study released in July by TheFinancial Times in association with the UN Global Compact.

This was a year of many celebrations for LCIF. The Foundationmarked its 40th anniversary in June with the successful conclusion ofCSFII, the greatest fundraising victory in LCIF’s history. Lions anddonors around the world rallied to surpass the minimum goal of $150million, raising $203 million. These funds will continue and expandSightFirst, Lions' renowned program to combat preventable blindness.

LCIF addresses many other humanitarian needs through programsfor youth, disability, health and natural disasters. After reviewing all ofLCIF's accomplishments, I know you'll share my pride in what we haveaccomplished together. Thank you for helping LCIF to change the livesof so many. It is through your continued support that we have achievedso much.

Together “We Serve,”Jimmy Ross

2007-2008 LCIF Chairperson

14

Financial standing to June 30 2008

* Does not include constitutionally restricted Emergency Reserve Fund balance of$55,156.The Lions Clubs International audited annual report is available upon written request.Contact us at e-mail: finance@lionsclubs.org, fax: 630-571-5368Mail: 300 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Il 60523

Greatest in LCIF history

LCIF’S record-breaking year

15April - May 2009

LCIF Overview■ Major Catastrophe: 6

disasters/$1.35 million■ Emergency: 229 disasters/

$1.93 million■ Standard: 143 projects/

$6.53 million■ SightFirst: 42 projects/

$21.14 million■ Core 4: 47 grants/

$3.71 million■ International Assistance:

34 grants/$389,229■ Other: 69 grants/

$5.89 million

Leonard Penner, 66, a life-longresident of Portage La Prairie,Manitoba, Canada, can now see ifthe electric burners on his stoveare off or on. “I used to have totouch them, just to be sure,” hesays.

Cataract surgeries restoredPenner’s vision. The equipment for thesurgery was donated by Lions in District5M-13 and partially funded by a grantfrom LCIF.

Penner was just one of the hundreds ofthousands of people helped recently by LCIF. In aground-breaking, busy year, LCIF awarded its mostgrant funding ever, as a result of the most donationsever received. Donations to LCIF surpassed theamount received in the last two years combined.

Funds raised through SightFirst II are alreadycontinuing Lions’ life-changing work. Of the $203million raised, more than $100 million will supportprograms that control and eliminate the majorcauses of blindness such as cataract, trachoma andriver blindness. An additional $50 million will fundprojects to combat threats to sight such as lowvision, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Theremaining $50+ million will fund “Vision for All” bysupporting research initiatives and rehabilitation.

The first six grants from funds raised during CSFIIhave been allocated to projects around the world.Through these six grants, Lions will fight trachomain Ethiopia, provide eye care to the underserved inParaguay, address cataract in India, bring visionservices to people throughout West Africa, give sightto children in Eastern Europe and addressuncorrected refractive error in North America.

A New vision of serviceLCIF is in a position of unprecedented

opportunity. Now more than ever, Lions worldwideare engaged in the work of LCIF.

Last year CCS, the company hired by LCIF to leadthe fundraising efforts of Campaign SightFirst II,undertook a comprehensive review of LCIF. Duringthis study, Lions and Lions leaders around the worldwere personally interviewed at area forums orpolled through an online survey. Thousands of Lionsprovided feedback on programs they would mostlike to see expanded or new initiatives. Surveyfindings will be available soon and will helpdetermine the future of LCIF’s programs.

Two out of three Lions clubs raised funds to savesight during CSFII. Although there have been severalsignificant corporate donations, Lions and clubsprovide the vast majority of funding for LCIF’sgrants. LCIF thanks all those who helped make thisa record-breaking year. Your continued support anddedication is needed.

The complete annual report is available atwww.lcif.org. Or copies can be requested atlcif@lionsclubs.org.

Other major accomplishments■ Named number one non-governmental

organisation worldwide■ Surpassed $200 million challenge goal for

Campaign SightFirst II■ Received greatest amount of donations in

40-year history■ Awarded most grants in 40-year history■ Distributed 10 millionth dose of Zithromax■ 1000th Habitat for Humanity house constructed

through partnership program■ Expanded Lions Quest to 50 countries■ Awarded $1 million to continue Opening Eyes

partnership with Special Olympics andparticipated in Global Policy Summit in China

■ Awarded $3 million for earthquake relief in China■ Screened 50,000 people in Colombo, Sri Lanka,

for Lions World Sight Day■ Stopped transmission of river blindness in first

country: Colombia■ Awarded $879,000 to continue childhood

blindness program with the World Healthorganisation

LCIF’s focus is on bringing equal opportunity to all peoples of the world.

16 The Lion

Bring on theUp Killarney way it’s become known as Heavy HorseDay. It’s the day each year when farmer MickBradford brings out his Clydesdales for a spot ofploughing.

Organised by the Lions Club of Killarney in Queensland,the day is held on Mick’s property near a small villagecalled Yangan where he grows lucerne while tending his“heavy horses”. Here too is a mass of old machinerydating back many years.

On Heavy Horse Day, Mick also demonstratesharvesting, tread mill operation, haymaking and manyother tasks from the past – and the public loves seeing alittle bit of true horse power.

The day raises funds for the Careflight RescueHelicopter service based in Toowoomba. It kicked off 10years ago when Mick, the President of the Lions Club ofKillarney, who was a member of the Lions Club of Warwickat the time, decided to help the Careflight appeal. It needsto raise at least $3,000,000 a year to keep its helicoptersin the air and to cover its large area.

What started in a small way has gradually grown. WhenMick transferred to the Lions Club of Killarney the Lionsagreed to help him in his fundraising endeavours. In 2007a cheque for $7,000 was handed to Careflight and then in2008 that was doubled with $14,000 being raised.

The money comes from a $5 entry fee, plus food anddrink stalls, raffles and donations from generous peoplewho support Careflight.

The 2008 effort was recognised by Q1 District GovernorTony Cornell when he awarded the club the Project of theYear. While the club got the award, this whole operation isentirely due to the efforts of Mick Bradford. He has pickedup parts and old machinery from all over the country andspent hours of his time returning them to working order.However, the highlight of the day is seeing these enormoushorses being handled by Mick and his helpers, with words,by name and the odd crack of the whip.

These gentle giants respond to the various demandsand tasks they’re asked to perform. These days the Lionsof Killarney have upgraded their equipment and have alarge trailer that carries everything, including the kitchensink. The club is blessed with a group of ladies who workvery hard and efficiently on these days and of course theLions do their bit as well!

The day is a long one, from 6am until dark. Localbutchers Cary Bros lend a refrigerated truck which keepsthe food in top condition. Cooking starts early and damperand stew are prepared on camp fires.

Organisers didn’t imagine a roll up of 1500-plus lastyear so there were a few problems, such as a shortage offood and not enough toilet facilities. Now they must decidejust how well attended the 2009 event will be.

The reasons for the great success in 2008 were perfectweather and Mick Bradford’s excellent advertising.

While there are four Killarneys in Australia (two in NSW,Killarney Vale and Killarney Heights, and one in Victoria),this one is 6km from the NSW border in Queensland nearthe headwaters of the Condamine River, a picturesquelocation popular with tourists.

So if you are in the area on the first Sunday of eachMay, see you at the Heavy Horse Day.

PICTURE: JULIE SHAW

Killarney Lions turn back theclock to times when heavyclydesdales turned theproductive brown earth

April - May 2009

HEAVIES

1818 The Lion

This story began in 2004 when a Lions Ladywanted to help children. She collected bottles,cans and cartons and decided that theproceeds should go to the Australian LionsChildren’s Mobility Foundation.

Little envelopes and bags of money went intoundesignated funds and helped towards the cost ofwalkers for children in need. And the money keptcoming, and more people wanted to help, so theycollected bottles and cans too.

Taking the plunge, I decided to approach thisdedicated lady to see if she would like to sponsorher own walkers, and happily, though with somefear and trepidation, she did.

So far 10 children are enjoying a better quality oflife thanks to her efforts in raising over $6000 andshe is currently working on providing a secondwalker for young Jemma.

Jemma’s story appeared in the AdelaideAdvertiser newspaper in 2005. It was a wonderfulphoto.

But our Lions Lady knew only too well howwonderful it was. Jemma had received her walkerjust six months before, and my, what a difference a

walker makes. Jemma was able to step out andembrace a whole new world.

As Lions we are so very proud to be part of sucha life changing project, but how happy is our LionsLady that her own (and her dedicated and hardworking helpers) efforts are bringing about so manywonderful miracles … through collecting bottlesand cans.

Her newsletter ensures thosehelpers know where their moneyraised is going and how much theirefforts are appreciated.

In what I feel is a fitting end to aspecial story, our incredible LionsLady, who stepped out of hercomfort zone in 2004, received oneof the highest ALCMF awardspossible. And the best part is thatthe cost required to purchase suchan award is being put to a walkerfor a child in need.

Vaal DixAustralian Lions Children’s

Mobility Foundation

Editor’s note: The identity of this charitableLions Lady must remain known only to friendsand those who work with her. According to theauthor, she doesn't see it as necessary for hername to be divulged.

Stepping out: A special story of caring

The sight of ahappy childlike Jemmacan berewardenough.

Sadly, Australia is not immune from theproblem of homelessness.

A group of NSW schoolchildren got an insightinto the problem thanks to a food collectionorganised by North Rocks Lions.

The collection was in response to a call from theRev. Bill Crews of the Exodus Foundation.

The foundation was supplying and serving 300 to400 meals to homeless and destitute people a day

(on Christmas Day it served 4000 meals) anddesperately needed food items.

So North Rocks Lions under the direction of 2ndVP John Dean contacted local schools requestingeach student bring in one grocery item from a listprovided. North Rocks Public, Murray Farm,Carlingford West and Roselea schools all took part.

North Rocks Lions bought $500 worth of itemsfrom a wholesale supplier and, with further support

of friends and Lions supporters, more than 3000grocery items were collected. This made up 84cartons, which included a further donation of threedozen Christmas Cakes from North Rocks LionsClub.

The Project showed the community spirit of thestudents and the Schools.

Appreciation Certificates where presented to allschool captains.

Bringing home the problem of the homeless

Just some of the studentswho collected food items.

19April - May 2009

A little over two years ago Chelsea Burgiswas crowned the N Districts state winner forthe Youth of the Year. In January this year,Chelsea married her long-time boyfriend, JoelGordon. How time flies!

The state winners tour of 2007/08 was such asuccess, with lifelong friendships formed, that theseven participants were invited to the wedding.Having become such close friends at the end of the2007 Youth of the Year National Tour, we hadresolved to meet up every subsequent year. WhenChelsea told us that we were invited to herwedding, we were delighted to attend.

The wedding, on Saturday January 31, was atthe lovely Garrison Church in The Rocks district ofSydney.

By Australian standards, the church is very old,with construction beginning in 1840. The old stonewalls helped keep out much of the heat but anythoughts of the weather were soon forgotten withthe fashionably late arrival of the beautiful bride,Chelsea Burgis.

Chelsea looked spectacular in her wedding dresswith its white satin bodice and tulle skirt. Walkingdown the aisle, with her two sisters Holly andTiffany as maids of honour, she seemed blissfullyhappy. The traditional ceremony included AmazingGrace.

After the vows and rings were exchanged, the

congregation massed outside to extend theircongratulations to the newlyweds.

A few hours later, we came back together for thereception, at a beachfront restaurant in Mosman.There we were treated to a delicious three-coursemeal and some highly entertaining speeches fromfamily and friends. Chelsea's parents, Susan andPaul, humourously presented them with a range ofitems they will now need to attend to in their newhome. These included sheets, bin liners and toiletpaper.

It was lovely to be able to share the joy ofChelsea's wedding with her and also a perfectopportunity to meet up once again with the othersfrom the National Tour.

The Youth of the Year committee along with allthe Lions of MD201 wish Chelsea and Joel a longand happy married life.

Report: Josh Anderson,2007-08 Youth of the Year national winner

Wedding bells for Youth winner

Josh Anderson, 2007/08 Youthof the Year national winner,reports on a winning wedding

TOP: Josh Anderson, Lucy Radowicz,Chelsea Gordon (Burgis), GraceSouthwell, Hannah Bellwood, EmilyO'Keefe and Josh Underwood.

INSET ABOVE: Chelsea and Joel, thehappy couple.

20 The Lion

Inductions can happen in funny places. ForRon and Bobbie Owens it came in a caravanpark in Kalgoorlie, WA.

They were being inducted into Lionsonoz – aLions branch dedicated to those travelling Australia.Sponsors were Lions Yvie and Kel Kearns.

Lionsonoz is a branch club of Wooli Lions ClubInc (N1) and was created for Lions who retire andhave taken to the road but still want to participatein Lions. A number of experienced Lions havealready joined Lionsonoz.

The branch club now has 18 members and is

keen to get 25 in order to charter. So if you’re keenon travelling but haven’t the time for a conventionalclub, contact PDG Lion Warren White atwwkooty@ceinternet.com.au.

Come on down

ABOVE: Lions Ron and Bobbie Owens were inductedinto Lionsonoz by Yvie and Kel Kearns.

Hitting the road withtravellin’ Lions

If your family pooch’s manners need improvingthen check out some well behaved canines atthe Multiple District 201 Lions Club 57thNational Convention in Melbourne (Friday 1-3May). In attendance will be some AutismAssistance Dogs. You’ll be able to learn howtheir specific training helps children withautism.

Clever canines

Remember the remote-controlled toys thatwere offered to many clubs in 2007? Likelymany are still sitting in a garage or under thehouse.

But East Gosford Lions Club decided to reallyget involved, firstly as one of the three distributingclubs and then in sourcing batteries for theDistrict.

In fact, members enjoyed playing with the carsand bikes so much they decided to legitimise theactivity by developing a project that converted thetoys to cash.

Then they requested more from Sydney andwere asked to send a truck to the warehouse.

“How big should the truck be?” “Big as youlike,” was the response, so they sent the biggest.In the meantime arrangements were made to store“one or two pallets” for six months at a warehouseowned by Fairhaven Services, an organisation thatworks with intellectually disabled people.

When the truck arrived back in Gosford, about1,000 toys were unloaded onto six pallets!Fortunately Fairhaven was able to accommodatethe extra pallets.

Clearly, the East Gosford Lions had bitten off

more than they anticipated but as Peter Bock said,“If you want a real challenge, bite off more thanyou can chew and then chew like hell.” And theydid ...or are.

The objective now is to have each toy bring inabout $100. This provides cash for club projectsand for batteries so that complete, operational toyscan be donated to worthy causes.

The modus operandi for the project quicklycentred around 100-ticket raffles and a chocolatewheel. At $2 a ticket this generated more than$100 profit per toy. The club tested the conceptwith a borrowed chocolate wheel and on the firstouting made more than $2000. Flushed withsuccess they decided to buy their own chocolatewheel but couldn't believe the cost of $750 to$1,000, so they designed their own and got thelocal Men’s Shed to build it.

The result was a better product than anythingavailable, and for less than $500.

How they do itIn the last 12 months East Gosford Lions have

attended six events and generated about $10,000

profit. Success depends on good spruiking andcreating chaos with demonstrations.

East Gosford Lions are looking for more motorbikes if there are any out there and would behappy to exchange them for cars.

If any club is looking for a chocolate wheel orother information on this project, contact JeffKukura at jkukura@ozemail.com.au orphone (02) 4325 4644.

A wheely good – and fun– idea for raising funds

The fundraising objective is to have each toy bring in $100 and, as shown below, members enjoy the fun.

21April - May 2009

Lions is set to take on a fashionable image withsome of Australia's leading fashion designers,dressmakers and students taking part in the LionsFashion Awards Dinner, a fundraising initiative ofthe Macathur Lions Club Inc.

The NSW club will donate all funds to the LionsNSW/ACT Save Sight Foundation and public healthfoundations and other local charities.

The event, being held on Saturday, September 5, willbe at Sweeney’s Function & Entertainment Centre, Lot 1Campbelltown Road, Ingleburn NSW

Currently the Macathur Lions are looking for moresponsors for the awards, as well as details of fashiondesigners, dressmakers and students who might like toenter.

Categories for the awards include Tertiary (any outfit,

entrant must be enrolled in a tertiary institute as at31/8/09); Sportswear/Swimwear (any outfit suitable forany sporting occasion/season); Wearable Art (any outfit);Daywear or Racewear (any outfit, one or more pieces);After 5 “Little Black Dress”; Evening (any outfit suitablefor a special occasion); Bridal (formal bridal gown only,not bridal party.

A Sponsorship prospectus can download from thewebsite (see below).

Entry forms and tickets are available from TheOrganiser, P.O.Box 353, Macarthur Square NSW 2560.For full details, email info@lionsfashionawards.com orvisit www.lionsfashionawards.com.

New Lions fashions awards set for a stylish launch

TOP: As a prelude to the awards, aspiring model andstudent Heather Loxley models a striking hand-paintedgown with two beaded godets with leather flap – and, in amore war-like mood (above) adds vinyl armour plate,leather spartan helmet and headdress.

LEFT: Debbie Scales in an outfit just right for the races.

Riding into fashion

LONGEST WALK FOR AN AUSSIE KID

The Lion22

Long-distance walker John Olsen puts his head back on the pillow after walkingAustralia for cerebral palsy and leukodystrophy sufferers

When John Olsen put his head on the pillowfor his first time in a real bed after hismarathon 7,041 km, 227-day walk acrossAustralia sleep simply eluded him.

“This was the first real bed I had slept in forseven months and the mattress was far toocomfortable,” he recalled. “My first reaction was togo outside under a tree to gather a handful oftwigs and insects to throw under the sheets. Iwas certainly missing the stars andthe peace and solitude of thedesert and I swear I could hear the neighbour snoring threehouses down the street.”

Lion John had just returnedto Geelong and a rousingwelcome after his his west-eastAustralian crossing.

Along the way he had beenharnessed between the two shaftsof his trailer named “Wilson”, loadedwith food, camping gear and two watertanks of 40 litres. His trailer supplieswere supplemented by food and water cachesburied along his desert route and food packs heleft at several other outback locations.

John used the same system when he walked5,600 kilometres in 167 days from north to southin 2004.

The 227 days included only three rest days andhe walked an average of 31km a day per day,while one day notching up a staggering 51km.

“The sand dunes along the Anne Beadell Trackeast of the Ilkurlka roadhouse were the killer,” hesays. “The sand was so soft and deep that theweight of my trailer felt like I was towing bricks. AsI struggled with my trailer and supplies into theGreat Victoria Desert my inner self was urging me,'Just take another step, walk another kilometre,

reach your daily target – and neverever forget that you are doing this to raisefunds for disabled kids who cannot walk’.”

John was aided by a Telstra satellite telephonewhich kept him in touch with friends and family inGeelong, and his Sunday morning sat-phone call toIan McNamara on the ABC’s Macka - Australia allOver was also a communication lifeline. It wasalso encouraging to telephone friends and toreceive advice from Geelong of the spirallingincrease of donations.

John reminisced: “When I look back and I relivesome of the experiences, I smile inwardly. Fromthe outset when I ventured from the west coastinto the Western Australian outback, the sandfliesattacked me and I developed festering sores on mylegs and my whole body ached. The station

managers at Meka homestead, Bob and Trish Grinham,gave me a miracle outback potion

which was quite helpful.“T h a n k f u l ly, antibiotic tab l e t s

had been mailed from Geelong and they were a welcome

sight on the counter of the Mt Magnet police

station.“There was never a dull moment out

there in the outback. One

night when I was just west of Leonora I set

up camp in the scrub justoff the highway. I was

having a cuppa when I got a hell of a fright from the roar of a four-engine jet

aircraft as it passed a few metres above my head. After I changed my undies I went for a walk

and discovered that I was campedabout 300 metres from the approach of a miningcompany's airstrip. When I finally got back to campand was deep in sleep the bloody thing took offagain. The noise and fright lifted me off the groundand needless to say, I stuffed my second pair ofundies.

“I was a bit concerned, too, when I was almostout of food and water out east of IlkurlkaRoadhouse and 280km short of my next cache ofburied food. The Tjuntjuntjarra Aboriginalcommunity was about 150km south of the AnneBeadell Track and I called them on the sat-phone.A guy named Bob came to my assistance. We

Map: Geoscience Australia

April - May 2009 23

chucked Wilson on the tray of his Toyota utility andhe drove it 173km up the track. This left mestanding with only a bottle of water hanging on apiece of string around my neck and a sleeping bagon my back. I walked the 173km along the track toWilson in four days and then we were on our wayagain.

“Then there was the outback rescue drama. OneSunday morning I used the sat-phone to call Macca– Australia all Over. I was down in the dumps andwet as a shag after overnight rain. Some well-meaning guys at Coober Pedy decided that I shouldbe rescued. They sent out an aircraft and a vehicleabout 300 kilometres into the Marlinga prohibitedarea. I heard the aircraft approaching and, as wasto be expected, they located me on the beaten trackand on schedule. I was wondering what all the fusswas about. They started to drop supplies reallyclose to me. At first I was not sure whether the AirForce was bombing me or someone was trying tohelp me. I was to find out it was the latter.

“This was about the time of the randy bull camelincident. This was one big mean and ugly buggerthat was frothing at the mouth and making ahorrible sound. I was thinking ‘this must be thecamel version of Mick Jagger’. I had no place tohide and was asking myself, ‘Why me, I’m not thatgood looking?’ My knees were knocking and I hadno other choice but to shout madly and wave a bigstick. Thankfully it took off. Later on when I calmeddown I realised that I hadn’t showered for 25 daysand that my body odour must have been some sortof bull camel turn on.”

John met station managers and station hands,outback adventurers, policemen, mail delivery guys,dingo fence maintenance workers and publicansand, when he arrived back on the bitumen, lots offriendly horn-tooting truck drivers. “When I wasstruggling along the Anne Beadell Track I had thepleasure of meeting a tour led by Connie SueBeadell, the daughter of the famed surveyor andoutback road-builder Len Beadell. This contact wasone of the highlights of my walk. When I finallyarrived at Mabel Creek Homestead just short ofCoober Pedy they treated me to a barbecue where Iate 17 lamb chops in a row. And Bill Mitchell, thepublican at Cameron’s Corner, was not to beoutdone. He treated me to an Esky full of peeled

and cooked yabby tails. I am now bound by asacred outback oath to never reveal where theycame from. Then there were Wes and Sonya Sloanefrom Onepah Station who drove 75 kilometres alongthe dingo fence with their friends Mick and Jennyand treated me to a great barbecue.

“When I trudged along the east end of the dingofence Senior Constable Dean Hutchesson came outand escorted me into the little town of Hungerford.He handed me $200 and said ‘That’s for the kidsyou are helping John’. I was very humbled by hisfriendship and generosity.”

John had to walk halfway across Australia tomeet his first fellow Lion, Geoff Sykes, the Presidentof the Lions Club of Coober Pedy which has a

membership of four. Then it was another 1000kilometres or so walking to William Creek, Marreeand Cameron’s Corner and along the dingo fence toCunnamulla before he met the members of thesecond Lions Club at St. George. “As I continued towalk east I met Lions at Goondiwindi, Texas,Tenterfield, Casino, Lismore and finally Byron Bay.The welcome and the hospitality of the members ofthe Lions Club of Byron Bay and club secretary PamScarborough and her husband Gordon wereoutstanding. I was ecstatic when I walked onto thebeach and into the Pacific Ocean at Cape Byron.This was really the end of my 5,040-kilometre soloodyssey west to east across Australia.”

The 2000km walk from Byron Bay back toGeelong resulted in John walking over the GreatDividing Range and into central NSW and southwarddown the Newell Highway from Coonabarabran toTocumwal and then into Victoria to Strathmerton,Numurkah, Shepparton, Murchison, Nagambie,Heathcote, Lancefield and to Geelong.

When he was escorted into Geelong he marched

under a banner with a Lions emblem and the words“G’day. My name is John Olsen. I’ve just walked7000 kilometres. Why? To help kids who cannotwalk.” Lion Brian S Edward, APM,

Secretary“Lions Geelong – Long Walk” committee

(03) 52 226 986, bseapm@bigpond.net.au

WHAT WAS INVOLVED■ Lion John, 57, is a grandfather, jack-of-alltradesman, a Lion for 25 years, a non-drinker and non-smoker■ The walk took four years of planning.■ John wore out four sets of walking shoesand nine sets of BMX bicycle tyres and lostcount of the number of punctures herepaired■ Three Lions and two friends drove twohired Toyota Hi-lux 4WD vehicles on a11,200km return trip from Geelong to ByronBay and west across the continent to deliverJohn to Steep Point, WA■ Morning coffee comprised fourtablespoons of sugar, two tablespoons ofpowdered milk, two tablespoons of coffee,half a tin of condensed milk and water■ 162 packets of chicken curry were eatenand he consumed four litres of water dailywhile shedding 25 kilograms in body weight

TOTAL RAISED TO DATE: $80,000John hopes to reach $200,000 – so help bysending a cheque to Geelong Lions, LongWalk, PO Box 553 Geelong Vic 3220.Learn of the work of the Australian LionsChildren’s Mobility Foundation atwww.Lionsclubs.org.au/alcmf and the AustralianLeukodystrophy Support Group Inc atwww.alds.org.au. John Olsen’s website ishttp://web.mac.com/johnolsen7000.Sponsors includedA n a c o n d a , Australian Geogr ap h i c ,Beam Communicat i o n s , ChemringA u s t r a l i a , H e m aM ap s , Keen (hybrid fo o t w e a r ) , Next Destinat i o n( M agellan GPS), Reid Engineering Geelong and Te l s t r aMobile Sat e l l i t e . Safety equipment provided included aTelstra satellite telephone, a GPS global positioningsystem and a Chemring - E-pirb (Electronic PositionI n d i c ator Radio Beacon).

The Lion24

AROUND THE NATION

Unflagging fire deeds

Mareeba’s 50th

Keith’s half century

Canungra firefighter Peter Geiger is the 2009Scenic Rim Citizen of the Year for hisunwavering commitment to Queensland’sCanungra Auxiliary Fire Brigade.

“I’m shocked and I don’t know how everyonekept it a secret,” said Peter, a charter member ofCanungra Lions.

As a firefighter Peter has responded to morethan 1000 calls to car accidents, gas leaks,hazardous material incidents and various othertypes of emergencies.

Captain of the brigade since its formation in1979, Peter said his 30 years at the fire stationhad been rewarding.

“You just step up to the plate and do what youhave to do,” he said. “I think it comes from within, Ibelieve in the betterment of the community.”

He is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a weekand never hesitates to respond to a call for help.

Article courtesy Beaudesert Times

Canungra Auxiliary Fire Brigade captain Peter Geigeris congratulated by Mayor John Brent (below).

Queensland’s Mareeba Lions Club is seeking allpast and present members to celebrate its 50thbirthday on May 9 at the local RSL club.

To attend, contact Secretary Gilbert Teitzel on(07) 4092 1066, or Tom Braes on 0488 591 318.

Fifty years to the day Keith Singh AM (picturedright) was inducted as a member of the Lions Clubof Tamworth, his half century of community servicethrough Lions was recognised with a rare KeithSmall Gold Star Award.

Lion Graham Davidson gave a humourousaccount of Keith’s 50 years of service duringwhich he served as club president in 1973 andzone chairman in 1974 and was awarded aRichardson Award, a Melvin Jones Fellowship andLife Membership of the club.

The award was presented (right) by N1 DGMalcolm Merrick assisted by President John Hook.

Using their MELONSome original thinking took place for the chartering of the Lyndhurst club in V5.

Rather than your normal banner or traditional signage, the artistic approach was taken with the Lionslogo carved out of a watermelon.

25April - May 2009

PATRICK theLion Namers

Patrick makes it easy to trackdown Lions and their wives(not to mention Lionesses

and Leo’s!)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.

84-88 Leveson Street, North Melbourne, Vic, 3051Tel: (03) 9329 9200 Fax: (03) 9326 5010

Over many years Bill Reidhas put his hand up atQueenscliff/Pt. LonsdaleLions Club meetings toparticipate in projects.

So it came as nosurprise when fellowmembers recognised theVictorian Lion (right) withthe Alan J HoldingMemorial CommunityService Award, presentedby V2 DG Mary Harlow.

Lion Peter Broadbridge from theMcLaren Districts Club took theopportunity to show his true Lionscolours at a sausage sizzle (left).

Lions Barrie Edwards and PeterSouth adopted more conventionalappearances.

Grahame Bonamy of Lismore Lions, the foundationclub of Lions in Australia, proudly displays hisLismore Citizen of the Year award (right).

Well known locally, Grahame has dedicatedmuch of his life to serving others.

His philosophy of “love to help others” has seenhim involved in everything from youth projects tocommunity improvement and many fundraisingactivities.

Currently Grahame is the Deputy Controller ofRichmond/Tweed Regional volunteer unit of StateEmergency Services, Vice President of CorakiVeterans Golf Club and treasurer of Lismore Mealson Wheels.

“It keeps me young,” explains Grahame.

Lismore’s proudest

Bill’s time

True colours

So successful was lastyear’s GwandalanSpring Festival that thelocal Lions andLionesses will be backwith another – andlikely these stylishLioness members (left)will be there tocelebrate. The repeatperformance will be onSunday, September 20.

Top trio

The Lion

YOUTH OF THE YEAR

Support your contestantsAll the early stages of the Quest are now finished and only the national final remains. Doyou know the name of your State winner? Did you support the young personrepresenting your Club, Zone, Region and District through all of these levels - even ifhe/she was not your club representative?

This may not seem important, but it is. The Youth of the Year unashamedly promotesexcellence in our young people. The young people who enter the Quest do so to improvethemselves; to gain experience and to test themselves. The least we, as Lions, can do isto support them. They need encouragement and thrive on the great support that Lionsgive them. They are our future leaders - and without projects like Youth of the Year, ourcountry will be the poorer.

Next year, make it your business to find out where the various finals are and supportyour candidate.MD Convention: No doubt many of you who will be at the Convention in Melbourne willcome to witness our magnificent young people in the national final. As usual I expectthem to amaze you.

Please take the opportunity to visit the Youth of the Year display stall at the ConventionCentre and have a look at what we do and what we can help you with.

At the display stall you will be able to pick up a copy of the reports from our Statewinners after their Australian tour. There will be demonstrations of the new PowerPointpresentations for promoting the Quest to Clubs and students - and the trainingpresentation on how to run the Youth of the Year program.

Sample copies of all stationery, running sheet and other aids will be on display andthere will be examples of our merchandise that will be available from the supplies stall.Scoring system review: We are still inviting input into the review of the scoring systemand the review form is available on our website. Go to the site and download the page -or contact your District Chairman for details.

Please give the form to any judges who are experienced in the Quest. This will give usthe feedback we need. Some submissions and forms have already been received and wethank those who took the time to put forward their thoughts.Web page: The best way to keep up to date is to visit our web page. It is regularlyupdated with material “as it happens”. It also has our archive with the history of theQuest, photos from trips and national finals, reports from previous winners’ trips locallyand overseas. Also available for downloading are the entry forms, manuals and aids forrunning the Quest at all levels, including the new PowerPoint presentations and asuggested running sheet for those who are unsure how to run the Public Speakingsection. We no longer have certificates.

Please check the website each month as there are regular updates and new featuresadded. The website can be found at http://www.lionsclubs.org.au/yoty. The new orchanged areas are highlighted on the home page.

Investing in our futureThe 34-day national tour by the six

state winners of the Youth of the YearQuest was judged a winner by all whotook part.

The tour, which started in Sydneyand finished in Tasmania, drewcomments like “an amazingexperience” and “we will never forgetthe kindness of Lions”.

I thank the Lions Clubs of Burwood(N5), Narangba (Q3), Ballajura (W1), Port Augusta (C1), Canberra Belconnen (N2),Melbourne Host (V1-4) and Launceston Riverside (T1) for their great work in looking afterthe young people. There were also other Lions who assisted these clubs and I thankthem too. Also, much appreciation goes to our Travel Coordinator, PDG Bruce McLeod,and the state Chairmen for their hard work before and during the tour.

Thanks also go to the host families and those Lions who took time off work and puttheir lives on hold for a few days whilst the young people were in their care.

Adrian MilesNational Chairman, Youth of the Year

By Eileen O'ConnorWith as many as one million visitors a month, the LionsClubs International (LCI) website (www.lionsclubs.org) isone of the primary ways leaders and internationalheadquarters communicate with Lions and the world. Andnow, an exciting new LCI website has happened as part ofour major branding initiative.

“We sought feedback from Lions to help us make some majorimprovements,” says Al Brandel, president of LCI. “Our newwebsite is also attractively designed to showcase our new brand,and is more informative and easier to use so Lions can get moredone online in less time.”

Easier to UseThe new website tells the Lions story clearly and dramatically. It

has a modern look and engaging content. The home page has astreamlined design that focuses on what we do by highlightingLions projects. It also tells the world who we are.

The improved website helps members access the informationthey need as quickly as possible – whether they want to find aresource, file a report or get the latest news.

It has familiar sections such as About Lions, Becoming a Lion,The Foundation and News and Events. We’ve also added threenew sections – Our Impact, Our Work and the Member Centre – tomake it easier to find information and complete tasks quickly.

Our Impact Launching a new website is a wonderful “window of

opportunity” to take control of how the world sees us – and showour impact. The Our Impact section shows how Lions are making adifference, with three main areas: Around the World, By theNumbers and Lions in Action.

Around the World showcases how Lions are making a worldwideimpact. By the Numbers shows how our efforts add up – from the60,000 people in South Africa who receive food from local Lions tothe 7.5 million cataract surgeries performed.

New website tells

26

27

yours a yLions’ letters

▲ ‘THANK YOU’ SAYMARYSVILLE LIONS –STILL GOING STRONGMarysville and District Lions Club is backin business and working with thecommunity. Our Triangle News has beenproduced from the second week after thefires. This was very much appreciated bythe community.The members of the club have beenoverwhelmed by the many telephone calls,emails and notes from so many of our Lionsfamily, with offers of assistance such ascaravans, holidays, goods, equipment andlabour etc.

As you can imagine the first month has beenoverwhelming for everybody, but we are startingto understand the needs of our Lions communityand Marysville & District community.

We are concerned that at this stage we havenot been able to respond to all of yourwonderful offers nationally and internationally.We are keeping a record of your contacts andas we see a need in either the Lions family orcommunity we will take up your offers. This ofcourse can be some time, as we start to rebuildour lives. So please keep them on hold for us.

Thank you also to DG David Jones and hismany assistants for the huge task of gathering,sorting and dispersing all the many goods thathave been donated.

Again, thank you to you all for your love andcare and we will keep in contact over thecoming months.

In the family of Lions,Marysville and District Lions Club

Victoria

▲ MJ FELLOWSHIPIn response to the discussion in The Lion reLioness Melvin Jones Fellowships, I waspresented with an MJF in 1991-92 and I knowin N3 there were five or so presented before Ireceived mine. I am quite sure that otherDistricts would also have some prior to 1992. Ihave been very involved in the Lionessmovement being on the MD201 LionessCommittee for 13 years (six as chairman).

M a r i l y n Kinealy (DGE N3)Lioness Club of To u k l e y, Lions Club of Wy o n g

the Lions International storyThe Lions in Action section shares heartwarming

stories about Lions projects. There are also “Tipsand Tools” to guide new projects.

“The Our Impact section allows us to tell theLions story in pictures and in words,” says PeterLynch, executive director of LCI. “Giving Lions theability to upload their stories and photos is excitingbecause showing what Lions do will be a great toolto recruit new members.”

Our WorkThis section gives an overview of what Lions do

and includes information about our Sight, Youth,Health, International Relations, Community andEnvironment programs. However, operationalinformation that Lions need to plan projects for allof these programs is located in the Member Centre.

New Member Centre

While the website has many features for thepublic, it is also an important information resourcefor Lions. The new Member Centre is an entiresection focused on giving access to projectinformation, useful resources and club information,

Here is information Lions need to do serviceprojects and manage clubs and districts. MemberCentre sections include Planning Sight Projects,Youth Projects and Other Projects – including Health(Hearing and Diabetes), International Relations,Community and Environment. It also featuressections on Membership and New Clubs,Leadership Development and the familiar Resourcessection.

“The Member Centre separates the operationalcontent Lions need to run clubs and districts fromdescriptive content about who Lions are and whatwe do,” says Melitta Cutright, manager of PublicRelations at LCI.

To show how the site works, let’s look atMembership as an example. Lions who want tolearn about Membership programs will find thatinformation in Membership and New Clubs

Improved NavigationLions told us that one of their biggest concerns

was being able to find the information they needeasily. That's why the site features several newways to complete tasks and find information.

Tactical navigation at the top of every pageincludes Text Only and Language options as well aslinks to Find a Club, Shop the Lions Store, SubmitReports, Contact International Headquarters andDonate to LCIF.

Dynamic left-hand navigation makes it easy toidentify where you are on the site and to accesstopics in that section.

Bread-crumbing navigation near the top of everypage shows the path taken to reach a page. And

just like Hansel and Gretel, we designedour “bread crumbs” to help you find yourway back to our home page. Or any pageyou’ve visited in between.

What's Next?The Member Centre contains most of

the same content as our previous websiteand will be updated this year.

Our Impact: We’ll add newinformation to keep users coming back –and to showcase our work in the world.

Online Community: We’re planningexciting additions. Stay tuned for newways to connect with other Lions online.

Language Sites: Our new website willsoon be available in languages.

April - May 2009

FARES EQUALISATIONCouncil considered the matter of Fares Equalisation at its January 2009 Meeting. Please be advisedthat: ● The fares equalisation payment for the MD 201 Melbourne Convention be limited to 19c perkilometre or a total of $40,000 whichever be the lesser.

● The maximum rate payable for fares equalisation remains at a maximum 19c per kilometre.Fares Equalisation payments only apply to distances travelled over 1200km each way.

Rob OerlemansExecutive Officer

Lions Australia

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTSCOMMITTEE VACANCIES

AUDIO EDITION OF ‘THE LION’Do you know someone who is vision-impairedand needs an audio edition of The Lion?If so, please e-mail Lion Geoff Baker atgeoff@bakerlite.id.au with their mailing details.

Rob OerlemansExecutive OfficerLions Australia

Please note the ‘V’ Districts Lioness position was advertised in error in the lastedition. The vacancy does not occur until early 2010 and will be advertisedlater this year. Rob Oerlemans

Executive OfficerLions Australia

29April - May 2009

Movie launch dueThe Kiama Lions Club’s latest movie,Summer’s Last Case, is now in post-production and shaping as an amazing pieceof work for an amateur effort.

A full-length feature, it includes somesterling performances from local actors.Shooting took place around Kiama, Jamberooand Gerringong in December.

A low-key police drama, it also includescomedy as a past-retirement police inspectorand his ambitious young female partner areon the track of a woman who turns out to bea serial killer ... or is she?

It’s geared for mid-year release.

What is the best program run by Lions ClubsInternational?

Ask Coral Salmon of the Whitsunday Lions Clubthat question and she will almost certainly sayLions Youth Exchange.

Coral is the Lions Australian Youth ExchangeChairman for Europe. She organises youth whowant to experience the cultures of other countriesat the family level while also seeing some more ofthe world.

Coral (with husband Robin) has just returnedfrom the United Kingdom where she accompanied27 Australian youth to London. The youth then wenton to many of the countries in Europe. While inEurope, each student stayed with several hostfamilies in different countries. They lived with theirhost mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters,experiencing their lifestyles and cultures which are

often quite different from ours. Most of the youthget very attached to their host families with realtears when they have to move on.

This movement mirrors the mid-year YouthExchange of European Youth who come to Australiato stay with Australian families in what is for themtheir mid-summer break in their studies.

Coral and Robin had time to themselves whilethe youth were in Europe and toured aroundEngland and Scotland with a short stay in Italy.

In Florence, Lions Coral and Robin met with LionLoris Baraldi (left) who coordinates Lions YouthExchange in Italy.

Youth Exchangea clear winner with Coral

Minneapolis ticketsTickets for the Minneapolis Convention

Functions will soon be available.Australian Reception $45 andDown Under Breakfast $35.

Please contact the National Office.

The Lion30

Firstly, the positions of Membership andRetention Chairmen have been abolished anda new position of MD MembershipDevelopment and Retention Chairman hasbeen established.

Lion Harry Taylor has agreed to act in thisposition on a pro-tem basis.

A new position, that of MD ClubDevelopment Chairman has also beenestablished and IPDG Carol Alderson has beenappointed on a pro-tem Basis in that role.

In addition, it has been agreed by the MDCouncil that the positions of State Leadershipand Membership Extension and RetentionCoordinators be abolished and subsequentlynew positions of respective State MERLCoordinators have been created. Thesepositions have been filled on a pro-tem basiswith the exception of the N and T Districtpositions.

The Lions appointed are, C Districts PDGLyn Sparnon, Q Districts Lion Tric Smith, VDistricts Lion Neil Wingrave and for the WDistricts PDG Bill Robertson and I congratulatethem on accepting on a pro-tem basis.

Excepting the T District position that isdistrict nominated, each of these positions areto be advertised in the The Lion magazine andsubsequently appointed by resolution of theMD Council of Governors.

Complete Position Statements are availablefrom the National Office.

Applicants ideally would have recognisedleadership qualities with high personal integrity.

I strongly encourage members who considerthey are able to contribute to the growth andmaintenance of our membership, to contactthe MD Office, obtain the position statementand nomination form for the desired role andsubmit their nominations.

A brief overview of these positions and theirduties follows:MD Club Development Chairman: The ClubDevelopment Chairman is responsible to theManager of Membership Services and theMultiple District 201 Council of Governors andas such is a member of the MembershipServices Committee. This position works inclose co-operation with the Leadership andthe Membership - Retention Chairman, theNew Club Development Consultants and theGlobal Membership Team Leader.● Promote the efficient management andformation of a Club Development Sub-Committee as may be required from time totime.● Formulation and review of policy relating tothe formation and development of new Clubswithin the Multiple District area.● To form part of the Membership ServicesCommittee and attend such meetings ascalled by the Membership Services Manager.● To monitor the level of new club formationwithin Multiple District 201 and to place anyrecommendations on policy and other mattersbefore the Membership Services Manager forconsideration by Council.● To make presentations and conductworkshops at Multiple District level asrequested.● To be available to assist Districts, uponrequest.● To submit periodic reports setting out theextent to which extension has been achievedand forecast likely future club formations.State MERL Coordinators:

● Responsible to Council through theMembership Services Manager, Leadership,Club Development, and Membership andRetention Chairmen. ● To assist as directed in the managementand implementation of Lions ClubsInternational and MD programs for training andleadership development, club development,membership growth and retention by the MDLeadership, Club Development, andMembership and Retention Chairmen.● To liaise with District MERL Chairmen, withinone or more states, as defined by theChairmen of the Committee.● To provide advice and assistance to thoseDistrict Chairmen to achieve a coordinatedapproach to MERL.● To assist as required with the conduct andpresentation of Workshops at Multiple Districtor District level.● To communicate on a monthly basis withthe respective District Chairmen and theMembership Services Manager.MD Membership and Retention Chairman: The MD

Membership and Retention Chairman isresponsible to the Membership ServicesManager and the MD Council of Governorsand as such is a member of the MembershipServices Committee.

This position works in close co-operationwith the MD Club Development andLeadership Chairmen, the New ClubDevelopment consultants and the GlobalMembership Team Leader.● To formulate and review policy relating to therecruiting of new members and thedevelopment of existing members.l To prepare and submit budgets through theMembership Services Manager for approval bythe MD201 Council of Governors.● To convene and chair meetings or organiseteleconferences for State MERL coordinators.● To be in regular contact with and to offerguidance and help to the State MERLcoordinators.● To monitor the Membership numbers withinMultiple District 201 and to place anyrecommendations before the MembershipServices Manager for consideration by Council.● To be available to make presentations andconduct workshops at Multiple District level.● To report periodically through themembership Services Manager to eachCouncil Meeting.

It is expected that as a result of this newstructure, the MD Membership ServicesCommittee will be better placed to meld withLCI and MD membership initiatives andprovide useful programs and assistance toboth the Leaders of each District and to ourmembership overall at the grassroots level.

I would also like to explain the role of NewClub Development Consultants in brief, asthere is some confusion about how it is carriedout in the field.

These Consultants work with local Lions,District MERL team members and MD MERLteam members before, during and after eachthree-day workshop and keep these Lions andthe MD Council continuously informed ofprogress and problems with new clubformations.

Lions Clubs International fund theconsultants out of pocket expenses to runThree-day New Club Workshops in theproposed new club location, but do not

provide any other funding except in limitedspecial circumstances. Consultants will provideother MERL related training, attend DistrictConventions as speakers or facilitators ifrequested and assist new club formationsoutside the workshops when asked.

Members of multiple Lions Club with the aimof forming more than one new Lions Clubshould attend workshops. In addition theseworkshops may include club members fromadjacent districts.

The District Governor of each District isrequired to approve every application for aworkshop.

The process is that district MERL teams andlocal Lions Clubs identify potential new clublocations and a sponsoring Lions Club isidentified for each potential club in the area.

One of these clubs is appointed host clubfor the workshop and facilitate as follows:● Ideally, workshops should be three workingdays. In order to achieve maximumattendance, one or two weekend days arenecessary.● Promotes the workshop so that ten or moreLions attend, including the Guiding Lions. Thenames of these attendees are required on theapplication.● Obtains site development information foreach of the proposed clubs.Notification of structural changes to the MDMembership Services Committee● Discusses the proposed formation with city(town) officials, Mayor's Office & other civicleaders.● Obtains a list of community leaders(Chamber of Commerce or other localorganisation)● Identifies a possible need in the community(this is a forerunner to developing an initialservice project for the new club, although theactual project will come from the newmembers themselves)● Obtains the names of the two Lions who willbecome Certified Guiding Lions for the newclub. Certification training is given at theworkshop.● The workshop will provide methods andideas for obtaining members, but the morethat are identified before the workshop, thebetter the new club's prospects will be.● After the workshop is completed, or duringthe workshop when practical, follow up lettersand invitations to the new club's first meeting(the Information Meeting) are sent out.● The first Information Meeting is held as soonas practical after the workshop. ● The workshop includes training in runningthe first meeting. ● The second meeting date is set during thefirst meeting about two weeks later.● The district MERL team, or one of theconsultants, then provide advice regarding theformation meeting and subsequent Charterapplication, fees, lodgement etc and thecharter meeting. Pride In Growth Sponsorship Awards Program andCertificate: I have reviewed and modified theSponsorship Awards Program and Certificate.The certificate is downloadable by clubs anddistricts from the internet and incorporates thecurrent MD logo. The MD will be responsiblefor the presentation of an award for themember and club sponsoring the most newmembers in a particular Lions Year.

– Membership Services Manager, Bob R a d f o rd

Notification of structural changes to the MD Membership Services Committee

31April - May 2009

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

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Become a LionFellowship ... good times ... meeting people ... buildinglasting friendships ... service to the community ...learning new skills ... leadership and personaldevelopment – these are just some of the benefits ofbeing a member of Lions, the world's largest and most active service club organisation.Lions have been a part of the Australian communitysince 1947, serving the people without promise orwant of reward. Lions are people just like you!Joining is by invitation, but applications areencouraged from all members of the community.Membership is for men and women over 18 and ofgood moral character and reputation.Just fill in the form and send to the NationalOffice (Multiple District 201 of Lions ClubsInternational Inc, Locked Bay 2000, Newcastle2300) so it can be forwarded to a District orLions Club near you.

Support LionsLions are about giving back to their communities.

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

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

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

LIONS DONATION

Multiple District 201 of Lions ClubsInternational Inc.

Locked Bay 2000

Newcastle 2300

If you would like information on how tomake a tax deductible donation to Lions, emailour Executive Officer at executiveofficer@lions.org.au or phone on1800 655 201 or (02) 4940 8033.

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

✄✄

w w w. l i o n s c l u b s . o rg. a uor phone 1800 655 201

Time to give

Lions a hand?