Lions Clubs Internationallionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/The-Lion-December...Council of...

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LIONCOUNTDOWN TO OUR CELEBRATIONCOUNTDOWN TO OUR CELEBRATION

CHICAGO – BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Lions Clubs International

DECEMBER - JANUARY 2016-2017

Australia / Papua New Guineaedition – $1

Lion-Dec-Jan-1-7 Sect 1_template Lion 23/11/2016 9:43 am Page 1


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Connections, influence, friendship, philanthropy

DECEMBER - JANUARY 2016/17 Volume 128 No. 1

LIONLion – Australia and PNGLion - Australia and Papua New Guinea edition ispublished bi-monthly for the Multiple District 201Council of Lions Clubs International and circulated toall members.Published by MD201 Council of Governors and printed byPMP Print, 37-49 Browns Road, Clayton Victoria 3168.An official publication of Lions Clubs International, the Lionmagazine is published by authority of Board of Directors in21 languages: English, Spanish, Japanese, French,Swedish, Italian, German, Finnish, Korean, Portuguese,Dutch, Danish, Chinese, Norwegian, Icelandic, Turkish,Greek, Hindi, Polish, Indonesian and Thai.Editor: Tony Fawcett, Fawcett Media20 Millett Road Gisborne South VIC 3437Phone: (03) 9744 1368Email: [email protected] Enquiries: Lions National Office31-33 Denison St, Newcastle West, NSW 2302Phone: (02) 4940-8033Lions Australia website: www.lionsclubs.org.auDeadlines: 1st day of month before cover date.MD201 Council of Governors: C1 Paddy McKay,C2 Bryan Hearn, N1 Malcolm Peters, N2 Sharon Bishop,N3 Rosalie Sellers, N4 Roger Thomas,N5 Dennis Halpin, Q1 Graham Jackson, Q2 Brian Hewett,Q3 Norm Jensen, Q4 Jan Barsby, T1 Michael Walsh, V1-4 Naga Sundararajah, V2 Terry Heazlewood, V3 AnitaCulpitt, V5 Brian Buchanan, V6 Peter Poels, W1 Michael Wolf, W2 Terry Collinson. Council Chairman: Rodd ChignellDistribution of Magazine: Clubs and MembersAdditions to distribution list, deletions, changes of addressand of club will be made only when advised through theClub Membership and Activities report. Non-Lions, librariesand other organisations who wish to advise changes shouldcontact Lions National Office, Locked Bag 2000NEWCASTLE NSW 2300, Tel: 02 4940 8033 email:[email protected] Editor-In-Chief - Sanjeev Ahuja Managing Editor - Christopher Brunch, Lions ClubsInternational 300 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842 USAExecutive Officers: President Chancellor Robert E. “Bob”Corlew, Milton, Tennessee, United States; Immediate PastPresident Dr. Jitsuhiro Yamada, Minokamo-shi, Gifu-ken,Japan; First Vice President Naresh Aggarwal, Delhi, India;Second Vice President Gudrun Yngvadottir, Gardabaer,Iceland; Third Vice President Jung-Yul Choi, Busan City,Korea. Directors First Year: Bruce Beck, Minnesota, United States;Tony Benbow, Vermont South, Australia; K. Dhanabalan,Erode, India; Luiz Geraldo Matheus Figueira, Brasílía, Brazil;Markus Flaaming, Espoo, Finland; Elisabeth Haderer,Overeen, The Netherlands; Magnet Lin, Taipei, Taiwan; SamH. Lindsey Jr., Texas, United States; N. Alan Lundgren,Arizona, United States; Joyce Middleton, Massachusetts,United States; Nicolin Carol Moore, Arima, Trinidad andTobago; Yasuhisa Nakamura, Saitama, Japan; Aruna AbhayOswal, Gujrat, India; Vijay Kumar Raju Vegesna,Visakhapatnam, India; Elien van Dille, Ronse, Belgium;Jennifer Ware, Michigan, United States; Jaepung Yoo,Cheongju, Korea. Directors Second year: Melvyn K. Bray, New Jersey, UnitedStates; Pierre H. Chatel, Montpellier, France; Eun-SeoukChung, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; Gurcharan Singh Hora, Siliguri,India; Howard Hudson, California, United States; SanjayKhetan, Birgani, Nepal; Robert M. Libin, New York, UnitedStates; Richard Liebno, Maryland, United States; HelmutMarhauer, Hildesheim, Germany; Bill Phillipi, Kansas, UnitedStates; Lewis Quinn, Alaska, United States; Yoshiyuki Sato,Oita, Japan; Gabriele Sabatosanti Scarpelli, Genova, Italy;Jerome Thompson, Alabama, United States; Ramiro VelaVillarreal, Nuevo León, Mexico; Roderick “Rod” Wright, NewBrunswick, Canada; Katsuyuki Yasui, Hokkaido, Japan.

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

DeadlinesContributions for the FEBRUARY - MARCH 2017 issue should be submitted by

January 1 to The Editor, Lion magazine, Tony Fawcett, Fawcett Media,20 Millett Rd, Gisborne South, Victoria 3437 or emailed to

[email protected].

C O N T E N T S4 International President’s report5 Countdown to our celebration6 We bought a cow9 Bali bomb horror recalled11 LCIF Chairman’s visit12 Improving literacy in South Sudan

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LIONCOUNTDOWN TO OUR CELEBRATIONCOUNTDOWN TO OUR CELEBRATION

CHICAGO – BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Lions Clubs International

DECEMBER - JANUARY 2016-2017

Australia / Papua New Guineaedition – $1

Page 4 - Celebration year

Page 9 - Bali bomb horror recalledPage 6 - Cows for Cambodia

Our c

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COVER: While Lionstraditionally look forward tothe next project, this yearwe are doing some lookingover the shoulder, to seehow we began, 100 yearsago in the American city ofChicago. And also how webegan in Australia, 70 yearsago in the NSW countrytown of Lismore.Bottom photo: ©City of Chicago

13 Where’s marathon walker John?14 Council Chairman’s report16 Quilt rolls on its journey18 Hobart Convention registration28 Committee vacancies31 Far Flung Club


4Lion

By BobCorlew, LionsClubsInternationalPresident

Join thePARTY OF A CENTURY

LIONS GATHER TO LAUNCH$1 MILLION-PLUS RESPITE HOUSE

“I celebrate myself,” the great poet Walt Whitman wrote.Lions have been doing a lot of that as our Centennialapproaches in June. Lions in New England saluted ouranniversary on a scoreboard during the Patriot’s firstfootball game this season. Texas Lions threw a birthday bashat a hotel and celebrated with a decorated cake, flags, hornsand 100 balloons. The Blandon Lions Club in Pennsylvaniawelcomed hundreds of people for free food, music, rafflesand children’s games and wisely let people know who Lionsare and what we do.

Age is a funny thing. We celebrate every birthday when young,approach birthdays with hesitancy and black humour in middle-age and then throw on the party hats once again when weachieve the milestones of later years. So it has been and shouldbe with Lions clubs. We turn 100 only once. Let’s appreciate whowe are and what we’ve done, and let’s be sure to let the publicbe a part of our celebration as well. We’re not self-contained,after all. We exist because of needs in our neighbourhoods. Letour neighbours join us in our revelry.

Here are some easily achievable ways to mark our birthday: flythe Lions flag on or before June 7. Honour the longest-servingLion in your club or district. Make a centennial banner with “100”across it and place faces of Lions where an “O” is. Be sure toshare your efforts on social media and use #Lions100.

Do a service project such a Centennial dance marathon, abirthday cake bake-off or distribute meals to those in need andinclude a special Centennial treat. Connect with your communityby having a Centennial float in a parade, donating 100 books tothe library or stuffing 100 backpacks for children and include aLions item. Invite new members by holding a celebrationluncheon with community leaders, ask 100 potential members toattend a service projector or host a party with a 1917 or 2017theme.

You don’t have to devise your own Centennial materials. ClubSupplies at Lions Clubs International has Centennial partysupplies, banners, posters and flyers. LCI knew our milestonewas coming and is fully prepared to help you party in style!

I’ve talked to many Lions excited about the Centennial, andmultitudes of members plan to come to Chicago June 3 to July 4for our huge Centennial convention. Please take part in thecelebration. After all, you are who we are celebrating. Lions makeLions Clubs what it is, of course. I celebrate myself indeed. Enjoythis special year and thank you for your service.

After almost 10 years of planning, fundraising and volunteering, Victoria’sCastlemaine Lions have celebrated the opening of the Shire’s first respiteaccommodation, Lions McDonald Hill House.

The club shares naming right with local apiarists, Bob and Eileen McDonald,who generously donated the hilltop site.

The Lions contributed $240,000 to the project and recently followed up bypurchasing equipment.

Additionally, in the early stages of site preparation, Lions were involved in theremoval of trees from the site.

Ron Gartside, President of the Castlemaine Lions Club and other club memberswere on hand at the opening of the facility.

The house was built after years of planning and tireless work. About 120people attended the opening in the north-central Victorian Shire of MountAlexander.

The house’s construction was completed by the Mount Alexander ShireAccommodation and Respite Group (MASARG). It contains four bedrooms forrespite purposes and a further two for health carers.

In total, $1,186,718 was contributed to the respite house, with additional in-kind assistance from various groups and organisations.

Two local Lions, Ken McKimmie and Ian Gernhoefer, were on the MASARGCommittee.

Ian Gernhoefer was among dignitaries who addressed the crowd of about 120at the opening of the house,

HAPPY LAUNCHING: Lions (from right) President Ron Gartside, Ian Gernhoefer andHoward Bown are joined by Federal MP Damien Drum and long-time President ofMASARG Robyn Spicer (left) at the opening of the respite house.


The highlight event of the Centennial celebrations will bethe 100th annual Lions Clubs International Convention setamid one of the world's most magnificent skylines,Chicago, where it all began.

It was in Chicago that Melvin Jones, the son of an armycaptain, started Lions from among a group of business people

“What if these men,” Melvin Jones asked, "who aresuccessful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition,were to put their talents to work improving theircommunities?”

At his invitation, delegates from men’s clubs met in Chicagoon June 7 1917 to lay the groundwork. Lions was off andrunning.

Melvin Jones eventually abandoned his career to devotehimself fulltime to Lions at International Headquarters inChicago.

Later too he would represent Lions as a consultant duringthe formation of the United Nations.His personal code – “You can’t get very far until you startdoing something for somebody else” – became a guidingprinciple for public-spirited people the world over.

Melvin Jones died on June 1 1961 aged 82.Focus of celebrations will be the International Convention in

Chicago (www.facebook.com/lions2017chicago)

from June 30 to July 4.All the plenary sessions, voting, exhibits, educational

seminars and the International Show will be at one venue -McCormick Place located on Chicago’s lake front, with thetraditional Lions International Parade of Nations through thecommercial district of Chicago on Saturday, July 1.

AUSTRALIA CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF LIONS

While Chicago is the birthplace of Lions International, in2017 we are also celebrating the 70th anniversary ofLions in Australia.

In 1947 William R.Tresise established Lions here with thefirst club opening in Lismore in northern NSW.

While serving as National President of Apex and nearing 40,the compulsory retirement age of that organisation, Bill Tresiseunsuccessfully urged the formation of a senior Apexmovement.

By luck, he later met with a past International President ofLions and a Lions club was mooted in Lismore in NSW, wherehe ran a plaster and hardware business.

The club was an instant success and in 1948 a second clubwas launched, in Murwillumbah, followed by Melbourne in1952. And the rest, as they say, is history.

COUNTDOWN TO OUR CELEBRATIONIn June 2017, Lions International will turn 100 and themood is building for a year of excitement


Lion6

Atomic bombvictims remembered

No we didn’t buy a Jeep – we bought a cow. TheLions Club of Unley in South Australia is theproud owner of a cow, even if only for a shorttime.

Every South Australian is familiar with Andrew“Cosi” Costello and his weekly television program,South Aussie with Cosi, extolling the tourism andbusiness highlights of the state of South Australia.Unley Lions are proud supporters of Cosi and hisprojects.

Lesser known to many is the fact that Cosi has, formore than three years now, visited Cambodia threetimes a year. Briefly, Cambodia was ravaged underthe brutality of the Pol Pot regime with a third of thepopulation killed. Sixty percent don’t have cleandrinking water and one third of the population livesbelow the poverty line. Infant mortality is 14 timeshigher than western countries.

Fortunately Cosi has a reason for his trips toCambodia with his campaign Cows for Cambodia.Cosi says, “I’m not a believer in handouts but I dobelieve in giving a leg up and the best way to fightpoverty is to help people help themselves”.

Cows for Cambodia is a program whereby apregnant cow is loaned to a family living in povertythat has the capacity to nurture the animal. After thecow gives birth the family keeps the calf and the cow becomespregnant and is loaned to another family. From there the family cangrow their herd. There is a contract between Cosi’s campaign andthe owner, usually the senior female of the family. This isempowering to the family and especially for the women. On hisrepeat trips Cosi inspects the newborn calf, gives the necessaryvaccinations and tags the calf.

Cosi’s goal is to own 1000 cows in calf production in the nextfour years. The additional cows will be purchased in Australia andshipped free of charge to Cambodia. This will result in more than amillion dollars worth of calves being donated to the country everyyear.

And every time Cosi is in Cambodia he puts out a call on hisFacebook. His followers can then donate $30 to buy a 50Kg bag ofrice. Within an hour or so the rice is purchased, donor’s details and

Lions purchase many thingsfor the community good butthis, reports Lion PETER AROBERTS, is among themost unusual

Heads were bowed in August as Lions and others observed amoment of silence at a memorial in Uwajima City, Japan.

Since 2008, when Uwajima City Lions erected a monument to theatomic bomb victims, the club has held the annual remembrance on theanniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima.

Uwajima, heavily destroyed by conventional bombs during World War II,is 280km from Hiroshima. But throughout Japan are peace monumentsrecalling the war. Uwajima Lions say their monument and annualceremony are meant to pass on the stories of survivors and promotepeace and understanding.

Uwajima City Lions erected the memorial on the occasion of its 50thcharter anniversary. Inside the memorial is a “peace flame”, originally partof the burning rubble of the Hiroshima bombing. The flame in Uwajimawas drawn from the “eternal flame” memorialising the bombing in YameCity.

A Dutch ex-pat artist living in Uwajima, Kees Ouwens, created the Lionsmonument. He taught local schoolchildren how to use a chisel, and theyhelped him shape the marker.

A better known memorial is the Peace Clock Tower in Hiroshima,completed in 1967 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Hiroshima RijoLions Club. Designed by a club member, the tower is made from threetwisting iron pillars with a clock on top that chimes at 8:15 in themorning, the time of the bombing.

The memorial’s epigraph says, in part, “Uniting the wide world with oneheart, the role of Lions club members in establishing peace is big … thechime of the clock tower calls out to the world for no more Hiroshimas,and we pray that the day for lasting peace may soon come to mankind.”

WE BOUGHT a C


7December - January 2016/17

ON THE HOOF: Andrew “Cosi” Costello with the proudCambodian recipient of a cow. For Lions, such a purchaseranks among the strangest donations yet. At right, twolocal boys tend their village’s latest arrival.

a message are written on the bag and it is delivered toa needy family. A photo is taken with the family andposted back on Facebook. You really know where yourdonation is going – in quicktime! You can even joinhim on his visits but that’s a whole new story. Detailscan be found on his website atwww.cowsforcambodia.com.au.

In the short term Unley Lions owns a chewing,pooing four-legged beast. Personally, I prefer minemedium rare.

OW!


Lion8

Picture: Tourism Tasmania & Samuel Shelley

There’s was no holding back when Lions around Buninyong in Victoria got together to help out theShorter brothers.

The Shorters – Max 8 , William 7 and Hudson 4 – all have Duchene Muscular Distrophy (DMD), a progressiveNeuro Muscular disease that destroys muscle tissue and results in a limited life expectancy.

A committee headed by Simon Jess of Buninyong-Mt Helen Lions Club and including Lions from Buninyong-MtHelen, Ballarat, Alfredton Lucas, Haddon and Sebastapol spent weeks planning a car trial to help the brothers via theShorter Bros Appeal.

Thirty-three cars took part and at the halfway point, the Haddon Lions Park, participants joined in fun games suchas gumboot throwing organised by the Haddon club.

On return to Buninyong there was a barbecue lunch and more competitions. Thanks to the generosity of localcompanies, many valuable prizes were competed for or raffled.

More than $3000 was added to money already received to go towards a hydro-therapy pool that will help withthe boys’ ongoing treatment.

DOING IT FOR THE SHORTER BROTHERS

To most he’s simply Hawkeye. Recently retired from hiswork as a plasterer and owner of a plaster works,Hawkeye is a keen fisherman, a member of the LionsClub of Tamworth for 15 years, a former president of theclub and chairman of several committees.

Last year he sold the winning ticket in the NSW Save Sightand Public Health Care Raffle. He’s keen to do the same againthis year.

He sat for nine days at the door of the vast industrial shed inwhich his fellow club members were conducting their famousbook sale.

According to news reports, they sold about 100,000 booksthis year. Hawkeye with assistance from wife, Lioness Jo(pictured with Hawkeye and his mate Henny at left), and PDGNick Bennett sold over a thousand tickets on the first day of thesale and they sold a further 1600 during the week.

Hawkeye seems to know everyone who comes through the

They Call Him Hawkeye

door. He welcomes them, tells themhow lucky they are, hands them abook of tickets, takes their moneyand hands out the exact changewhile telling them where the bestbooks are located. Hawkeye’s bestmate, Henny, spends her long day atthe book sale asleep at his feet.

Henny is Lion Richard Newberry’sthird guide dog. He’s been totallyblind for 40 years.

Brian Sullivan, Publicity OfficerLions Club of Tamworth

Meet one amazing Lion

HALF A CENTURY OF SERVINGJohn White was the toast of Figtree LionsClub recently when 201N2 DistrictGovernor Sharon Bishop presented himwith a special Lions International awardacknowledging his incredible 50 years ofservice. In the past half century as aprominent member, John has held everyportfolio except the treasurer’s job.


December - January 2016/17

Bali bomb horrorrecalled inceremony of peace

There was both happiness and the deepest sadnesswhen Queensland’s Lions Club of Carrara staged anannual Bali Memorial Service to mark the 14thanniversary of the Bali bombings.

The service, at the local Allambe Memorial Park on the GoldCoast, was attended by a numberof survivors of the bombing andfamily members of victims andsurvivors.

The evening featured traditionalBalinese dancers, a movingpresentation by local councillorBob LaCastra and prayers.

Among attendees were Bill andChristine Hardy who lost their sonBilly in the terrorist event.

They later admitted they hadsummoned every bit of theirstrength to get them through theday.

They told the local Gold CoastBulletin that not a day goes by thatthey don’t think about how an end-of-season footry trip with theSouthport Sharks AFL club endedwith their son being killed, asbombs tore apart two nightspotscrammed with tourists in Bali in 2002.

Billy, 20, was one of 202 people killed, with seven of themfrom the Gold Coast.

“They were murdered in a war they didn’t even know theywere in,” Bill Hardy told the Gold Coast Bulletin’s Kristy Muir.

Mr Hardy said remembering the victims of terrorism everyyear was vital.

“The anniversary is more than important as it (thebombings) changed Australia and it changed the world to adegree.

“Losing Billy was devastating to us all and there is a peiceof our hearts that remains broken.

“He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. We stillmiss Billy as much today as we did the first anniversary.”

The club will stage the ceremony again next year, the 15thanniversary of the bombing, as its Centenary Project.

Tears and happiness cometogether in a Lions-organisednight of memories

‘ Theanniversary ismore thanimportant as it(thebombings)changedAustralia andit changed theworld to adegree’

MEMORIES: Traditional dancers represented the beautyof Bali, while local Gold Coast councillor Bob LaCastraspoke of the tragedy that deeply affected so manyAustralians in 2002.


10Lion

Local Lions help save kids’ lives: LEO TO THE RESCUEThe heading above was the same oneMelbourne online newspaper themoorabbinleader.com.au ran to herald the factlocal Clarinda Lions had donated a babyresuscitation mannequin.

As well as promoting to a wider audience the

excellent work Lions do, it demonstrated how quite

simple projects can save lives.

The mannequin was bought for the new Monash

Children’s Hospital.

The club raised nearly $5000 from its art & craft

market this year, and the Australian Lions

Foundation matched this amount with a dollar-for-

dollar grant.

Acting director of paediatric medicine Andre

Vanzyl said the device will allow the hospital to run

realistic scenarios in training.

“Resuscitation on a child is not something we get

to do on a daily basis – this is training that could

save a life,” he said.

The device was handed over to doctors and

nursing staff at a presentation morning tea, followed

by their first training session using a Leo as a trial

patient.

Coincidentally, the staff had named the

mannequin “Leo”, not realising that Leos are a part

of Lions.

At the presentation, Leo, complete with lifelike

veins and organs and with an ALF sticker on his

shoulder, could be heard breathing as if he had

asthma.

And when a section was removed from his body,

Leo immediately became “Leonie”.

LEO AT WORK: Hospital staff and Clarinda Lions(pictured above) gather to watch Leo go through hispotentially life-saving paces.


December - January 2016/17 11

LCIF Chairman visits for $4 million Kids Cancer programDr Jitsuhiro Yamada, Chairman of the LionsClub International Foundation and ImmediatePast International President, led a delegationto Sydney earlier this year to discuss the nextsteps in the Lions Kids Cancer GenomeProject.

The new $4 million Australia-wide program seeksto help transform outcomes for children with high-risk cancer through whole genome sequencing. Thevisit followed the announcement in May ofoutstanding financial support for the project by LCIFand the Australian Lions Children’s CancerResearch Foundation.

The Project is a collaborative partnership,

bringing together Australia’s national personalisedmedicine program in childhood cancer – the ZeroChildhood Cancer Program, led by Children’sCancer Institute and the Kids Cancer Centre,Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick – and state-of-the-art capability in whole genome sequencingand analysis at the Garvan Institute of MedicalResearch.

In the project’s first three years, the genomes of400 Australian children with high-risk cancer will besequenced, and a database developed that containsthe genome sequence of each child and the geneticchanges found in their tumour. This database will bemade available to clinicians to help guidepersonalised treatment of each child’s cancer andwill also allow researchers to gain greater insightinto the genetic causes of different childhoodcancers.

Dr Jitsuhiro Yamada, a neurosurgeon with a keeninterest in medical research and who played animportant role in securing the $4 million Lionscommitment, visited the Garvan with the delegation,including Barry Palmer AO (a past Lions ClubInternational President) and Dr Joe Collins (theFounding Chairman of the Australian LionsChildhood Cancer Research Foundation). Garvan’sExecutive Director, Professor John Mattick AO FAA,conceived the project a year ago in conjunction withDr Collins, who will chair the project’s leadershipteam.

Speaking at a function to acknowledge Lions’support, Dr Dziadek (Chief Scientific Officer, Garvan)said the project would not have progressed withoutthe aid of Dr Yamada, Barry Palmer and LCIFtrustees from around the world.

“A year ago – almost to the day – John Mattick, DrYamada, Barry Palmer and Joe Collins met to discusschildhood cancer research. That day, the seed wassown for the Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project.

“Now that the Project is underway, it seemsalmost obvious as an approach – yet this large-scale whole genome sequencing of hundreds ofchildren with cancer is something that hasn’t beenpossible to get off the ground elsewhere in theworld.

“The support of Lions in Australia andinternationally has been pivotal in making this

GENOME RESEARCH: Dr Yamada and his wife discuss the project inSydney. He visited the Garvan Institute (below right) and also met withAustralian Lions Council Chairman Rodd Chignell (below left).


LCIF

Improving literacyin South Sudan

12

In war-torn South Sudan, women and girls often walkmiles to wells. Then they wait in long lines for hoursbefore carrying a heavy jug back to their families. Theessential task leaves little time for school.

The pressing daily need to collect water has disastrousconsequences. South Sudan has the lowest female literacyrate in the world. Not surprisingly, it also has the world’shighest maternal mortality rate. Research by UNICEF shows astrong relationship between a mother’s education and thehealth of her children. In South Sudan, girls are more likely todie of pregnancy complications than they are to completeprimary education. One in 10 children dies before the age offive.

Lions and LCIF are supporting a creative, practical solutionto South Sudan’s literacy challenges. LCIF awarded a Core 4grant to Literacy At The Well (LATW). The nonprofit projectuses the time spent waiting in line to teach women and girlshow to read and write. Those who learn at the well can thentake the lessons home to their families. LATW recruits, trainsand hires local teachers to lead the program.

Established in the United States, LATW has been operatingin Northern Bahr el Ghazal in South Sudan since 2008. LCIF’sfunds are supporting the ever-increasing demand for literacyprogramming in Aweil, the most heavily populated city inNorthern Bahr el Ghazal.

LATW’s Aweil Women’s Leadership Centre provideseducation for more than 1,000 women and girls each week.The centre is used not only to teach reading, writing andEnglish but also to train future instructors and to provideliteracy instruction for community groups like police andhealth workers.

The challenges in South Sudan are immense. Located inEast-Central Africa, it has been described as “the world’smost failed state”. Decades of war in Sudan destroyed thearea’s infrastructure. Only a handful of regions have runningwater, electricity, clinics, schools or paved roads.

The nation gained its independence in 2011. SouthSudan’s peace deal, signed in August 2015, was supposed to

Literacy At The Well sessions teach women and children to read while they wait in long lines atcommunity water wells.

end the country’s latest civil war that began inDecember 2013 and killed tens of thousands.But the agreement was never fullyimplemented and, as of press time, morefighting was taking place.

The dire conditions make Lions’ efforts evenmore critical. Raising the nation’s literacy rate

can lead to economic growth and serve as acornerstone of democracy. Families that canread are healthier, less vulnerable tooppression, more likely to succeed and moreable to help others in their community.

The Australian LION magazine, along with many other LION magazinesaround the world, will produce fully digital editions in 2017.

The first Australian digital magazine will be the April-May 2017 issue.Plans for the new digital magazines were unveiled by LCI at a meeting of

International Editors in Berlin (pictured right) earlier this year.The move into digital publications is part of a campaign by LCI to ensure Lions

fully benefit from advances in digital technology.The digital magazines will be in addition to the normal printed magazines and

will be able to be viewed on mobile phones, tablets and computers.

DIGITAL VERSIONS OF LION MAGAZINE ON THE WAY

Photo: Svend Due Mikkelsen

Lion



On March 31, 64-year-old Lion John Olsen leftCape York in Queensland to walk to CapeLeeuwin in Western Australia and then up toPerth.

If successful, he will become the first person(certainly solo and without a support crew) tocomplete the diagonal crossing of Australia on foot.

His walk was planned to take about five to sixmonths but unseasonal rains and extreme humidityin Queensland, followed by more rain and floodsacross the Northern Territory, put John almost twomonths behind and not expected to finish until midto late December.

At the time of this article being written, John wasstill somewhere between Warburton and Laverton,about 440km north of Kalgoorlie W.A. By the timeyou read this he should hopefully be between CapeLeeuwin and Perth.

He is doing it to raise funds for Leukodystrophyresearch.

Throughout this epic marathon John has receivedamazing support from people of all walks of life. Thefollowing are a small number of those who havehelped.

A station owner was on hand to help John crossthe swollen Mitchell River with the use of a forklifttractor carrying “Wilson” his cart (of course, Johnhad to walk).

In Normanton, the secretary of the local rodeoclub organised for John to take part in the streetparade and pull beers during their annual rodeoweekend. A month or so later a cheque for $750was received.

Arriving in Camooweal, John was greeted by thelocal police officer who had arranged asnooker/pool night with the neighbouring policestation from Avon Downs in the Northern Territory.Along with the whole community of approximately300 people, they raised around $700.

After crossing the Queensland /N.T. border, Johnturned south towards Austral Downs. Whentorrential overnight rain hit he ended up saturatedand, fearing pneumonia, called the station ownersfrom Austral Downs. They picked him but after twodays of recovery he was forced to detour, adding310km and 10 days to the walk.

Police in all three states have allowed parcels tobe sent to their stations for John to collect.

The Aboriginal people in Queensland andNorthern W.A. have beentruly wonderful. On oneoccasion John was toldto look for two Pepsi Maxcans in a tree,approximately 20m offthe road, where therewould be water. What hefound was an old handpump, at least 70 yearsold and with “thecleanest and freshestwater” he had everdrunk.

One of the biggestsurprises he got waswhen two of his mates,

members of the Lions Club of Geelong Corio Bayturned up out of the blue. Ray & Matt drove to Alicefor no other reason than to support their friend.

Donations are rolling in. Just under $40,000 hasbeen raised so far, with a target of $100,000. Tothe multitude of Lions clubs, both large and smallthroughout Australia, sincere and heartfelt thanks.

REMEMBER – EVERY CENT RAISED GOES TOLEUKODYSTROPHY AUST. Direct Debit; LongWalk for Leukodystrophy, BSB 033679 Acc.294455, cheque payable to: Long Walk forLeukodystrophy, PO Box 684, Geelong VIC 3220.Leukodystrophy details: www.leuko.org.auAll other queries, please contact Morrie Pieper,Chairperson on 0430 279 808 [email protected]

WHERE’S MARATHON WALKER JOHN?

OUTBACK


From Council Chairman Rodd

FROM THE MULTIPLE DISTRICT

Greetings toall themembers ofourwonderfulLions familythroughoutAustralia.

From Facebook and the reports that I receive, I

note that all the District Governors have been very

busy holding successful conventions with the

assistance of their District Teams. Their dedication

and focus in leading their Districts is to be

commended.

Wendy and I had the pleasure of attending four

District Conventions and found them all

entertaining, informative and very friendly.

Congratulations all. We would like to thank the

Districts and host clubs for some wonderful

hospitality. Conventions provide so many

opportunities to learn and to also share ideas so

that we can continue to grow as Lions and to serve.

Please ensure that you report back to your clubs

about the many positive things that you learn at

your convention.

The planning and preparations are well underway

for the Council of Governors meeting in January,

and also the training of the District Governor’s Elect

and 1st Vice District Governor’s Elect. Whilst it is a

busy time, the application and development of our

Governor teams in MD201 are the envy of many

other nations. The MD Leadership team have an

active and engaging program for each of the

groups.

Supporting the Council, the Long Range

Development Committee has formulated a road

map for the strategic development of Lions in

Australia and this will be discussed by the Council

in January. This is an exciting opportunity for us all

as we move into our next centenary.

As you are aware, our Centennial Service

Challenge is moving ahead in leaps and bounds.

International President Bob Corlew has already told

us that after passing our initial milestone of serving

100,000,000, Lions are now on their way to serving

200,000,000 people by 30 June 2018. We are

climbing new mountains every day and the views

keep getting better each time. ‘Where there is a

need, there is a Lion’ continues to rings true. I

would encourage you all to continue to work the

challenge, seek out the needs in your community,

address the need and then record the action on

MyLCI. As at 31 October, our MD indicated a

percentage increase for people served over the

same period last year, so we are well on track to

increase our community activities in 2016-17 –

thank you. However, many clubs are still not

recording the wonderful things they are doing and I

wonder why? We need to fill the gap.

A flow-on from the Centennial Service Challenge

are our Legacy projects. Has your club accepted the

opportunity yet? What is your club planning to leave

as a permanent Lions footprint in your community?

I am happy to say that at the end of October, there

are 219 projects recorded in MyLCI, however where

are the others? Legacy projects are connecting

Lions around the world; now is the time to do

something. Accept the challenge and make a

difference for your club and your community.

FOR THE DIARY: Don’t forget our own NationalConvention in Hobart – 5-8 May 2017. Registernow. Details are on page 18.Picture: Tourism Tasmania/Scott Sporleder, Matador



From Executive Officer Rob

Coming up1. National Office Christmas Close – TheNational Office will be closed from Wednesday21 December 2016 until Tuesday 3 January2017.2. Environmental Photo Competition –This is the last year of the competition so getyour entries in. Hard copies of your entry mustbe received at the National Office by 6 January2017. For further details go tohttp://members.lionsclubs.org/EN/serve/contests/environmental-photo-contest/index.php3. Stay tuned for information about next year’sHappiest Lions Club competition. Details willcome to you in our monthly Club E-mail blast.(Any Lions can subscribe to our e-mail blastsvia http://eepurl.com/bra6k5)4. New Year’s Resolution? Ask your ClubSecretary to print out the club roster andcheck that your address details are correct.

This year I had thepleasure to attend anumber of DistrictConventions, meet withmany Lions, and see theelection of members toour leadership team forthe coming years.

Although the annualturnover in our leadership

poses many challenges to Lions, it can also beinteresting to see the Multiple District Council-electcome together and develop its own unique style andculture.

We should all wish our incoming leaders atMultiple District and District level the best for theirterm and give them our support for a challengingbut very necessary job.

I wanted to share a thought that came to me at aDistrict Convention this year. Lions are mostlyhumble; prepared to go about our work quietly andlet our impacts speak for themselves. We don’ttend to use superlatives to describe our people andour work, and perhaps, over time we forget thatwhat we do is quite extraordinary.

A couple of years ago I attended a project of theLugarno Lions Club. They arranged a scuba-divingexperience for a number of people who are vision-

impaired, and others with spinal cord injuries. Irushed off for a refresher course and went scuba-diving with these folks and a number of volunteers.It remains one of the most amazing experiences ofmy life! There is something incredibly touchingabout watching the limitations of gravity disappearfor a person who moves through life in awheelchair, when they glide effortlessly under thewater.

This was a simple concept (with lots of hard workin the background) but the outcome was unique andvery special. This is only one example of the sorts ofthings we do, year in, year out.

My request to you, as your club gathers for itsChristmas celebration is that you reflect on oursuccesses. We always think about how we make apitch to new recruits, but why not make a pitch toour existing members and reassure each other ofthe value of our contribution? Lions are fantastic!The work of Lions is extraordinary! Our communitycan’t live without us! These things are true and weshould remind ourselves and value each other forour contributions.

At the close of the year, I’d like to offer mythanks to all of the staff at the National Office whowork tirelessly and conscientiously to help Lionssucceed, the Management Group, Committeemembers and the Council. They are such an

important part of our organisation.Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it, and a

peaceful holiday season to others.– Rob Oerlemans

As you are aware, 2017 is our Lions Centennial

year and what a great year it will be with many

opportunities for us to serve others and showcase

Lions.

The 4th March 2017 has been identified as a

community Lions Awareness Day, where all clubs

across Australia are encouraged to have a street

stall to tell the community about Lions, our

Centenary and offer the invitation to serve. This is

an opportunity for your club to engage with your

community, however it is really up to your club on

how they plan and undertake the day. We reach our

centennial milestone on 7 June, which is the official

birthday of the formation of Lions. This is another

opportunity for your club to host a special party to

celebrate and invite the community. Maybe an

interesting activity.

Whilst I have heard that many of you are thinking

of heading to Chicago to join the celebrations at the

International Convention,our own National

Convention is in Hobart on 5-8 May 2017.

Remember 2017 is also 70 years of Lions in

Australia and what better place than Hobart to

celebrate our achievements of our history! With an

entertaining and informative program planned

for looking forward and looking back, and a

superb location, the convention should be on

everyone’s travel list for 2017. It promises to

be an exciting celebration of Lionism for all.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

In conclusion, with Christmas and the

celebration of the New Year arriving, it is

probably time for us all to contemplate having

a rest over January, however do Lions really

stop? Where there is a need there is a Lion

supporting their community.

Wendy and I take this opportunity to wish

you all a safe and enjoyable Christmas

season, and may 2017 be a year of growth and

prosperity as we continue our Lions service in our

centennial year.

Finally, in all your activities, have fun and enjoy,

– Lion Rodd and Wendy Chignell


16616 Lion

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN....As a Lion for over 40 years and a travel agent for closeto 30 years, I would love to see as many Australiansattend Chicago’s 100th year convention as possible.

For those who want to do their own thing, my wife and Ihave made almost 40 trips to the US, driven thousands ofmiles and even hired a motor home.

There are four train journeys across from the west coastand two from the east coast, all terminating in Chicago. Wehave joined many Greyhound bus trips across America,meeting many interesting and colourful Americans and had alot of fun!

For a relaxing holiday, the way to go is to join a group.Travel with fellow convention attendees – no traffic worries,and with a knowledgeable guide you won’t get lost. This addsto the ingredients to make a truly memorable holiday. As youcan see we have a wealth of experience and we can assistyou with your travel plans.

– John Daniels



The Lions Club of Quilters Victoria’s

Centennial Quilt is called ‘The Journey’, and

its own journey is just starting.

The quilt is currently on tour to all Lions clubs

around Australia, has been to conventions in New

Zealand and Indonesia and in June will be in

Chicago for the Lions International Centenary

Convention.

There it will be a major exhibit representing our

Constitutional Area VII – and of course it will be

there because it has been made to celebrate the

Lions Centennial – 100 years and the contribution

made by all Lions over that time.

Already the quilters, led by Robyn Falloon, and

the quilt have been on the cover of the MD201

Directory.

‘The Journey’ is raising funds for the Lions Club

of Quilters Victoria (LCQV) projects supporting

disadvantaged women and children, with support to

Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).

The project was launched by Past International

President Barry Palmer OAM at the National

Convention in Echuca earlier this year.

The name ‘The Journey’ relates to the journey of

Lions 100 year history, the journey of our club, and

the journey of people throughout the world as they

serve others or have been touched by our work.

Designed by Lion Maree Marr, a charter member

of LCQV, the quilt represents the ‘tree of life’

reflecting the scope and diversification of the Lions

organisation internationally over the past 100 years.

The reverse side features the extensive story of

the project.

The quilt took about 2000 hours of dedicated

work by four teams involving 27 participants across

Victoria.

"We decided on the tree design as it is indicative

of the Lions itself,” said Maree Marr. “Just as a tree

begins as a seed, which germinates, grows rapidly

and spreads out its branches as far as possible, so

has Lions Clubs International grown over the last

100 years.”

All the fabrics for the quilt were donated by Lion

Sue Bartleman from her Mill Rose Quilting & Gallery

in Ballan, Victoria. Lion Kirsty Beckett was

responsible for the embroidery, while Lion Ruth

Nunn meticulously pieced the blue and cream

‘sawtooth border’. Other key workers were Kerrie

Thomas of Black Forest Quilting, Macedon and

Lions Bonnie Flint and Liz Willing who completed

the binding and hanging sleeve.

The avid quilters are hopeful that ‘The Journey’

will be around for the 200-year Lions celebration.

YOUR CHANCE TO BEINVOLVED

As part of the quilt’s world travels, the Lions

Club of Quilters Victoria is producing a

panorama of leaf-inspired artistic panels

recognising Australian and International

supporters of LCQV and the Lions organisation.

The stitched leaf panels will go all the way

to Chicago where they will feature in an

exhibition.

The first panels will feature Australian

sponsors and supporters, while following ones

will feature the names of international

supporters.

In Australia, a contribution of $10 will

ensure that donor names are permanently

recorded on the leaves

“Ambitious it might be, but we encourage

participation in this exciting initiative to

produce a series of amazing, unique and

historic designs reflecting Lions International

diversity,” said LCQV President Robyn Falloon.

Already 100 names in place to go on the

panels.

Your name can be a part of this historic

panorama of stitched panels by contacting

LCQC ([email protected],

www.quiltersvictoria.vic.lions.org.au).

THE QUILT ROLLS ON ITS JOURNEY

QUILTING ON: The quilt’s designer Maree Marr(above), and (left) LCQV charter members (left toright) Lions Ruth Nunn, Bonnie Flint, Maree Marr andKirsty Becket at the MD Convention Echuca wherethe project was launched.

100 years of Lions International history heads for Chicago

QUILT ROLLS ON ITS JOURNEY


Lion18

As our hardworking committee were scratchingtheir heads for our Convention theme, alongcomes Council Chair Rodd with his suggestion ofthe confirmed theme – “Looking Forward LookingBack”.

A wonderful theme allowing us to celebrate ourCentennial – 100 years Lions International, plenty tolook back over and many significant milestones over thisperiod. As well, we look back over the past 70 years ofLions in Australia and again some wonderfulachievements to celebrate.

Looking forward, our organisation has many challengesahead and the Convention in May will be a perfect venue to

plan ahead. It’s not far down the track and now that District Conventions are out of the way, it’stime for you to plan to be in Hobart.

MD201 65th National Convention – Friday May 5th to 8th May2017 – PUT IT IN YOUR DIARY

The event venue, The Wrest Point Entertainment and Convention Centre, will provide for allactivities under the one roof. For those who recall, our 1993 and 2003 Conventions will havefond memories of those occasions as well as the professional way they handled ourConventions. The feedback is that a lot of our Lions are looking at Hobart to renew oldacquaintances, as well as taking the opportunity to finish tours they started at our lastconvention in Tassie.

Wrest Point has been amazing with its support over the last couple of years as we plan for2017. It accepted our proposal to become our major event sponsor and is delivering on itscommitment as we go to print. It also will offer arranged tours for all delegates and partners. Asa true convention centre, it is looking forward to helping make this convention one not to forget.

Our committee organising the Centennial Convention Ball will ensure there is plenty of silverand gold glitter; it will be a night to remember.

The Convention website provides links to assist conventioneers with travel andaccommodation options. Ensure you go through the recommended links. As well, we will beproducing a newsletter with relevant updates. These will be forwarded to District CabinetSecretaries for distribution to clubs.SO COME ON DOWN TO HOBART TO HAVE A LION OF A TIME – SEE YOU ALL AT THEBALL

HOBART – just the place for a ConventionPDG David Daniels OAM

ChairmanConvention Organising Committee

COME ON DOWN TO HOBARTThe invitation is out so registernow for a Lion of a time

Convention Chairman PDG DavidDaniels OAM

Tour

ism

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Cros

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OR

OR


Tourism Tasmania/Sean FennessyTourism Tasmania/Richard Eastwood

Tourism Tasmania/Nigel Honey


22Lion

Hillston Lions in western NSW have given the ultimate honour to oneof their own heroes.

They have named their Lions Park after him.

Earlier this year, Hillston dedicated the park to a charter member, David

John Fensom, who passed away last year.

Known as John, he was an Order of Australia Medal recipient who had

served the club and the local community for 50 years.

An unselfish and civic minded achiever, John had done everything from

setting up the local historical society and serving as president of the Grazier’s

Association and the Water Users Association to pioneering broad acre

irrigation in the area.

In 1978 he rallied three other residents to buy the chemist shop and

recruit a chemist so the town could retain the local medical practice, and he

joined others to form a local branch of the Bendigo Bank when Westpac

closed locally in 2002.

A park in his name

Lion hero John’sultimate honour

PROUD DAY: John’s widow Sylvia and son Dave checkout the new sign with DG Roger Thomas.

There was much joy when the South Adelaide Basketball Association’s U14girls team was chosen to attend the national championships in Newcastle.

Yet there was a problem; they needed uniforms.To the rescue came the Marion Lions Club.The club donated uniforms at a cost of $2,233, including a grateful grant from the

Australian Lions Foundation.Much of the money came from a fortnightly sausage sizzle that parents of the team

members helped with for 10 weeks.PDG Bob Korotcoff and PID Bob Coulthard presented the uniforms.

Sizzling sausages save the daySince 2006 when he sustained an acquired brain injury after aserious illness, Sydney student James Liang has relied onfamily and friends to push him in a manual wheelchair.

No longer. James, a Year 11 student at Pennant Hills High School,now has a mobility scooter courtesy of the North Rocks andCarlingford-Dundas clubs.

James is pictured (above) at the handover with his dad Gary, senioroccupational therapist Catherine O’Sullivan and Lions Henry Jonesand Clem Cawley.

Easy rider James



As the Vietnam War came to its conclusion in1975, hundreds of abandoned or orphanedchildren were evacuated in OperationBabylift. This resulted in a number of infantsbeing brought to Australia where they wereeventually adopted by Australian families.

Among these infants was a baby affected by

polio; he was adopted by the Stone family in South

Australia and christened Peter.

Peter was raised and schooled in the suburbs of

Adelaide and flourished despite his disability.

Initially he was mobile with crutches but

regrettably he later developed post polio syndrome

and is now confined to a wheelchair.

In later life Peter decided to establish contact

with Vietnam and to endeavour to trace his

biological roots. The latter proved to be not

possible; records of his birth and his natural

parents had long since been lost or destroyed. He

did however note the number of children in

Vietnam coping with disabilities and for whom

there was no real support.

Because of his own disability and his positive

experience of coping with a disability in Australia,

Peter established a centre in Vietnam to provide

support, accommodation and skill development for

these young people.

$10,000 donationWith the support of the Baptist church in the

Adelaide suburb of Brighton, the Company of

Grace was established and received an initial

donation of $10,000 from the Lions Club of

Brighton to secure land in Vietnam on which the

centre would eventually be built.

Lion Leigh Wheatley and Lions Lady Gill (a

member of the Zonta club of Adelaide) went to

Vietnam with some members of the Baptist church

and worked on the initial construction phase of the

centre and the construction of an enclosing brick

wall.

Today the centre is fully operational, providing

Membership Chairman Ian Hill inductsPeter (Hoe) Stone (pictured below) viaSkype, with the club’s technicalexpert Leigh Wheatley looking on.

Inducted via Skype

Vietnamese Babyliftevacuee becomes anAussie Lion

residential accommodation and vocational training

for young people with disabilities that would

otherwise render them unemployable and a burden

on their families.

Because of his long association with the Lions

Club of Brighton, Peter, who now lives in Vietnam,

accepted the invitation to join Lions as an affiliate

member of the Brighton club. As a possible world

first, Peter was inducted by Membership Chairman

Ian Hill via Skype during a dinner meeting.

Peter is now the first Vietnamese Lion living in

Vietnam and to the best of our knowledge the first

Lion inducted via Skype.

Brighton has an optimistic view of the future that

envisages Peter being the initial step toward,

chartering the first Lions club in Vietnam at some

later time. – Bill WattsActing President

Lions Club of Brighton


24 Lion

LIONSOUT AND

ABOUT

ALL WEATHER: Q4’s CQ Leos didn’t let rain stop them taking part in a Step Out – Suicide AwarenessWalk followed by a guest speaker talking about a close friend he had lost through suicide. The club issponsored by Gracemere Lions.

HONOUR: Queensland Lion Tom Braes shows off an Order ofAustralia he received for community work and services to the law asa Magistrate in Cairns and Mareeba, and as a solicitor.

CANINE COMPANY: South Australia’s Goolwa Lions were joined by a band of happy Hearing Dogs ata recent car boot sale. The Lions, who support the Hearing Dog program, are based near the program’straining centre in the Adelaide Hills at Verdun.

ACHIEVER: Victoria’s Lara club named young Kellie Burgess as itsfirst club mascot. V2 District Governor Terry Heazelwood presentedher with her certificate.

A REAL SPORT: Runaway Bay Lion Jennie Cox presents a cheque for $1000 to Bonita Tyler ofThe Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth (GCPHY). The money will be used to buy sporting andrecreational equipment.



TAKING A BREAK: Melboune’s Dandenong Inc. Lions gather round the barbie tocelebrate a successful food donation project to assist residents of Aaron Lodge, aretirement facility in Dandenong.

SNAGGING SOME FUNDS: Lions Club of Port Phillip members hand over acheque for $2800 to St Kilda Mums to support their Cots for Tots campaign.They raised the money as Lions often do, through sausage sizzles.

PEDAL POWER: These five Tamworth Lions might have an average age close to70 but that hasn’t stopped them becoming cycling addicted.They train three times aweek and this year rode 1000km from Dubbo to Tamworth in the Westpac HelicopterRescue Service ride.

SIGN OF TIMES: Rollingstone And District Lions are making sure all who pass their newsign on the Bruce Highway know exactly when and where they meet. It’s just one of threesigns they have erected as Legacy projects.

GARDEN AID: Victoria’s Lions Club of Lara President Jeff Cahn and SecretarySusan Eyton hand over a $1000 cheque to Natalie Vervest of Lara Community Gardenand Art Precinct as part of the Lions centenary celebrations.

TOP GIVERS: Mooloolaba Lions Dean Farrow and Fred Smedley with LCIFcertificates congratulating the club on each member donating $250 during2015/2016 to international humanitarian projects.


Lion26

How about some UKhospitality via

Operation Friendship?Visit a Lions club in England

District 105EA England offers Lions from

Australia And New Zealand the

opportunity to mix with Lions from

District 105ea England (known as East

Anglia).

East Anglia District has for some years now

hosted Lions from Australia and New Zealand

with great success.

You will be staying with local Lions families,

attend a three-day District Convention in the

Lions International Centennial year (held in

mid-March) and, of course, see all the sights

the area has to offer.

This offer for a Lion and his/her partner to

spend 2-3 weeks as a guest of 105ea

includes all accommodation and local travel.

The visiting Lion is required to meet the cost of

travel to and from their home to District

105ea.

You will be greeted at the airport and

escorted to the district and meet your hosts.

You will meet many English Lions and their

families.

Past Lions to have visited 105ea came

from Leopold, Capalaba, Rosewood and

Ballarat.

Experience the international nature of our

organisation and learn why Lions Clubs

International is one big family

DETAILS: Contact initially I.R.O. Len Russell,

District 105EA England. Applications to be

received by mid-December. Photos with

application if possible (required by the

convention committee), email

[email protected]

Variable and inclement weather didn’t stop

about 40 supporters of the Australian Lions

Children’s Mobility Foundation gathering in

the grounds of Adelaide’s Trinity Gardens

Primary School for the national launch of the

foundation’s feature project – Walk for an

Aussie Kid.

The South Australian Education and Child

Development’s advertised ethos states ‘Every

Chance for Every Child’ and this fits nicely with the

foundation’s motto – ‘May every child walk with

pride’.

The event was held with the support of the St

Morris Unit for Disabled Children, which is in the

grounds of Trinity Gardens Primary School.

Sponsored by family, friends and the community,

the supporters walked many circuits of the new and

improved concrete track on the top oval. Nearby

school fruit and vegetable gardens, native gardens

and adventure playground areas added to the

beautiful setting.

A disabled child announced the start of the

walk and advised she had held an event

beforehand that raised $500.

Walkers were led around the track by a recipient

of one of the foundation’s walkers, and two

disabled children walked 11 laps of the track with

one announcing she did 11 because “that is how

old I am”.

While the event is primarily for raising awareness

and funds for walkers, there is always a social side.

A breakfast of bacon, egg, sausage and onions was

on hand to warm the body and raffles, stalls,

Hearing Dogs and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade and

Police entertained the children.

DGs are born leaders and the example here was

set by the performance of C1’s fearless leader, DG

Paddy McKay, which eclipsed all others because

she just would not give up. Well done DG Paddy.

Despite the variable weather it was a wonderful day

for all.

We encourage all clubs to give Walk for an

Aussie Kid a try and help those less fortunate than

most of us, to ‘Walk with Pride’. Please contact us

for advice on the process. – Lion Lyn Pysden

Queensland Trustee ALCMF

Walk for an Aussie Kid 2016THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL



While Lions Clubs International is about tocelebrate its centenary, Lions GeorgeEngland and Ross La Spina from W2 canlook back on 108 years of service betweenthem.

George, 93, joined Lions 57 years ago. He wasa charter member of the Lions Clubs of Minyipand Sandringham, before moving to DandenongLions and eventually Booragoon Lions in 1985.

“As I transferred to different areas with mybanking career, joining local Lions clubs gave mywife and I an instant association with the localcommunity,” he says.

“Working with other members on worthwhileprojects cemented friendships which have lastedfor decades.”

During his 51 years of service, Ros, 92, hastravelled the world to Conventions and mademany overseas friends.

“Lions has given me a very interesting life,” hesays. “My best friends are in Lions.

Ross was Charter President of the Lions Clubof North Perth back in 1965, and when the clubclosed he moved to Fremantle Lions.

Not 100 years, but 108 between them

Adelaide’s Marion Lions are well on their way to having planted 10,000trees.

It’s expected that the 10,000th will come up in time to mark the centenary ofLions globally.

The trees are being planted in Braeside Reserve, Seacombe Heights.When in 2011 then International President, PIP Wing Kun Tan, challenged all

Lions clubs to plant 10,000,000 trees globally, PDG Bob Korotcoff proposed tohis fellow Lions at Marion (C2) that they embark on planting 10,000 trees over10 years.

With the assistance of Jerry Smith and other members of the City of Marion

Parks and Gardens Department, a site on the hillside of the Braeside Reservewas selected and Lions went to work in 2011 and planted 1100 seedlings.

The following year they were joined by voluntary workers from Westpac bankand call centre.

The fifth planting took place in August this year and again Westpacvolunteers helped out (in fact, it was obvious they enjoyed getting away fromtheir desks and “smelling the roses”).

This time 10 Edwardstown Lions also helped.Signage will be erected to identify that the trees were planted to

commemorate 100 years of Lionism globally.

10,000 trees to celebrate a centenary CUPPA TIME: Marion Lions take a well earned teabreak during one of their planting sessions.

George and Ross have knocked up a century-plus.

MARION LIONS’ TREE-MENDOUS EFFORT


Lion28

NOTICESTime on stage at MD201 Convention

Projects, foundations and other speakers wishing to request time on stage at the MD201 Convention, Hobart 2017 must submit requests in writing to the ExecutiveOfficer no later than 31 January 2017. There is no guarantee that time can be provided, however preference will be given to those groups who have provided theirrequest in advance.

The request must include: 1. Name of the group, 2. Name and role of the proposed speaker, 3. Purpose of the presentation, 4. Total time requestedThe Multiple District has absolute discretion to determine the time and date offered to the group, from 9am Friday 5 May 2017 to 5pm Monday 8 May 2017.

Bids for the MD201 Convention 2020Hosting a Multiple District Convention in your town, though challenging, provides considerable benefits. Host committees serve their community by highlighting their

home town, demonstrating the quality and competence of their members and providing an important economic benefit. Estimates by tourist associations place theeconomic benefit of hosting a Convention at $2-4 million.

If your club or district wishes to host the 2020 Multiple District Convention, please contact the Executive Officer in the first instance by e-mail to [email protected] close 31 December 2016.

Notices of Motion to Hobart ConventionClubs and Districts wishing to submit a Project Notice of Motion or a Fundraising Activity Motion to the Hobart 2017 Multiple District Convention should note that suchmotions must be received by the Executive Officer prior to the 1st day of January preceding the Convention. Any other motion, other than a late notice of motion,must be received no later than 6 March 2017. In both cases these motions must have been duly passed at a District Convention or the motion seeking its adoptionsubmitted by the Council. Full provisions regarding these motions can be found in the Multiple District Constitution and By-laws, CL94 to Cl103.

Caution should be exercised in relation to Project Notices of Motion in particular, to ensure they are correctly framed to be considered at Convention.


29

The Peel Valley Lions Club ofTamworth is again seekingnominations for its AustralianCountry Music Service Award.

The award, in existence since1994, goes to a member of theAustralian country music industryfor voluntary service to thecommunity through his/herconnection to the genre.

Awardees can range from well-known stars, songwriters, musiciansand media personalities through tocouples and the tireless workersbehind the scenes from countrymusic clubs throughout the country.

President Anne Sanders saidanyone can nominate someone (viayour local Lions Club) they think isdeserving. “Anyone with a countrymusic connection who has given oftheir time and talent to assist charitythrough their music is eligible.”

Send nominations to TheSecretary, Peel Valley Lions Club, POBox 957, Tamworth, NSW, 2340 orvia email [email protected] need to be in by 18December 2016.

The award will be presentedduring the 45th Tamworth CountryMusic Festival in January 2017. Therecipient will receive a one-offtrophy crafted by respected artistFred Hillier and will also be giventhe opportunity to nominate acharity to receive $500.

Calling AustralianCountry Music Service

Award nominees

All Directory Orders will now be placed via the MD201 Club Supplies online shopClubs will have several opportunities to confirm Club Details and Order quantitiesClub contacts will now nominate a “Preferred” phone number for publication

Key Dates for Clubs 1st Feb 2017 Directory Orders Opening date for 2017/2018 edition orders 15th April 2017 Club Elections All Club elections to have been held by this date 21st April 2017 Club Details Closing date for Club details to be submitted 30th April 2017 Directory Orders Closing date for 2017/2018 Directory orders 1st May 2017 Club Details Clubs will receive email confirmation of listing details

5-8th May 2017 Club Details & Orders Details available for review at National Convention 8th May 2017 Club Details Deadline for corrections

AUSTRALIAN LIONS FOUNDATION LTD.

OFFICIAL NOTICE TO ALL CLUBS IN “C” AND “V” DISTRICTSNotice is given to all Members of the Lions Clubs of MD201 “C” and ”V” Districts that nominations are called

for a Director to represent the “C” Districts and a Director to represent the “V” Districts on the Foundation.

An election to decide your District’s Director will be held at the Australian Lions Foundation’s Ltd. Annual

General Meeting to be held in Hobart, Tasmania in May 2017 during the MD201 National Centennial

Convention.

The current Directors are eligible to re-nominate for these positions.

Nomination Forms and information is available from:

Secretary Lion David Triffett

P.O. Box 465

Glenorchy, Tas. 7010

Completed Nomination Forms must be lodged by mail with the Secretary no later than Tuesday 31st

January, 2017.

The Club’s Nominated Representative attending the Annual General Meeting is entitled to vote for a

Director to represent his or her group of Districts.


LEOS IN ACTION

30Lion

BY THE BOOK: WA LEOS OFFERCOMMUNITY THANKS TO FIRIESHarvey Leo Club in W2 came up with a uniqueidea to recognise the heroic efforts offirefighters after the devastating blaze in theirarea in January this year. They compiled an80-page glossy book called Letters forLegends, consisting of photos and heartfeltmessages of gratitude from members of theaffected community who wanted a meaningfulway to convey their thanks to the men andwomen who fought to protect their homes andproperty.

According to Harvey

Leo President Rebecca

Wood, the book was an

ideal way to show

appreciation to all the

brigades who were

involved in fighting the

January fires.

Cookernup volunteer

Fire Brigade captain,

Bryan Crook was moved

when he received his copy

of Letters for Legends. He said, “In my 23 years of

fighting fires, I’ve never seen a community pull

together after a natural disaster in this way. The

book shows that they really understand what we

went through, and that’s hard to put into words, but

it means the world to us.

‘The Harvey Leos are an incredible group of

young people and this project shows how much

they value and support their community.”

Supporting worthy causesThere are hundreds, if not thousands, of ways

that Leos support their communities. A popular one

is the annual Relay for Life held in towns right

across Australia – young people just love to stay up

all night and have boundless energy to complete

the laps of the field for 18 hours to raise money for

the Cancer Council. As well as doing the relay,

Mount View High School Leo Club in N3 also took

part in the Parkinson Unity Walk at Olympic Park in

Sydney, raising money for people living with

Parkinson’s Disease.

Leos and Lions – serving together!

Lion Toni Lanphier

MD Leo Committee Chair

THANKING HEROES: Cookernup Volunteer BushFire Brigade Captain Bryan Crook and Harvey ShireChief Bush Fire Control Officer Phil Penny receive acopy of ‘Letters for Legends’ from Harvey Leo ClubPresident Rebecca Wood and Leo Advisor LeanneShaw.

DOING LAPS: Mount View High School Leo Club at their Relay for Life fundraiser.

With the year of the Lions Centenary nearly upon us, AustralianLionsonoz – the first Australian online Lions club – will, althoughonly eight years old, be celebrating with the best of them.

The Lionsonoz Centenary Committee met early in 2016 at Wooli (47km

south east of Grafton in NSW) to decide what type of project would be

suitable to commemorate both the centenary and the fact Wooli Lions Club

sponsored Australian Lionsonoz as a branch club in 2008.

A plaque will likely be placed on a brand new double barbecue being

installed by Clarence Valley Council in the Lions Park at Wooli.

It will be a tasteful reminder to the community of Wooli and visitors that

a very innovative Lions club originated here.

The official unveiling of the plaque should coincide with the N1 Cabinet

meeting in July 2017, hosted by Grafton Lions and conducted at Wooli.

Lionsonoz is made up of members from all over Australia. On the third

Monday of each month, they come together online and report on their

activities, recite the Lions Purposes and support each other in attempts to

add to the work of Lions all over Australia.

Once a year many members join with the Lions Vanners group and travel

to Multiple District and District Conventions.

Australian Lionsonoz has 42 members who help other Lions with their

projects and visit Lions clubs wherever they happen to be.

Only 8, yet Australian Lionsonoz joins Centenary celebrations

ON THE ROAD: Lion Warren White of Australian Lionsonoz assistsLion Mike Ticehurst of Tamworth Peel Valley Lions at one of theirprojects.



Tennant Creek, situated on the Stuart Highwayabout 1000km south of Darwin and the fifthlargest town in the Northern Territory, is hometo the Lions Club of Tennant Creek.

Situated near attractions including the Devil’sMarbles, Mary Ann Dam, Battery Hill Mining Centreand the Nyinkka Nyunyu Culture Centre, the town isthe hub of the vast and sprawling cattle-grazingarea the Barkly Tableland, roughly the same size asthe United Kingdom or New Zealand.

The town has a population of nearly 8000 andthe Lions club plays an important day-to-day role.

The club’s projects include:Seniors Christmas PartyThe club annually runs a Seniors Christmas dinner,providing transport to and from the event.

Lions V.I.S.E. ProgramThe VISE (Volunteers for Isolated StudentsEducation) program began in 1989 when MikeStock, a retired mathematics teacher fromCanberra, attended a Lions meeting. He mentionedhe needed two fax machines to run the program,which matches retired teachers with isolatedchildren who are either having problems withSchool of the Air or whose parents aren’t able toteach them. The club promptly donated both faxmachines, one for Canberra and one for KatherineRural College. This enabled them to start theprogram, which is now national. The club has twice

received LCIF grants, one for $8,000 and anotherfor $3,000, that have allowed the program tocontinue. Recently the Gympie Muster hassupplied much funding. To date the program hasprovided well over $2,500,000 worth of unpaideducation. The Tennant Creek Lions Club is proud ofthis achievement and thanks Mike and his wifeColleen for their dedication to the cause ofeducation.

Black Dog RideTennant Creek Lions is the only club in Australiathat has supported the Black Dog Ride since itsinception. Each year it stages a three-course dinner,with last year’s raising $2500.

Town Christmas treeWith Rotary, the club cooks 1500sausages for the town Christmastree. The event has been going for70 years and supplies all childrenunder 10 with a gift from Santa, abag of lollies, a bag of fairy floss, asoft drink and a sausage sandwich.

The club regularly caters for eventsand once raised $80,000 bycatering with the RSL for the visit of900 Army personnel.

Lions Club of Tennant Creek N.T.Chartered 17th November 1967

FAR FLUNG CLUB

One of the famed Devil’s Marbles, close to Tennant Creek.Picture: NT Tourism/Barry Skipsey



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