Oct – Nov 2011 6.7mb

AUSTRALIA PAPUA NEW GUINEA EDITION $1

PLANT ATREE FORLIONS

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2011

Aussie named International Leo of the Year

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InternationalPresident’s call tohelp save our planet

PREVIEW: Perth’s 2012‘Gold & Diamonds’

Convention

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C O N T E N T S

4 International President’s report

5 ANZI-Pacific Forum

6 Lions action

8 Leo winner Tom

11 Lions getting younger

12 Council Chairperson’s report

11 Lions aid: Aore & Timor Leste

16 Dungog’s doctor stakes

18 Oasis of hope

22 Perth Convention preview

26 Official announcements

31 Executive Summary

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

Page 4 - IP’s tree-planting message

Page 22 - Perth Convention preview

Page 6 - Helping a family

Our c

over

COVER: Forest giants likethis one in the TarkineForest Adventures area ofnorth-west Tasmania actas the earth’s lungs. In hiscolumn this issue ourInternational PresidentWing-Kun Tam calls onLions to plant a milliontrees in 2011-12.Cover photo: TourismTasmania & Anson Smart

‘We serve’

Connections, influence, friendship, philanthropyOct - Nov 2011 Volume 96 No. 5

ContributionsContributions for the December-January

2011-12 issue should be submitted by

November 1 to The Editor, Lion magazine,

Fawcett Media, 20 Millett Rd, Gisborne

South, Victoria 3437 or emailed to

[email protected].

Lion – Australia and PNGLion - Australia and Papua New Guinea edition ispublished bi-monthly for the Multiple District 201Council of Lions Clubs International and circulated toall members.Published by MD201 Council of Governors and printed byPMP Print, 37-49 Browns Road, Clayton Victoria 3168.An official publication of Lions Clubs International, the Lionmagazine is published by authority of Board of Directors in21 languages: English, Spanish, Japanese, French,Swedish, Italian, German, Finnish, Korean, Portuguese,Dutch, Danish, Chinese, Norwegian, Icelandic, Turkish,Greek, Hindi, Polish, Indonesian and Thai.Editor: Tony Fawcett, Fawcett Media20 Millett Road Gisborne South VIC 3437Phone: (03) 9744 1368Email: [email protected] Enquiries: Lions National Office31-33 Denison St, Newcastle West, NSWPhone: (02) 4940-8033Lions Australia website: www.lionsclubs.org.auDeadlines: 1st day of month before cover date.MD201 Council of Governors: Lyn Shoemark C1, TrevorJacobs C2, Peter Blom OAM JP N1, Geoff Hobart N2, BobFindley N3, Michelle Bentley N4, Stephan Coleman N5,Lorraine McKenzie Q1, Barry Brockbank Q2, ArthurWitheyman Q3, John Lindsay Q4, Toby Crawford T1, PhillipSheriff V1-4, David Lowing V2, Kenneth H Blay V3, LouOnley V5, Brenda Henderson V6, Stuart MacFadyen W1,Peter Lamb W2. Council Chairman: Peter ClarkeDistribution of Magazine: Clubs and MembersAdditions to distribution list, deletions, changes of addressand of club will be made only when advised through theClub Membership and Activities report. Non-Lions, librariesand other organisations who wish to advise changes shouldcontact Lions National Office, Locked Bag 2000NEWCASTLE NSW 2300, Tel: 02 4940 8033 email:[email protected] Executive Director - Peter LynchManaging Editor - Dane La Joye, Lions Clubs International300 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842 USAExecutive Officers President Wing-Kun Tam, Unit 1901-2,19/F, Far East Finance Centre, 16 Harcourt Road, HongKong, China; Immediate Past President Sid L. Scruggs III,698 Azalea Drive, Vass, North Carolina, 28394, USA; FirstVice President Wayne A. Madden, PO Box 208, Auburn,Indiana 46706, USA; Second Vice President Barry J. Palmer,PO Box 200, Berowra, NSW 2081, Australia.

Directors First year: Joaquim Cardoso Borralho,Linda-a-Velha, Portugal; Marvin Chambers, Saskatchewan,Canada; Bob Corlew, Tennessee, United States; ClaudetteCornet, Pau, France; Jagdish Gulati, Allahabad, India;Dave Hajny, Montana, United States; Tsugumichi Hata,Miyagi, Japan; Mark Hintzmann, Wisconsin, United States;Pongsak “PK” Kedsawadevong, Muang District, Thailand;Carolyn A. Messier, Connecticut, United States; Joe AlPicone, Texas, United States; Alan Theodore “Ted” Reiver,Delaware, United States; Brian E. Sheehan, Minnesota,United States; Junichi Takata, Toyama, Japan; Klaus Tang,Wied, Germany; Carlos A. Valencia, Miranda, Venezuela;Sunil Watawala, Negombo, Sri Lanka.Second Year: Yamandu P. Acosta, Alabama, United States;Douglas X. Alexander, New York, United States;Dr. Gary A. Anderson, Michigan, United States; NarendraBhandari, Pune, India; Janez Bohori , Kranj, Slovenia;James Cavallaro, Pennsylvania, United States;Ta-Lung Chiang, Taichung, MD 300 Taiwan;Per K. Christensen, Aalborg, Denmark; Edisson Karnopp,Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil; Sang-Do Lee, Daejeon, Korea;Sonja Pulley, Oregon, United States; Krishna Reddy,Bangalore, India; Robert G. Smith, California, United States;Eugene M. Spiess, South Carolina, United States;Eddy Widjanarko, Surabaya, Indonesia; Seiki Yamaura,Tokyo, Japan; Gudrun Yngvadottir, Gardabaer, Iceland.

‘We serve’


TheTheyearyear ofofoneonemillionmilliontreestreesBy Wing-Kun Tam, Lions ClubsInternational President

Lion4

We are Lions because we are good-hearted andwant to do good.

We realise that by joining with like-minded peoplewe can accomplish great things. This year I amasking Lions worldwide to join together on a projectthat can help save our earth, contribute to people’semotional well-being, solidify our clubs and makeLions clubs more attractive to young people andothers.

I am asking Lions to plant one million trees thisyear. We want to wrap the earth in a canopy ofgreenery. From Argentina to Zambia, we want Lions toput on their work gloves, pick up their shovels andbeautify their community.

This will be a great public service. Trees are notjust pretty; they are vital to the health of our planet.Trees save soil by reducing erosion, provide habitatfor wildlife and, most importantly, take in carbondioxide and breathe out oxygen. Trees improve our air,protect our water and save energy.

Planting trees is a project that will unite clubmembers in a common purpose. We also can invitemembers of the community to join us in plantingtrees. This is an ideal way to become more visible inour communities. We will replenish our membershipranks as we replenish the earth.

Planting trees also is a great tool for partneringwith other community groups. We will sow the seedsof success for future collaborations.

We want Lions to rally around our tree project.Each month we will report the number of treesplanted on the LCI Web site. Lions can get buttonsthat say “I planted a tree,” signs and certificates fromLCI headquarters. This will be a fun, rewarding projectin which Lions can take great pride.

It’s also an entirely achievable project. One milliontrees is less than one tree per Lion. When weaccomplish this goal, it will prove once again thatwhen Lions unite we can do good on a grand scale –as we have done with SightFirst and disaster relief. Ibelieve we can do it. It will take courage, commitmentand action. It will take all Lions working together. So,Lions, start planning and start planting!

By Jennifer Gilbert GebhardtSeveral months have passed but Lionsare still working tirelessly to aid NewZealand and Japan following theirnatural disasters.

Thousands of Lions, including those whowere victims themselves, have stepped upto help those whose lives were turnedupside down.

Lions Clubs International Foundation(LCIF) has worked closely with Lions toquickly deliver funds where they are mostneeded. Immediate and long-term aid ishelping disaster victims resume theirnormal lives and rebuild their communities.

New Zealand EarthquakeOn February 22, a magnitude 6.3

earthquake devastated Christchurch, NewZealand, killing more than 180 and injuringhundreds more. More than 10,000 homeswere destroyed. Clean drinking water wasin short supply.

Lions and LCIF raised $625,000 indisaster relief, supplied large quantities ofbottled water, provided counselling,delivered meals and staffed relief centres.Efforts continue to rebuild homes, provideequipment for people with disabilities andoffer social services.

“Within two hours (after the earthquakestruck) I had received an email from LCIFsaying that an emergency grant of $10,000was available immediately,” said PastInternational Director Ron Luxton ofTemuka, New Zealand. “Within 48 hoursLCIF made a major catastrophe grant of$100,000 to the Christchurch earthquakerecovery. Within 72 hours LCIF had openeda Christchurch Earthquake Recovery appealthat Lions, clubs and districts could makedonations to. The result was hundreds ofthousands of dollars being available forrecovery projects by Lions in the city ofChristchurch.”

Japan Earthquake No one in Japan, including the 107,000

Lions who reside there, was prepared forthe 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struckoff the eastern coast on March 11. Themost powerful earthquake to ever hit Japankilled more than 15,000 people anddestroyed or damaged more than 150,000buildings. Hundreds of thousands were lefthomeless, and millions had no electricity orwater.

LCIF is mobilising $18 million in aid toaddress victims’ needs. Lions are nowworking with partner organisations, such asthe Japan Red Cross, on mid-to-long-termreconstruction plans. Lions are also helpingyoung people become employed. Afterfinding out that many recent graduates nolonger had jobs because of the destruction,Lions began networking to find jobplacements. Thanks to Lions, many recentgraduates have begun working in theircommunities.

“When I called District Governor Tabata,his parents and relatives were missing, buthis first comment to me was ‘I must dosomething.’ I felt a rush of emotion that Ican hardly describe,” said Motohiro Oono,330-C district governor in 2010-11. “In themiddle of the devastation, the Lions I metwith there are standing with dignity andready to help people in the worst condition.We should support these Lions with all ourstrength.”

No matter where disasters occur, Lionsand LCIF are there, both in the immediateaftermath and for long-term reconstruction.

Donations are still needed for these andother disasters. It is only through Lions’generous support that LCIF is able toprovide help following disasters. Make acontribution or find out more about LCIF’sdisaster relief efforts at www.lcif.org.

Lions bring relief to New Zealand, Japan

Lions unload vital goods after theJapanese earthquake and tsunami.

Postscript: As this issue went to press, ourInternational President’s target of one million treesplanted had already been exceeded.


5October - November 2011

ANZI-Pacific Forum hailed a winner

Sam and Jenny’s life story fits well with International President Tam’s theme of “IBelieve”.

Without tenacity and self belief, these two, inspiring speakers at the ANZI-Pacific Forum,wouldn’t have achieved what they have.

Sam and Jenny Bailey run their own farm, give motivational talks across Australia andinternationally, and Sam has become an ultra-light pilot. If that’s not enough, Sam intendsto become the first quadriplegic in the world to pilot a helicopter with Jenny as his co-pilot. Their aim is to achieve their newest goal by mid 2012.

The lives of the pair are the subject of their book, “Head Over Heels: A story of tragedy,triumph and romance in the Australian bush”. Sam Bailey wanted a life on the land justlike his father. He had it all planned – he’d finish his education, have a few years in the bigwide world and then return home to take the reins from his dad, get married and raise afamily. His own version of the Australian dream.

But when the car Sam was travelling in overturned on a lonely country road one Sundayafternoon, leaving him a quadriplegic, he discovered that in a split second your life canchange forever, in ways you never imagine.

“Head Over Heels” is also a captivating romance. The day Sam met Jenny, an ABC Ruraljournalist, he discovered love can come from the most unexpected places and overcomeall boundaries. His marriage proposal to her ‘live’ on ABC Radio moved thousands oflisteners. The phones jammed and the fax machine ran out of paper as the congratulationsflowed in.

“Head Over Heels”, the subject of one of the most popular “Australian Story” episodes,is a reminder that when you love your life nothing is impossible. – David Robson

President Tam presented Sam and Jenny with his banneretteand they presented him with their book. With them are IPP SidL. Scruggs III, 1st VP Wayne Madden and 2nd VP Barry Palmer.

Forum inspiration: Sam and Jenny’s amazing story of triumph and love

It was our first Forum for Constitutional Area 7 and it drew Lions andothers from right round Australia and far beyond.

In just three days of seminars, workshops, talk-fests and friendly get-togethers, probably more was achieved than might normally be achieved in ayear or more.

When it was all over, the vast majority hailed it an enormous success.

Full reportby ForumChairmanPID KenBird onpage 7

FORUM HAPPENINGS: (From left clockwise) entertainers Greg and Alison,members of Lismore (our first Lions club), International President Tamwith Leo & Youth Outreach Chairman Martin Peebles and Leo of Year TomPorter, IP Tam being interviewed by NBN TV reporter Casey Devin, andjust a few of those who took leading roles in the three-day event.


Lion6

LIONS ACTIONHelp after freak accident

Macarthur N2 Lions move quickly when theyknow there’s a worthy cause.

In July the club raised $38,000 to helpcomplete construction of a Mt Hunter home of afamily in need.

The family’s plight was brought to the club’snotice after Belinda Goldsworthy was injured in afreak accident in which she was pinned by herlegs under 500kg of plasterboard for seven hoursin a shipping container.

Now wheelchair-bound, Belinda was found byher children, Justin, 14, and Emily, 12, when theyarrived home from school.

The house is still unfinished and now has to bemodified for Belinda’s wheelchair access.

Money was raised at a gala dinner inCambelltown where 410 guests were brilliantlyentertained by the llawarra Country Boot Scooters,Steve Wicks & The Bush Mechanics, Little Pattieand Lucky Starr and his band.

Macarthur Lions Club is organising the tradesand will pay for completed work on the house.

“Because it is for the Lions club, people want tohelp out and a lot of labour and supplies havebeen generously donated to complete the house,”said John Smith, fundraising dinner chairman.

Belinda Goldsworthy with her supportive family.Photo: Adam Taylor.

Australian Lions make their presence felt in manyvaried places ... including on the cover of phonebooks.

Nulkaba, NSW, Lion Peter Torenbeek is now gracing thecover of the White and Yellow Pages phone books in theHunter Valley.

Lion Peter made it onto the latest covers because ofhis efforts for the local community.

He was chosen for the honour as part of a Sensisproject to recognise those who have made apositive contribution through projects or initiatives thathelp to make a better future for Australia.

As a representative of the Cessnock Lions Club,Peter was a prime mover in the establishment of theCessnock Shed and Community Garden in 2005.

He is now the president of the project whichhas received wide public approval.

COVERBOY: Peter on the White Pages cover.

By the book

ASD in focusImagine a lifewhere you’refaced withconstantproblemsinteracting withothers, haveimpairedcommunicationand restricted

interests as well as being daunted by theworld because your senses are overloadedby ordinary sights and sounds.

That’s what life with Autism Spectrum Disorder

(ASD) is like, and it affects one in 119 children.

Currently, there isn’t enough government

funding for families with children with autism. As

such, families are bearing the bulk of the annual

$30,000 cost of treatment until the child goes to

school.

Because of this, Lions is getting involved. At the

MD Convention in Launceston in April Lions agreed

to support the Lions Early Intervention Preschool

Autism Spectrum Disorders Education and Therapy

Project.

Typical of the bodies this project is working with

is the Sylvanvale Foundation

(www.sylvanvalefoundation.com.au).

Operating for over

60 years, the

foundation supports

more than 200 children

and families affected by

autism spectrum

disorders. Services it

offers include transition,

preschool, early play

and supported

playgroup programs,

speech therapy and

occupational therapy.

Other specialised programs operate throughout

the year, including groups that help children

develop fine and perceptual motor skills, school

readiness and social communication as well as

Hanen interactive speech therapy.

If you can help or want information on the

project, contact Lion David Flynn of the Lugarno

Lions Club – [email protected].



Cancer fight

Heart help

The excitement of our first ForumIn the past two years equipment worth$223,000 has been able to be boughtfor the Lions Prostate Cancer Researchand Treatment project, thanks to Lions.

“As you are aware, finding a cure for thisproblem needs time and state of the artmedical equipment,” said the project’schairperson John J Grimstone.

“Our target within the next six months isto purchase the Auto Macs Pro Separator(pictured below). This unit will be used bythe Mater Medical Research Institute intheir Prostate Cancer Research laboratory.With your continuous support, I have everyconfidence we will reach our target.”

The autoMACS® device is essential forseparating complex mixtures of cells. Forprostate cancer research, it is used toseparate cancer stem cells from prostatecancer and bowel cancer tumours.

The stem cells are then used to watchhow aggressive prostate and bowel cancers

develop by comparing them to normal orbenign samples, furthering theunderstanding of the disease.

For further information regardingequipment or data, contact John [email protected].

Victoria’s Noble Park-KeysboroughLions have raised more than $16,000to buy six defibrillators for schoolsand community groups in their area.

The club became involved after recentreports of young footballers collapsingduring local football matches.

The life-saving devices are beingdistributed to several local clubs andschools.

The defibrillators cost $2691 each andthe club is spending $750 per unit ontraining in their use.

From the moment youwalked in the dooryou could tell it was adifferent experience.There was a buzz ofexcitement andanticipation about theinaugural ANZI-Pacific forum forConstitutional Area 7.

The excitementcontinued through the

weekend, from the opening ceremony where theofficial Forum Flag was hoisted high to become abackdrop on the stage in the main auditorium, tothe closing ceremony where it was lowered andhanded over to next year’s committee.

There were 730 participants from 10 countriesin the constitutional area and around the world.The number of attendees exceeded expectationsfor the first forum and indicates a bright futurefor succeeding forums.

The program of inter-active seminars andworkshops had something for everyone withattendees rushing from one venue to the next toensure they didn’t miss anythinghappening in their next chosenseminar.

We cannot stress too highly thatthe attendance of InternationalPresident Dr Wing-Kun Tam,Immediate Past President Sid LScruggs III, 1st Vice PresidentWayne A Madden, and 2nd VicePresident Barry J Palmer, was amajor factor in the forum’ssuccess. The Lions ofConstitutional Area 7 have notbeen fortunate enough to haveregular annual visits by thePresident and Executive Officersand they were thrilled with their presence. It wasalso an opportunity to hear the views of ourPresident and Executive Officers, and, in turn, forour Lions to discuss any issues they had. ThePresident and Executive Officers conductedsessions with the District Governors, Vice DistrictGovernors, Past District Governors, current ClubPresidents, and all forum attendees. Theinteraction in these sessions was tremendousand of great value to Lions who attended.

There were also special sessions conductedwith input from the President and ExecutiveOfficers, such as GMT/GLT workshop, LCIF Forumand a separate session for the LCIF Coordinators.In addition Executive Director Peter Lynchconducted a session titled “LCI, We’re here tohelp” which was well received and a great helpto our Lions in understanding how LCI can assistand that they are eager to do so.

The keynote speaker at the forum wasInternational President Dr Tam who incorporatedhis theme into his talk. This was the highlight ofthe Forum for many Lions who were inspired byhis vision and dedication. A tree planting wascarried out prior to the start of the forum and theLions of the constitutional area respondedpositively to Dr Tam’s program, making

significant commitments to plant trees during thisyear.

As well as a varied and interesting seminarprogram, emphasis was placed on providing topquality entertainment and excellent food at thelunches and banquet, both of which added to theenjoyment of those attending.

We were pleased to welcome PID Joe Preston,the candidate for 2nd International Vice Presidentfor 2012-2013. There were also overseasvisitors from Finland, United Kingdom, Malaysia,Hong Kong, Korea, United States of America,Indonesia, New Zealand, and Norfolk Island, andwe appreciated their support.

Exit survey response forms indicated that 98%of attendees were “Satisfied or Very Satisfied”with the forum overall, 2% were neutral, andthere were no responses indicating anydissatisfaction. From this we have concludedthat the Forum was a great success but alsoacknowledge that there is still room forimprovement.

With a couple of exceptions, none of thePlanning Committee or Host Committee membershad previously attended an Area Forum. They

used their own experience and commonsense toput together a program which they felt would beembraced by Lions of the constitutional area,and, judging by the exit survey responses werelargely successful in achieving that aim.

International President Dr Tam recognised theirefforts by awarding a number of LeadershipMedals to both planning and Host committeemembers and Presidential Medals to the ForumExecutive Standing committee members, PIDsBob Coulthard, Tony Hanning and Durban Ardjo,Planning Committee Chairman PID Ken Bird, Vicechairman PDG Norm Alcock, and Host CommitteeChairman PDG Ken Mulcahy.

Hearty congratulations to all committeemembers, all volunteers, and all Lions whocontributed to this outstanding 1st ANZI-PacificForum. The bonds of friendship have certainlybeen strengthened between all Lions in ourconstitutional area 7.

The forum for 2012 will be in beautifulQueenstown, New Zealand, with excellent skiingnearby, and we look forward to this event withgreat anticipation.

Warm Regards, Ken Bird,Past International Director,

Chairman Forum Planning Committee

Final Report on First ANZI-Pacific Forum (Gold Coast, 9th to 11th September)

Fine food and entertainment greeted the attendees between sessions.


Lion Tom’s a world

8 Lion

Tom Porter from Townsville (Q2) wasselected as the winner of the 2010-2011LCI International Leo of the Year Award

for 2010-2011.Leo/Lion Tom (he’s a Lion as well as a Leo) is

the sixth Australian in the past seven years to winthis prestigious award for his service to Leos andour Lions organisation.

He is a member of Twin Cities Leos and ofTownsville Northern Suburbs Lions and his mentoris Lion Toni Lanphier. District Q2 acknowledgeswhat a great job Toni has done and continues to do.All members of his clubs, his District and indeedAustralia are extremely proud of Tom.

The Leo of the Year Award recognises a Leo’soutstanding leadership skill; superior record inimplementing successful service projects;identifiable contributions to the development andgrowth of the Leo Club Program; distinction incommunity/school activities outside of Leocommitments; and high ethical standards andpersonal integrity.

Leo/Lion Tom is an exceptional member of theLions and Leo family, whose leadership skills were

also recognised with an International President'sLeadership Medal in 2009/2010. His ongoingdedication to Lions has earned him a GrahamPearce Award for his service to Leos and a JamesD. Richardson award for his service to Lions, whichhe received from 201Q2 District Governor Pat Lynchin June this year.

As part of Tom’s MD201 Leo of the Year prize hewas sent to the 2011 International Convention inSeattle, where he headed the Australian contingentin the Lions International Parade, participated in theLeos Global Forum, volunteered for Barry Palmer’scampaign, met the new International President DrWing-Kun Tam and made many friends. Also as partof his prize, he visited International Lionsheadquarters in Chicago.

Tom’s list of recent speaking engagementsinclude District Conventions in Mandurah (W2),Hobart (T1), Rockhampton (Q4), Atherton (Q2) andat the Gold Coast ANZI-Pacific Forum last month.

Well done Tom – our Leos are the Lions ofTomorrow!

DG Barry Brockbank and Lion Joy Morgan (Q2)

Congratulations to Leo/Lion Tom Porterfrom Lions District 201Q2 on beingnamed 2010-11 International Leo of the

Year.Leo/Lion Tom is a great ambassador for Leos,

both in MD201 and across the world and is the

sixth Australian in the past seven years to win this

prestigious award.

The Leo of the Year Quest is open to all Leos

and recognises outstanding leadership skills,

superior record in implementing service projects,

identifiable contributions to the development and

growth of the Leo Club program, distinction in

community/school activities outside of Leo

commitments, and high ethical standards and

personal integrity.

Full details of the 2012 MD201 Leo of the Year

Quest are now available on the MD201 Leo

Website – www.lionsclubs.org.au/leos

State Entries for the 2012 Leo of the Year Quest

will close on 3rd April 2012 with MD Leo Chairman

Martin Peebles. NB: Late Entries will not be

accepted!

“Leos are the Lions of the Future” and with your

continued support we achieved a 25% increase in

the formation of new Leo clubs in 2010-11 on the

previous year. We now have over 94 registered Leo

clubs with LCI with over 2000 Leos actively serving

their communities and making a difference as vital

members of the Lions Family.

Leos are an essential part of the Lions Family

and with your ongoing support we will continue to

encourage young people between 12-30 to

contribute to their communities in a positive way

and gain essential life skills of leadership,

experience and opportunity.

“Leos are the future of our family, and therefore

they form a vital branch of our family tree. It is time

LEOS ROAR: Say G’day to a Leo today

Meet our new International Leo of the Year Award recipient

YOUTH FOCUS

Lion-Oct-Nov-8-15 Sect 2_template Lion 9/27/11 8:09 AM Page 8

October - November 20119

to elevate the significance of Leos within our family of service,” said

International President Wing-Kun Tam.

For our organisation to grow, we must see Leos as future Lions and

encourage them to join our great organisation after their Leos service

through the “Leo to Lion Program”.

"Youth are our Future - but they are also our Today."

Further details on the MD201 and International Leo Program are on

the MD201 Leo Website at www.lionsclubs.org.au, from your District or

State Leo Coordinator or myself.

Martin PeeblesMD201 Leo & Youth Outreach Committee Chairman

LEO winner

TOM’S TRIUMPH: Leo/Lion Tom Porter at the International Convention inSeattle (above left), with other Lions from around the world (top) and(bottom left) during his visit to LCI Headquarters in Chicago with YouthPrograms Staff Coordinator Kelly Merrion, Manager Jessica Hoey, ServiceClerk Cindy Wicklund, Service Clerk Tara Traylor and Department AssistantMelinda Varga Florido. Meanwhile (above), International President Wing-KunTam demonstrates the importance the organisation attaches to Leos.

If you need inspiration to enter theLions Environmental PhotoContest, just check out this shot byAustralian entrant Naomi Vagg.

Naomi of Hillston Lions Club in NSWwon the ‘best of category’ in theWeather Phenomenon section of the2010-11 awards.

The Lions Environmental PhotoContest provides a way for Lions toportray, through an original photo, theirpride and commitment to improving,protecting and preserving theirenvironment.

Every Lion from a club in goodstanding can enter a photograph of hisor her immediate surroundings.

Categories include:. Animal life. Plant life

. Urban or natural landscape

. Weather phenomenon

. Special theme: Protecting ourFuture with Trees. Photos of trees and the vital rolethey play in our communities.Winning club-level photographs will

advance to the district, multiple district,and international competitions.Registered attendees of the LionsInternational Convention will vote fortheir favourite in each category, as wellas their overall favourite photograph.The six Lions photographers willreceive an award.

For more details and to see all the2010-11 winners, visit the Lions ClubsInternational website –www.lionsclubs.org.au.

AussieLionwins inworldenvirophotocontest

The Beecroft-Cheltenham N5 Lions Club hasreason to be proud. It has aworld-beating website.

At this year’s InternationalConvention in Seattle, the club’sLions won the award for bestwebsite. Lions from more than 100countries attended the convention.

The website is a club effort, withmembers submitting reports.

Webmaster Alex Maitland is afairly new member, having joined in

2009. His son, Thomas, was acandidate in Youth of the Year in2009, reaching the state level andparticipating in Youth Exchange.

Alex was so impressed withLions he decided to join.

He set up the website withassistance from Thomas.

The website’s success hasbrought an increase in sales ofChristmas cakes – with 55 familiesand businesses purchasing lastyear from the site.

LocalLionswebsitenamedworld’sbest Webmaster Alex.


10Lion

Lions awarded her as a public speaker and now Lucy Radowicz hasdebated in the House of Lords.Picture on the steps of Parliament House, Adelaide – by Brooke Whatnall of The Advertiser

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

From Adelaideto the House ofLords

Our 2006-07 Youth of the Yearpublic speaking winner LucyRadowicz tackles a wholenew forum ... and givesthanks to Lions

As the Lions Youth of the Year questgoes on its successful way, wesometimes forget just what it means to

entrants, and what a big part it can play intheir lives.

When University of Adelaide arts and lawstudent Lucy Radowicz went off to London earlierthis year to take her place at a CommonwealthYouth Parliament in the House of Lords, she hadtime to ponder how it had all come about.

“I feel privileged to have been involved with theYouth of the Year quest and I am touched by thegenerosity I have been shown by Lions all overAustralia and New Zealand,” said Lucy.

In London, Lucy joined about 100 delegatesfrom 54 Commonwealth countries at the youthparliament which finished with a debate on climatechange.

Now a law clerk and legal secretary at SwanFamily Lawyers, Lucy, 21, was selected torepresent South Australia for the youth parliamentafter completing a university internship at StateParliament.

The Youth of the Year quest, she said, had beena major encouragement to her.

When Lucy won the National Public Speakingsection of the Youth of the Year in 2006/07, shewas just 16. The quest win gave her confidence tofollow on in her career and in turn strengthenedthe bond she already had with Lions.

A charter member of the Adelaide Leo Club andits inaugural President, she has also assisted Youthof the Year in promoting the quest to students andthe two Lions clubs on Kangaroo Island.

After being presented with the public speakingaward at the Sydney Convention in 2007, Lucyjoined the other five finalists, along withInternational Leo of the Year Hannah Belwood, on a35-day tour to the hometown of each of thecontestants.

This in Lucy’s words was a life-changing event.She had six new friends who since returning fromthe trip have met each year to celebrate, evenattending a wedding of one of the contestants.

She also visited New Zealand to attend theLions International Camp with students fromaround the world, as part of her public speakingprize.

Back at Balaklava High School after the quest,Lucy completed year 12 and for the past fouryears has excelled in all her studies.

(Partly based on an article by Julian Swallow of The Advertiser)

Lucy looks back“In February 2007, I began the Lions Youth ofthe Year quest, and in January 2009, I finishedmy official involvement,” recalls Lucy. “Thesetwo years were the most rewarding andexciting of my life and have altered the adult Iwill become in a positive way.

“I sincerely thank Lions Australia for theirtireless work in providing such unforgettableopportunities to young Australians.”

Like many winners in the quest, Youth of theYear provided Lucy with a wealth of experiencesand travel. In her case, she visited a LionsInternational Youth Camp in Rotorua, NewZealand – “10 wonderful days of making friendsand learning about each others’ countries andcultures”.

“While my official involvement in the quest hasnow finished, it is the experience that continues togive, as I have lasting friendships I hope to keepfor many years,” she said.

FLASHBACK: Lucy with other internationalrepresentatives at the youth camp she attended inNew Zealand as part of her two year’s involvementwith the 2007 Youth of the Year quest.

YOUTH FOCUS



Thanks to Hornsby Leos, the localhospital now has a new mobileultrasound unit that is said to

revolutionise patient care.The Sonoscope S6 Mobile Ultrasound Unit,

valued at $42,000, is the latest in medicaltechnology and will allow doctors to have readyaccess to high quality digital imaging.

Maternity Specialist Dr Kris Urbaniak said themachine will be used in the treatment of allpatients, including those in maternity andemergency wards.

“It was definitely the biggest project we’vetackled so far, but when you look at the results it’sclearly worth the effort,” said Georgia Appleby, theclub’s Vice-President.

Fundraising started with the club’s annual fashionparade at the local Myer store in September lastyear. The parade featured TV personality PaulaDuncan.

The Hornsby Leos thank local clubs AsquithLeagues, Pennant Hills Rotary and West PennantHills Sports which collaborated on the project.Thanks is also extended to Dr Kris Urbaniak forwishing for this equipment; to Rob Ewens,Manager Director of the Sonalodic Company, who

arranged a special price for the machine; andespecially to Lion Sam Chu from the Lions Save

Sight & Public Health Foundation for its financialsupport.

Mackay Host Lions Club hassponsored a young LionsClub branch.

Mackay Spirit of Youth Branch wasformed with the intent of targetingpeople in the 18-30 years age group. Itoriginated as a result of trying to filla void for young people seeking acommunity service group suitable fortheir interests and age.

Why have a Lions club in this age group and nota Leo club, you might ask. Well, Mackay already hasan Alpha Leo club up to the age of 18 sponsored byMackay North Lions Club. Rather than add anOmega group, Mackay Host wanted to support agroup able to be an independent Lions club onceestablished yet still provide support for largeractivities.

While it is good to have younger members withinthe parent club (just like any extended family), it is

hoped that Host is also growing its own futuremembership by supporting a younger group with anage limit.

The close ties between the two groups willencourage members to transfer to the Host Lionsclub once they reach 30. The concept of a youngLions club has been the selling point for membershipand seems to appeal to the wider community.

Mackay Host recognises that young people arekeen to make a difference within their communitybut often like to participate in different activities to

those that appeal to some oldermembers. The formation of this clubbranch will facilitate that.

Mackay Spirit of Youth is supportingspecific local youth suicide preventionprojects and has already formed linkswith Grapevine, a local mental healthsupport group.

Current members have assistedMackay Host in a variety of projects and in doing sohave raised their own profile. The club has its ownFacebook page, dedicated banner, posters andpamphlets promoting their presence.

Mackay Spirit of Youth has seven registeredmembers with two more joining and recently held afurther information session.

Mackay Host is growing their own to carry theirbanner in 2020 – who will be carrying yours?

Audrey Kenny,President, Mackay Host Lions Club

New Spirit of Youth members Abi Daramola, Liandre Neethling and Melanie Doyleenjoying themselves at the 201Q2 Zone 10 District Governor’s dinner.

Lions getting youngerYouthful new members showing lots of spirit

Leos’ efforts bring $42,000 ultrasound

ALL EYES ON THE RESULT: At the handover of the ultrasound unit are (left to right) Lion Bill Bradley, Lion San Chuof the Save Sight & Health Care Foundation, Leo Sean Szabo, Leo Georgia Appleby, Maternity Staff Specialist DrKris Urbaniak, and the Divisional Manager of Anaesthetics and Surgery of Women’s Children and Family HealthJane Waldron.


12 Lion

PATRICK theLion Namers

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

and Leos!)We’ve been making approvedbadges for Lions Clubs Internationalfor over 20 years.In all the right shapes, sizes andcolours.Talk to us about your requirements,and you’ll see how we’ve gained thelion’s share of the business.

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

During our 94years we havebecome animportant part ofthe world’scommunities, andwith our motto“WE SERVE” wehave developedan expectationwithin ourcommunities thatwe will always be there.

This places an awesome responsibility on us,the Lions of the present, to ensure that Lionsalways have enough members to perform thetasks expected by our communities. As the call forour services increases, so we require moremembers to deliver those projects needed by thecommunities. Ideally we need younger members.

Whilst we do not have all the answers as to howto attract younger members, the first step wouldbe to look at what is available within the Lions

family. There are a number of projects that involveyoung adults, teenagers and the very young, suchas Peace Posters, Youth of the Year, Lions Questand Leos

Our International President has asked that weplant a million trees worldwide, and to me thiswould seem an ideal way to engage with the youthof today. It may surprise you just how enthusiasticthe younger generation is about protecting theenvironment; tree planting may be just the activityto start their involvement with Lions.

Establish a Leo Club either in the local highschool or a community-based Leo Club or, if you

have a University Campus in your area, look toestablishing an Omega Club on campus. Take theopportunity to introduce the logo to as many of theyounger generation as possible. Once we makecontact with them it is important that we continueto involve them in projects that we undertake.

The most important thing when mentoring theyoung is to let them establish their projects and letthem do it the way they want to do it and,providing it is not illegal and it is not contrary toour Code of Ethics, don’t stand in their way – giveguidance and guidance only. Your reward will be tosee the delight on their faces and expressions ofaccomplishment when they achieve success.Encourage them to work their network (this iswhere we will get growth)

During my time in Lions I have had the privilegeto meet many Leos and Youth of the Yearparticipants, to see the benefit of Lions Quest andto watch students participating in Peace Posters.Each time I have been impressed with theenthusiasm and the high standards they setthemselves. Our communities are blessed withgreat youth and they are looking for a rewardingfuture which we are obliged to help them achieve.

Our young people areequal to the best in theworld with six out of the lastseven International Leos ofthe year being Australians,including the most recent,Tom Porter from Q2.

Our InternationalPresident has as two of histhree special goals for thisyear the following:“Expanding our service tonew heights, propelled by aspecial campaign to plantone million trees” and“Nurturing our future byinvolving more young peopleand Leos in all that we do”Think about joining these two

together.Remember, “The Youth are Our Future”.As the year flows on the Multiple District

Convention is approaching – May 4th to 7th 2012.Registration forms are now on the Multiple Districtwebsite. Now is the time to register – no, not later– NOW!

At the time of writing this article Lions LadyDenise and I were getting ready for the ANZI-Pacific Forum. Registration had reached 625 andfor a first up this is a great achievement. It wasshaping as a fantastic event and P.I.D. Ken Birdand his committee had put an enormous amountof time and effort into making it a success.

From Council Chairperson Peter

Our Council Chairman Peter meets up with International President Wing-KunTam at the ANZI-Pacific Forum.



I have recentlyreturned fromthe ANZI-PacificForum, alongwith 700 otherLions from ourRegion.

The Forum wasan opportunity tomeet with otherLions to discussthe development of our form of CommunityService and debate a broad range of topicsassociated with our work. Importantly, it wasone of those rare times that we had theopportunity to speak to our InternationalExecutive on home soil. The Forum waspositive, informative and very well organised –a credit to Past International Director Ken Birdand his team.

The Forum was preceded by a very busyCouncil meeting. The Council endorsed muchof the work of its predecessor Councils,embodied in our organisational plan, or“Roadmap”. The Roadmap takes strongdirection and guidance from our members whoshared their thoughts in our detailed nationalsurvey in 2010, and translates it into practicalsteps to build and grow Lions in MD201.Members can expect detailed outcomes to beprogressively released over the next 12months.

In particular, and not surprisingly, theprincipal objective of the Roadmap is aboutmembership growth, and gearing all that wedo in Lions, to support this objective; whetherit is through visible community service,promotion, building partnerships with businessand government, or by caring for our existingclubs and members. The target, over time, isto see our clubs more closely mirror thedemography of the communities in which theylive – with younger members, more women,and more families.

Our International President is very focussedon our international tree-planting campaign,which has already eclipsed the initial target ofone million. We heard at the Council meetingthat one of our wonderful Western Australianclubs has planted 80,000 trees within the firstthree months! This campaign is verycompatible with one of our current Category BNational Projects supporting Planet Ark’sNational Tree Day. I will be meeting withPlanet Ark to discuss how we can work

together to achieve ourtarget during PresidentTam’s year.Council considered two

bids for the AnnualMD201 Convention for2014, and selectedTamworth, NSW for thisConvention. Both bidswere exceptional and Iknow only too well howmuch work goes intomaking connections,negotiating contracts andpreparing documentationfor the bids. I would liketo congratulate bothTamworth and Newcastlebid Committees for theirefforts.

Finally, Districts will bewell into the final planningfor their DistrictConventions, so I wish youall well as you meet toenjoy each other’scompany, consider yourfuture leaders and plan forthe future success of ourorganisation.

Coming up1. Project Notices ofMotion – Must bereceived by the Executive Officer no later than31 December 20112. Constitutional and Ordinary Notices ofMotion – Deadline 5 March 20123. Peace Poster – Please note that DistrictPeace Poster finalist entries must be sent directto Chairperson PDG Helen Campbell, PO Box 39Essendon Vic 3040, with sufficient time toreach her by no later than Friday 2 December2011. 4. Environmental Photo competition –Details of the Environmental Photo Competitioncan be found on the Lions Clubs Internationalwebsite. District entries must be furnished tothe Executive Officer no later than 10 January2012.5. National Public Relations Prize – The SidPackham Special Award for the Best PublicRelations or Publicity Program is announced atthe National Convention. Entries must beprovided to the Executive Officer by 30 March2012. Intending entrants can get further detailsby e-mail to [email protected].

From Executive Officer Rob

International President Wing-Kun Tam plants a tree while on the Gold Coast for thehighly successful ANZI-Pacific Forum. Already his target of a million trees hasbeen passed in his campaign to encourage Lions to green up the earth.

2011-12 Peace Poster ContestThe theme of this year’s contest is “Children KnowPeace”.Clubs can sponsor the program in their community forchildren in local schools or organised youth groups.Students aged 11-13 on November 15th are eligible toparticipate.Through the contest students are encouraged to visuallydepict their interpretation of the contest’s theme. Eachyear a different theme incorporating Peace is chosen.Twenty four international finalists are selected torepresent the work of more than 350,000 youngparticipants from around 75 countries worldwide.Since 1988 more than 3.6 million children haveparticipated.Participants can use a variety of mediums includingcharcoal, crayon, pencil and paint to express a newtheme developed each year to spark their imagination.The works created are unique and express the youngartist's life experience and culture.For more details, check out the LCI website atwww.lionsclubs.org.


Lion14

Taking dental care to AoreA dentist had not previously visited this remote island for more than 20 yearsThe remote island of Aore, Vanuatu, was ourdestination when our dental humanitarianexpedition set off in late August.

Our party comprised Lions Ann Woodford,Michelle Burnett, Michael Leong and myself, DebbieLeong, and our aim was to provide free dentalservice and education to these islands which havenot been visited by any dentist for more than 20years.

Here they were still using twigs to clean theirteeth.

With nearly 90kg of dental equipment, materials,toothbrushes and toothpastes to be donated, wehad hardly any luggage allowance left for our ownpersonal belongings. When the announcement forboarding to Vanuatu finally came after seven hoursof delay at Brisbane Airport, we cheered with loudwhoops of joy and relief. We were finally underway!

After a short flight, we arrived at the tiny airportof Espritu Santo, one of the larger islands wherecustoms threatened to detain our equipment. Aftersome negotiation, name dropping and displayingletters of invitation by their Ministry of Health wewere finally waved on. Phew! No equipment meantno expedition.

Close to midnight we bundled into two smallopen boats with all our luggage and chugged off tothe island of Aore in pitch darkness without a lifejacket in sight. We tried to hide from the spray offthe sea and cold wind gusts.

Next morning we saw our patients, the NiVanuatus, arriving by boats and gathering outside.Very soon a makeshift dental clinic was set up and

our team of two dentists, myself and a local dentist(Michelle Burnett), an oral health therapist/hygienist,two dental assistants, Ann Woodford and a localassistant and Tracey Shaw our sterilisation nurseprovided free dental treatment.

Broken, fractured, mobile or abscessed teethwere removed. Abscesses were drained, suturesplaced and painkillers and antibiotics weredispensed.

Soft tissue lesions were diagnosed and a patientwith cancer of the tongue was referred to thehospital in Port Villa. Unfortunately she had been toofearful to seek treatment.

With our equipment we were also able to restorebroken and decayed teeth with white fillings.

Every patient was given a toothbrush andtoothpaste. Michelle Burnett conducted oral heathinstruction and education.

During our last three days, we were able todemonstrate the use of all our equipment andmaterials that we brought to donate to the SanmaDental Clinic in Espritu Santo. We hope that thelocal dental clinic will now be better equipped toserve their community.

We would like to thank the Lions Club Capalabafor making this trip possible. We were so blessed tobe able to help the Ni Vans and they thanked uswith their beautiful smiles, two large watermelons,five coconuts and lots of ‘Tank Yu Tumas’.

Dr Debbie Leong B.D.Sc. QLD

Our dental party pauses for a quick break during our work on Aore, Vanuatu.

‘Broken, fractured,mobile or abscessedteeth were removed... painkillers andantibiotics weredispensed’

Apart from being the President of Queensland’s Cairns Trinity Bay Lions Club, RosemaryIlosteis is now a successful author.

Rosemary has released a memoir of her life as an Australian motherand foster mother that has been hailed by one of the world’s bestknown parenting authors, Steve Biddulph, as “amazing”. The book, Forthe Love of Kids, is believed to be the first on fostering by an Australianfoster parent. It looks at the highs and lows, joy and heartache,achievements and disappointments Rosemary experienced through heryears of child rearing. The book is available for $25 from Rosemary –0448 533 592, [email protected].

For the love of kids

LIONS AID



Eye surgery in Timor Leste is set to becomefar more manageable thanks to the efforts ofthe Lions Club Mudgeeraba and Q1 clubs.

As part of Q1’s East Timor and Pacific IslandsMedical Support Project (including the East TimorEye Program) funding was provided for a piece ofvital equipment, a photo slit lamp from OptimedAustralia.

The equipment’s supply, part of ateleophthalmology project in Baucau, involved

$21,000, with $15,000 coming from the East TimorEye Program and the balance from the Lions Clubof Mudgeeraba Inc.

The project was made possible through thecooperation and support of Karen Moss at the officeof The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons(RACS) who undertook to purchase, supply and lookafter the installation of the photo slit lamp.

As well, the purchase included a desktopcomputer, accompanying software and accessories

to ensure a complete system set-up in Baucau.

Through other sources offunding, RACS acquired photo slitlamps for Dili, Suai, Maubisseand Maliana. This now means

thatteleophthalmologyservices will beavailable in five outthe six majorhospitals in TimorLeste.

The need for thistype of equipment

was brought to the notice of the Mudgeeraba clubby one of its members, Dr John Kearney OAM, anophthalmologist in private practice on the GoldCoast.

Lion John has been deeply involved andcommitted, on a voluntary basis, to the Timor Lesteeye program since 2000. He has made many tripswith his support team and completed hundreds ofeye surgery operations, often under very basicconditions in the early years.

Baucau eye care nurse Mr Numo Da Costa hasalso learnt how to capture and transmit imagesusing the new slit lamp. An Optimed techniciantravelled to Timor Leste to install the newequipment and to provide training to local eye carenurses in its use and maintenance. This trainingwas enhanced and refined during a recent visit in2011 by Lion Dr John.

Broadband internet facilities have been set up atthe eye clinic in Baucau Hospital. However, due topoor internet connections in the area and minorsoftware glitches, there have been some problemsin the transmission of images via email. It’s hopedthese problems will shortly be fixed.

Lion Ken Phillips

Taking eye care to Timor LesteVisionary fundraising brings success with a vital piece of new equipment

Eye care nurse Numo Da Costa with a captured image of the young girl’s left eye. The image was sent to Australian opthalmologists for treatment advice.

Bacau’sNumo DaCostausing thephoto slitlamp totest hisyoungpatient.


One of the major problems facing ruralcommunities is attracting GPs.

The Dungog Shire in the Hunter Region ofNSW is no exception. Last year it lost four ofits doctors, mainly through retirement.

This left one doctor and two part-timeregistrars to look after the health of the8,500 people in the shire. These doctorsalso had duties at the local hospital and Laraaged persons home.

Recognising that dramatic action wasrequired, Dungog Lions initiated and led theshire with a massive sporting fundraising,the Dungog Shire GP Stakes.

Assisted by Dungog Lioness Club,Clarence Town Lions Club and local SES andsporting bodies, the fun sporting dayinvolved 20 teams from businesses and thecommunity.

To participate, each team had to besponsored with an entry fee of $1000.

A total of $20,000 was guaranteed with

funds going to a specialist medicalrecruitment firm to secure the services of adoctor, an initiative welcomed by the localmedical practice.

In fact, $40,000 was raised with moneybeing held in trust by the Dungog ShireCouncil.

Sports played were community tennis,netball, touch footy, mini soccer, nearest thepin golf and a swimming relay. A two-daycamp drafting course was also organised bythe Dungog Horse ‘N’ Training Centre with allproceeds going to the fund.

The sporting day was opened by the Hon.Bob Baldwin, federal member for Paterson,and local sporting celebrity Doug Walters.

The idea originated in Parkes in centralNSW where it has worked successfully fortwo years.

A female GP has been obtained and thereis interest from a doctor currently in Perth.

We shouldn’t have to ask!With membership, we shouldn’t need to ask what wecan do. Yet I know many of you are asking this withinyour clubs, at times such as when someone suggestsforming a new club.

I want to ask you all some basic questions, and if you takethe time to think and reflect, you will have the answer to ourmembership growth, which is vital to our association’s future.

Before asking you these questions, let me say that after 40years I have seen change – and I sincerely believe some ofthat change has not been good for Lions growth. Sadly, peopleare people, and as we grow older we see and accept thingsfor the sake of peace. We do need to be proud of our past, butnot to live in it. We do need tradition and we need to value it,not feel we have to do the same things. And above all we haveto believe in the real reason Lions was formed by MelvinJones.

Now to my few questions…1. Are you as a club proactive within your community,

being seen doing things not just fundraising?2. Are you having meetings that are happy, creative

and with good speakers?3. Are all members part of the club, or is it being run

by just a few – in other words, are you all a part ofactivities within the club?

4. Are your members made to feel wanted; do youcare for them when needed, contact the ones thatmiss a meeting etc?Let me try to explain my thoughts, and perhaps you may

agree or have other suggestions to offer. I joined to be involvedin my local community and to meet people. Being a youngman with a young family, living in a new area, we had to makefriends, and Lions opened this door of opportunity for Trish andme

New skills were developed, skills that I would never havegained if not for being a member of this association, skillssuch as public speaking, leadership and handling people,building things (in my case under supervision) and getting tobe involved in all kinds of activities local communities need.

Our leadership was something else, and I know as a youngmember one would look at the then leaders and be inspiredand want to emulate the gifts and skills they demonstrated anddelivered.

On that note, nothing has changed in the thinking ofyounger people or non-members, but sadly we appear to havelost this skill of inspiration and helping others to achieve.

Younger and non-members outside our association have thesame desires we have and have shared, but in this world todayin business and within itself, we sadly seem to have becomeside tracked with self-interest and an attitude that it’ssomeone else’s problem. We of course know it’s not, butunless we demonstrate and become more user friendly we willbe viewed as an old people’s association, living in the past.

No, internet and web pages are not the answer; they aremodern-day tools. The best way to spread the word is to talkto people, to be proud of who we are, of our club and ourassociation, but not to become a huge pain and to talk peopleaway, which many can do.

Membership retention, growth and new clubs are all thingswe can take part in but we need to just come back to thebasic values of this association and we will see the differenceovernight.

– Bede Long OAM Lion16

Dungog’s doctor stakesWhen these Lions realised there was ashortage of local GPs they turned to sport

Youngsportspeople (left)do their bitto attractdoctors tothe DungogShire.

In July as the International Presidency was passed on to Lion Wing-Kun Tamby Lion Sid Scruggs III, three pieces of Lions history were made.

Not only did Lions have its first Chinese-born International President in Wing-Kun Tamand its first Australian International 2nd Vice President in Barry Palmer, Sydney ChineseLions Club became the first club worldwide to have the International President,Immediate Past International President, International 1st Vice President and International2nd Vice President all enrolled in its membership as Associate Members.

Club President Mei couldn’t hold back her joy as she gleamed: “It is such a greathonour for Sydney Chinese Lions that we have the top International Lions leadersamongst us as our Associate Members. They certainly are a great inspiration to us all.We are grateful to our Past President Anthony for his initiative in inviting these Lionsleaders to join us and securing their membership. As we conduct our service projects inthe future, we’ll always be reminded that we are closely associated with our internationalleaders and look up to them as our guiding lights.”

International firsts for Sydney Chinese


October - November 2011 17

Sister Marjorie McLachlan has devoted herlife to others so it was fitting when shewas presented with a Helen KellerFellowship award by the Port Macquarie-Tacking Point Lions Club of NSW.

A spiritual and pastoral nun of the Sisters ofSt Joseph Order-Lochinvar for many years, SisterMarjorie worked in Papua New Guinea, in arefuge in Newcastle and she established a‘Friends of Mental Health Persons’ group beforemoving to Port Macquarie.

For many years she was the secretary of thePort Macquarie Combined Charities andinstigated an op shop. She was the driving forcein starting the Ecumenical Care Centre SoupKitchen and has given inspirational guidance inits operation.

Each Monday Sister Marjorie and a group ofvolunteers provide a free three-course meal andan attentive ear and friendship to needy familiesand individuals from the Port Macquarie region.

Sister Marjorie was presented with a plaqueby PDG Christine Woolnough, and Tacking PointPresident Neil Tubb presented a $500 cheque(picture below) to the Soup Kitchen. The HelenKeller Fellowship award is provided throughLions Hearing Dogs.

Our motto is “We Serve” and Lions all aroundthe world can be very generous with boththeir time and money when it comes to livingup to our motto.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting oneparticular Lion (and his wife), who together havebeen incredibly generous with both their time andmoney with regards to the foundation I chair, LionsVisual Independence Foundation (LVIF).

Lion Jeff Underhill and wife Geraldine have beengreat benefactors to those less privileged thanthemselves over the years; however, their generositytowards LVIF since our inception has beenparticularly exceptional. While in southernQueensland recently for the ANZI-Pacific Forum, I

had the privilege of visiting the Lions Club ofCapalaba to bestow upon both he and Geraldine lifememberships to LVIF; this was in recognition of thenearly $50,000 they have so far donated.

You can imagine my surprise and delight whenJeff then presented me with a cheque for $25,000and, in turn, presented his club president with afurther cheque for $25,000 that will be solely usedto sponsor IDmates and GPS devices through LVIF.

Through the ongoing generosity of Lions like JeffUnderhill and wife Geraldine, LVIF will be able toreach out to more Australians living with blindness,with the hope that we can make a difference.

Robert Kann, Chairman, Lions Visual Independence Foundation

LVIF Chairman PDG Robert Kann, presenting LVIF lifememberships to Geraldine and Jeff Underhill of theLions Club of Capalaba in Q1.

Generous benefactors who just keep giving

Looking for that Christmas gift for someonewho’s got most things? Then check out theLions Vital Medical Information flashID.

This is one simple gizmo that does what it says– and one day it could save your life.

The same size as a normal driver's licence orcredit card, it fits neatly in your purse or walletand when utilised by an emergency workerprovides all your medical history.

To test it out, the Lion magazine recently tookup the offer of trialling the card.

Setting up the card was a cinch, simply flickingout a hinged chip from the card andinserting it in a USB slot ofyour computer.

Documents open up on screen and you simply fillin the details – things such as name, address,blood group, allergies, current medications, nextof kin and, if the worst happens, if you areregistered as an organ donor.

You can supply as much or as little informationas you wish, including a photo of yourself.

The beauty of this gadget is that it’s supersimple. If you register it, you receive an annualemail reminder to update your information.

Even better, proceeds go to Lions.A project of the Bundanoon, NSW, club, it was

earlier this year licensed by Lions ClubsInternational for sale worldwide as a Lionsbranded product.

The ID card was the idea of Lion PeterWearing Smith. On a 2003 visit to China, hebought his first USB flash key and realisedits potential for storing emergency medicalinformation. And the rest (afterconsultation with emergency servicesprofessionals) was history.

The card is $55 includingpostage and packing fromwww.lionsflashid.org/card. Aswell as the card, there is astandard USB thumb drive (theClassic) and a watch model. Allmodels carry the distinctiveflashID logo, the internationalemergency symbol of a whitecross on a green background.

ID card that could save your life

NO-FUSS: To activate the card,you simply insert the chip onone end into a USB slot in yourcomputer and fill in your detailsin the documents that can bebrought up on screen.

SERVICE HONOURED


Lion18

V2 Lions are rightly proud of the more than $136,000 theyhave so far raised for the District Flood Appeal.

Thanks to the amazing support of 47 clubs (plus several moreclubs which donated directly to the Australian Lions Foundation andLCIF), many in need were helped throughout V2 as well as in thewider Australian community, in New Zealand after the Christchurchearthquake and in Japan after the Tsunami.

In addition, ALF provided a grant of $75,000 to the appeal.Funds went to Q1 flood relief ($5,000), Q2 flood and cyclone relief

($13,705), Q3 flood relief ($5,000), V1-4 flood relief ($27,000), V2flood relief ($89,705), V6 flood relief ($7,000), 202E Christchurchearthquake relief ($13,769.44). Direct Funds included ALF ($21,775),ALF unexpended portion of grant ($15,000), LCIF for Japan TsunamiAppeal ($2,250), LCIF for NZ Earthquake Appeal ($8,000) and LionsClub of Skipton ($3,000).

Typical projects included providing money for flood-affected Kerangfamilies to recover at a camp in Queenscliff and for six young peopleto attend Camp Koala.

“Congratulations and sincere thanks to everyone involved in thisappeal,” said IPDG Max Oberlander.

When John and Tess Carseldine first came toCambodia they didn’t intend to start anorphanage or look after children.

However when sick and dying children were

brought to them, they were moved with

compassion. They shared their home and food,

what little belongings they had, and their lives with

these children, teenagers and young mothers in

need.

John told us that since 1998 there have been

hundreds of children whose lives have been saved

through emergency intervention provided at the

Sovanapoom Centre by he, Tess and young leaders

who live and work with them.

The Savanapoom Centre is an oasis of life

providing milk to babies whose mothers have no

money to feed them, and care to children dying of

starvation and disease, teenagers at risk of

trafficking and adults with nowhere to turn.

John showed us around the complex and it was

amazing what he and his helpers have achieved

during the past 10 years. He explained that the

community of

Sovanapoom quickly outgrew its original building by

the Mekong River in Kandal Province and the new

community centre was opened in January 2008.

John explained that those who find a home with

them have the opportunity to stay there to finish

their education, learn a trade and gain employment.

They will always be a part of our family no matter

where they live,” he said.

Presently all funding for this work is received

through donations from individuals, businesses,

churches and other organisations. It’s only as they

receive donations of funds that the work is able to

continue: caring for the children, providing an

education and vocational training, and continuing to

assist the local community. John said it’s never

been easy but the visible difference in the lives of

the children and the young people being helped is

encouraging.

John hopes to assist the students with

employment opportunities and establishing business

and co-operative ventures as they work towards

sustainability for both the individuals and the

Sovanapoom Centre.

They are still in need of donations to support the

life-changing centre.

Lions Kel and Yvie Kearns of Lionsonoz Inc

Lionsonoz members Yvie andKel Kearnes visit an orphanagewhere young lives arebeing given new promise

OASISof HOPELions Yvieand Kel atSovanapoomCentre withsome of theorphanedchildren.Yvie isholding theyoungest girlin theorphanage.

DUCKS BRING IN THE MONEY: Mal Gibbons, Immediate Past President of the Port

Macquarie City Lions Club of NSW, has reason to look satisfied. He has just presented

two cheques each of $5000 to Jenny Smith from Can Assist and Carl Lockwood from

Endeavour House. The charities can thank the club’s Easter duck race for their good

fortune.

Money still flows for flood aid



The Melbourne suburb of Boronia is a longway from Cambodia but it’s having a positiveeffect on education there.

Boronia Lion John Chai and his wife Carol haverecently returned from setting up an Englishteaching project in Cambodia.

John and Carol, previously independent volunteerteachers in Phnom Penh for four months in 2010,set up the project in Khvien Village.

Their self-funded venture has been warmlywelcomed by the local school director, especiallyhappy because few state schools in Cambodiabenefit from long-term projects such as this.

As part of the project, at the Khvien VillagePrimary School, about 2km west of Angkor Wat anda kilometre east of Siem Reap International Airport,the pair trained a young landmine victim to takeover when they returned to Melbourne after threemonths in Cambodia.

“Despite his disabilities, Bel is an intelligentyoung man,” said John. “Through donations from

the Lions

Club of Boronia. Inc. and a number of our familymembers, Bel will be paid a monthly wage for 12months.

“The teaching program Bel will be following is anAustralian one. It is our hope that this small projectwill make a difference for some of our veryenthusiastic pupils at Khvien Village PS. It willcertainly make a difference for Bel.”

Unlike most government schools, the students atthis school do not have to pay their teachers forattendance, thanks to the Rice4Life project startedby NSW couple Martin and Margaret Yeoman, who,with Rotary support, donate 50kg bags of rice tohelp each of the nine teachers whose averagemonthly government income is less than $US100.

According to John and Carol, the school wasdonated by two Swiss charities in 2004 through alocal network. It has no electricity, no running waterand three squat toilets.

“About 300 students attend in two sessions –morning and afternoon,” said John. “Most of the

students are extremely poor and undernourished.Most wear one set of clothes during the week.Many do not have shoes. They live on one or twomeals per day, mainly rice with sauce – no meatnor vegetables. They all work part of the day –selling postcards, souvenirs and t-shirts to touristsor helping their parents in rice fields. Many drop outof primary education and most do not go to highschool as there isn’t one at Khvien Village.

“However, the Lion is now here! A big privatedonation has arrived and four buildings containing10 classrooms have been designed and are beingconstructed by a Phnom Penh engineering andconstruction company headed by Khmer JapaneseLions Club member Koji Kanzaki and two KhmerLions. Separate toilet facilities for boys and girls andteachers, and a volleyball court, are also being built.

“The 400-pupil high school is sharing the sameground as Khvien Village Primary School. Carol andI met the team when the three Lions were surveyingthe location of the new buildings.”

Make new friends in UKAustralian Lions are again being offered the chance toenjoy the hospitality of UK Lions as part of OperationFriendship.

East Anglia (105EA England) invites applications for a Lion andhis/her partner to stay for two to three weeks with local Lionsfamilies, see the area and attend its District Convention in Marchnext year.

All accommodation and local travel will be provided, while theAustralian Lion is required to meet the cost of travel to and fromDistrict 105ea.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and make new friendswith Lions and their family in a different country. Contact I.R.O. LenRussell by mid December – [email protected].

TAKING SCHOOLTO CAMBODIAThanks to thisMelbourne couple,villagers are now able tolearn English in theirown school

Younglandminevictim Belreceives alaptopdonated byBoronia Lionsas part of hisnew role inthe teachingprogram.

50 GOOD REASONS TO CELEBRATE: There was much happiness and nostalgiawhen members of the Lions Club of Scone in NSW celebrated their 50thanniversary. Sixteen Lions were joined by 60 guests, including some of theclub’s charter members.


Australian Lions are being invitedto take part in a pilgrimage toBorneo next year to honourAustralian POWs who perishedthere in death marches in WorldWar II.

The group will be in Sandakan,scene of some of the worst sufferingby Australian POWs, for Anzac Day2012.

The tour is being organised by N1PDG Dr Kevin Smith who has visitedBorneo 11 times and organised foursimilar tours. Earlier this year, Kevinreleased a new book, Stories fromSandakan, credited with filling in theblanks and giving names andpersonalities to these supposedly“nameless” victims. It’s his third bookon Borneo POWs, relating particularly

to those who died along the 265kmtrack from Sandakan to Ranau in 1945.

Kevin is hopeful that as manyAustralian Lions as possible willparticipate to enjoy the sort offriendship and assistance he hasexperienced from Lions in Sabah,Labuan and Sarawak in Borneo duringhis previous visits. The 18-day tour isset for April-May.

“While the tour will focus on itspilgrimage aspects in regard toAustralian POWs who perished thereand be in Sandakan for Anzac Day,there will also be aspects of eco-tourism and some marvellous tropicalsightseeing,” said Kevin.

In 1997, Kevin helped with a one-day memorial charity walk organisedby the Lions Clubs of Sabah to honour

By Jennifer Gilbert GebhardtJacqueline, a 17-year-old living in the western region of Burundi,Africa, had been blind for one year.

Doctors attributed her loss of sight to diabetes, which she wasdiagnosed with at age five. Since losing her sight, Jacqueline had becomedisengaged from life and stopped managing her diabetes, which rapidlyworsened. Jacqueline had lost hope.

Thanks to a recent Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF)SightFirst project in eastern Africa, an ophthalmologist examinedJacqueline and discovered that her blindness was not due to diabetes butinstead she actually had bilateral cataract. The very next day, she receivedcataract surgery and her sight was restored. In that instant, Jacqueline’slife turned around, and she regained the hope that she had lost.

Jacqueline is one of thousands of people in eastern Africa who werescreened, sent for follow-up treatment and provided with cataractsurgeries since the SightFirst Regional Training and Capacity BuildingProgram at the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Opthamology (KCCO)Eye Department began in 2008. The three-year project is building

capacity in 10 eye care facilities in theregion through training, outreach to ruralareas, facility improvements andresearch. Coordinated by KCCO, theproject is supported by the Lions ofSwitzerland with local support by Lions inTanzania. Countries included in this effortare Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia,Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania, Ugandaand Zambia. An LCIF SightFirst grant of$1.5 million is supporting this wide-reaching project.

This endeavour helps Lions to addressthe VISION 2020 goals to eliminate themain causes of avoidable blindness bythe year 2020. VISION 2020 is a joint

program of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness andthe World Health Organization. The former’s membership includes NGOs,professional associations, eye care institutions and corporations. SightFirstis a leading partner of VISION 2020.

Burundi, as does each country involved in this project, has great needsin eye care capacity. According to the World Health Organization, cataractconstitutes close to 50 percent of the cases of blindness in Africa. Yet in2008 in Burundi, just 342 cataract surgeries were conducted by the onlytwo surgical ophthalmologists for the entire country’s population of 8.5million people. In 2010 – thanks to Lions and SightFirst support – 2,650cataract surgeries were completed. This number will continue to increaseas further steps are taken to improve eye care in the region.

Those directly involved in the project are seeing the lasting effects ofthe groundwork being laid for the future of eye care in the region. “Eyecare has moved from being an abstract idea to being a viable nationalprogram. By building local capacity and careful planning, Burundi is nowwell on its way to achieve VISION 2020,” says Dr. Paul Courtright,co-director of KCCO.

With the support of Lions, SightFirst will continue to buildcomprehensive eye care services around the world. Lions havecontributed $415 million to fund the SightFirst program and bring the giftof sight to millions. Please visit www.lcif.org to learn more about SightFirstinitiatives or to support the program.

SightFirst makes bigstrides in Africa

‘The very nextday shereceivedcataractsurgery andher sight wasrestored’

20Lion

LIONS TO VISIT POW DEATHLIONS TO VISIT POW DEATH

The type ofcountry in Borneowhere manyPOWs died.



the memory of the many hundreds of British andAustralian POWs who perished on the marches.

The walk sprang from his research to locate theoriginal track near Telupid and raised funds for theMalaysian Diabetes Association and the SabahKidney Society.

At the time, Kevin chillingly described beingtaken with others by a local man, Jamis Hussin, tothe site of a former Japanese transit camp alongthe death march route.

“All signs of the Japanese rest camp had longsince rotted away, but Jamis pointed to a 60-footwild durian tree as his landmark for identifying thelocation which he had known since childhood.Then came the most amazing story. Not only wasJamis Hussin one of the few left alive able to guidea later generation to this Telupid segment of thedeath march track, but he was an authentic eyewitness to history. ‘I was just a little boy then,’ hetold us. ‘One night I went fishing with my father

along SungeiTelupid. Wesaw fourfigures on theriver bank inthe thickundergrowth.We wonderedwho these tallpeople were.They were verythin and weak.They werestarving. Webrought themback to our

kampong and fed them. Many Japanese had comesearching earlier, so we knew who they were. Wegave them rice and some chicken, but they couldnot eat fish. They could not eat much at all. Theyhad bad fever and later died’.”

Describing the conditions on the track in 1945,Kevin said when POWs were unable to go anyfurther they fell by the trackside. “They could do nomore than wait for the killing platoon or crawl intothe undergrowth. They met their deaths with quietand dignified resignation. No one wanted to die.They faced the inevitable with a heart-felt prayer ora curse, and a last memory of family and betterdays. They lay where they fell, unblessed,putrefying, free at last from their earthly troublesand travails. The murders were done dutifully,routinely, systematically. Survivor Nelson Shortreported after the war: ‘Blokes fell over, couldn’t goon, and they just machine-gunned them. It was akilling-off party’.”

According to Kevin, the POWs slept at night inthe cold without blankets and the sick and worstafflicted among them were forced on and refusedpermission to accept care from the native

kampongs they passed. In that visit in 1997, Kevinwas told by a local woman who ran a clothing stallin the Ranau marketplace that she rememberedseeing Australian soldiers marching past near aJapanese rest house 12km from Ranau. “Therewere many Japanese,” she related. “The soldierswere staggering along, some leaning on sticks asthey walked. They were very weak and in badcondition, some wearing shirts and many of them

wearing big hats. Our people had great sympathyfor them, but we could do nothing. I was a very littlegirl, and on one occasion I gave the prisoners someleftover scraps from Japanese meals. My mother letme give them rice and tapioca. They hid the food inthe pockets of their shirts. They were very hungryand would eat any jungle foods they could find.”

To take part in the 2012 visit, contact Kevin on(02) 6772 2602 or at [email protected].

MARCH TRACKMARCH TRACK

‘We wonderedwho these tallpeople were ...they were veryweak and thin.They werestarving’

Local Lions offer a welcome at an earlier remembrance of the death marches.


22 Lion

Planning for the Lions “Gold & Diamond”Convention in Perth next year is well underway and registrations are starting to come in.

Details of the Convention functions are updatedregularly and are available on the registration form,downloadable fromhttp://www.lionsclubs.org.au/perth2012convention/

As you would expect from a state enjoying amining boom, accommodation in Perth, dependingon star rating, is at a premium and if members areattending the Convention it is recommended thatthey consider booking as soon as possible.

There are links on the website foraccommodation, including caravan parks, as well astours to complement your trip to Western Australia.

The Tourism WA website is athttp://www.westernaustralia.com/au/Pages/Welcome_to_Western_Australia.aspx and has a lot ofinformation about what is happening in WA.

The convention program is currently beingfinalised, however we are looking at providingentertaining and informative keynote speakers aswell as conducting part of our Lions WA Children ofCourage Awards during the weekend to

complement the otheryouth events.

At the MDConvention inLaunceston weadvised membersthere would not be aninformal reception onthe Friday night at the

start. This has been replaced with “club hospitality”,although slightly changed from previous “homehospitality”. Clubs within the Perth metro areawould like to meet and host Lions from around thecountry with their members and partners acting as

hosts for the evening.For members who have attended a previous

convention in Perth, we are holding this one at theBurswood Convention Centre where all activities,except for two or three dinners to be held offsite,will take place.

While the 2012 convention committee were atthe Mildura and Launceston conventions we invitedmembers to lodge their names and email addressesso we could update them with regular news articles.Currently we have over 700 email details on ourdatabase. If members would like to be included onthis list, submit your details via the website.

We in Western Australia are all looking forward tomeeting and greeting our Lions friends frominterstate, to make them welcome and to showthem a good time.

Yours in Lionism Bill Robertson APMMD Convention Chairman

Perth’s on course for GOLD & DIAMONDSCONVENTION PREVIEW

Tourism Western Australia



23

There were many proud Lions around WesternAustralia when Professor Ralph Martins,Director of Research at the McCuskerAlzheimer’s Research Foundation Inc, featuredin a national Today Tonight report highlightingthe success of testosterone treatment in ayoung Perth woman, Lorinda Klaric, who hasearly onset Alzheimer’s disease.

You see, Professor Martins, or Ralph, as he isknown to us all, has been honoured by Lions inmany ways. He is both West Australian of the Year2010 and a Melvin Jones Fellow.

His team receives strong support from theWestern Australian LionsMcCusker Foundationpartnership, which last yearraised more than $60,000for Alzheimer’s research.

This partnership began in2005, when two DGEs, DaveMolcher and Clive Tonkin,were given the opportunityto meet Professor Ralph.

That meeting (in a darklittle office in a basement) was the beginning of anidea that six years on is still going strong. Lions ofWA were particularly proud to be acknowledged fortheir support with the placing of a plaque at therecent opening of the new offices of the foundation.

This is a wonderful example of two districtsworking together. Both were able to provide a clubwilling to participate in the partnership and

Claremont Nedlands (201W1) and Bull Creek(201W2) started the partnership. The committee isopen to all members of both districts.

The partnership assists in raising awareness ofthe need for research and the committee hasattended many country fairs, spoken at meetingsand is busy selling rose pins.

Professor Ralph and his team have presented atmany conventions in both districts.

Research results so far suggest theadministration of testosterone has assisted in theunexpected stabilisation of Lorinda Klaric’s memory.Just over a year ago Lorinda was diagnosed with

early onset Alzheimer’sdisease – a genetic form ofthe disease which runs inher family.

Sadly, Lorinda’s mother,grandmother and aunt allsuccumbed to the diseasein their early thirties.Following her testosteroneimplants, Lorinda reportsfeeling much better and

having more energy. These observations have alsobeen made by her family.

Professor Martins says it is early days and,although a very exciting result, a more completestudy into this hormone is needed. Becausetestosterone is a naturally occurring hormone, thereis less interest from potential commercial sponsorsthan might be the case with a new drug.

The work of Professor Ralph’s team waspresented at an international conference onAlzheimer’s disease in Paris in July.

Alzheimer’s Disease (and other forms ofdementia) touch all our lives. Survey your ownmembers and someone will have a story to tell.

As Lions we can be the difference and ProfessorRalph believes emerging findings like this give realhope to Alzheimer’s disease sufferers.

Karen Molcher Lions Club of Gosnells

A large number of Australians are at risk oflosing their sight due to a commoncomplication of diabetes.

Researchers at the Centre for Eye ResearchAustralia have found that 35 per cent of Australianswith diabetes don’t have regular eye exams, puttingthemselves at risk of vision loss and blindness fromdiabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of visionimpairment and anyone with type 1 or type 2diabetes is at risk of developing the disease andvision loss if not examined on a regular basis andtreated when needed.

Health Services Unit head Associate ProfessorEcosse Lamoureux said vision loss caused bydiabetic retinopathy can be prevented by regularscreening and treatment.

"Research shows that around 17 per cent ofpatients with diabetes have undetected diabeticretinopathy," Associate Professor Lamoureux said.

"We're looking at new ways to incorporate aneye check when patients receive other healthchecks such as in pathology centres," he said.

"Our research shows that more than 90 per centof people with diabetes would take advantage ofthis model if it was available."

Approximately 300,000 Australians have somedegree of diabetic retinopathy and around 65,000have sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy.

People with diabetes are advised to have theireyes examined by an optometrist or ophthalmologistat least every two years.

Thursday 13 October 2011 is World Sight Day.The Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP) Australiaencourages children and adults with diabetes tohave their eyes examined during the month ofOctober.

For more information on diabetic retinopathy visitthe LEHP website – www.lehp.org.au.

Meet Professor Ralph ... a Lions heroWith strong W.A. support, this dedicated researcheris a leading force in the worldwide battle to conquerAlzheimer’s disease

A leader in the Alzheimer’s disease fight ... ProfessorRalph Martins in the lab and (left) at the placing of aplaque at the new offices of the McCuskerFoundation.

175,000 Australians at risk of diabetes-related blindness


24

Shopping trips and outings will be morecomfortable for many around the Victoriantown of Heyfield after the purchase of a newcommunity bus by local Lions.

For 10 years Lions have owned and operated abus with members as drivers. Patrons make asmall contribution or donation and the bus is usedfor the elderly and their shopping trips, LaurinaLodge guests and RSL members.

The new bus has been bought with assistancefrom the Heyfield & District Community Bank.

The bus will operate under Lions Clubguidelines with Chief Bus Captain Ted Artso(pictured above with Graeme Weatherley) andmany Lions assistants.

These Lions Club of Sydney Waratahmembers have reason to smile. They’recelebrating their fifth birthday.

Members of the all-ladies club, pictured herewith a few male supporters at Zilver Chineserestaurant, set out to raise funds for the Indo-Chinese Elderly Hostel Project and Hearing Dogs, aLions project.

Total income exceeded $50,000 with a netprofit of more than $33,000.

Well done girls, particularly President Betty Pangand Fundraising Dinner Chairman Lin Abbott!

Birthday girls bring in the funds

Macarthur Lions Club in NSW is claiminga record for its 2011 fun run.

The fifth annual run, it attracted a record 21teams and 500 entrants, with one team, StClares Primary School, having 27 participants.

Oldest entrant was Jock Wylie, 90, and theyoungest was a babe in arms, with many apram being pushed.

The event is open to male and femalerunners over 5km or 10km and walkersparticipating in the 5km.

Originally, Lion Ron Bishop suggested theclub run a “horseless steeplechase” similar tothat run annually in Badminton in England. Theidea conjured up some wild images but theclub opted for a more logical event whichwould attract a broader range of participants.

Next year’s run will be on 29th April. Entryforms will be available for downloading inNovember – (www.macarthurlions.com.au,www.macarthur.nsw.lions.org.au).

From babes to 90-year-old ... IT’S A RECORD!

Right on schedule

AROUND THE NATION

Lion

AT THE GRILL: While fundraising at a recent function,Macarthur Lions Richard Spinks and Roy Foskett dowhat many Lions do so well.


Sydney’s Kings Langley Lions Club showedits youth focus in inviting Priysheeta Chand,Blacktown Youth Ambassador, along to arecent dinner.

Priysheeta is one of two Youth Ambassadorsselected by Blacktown Council to represent thecity’s youth. A student of Nagle College, sheimpressed with her maturity and presentation.

Vice District Governor Greg Dunn (left)congratulated her on her position.

A Western Australian Lion is currently theenvy of many, particularly in the area of pintrading!

Known to many as the ‘WA Pin Guru’, PDG CliveReid has just won two International pin designawards. Traditionally, USA Lions usually dominatein the winning of all design awards.

At the 94th Lions Club International Conventionheld in Seattle recently, Clive was presented with amounted plaque displaying the winning pin underthe category of ‘Best Pin Design for District Pin/Setfor 2010’.

Following the presentation it was announced atthe AGM of the Lions International Pin Trading Club

that he had alsowon the best pindesign in thePersonal Pincategory for 2011.That pin (picturedleft) depicts a mapof Australia and flag,

plus an Australian Army slouch hat. It is the firsttime that a Lions pin design award has come toAustralia.

Lions International Pin Trading Club is one of thelargest Lions clubs in the world today, boastingover one thousand members.

Congratulations to PDG Clive, who said he mustbe doing something right to compete with theYanks at their own game!

As Melvin Jones Award recipients go, Reverend TracyWolsley must rank high.

Apart from being an Anglican minister in Victoria’s Dioceseof Bendigo, she is the Director of Our Place Ministries, Chaplainto the Country Fire Authority and Men’s Sheds and is on theCity of Greater Bendigo Social Working Recovery Committee.

On accepting her award from Bendigo Lions, she spoke ofher role as Director of the Our Place Drop In Centre.

Our Place is where the rollout of the Asset RecoveryProgram takes place, with funds helping residents with itemssuch as fencing, water tanks, sheds and garden restoration.Because of the close connection to the core of those who arerebuilding, Our Place is the perfect place to administer thisgrant from the Bendigo Bank and the Lions Club.

Despite the rivalry, service clubs can anddo work happily together.

In Melbourne, the Kingston CombinedServices Clubs, set up by the local council,involves several clubs in local projects. Typicalwas the recent one to raise funds for personalhygiene packs for disadvantaged people.

Lions, Rotary and Kiwanis clubs across

Kingston joined to provide male and femaletoiletry packs. More than 200 packs weredistributed to the homeless via the BaysideChurches’ meals program.

Pictured below are members from Kiwanis, Rotaryand Lions Clubs of Mordialloc Mentone, Chelseadistricts, Moorabbin and Clarinda with councilsocial worker Kate Daddo.

Clubs unite in good old community spirit

Pin guru’s big win

Focus on youth

Meet a true blue local hero

Clive receiving his award from the InternationalLions Pin Trading Club President PDG Bill Sour.



OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMITTEE VACANCIES


HAVE YOU CHANGEDYOUR ADDRESS?

If you have changed your address, couldyou please contact your CabinetSecretary to ensure that your newdetails are updated.

Notices of Motion requirementI would like to remind Lions that any Notices ofMotion proposing a Multiple District Project mustfirst have been passed at a District Convention,before being considered at the Multiple DistrictConvention.You will need to forward details of MultipleDistrict Project motions passed at your DistrictConvention to the Executive Officer by 31December 2011. The Multiple DistrictConstitution and By-Laws specify that thisinformation must include full organisation details

of the proposed project and financialresponsibilities, if any, of the participating clubs,and the required commitment (if any) of MultipleDistrict funds to start up the proposed project toadminister and conduct the project during itsfirst year of operation. I would welcomeapproaches from any Lions wishing to consultme about proposed Multiple District Projects inadvance of their District Convention.Ordinary Notices of MotionOrdinary Notices of Motion to be considered at

the 2012 MD201 Convention must be submittedto the Executive Officer by the Council, a DistrictConvention, a District Cabinet or a Lions Club notless than 60 days before the opening of theMD201 Convention, or 5 March 2012.

Rob OerlemansExecutive Officer

Lions AustraliaLocked Bag 2000

Newcastle NSW 2300

Vacancy – Legal OfficerCouncil is calling for nominations for the position of Legal Officer, to serve from 1 July 2012 – 30 June2016. The Legal Officer provides legal and policy advice to the Multiple District Council and the incumbentserves as a member of the Executive. The position is open to currently practicing lawyers, and a full positiondescription is available from the National Office.

Under Council Policy A 19.1.4 “All Candidates for Multiple District positions shall submit, in addition tothe standard nomination form, a mandatory ‘supporting statement’ in the form of a curriculum vitae andstatement covering the issues outlined in the position statement. Such supporting statement shall notexceed three single sided A4 pages.”

In addition, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the Nominations Committee of Council.

Rob Oerlemans, Executive Officer

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

COMMITTEE VACANCIES – continued


28Lion

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Inter national Boar d of Dir ectors Meeting, Seattle, W ashington, USA

JUNE 29 – JULY 3, 2011

AUDIT 1. Approved the review of internal processes, basedon materiality. Grant Thornton will review theresults and report at the next committee meeting. 2. Reviewed year-end audit planning with GrantThornton.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE1. Declared the district governor and second vicedistrict governor elections in District 301-A1(Philippines) for the 2011-2012 fiscal year null andvoid and of no force and effect, declared vacanciesin the offices of district governor and second vicedistrict governor for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, andconfirmed Lion Anton Wong Lim as First ViceDistrict Governor for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.2. Denied second vice district governor electioncomplaints filed in District 301-C (Philippines),District 305-N1 (Pakistan), District 321-A1 (India),District 321-A3 (India), District 323-B (India),District 323-E1 (India), District 323-H2 (India),District 324-A5 (India), and District 324-D2 (India)and declared the following as second vice district governors for the 2011-2012 fiscal year:

• Lion Editha Datuin - District 301-C (Philippines)• Lion Engr. Saqib Rahim - District 305-N1

(Pakistan)• Lion Kusum Gupta - District 321-A1 (India)• Lion Vijay Shiroha - District 321-A3 (India)• Lion Vinod R. Patel - District 323-B (India)• Lion G.P. Sharma - District 323-E1 (India)• Lion Rajesh Raut - District 323-H2 (India)• Lion S. Venkatraman - District 324-A5 (India)• Lion Ganapathi Nayak - District 324-D2 (India)

3. Upheld second vice district governor electioncomplaint filed in District 324-C8 (India),declared the second vice district governor electionin District 324-C8 for the 2011-2012 fiscal yearnull and void and of no force and effect, declared avacancy in the office of second vice districtgovernor for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, and furtherdeclared that the second vice district governorvacancy shall remain vacant until the next regularlyscheduled annual district convention in 2012.4. Upheld constitutional complaint filed by the LionsClub of Juhu in District 323-A3 (India), declaredthat the international director endorsement electionat the District 323-A3 convention held on or aboutApril 10, 2011, null and void and of no force andeffect, declared that the previously issuedsuspension of the Multiple District 323 international director endorsement election be lifted, andinformed District 323-A3 and Multiple District 323that each district may proceed with any futureinternational endorsement elections as determinedappropriate by the districts and in accordance withany applicable district and/or multiple districtconstitutions and by-laws.5. Denied constitutional complaint filed by the LionsClub of Bombay Mandvi (East) in District 323-A1(India).6. Reviewed constitutional complaint filed by theManila Absolute Lions Club and the Manila VirtueLions Club in District 301-A1 (Philippines)concerning the election of the Multiple District 301council chairperson and a related request from theMultiple District 301 Council of Governors, and

found good cause to expedite review of thecomplaint to Complaint Step Four of theConstitutional Complaints Procedure, for furtherreview by the Constitution and By-Laws Committeeand the International Board of Directors at the nextboard meeting scheduled in October 2011.7. Revised board policy and adopted new guidelineson the use of public (activity) and administrativefunds.8. Revised the Club, District, Multiple DistrictDispute Resolution and Constitutional ComplaintsProcedures in the Board Policy Manual.9. Removed the two signature requirement on club

accounts in the Standard Form Club By-Laws to beconsistent with modern banking capabilities (i.e.,online banking).

CONVENTION COMMITTEE1. Approved a US$25 rebate to the multiple districtsof Korea for every paid convention registration fee over 30,000 registrants for the2012 Busan Convention, once all convention bid requirements, special incentives and financialoffers in the initial convention bid have beenfulfilled.

DISTRICT AND CLUB SERVICE COMMITTEE1. Expanded the Status Quo policy defining a non-existing Lions club to include both new and existingLions clubs to help reduce the number of non-existing clubs. 2. Expanded the roles and responsibilities of theregion chairperson and zone chairperson tocoordinate with and support the membershipdevelopment objectives of the district GMT andleadership objectives of the district GLT. 3. Revised the list of official district and multipledistrict chairpersons to remove obsolete chairpersonpositions and to include the district and multipledistrict positions of the GMT and GLT.

FINANCE AND HEADQUARTERS OPERATIONCOMMITTEE1. Approved the 2010-2011 Forecast, reflecting asurplus.2. Approved the 2011-2012 Budget, reflecting asurplus. 3. Granted power of attorney to Past Counsel ChairEduardo Alberto Gallardo to register the associationas a foreign entity in Argentina.4. Removed Phil Writer as fiscal agent in India givenhis retirement.5. Modified the composition of the Audit Committeeto the following effective July 8, 2011:

1. A second year director who is a member of theLions Clubs International Finance andHeadquarters Operation Committee;2. A first year director who is a member of theLions Clubs International Finance andHeadquarters Operation Committee;3. Two current international directors or boardappointees to be appointed by the InternationalPresident.

6. Approved policy regarding club, district andaward banners. New policy is as follows: The D3DSClub Banner, D110 District Governor Banner, andD150 Club Award Banner shall be made available inthe following fabric and colour combinations:

a. Purple felt

Cord, Tassel - GoldBorder - GoldLettering - Maize felt (closely matches PMS 7406Yellow in the rebranded LCI emblem)LCI Emblem - A41556 21" emblem, rebrandedversion PMS 287 Blue, PMS 7406 Yellowb. Banner - Blue feltCord, Tassel - GoldBorder - GoldLettering - Maize felt (closely matches PMS 7406Yellow in the rebranded LCI emblem) LCI Emblem- A41556 21" emblem, rebranded version PMS287 Blue, PMS 7406 yellow

7. Modified board policy to eliminate reference toemployee luggage reimbursement.

LCIF1. Appointed members to the 2011-2012 LCIFSteering Committee.2. Approved that donations made through August31, 2011, to the Japan earthquake/tsunami fund beeligible for Melvin Jones Fellows/Progressive MelvinJones Fellows recognition. 3. Renewed the Lions Quest promotional grantprogram for an additional three years atUS$75,000. 4. Revised the composition of the Lions QuestAdvisory Committee as follows: four LCI ExecutiveOfficers, two Past International Presidents withstrong experience in supporting Lions Quest, twoLion leaders with strong experience in supportingLions Quest, and four-six technical experts.5. Approved a grant in the amount of US$54,959 tosupport year one of Lions Quest activities for LCIF’scommitment to action as part of the Clinton GlobalInitiative. 6. Approved 45 Standard, International Assistanceand Core 4 grants totalling US$1,928,300.7. Tabled six grant applications.8. Renewed the Core 4 funding priority status forthe diabetes prevention and control program for oneyear, until June 30, 2012.9. Approved a block grant in the amount ofUS$200,000 for the Lions Quest “starter” grantprogram.10. Updated signatories to the foundation’sScottrade account, in order to facilitate donations ofsecurities.

LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE1. Removed references to leadership developmentchairpersons and inserted new policy related to theGlobal Leadership Team (GLT) in Chapter XIV of theBoard Policy Manual.2. Removed references to leadership developmentchairpersons and inserted new policy related to theGlobal Leadership Team (GLT) in Chapter XIV of theBoard Policy Manual.3. Removed references to leadership developmentchairpersons and inserted new policy related to theGlobal Leadership Team (GLT) in Chapter XIV of theBoard Policy Manual.4. Removed references to leadership developmentchairpersons and inserted new policy related to theGlobal Leadership Team (GLT) in Chapter XIV of theBoard Policy Manual.5. Removed section related to the MERL programand replaced it with policy related to the GlobalMembership Team (GMT) and Global Leadership


‘

Team (GLT) in Chapter IX of the BoardPolicy Manual.

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENTCOMMITTEE1. Implemented a procedure that an activeclub may add up to 30 new members in afiscal year. To ensure viable clubs, anyadditional new members in the fiscal yearwould require the approval of both thedistrict governor and first vice districtgovernor.2. Removed the Multiple District ExtensionChairperson Program and replaced it withthe GMT policy that guides theappointments of multiple district, districtand single district for appointment of theMembership & Club Growth Team and theClub Success Team.3. Revised board policy concerning theprotest of a new club application toinclude e-mail as an acceptable methodfor filing.4. Amended policy regarding how branchclub funds are distributed when a branchclub charters as a new club, and when abranch club dissolves without chartering.

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE1. Approved continuance of the BlindEssay Contest as an official program ofLions Clubs International.2. Awarded R. R. Donnelley Printing athree-year contract for printing LionMagazine (headquarters and Spanisheditions) and the Club Supplies Catalog.3. Approved the placement of web bannerads in specific markets in the UnitedStates and Canada in fiscal year 2011-2012.4. Approved pro-rated payment to LionMagazine editions of Brazil LC, Poland,Portugal and Thailand.5. Amended the Order of Precedence toinclude Coordinators to the position ofDistrict Chairperson.

SERVICE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE1. Named 2010-2011 Leo of the YearAward recipients.For more information on any of the aboveresolutions, please refer to the LCI Website at www.lionsclubs.org or contact therespective division of the Internationaloffice by email as provided below:

. Audit/Finance: [email protected]

. Constitution & By-Laws:[email protected]. Convention: [email protected]. District & Club Administration:[email protected]. LCIF: [email protected]. Leadership: [email protected]. Membership:[email protected]. Public Relations: [email protected]. Service Activities:[email protected]


Queenslander Kirsty Bishopknows where she wants togo as a basketballer.

Already she plays for the Queensland stateteam “The Comets” but she has ambitions foreven greater things.

For the last three years Kirsty, 18, who travelsto Nerang PCYC to play basketball twice a week,has been using the wheelchairs provided butnow she has a sports wheelchair, thanks to theLions Club of Beaudesert and the AustralianLions Foundation.

The custom made Basketball Wheelchair isequipped with special lightweight detachablewheels.

Beaudesert President Darren Balhatchet said

it was a very joyous moment for him to presentthe chair to Kirsty on behalf of Lions.

“Helping the local community make adifference in their lives is very rewarding andthis project has been in progress since Kirstywrote to us in July 2010,” he said.

Kirsty helped raise half of the funds herselfby selling chocolates and raffle tickets.

Now the members of the Beaudesert club,who are among Kirsty’s biggest fans, wish herwell for her sports future and hope that thenew chair just might help her realise all herdreams.

Kirsty’sgamegoes upa notch

Beaudesert President Darren Balhatchet wishes Kirsty well with hernew custom made sports wheelchair.

Death of PID Colin Ringer Colin Ringer, one of the outstanding Lions in MD201 in the 1960s and 70s, died onSeptember 15th at age 93.

After leaving school in suburban Adelaide, Colin studied accountancy and quickly rose tomanagerial positions in the business world.

In 1963 he became a Charter Member of the Lions Club of Unley, the eighth club formed inSouth Australia. His ability was soon recognised by his fellow Lions, and after serving as ClubPresident, Zone Chairman and Cabinet Secretary, he was elected District Governor of 201J in1968. He became MD201 Council Chairman the following year. In 1972, only nine years afterjoining Unley, he was elected International Director. As a member of the International Board, hewas Chairman of the Membership-Cub Service Committee, a member of the Long RangePlanning Committee and a member lof the Special Study Committee on elections.

At the completion of his two-year term, he was encouraged by members of the Executive tonominate for International Third Vice President. He was keen to do so, and had the support of hisemployers. However, his company was taken over and his new executive did not share the samephilosophy. He became public relations manager with his new company, but, after a few years,left to set up his own accountancy practice in which he continued until his early 80s.

Colin was recognised as an outstanding leader at every level of our association, and, at thetime of his death, the condolence notice from Lions Clubs International, stated “He received manyawards for his outstanding service on behalf of the Association, including eight InternationalPresident’s Awards, the Ambassador of Goodwill and was a Life Member of the Association.” Hewas also recently presented with life membership of the MD201 Past District GovernorsAssociation.

Colin had a lifelong interest in sport, particularly golf, horseracing and Australian Rulesfootball. He was just as respected in the business community as he was in Lions. His wife, Lorne,died several years ago after a 35-year battle with cancer.


Lion30

The Salvation Army greatly appreciates thesupport given by many Lions across Australiato the 2011 Red Shield Appeal.

We are humbled by the support and, moreover,your trust in The Salvation Army. These funds willbe used in a way that will generate the mostassistance to those who are disadvantaged andmarginalised in our community.

Thank you to the many Lions who volunteered

their time to assist us with the Red Shield Appeal,particularly throughout the Doorknock weekend.

Without this support, we would not be able toassist the more than one million people each yearwho seek assistance through our wide range ofcaring social and community service programs.

On behalf of The Salvation Army and those whowill benefit from your support we say, thank you.

James Condon (Commissioner)The Salvation Army Australia

Eastern TerritoryRaymond Finger (Commissioner)

The Salvation Army AustraliaSouthern Territory

Youth of the Year is all about giving our youngpeople a great opportunity as they prepare tolaunch themselves into the exciting world ofadulthood.

It’s all about giving them the experience of whatthey can expect when they apply for a job, auniversity position, or any direction they choose fortheir life, where they will be dealing with adults and,to them, the unexpected.

Did you know there are still many Lions clubswho do not participate in the Youth of the Year?Imagine the number of students who could enter ifanother 40% of clubs participated.

These are the statistics for 2010/2011.

It is not hard to do – there are many youngpeople in your community who would jump at theopportunity to participate in this experience – ifyour Lions Club gave them the opportunity.

Do you know we can run a region final on videoconferencing with the judges being in anotherlocation; most schools have this facility and arewilling to use it so that their students can enter thisprogram. Talk to your District Chairmen or StateCoordinator about the concept – ask the studentsat your local school to explain to you how it works.

Thursday Island contacted me recently regardingentering students in the quest – and we have hadenquiries from an international school in Japan thatwould also like to participate.

Did you know that Youth of the Year began in1964 in Queensland? Within two years it was aMultiple District project and has gone from strengthto strength since then. Many past participants havegone on to achieve great things and they attributesome of their early success directly to experiencethey gained through the Youth of the Year.

Our sponsor, the National Australia Bank hascontributed over $800,000 during the last 14 years

and is here again this year. It has suggested ajunior competition for 15-year-olds as at the 30June in the year of the convention, and this isundergoing a trial this year in two districts.

So what is your club doing about Youth of theYear? It is a great way to bring young people intocontact with Lions. It has even been known to leadto the parents of the young people joining a Lionsclub. If we have 25,010 people listening to thesewonderful contestants talking about their dreamsand ideals, surely 1% (250) of them may beinterested in talking to a lions membershipchairman about what else Lions are involved in.

At last year’s convention in Launceston, I invitedthe parents of the six state finalists to visit our

stand and then took them around all the otherprograms that had displays. They were amazed atwhat we had achieved, and had no idea this is whatLions did – how is it possible that six contestantshave travelled through Lions Youth of the Year andnot learnt about what we do!

Last year during the 35-day trip that each statewinner receives, we tried to include a Lions project– the contestants were amazed. This year’s tour willinclude a visit to a Lions project in each state withat least one day dedicated to understanding Lions.

Do you want to know more about this excitingLions project? Call your District Youth of the YearChairman or visit on the web at:http://www.lionsclubs.org.au/yoty.

So, get involved! Every young person who entersthe Youth of the Year is a winner, but this won’thappen without the support of Lions Clubs –especially your Lions club.

Lions Youth of the Year – You just cannot loseBryan Coggle, Chairman

yoursayLions’ letters

YOUTH OF THE YEAR

What’s it all about?

Salvos say ‘thanks, Lions’


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