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Lions Clubs InternationalAustralia / Papua New Guinea edition – $1

Centennial special – April-May 2017

100 YEARS OF SERVICE WORLDWIDE

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Connections, influence, friendship, philanthropy

April - May 2017 Volume 130 No. 2

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

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

DeadlinesContributions for the JUNE - JULY 2017 issue should be submitted by May 1 to

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

[email protected].

C O N T E N T S4 International President’s report4 100 years of service worldwide6 100 years of service in Australia8 Genome power11 Blindness can’t stop Col14 Council Chairman’s report

Page 4 - Celebration year

Page 10 - Skin screeningPage 8 - Genome power

Our c

over

COVER: For 100 years, sinceAmerican businessmanMelvin Jones formed a clubto help those in need, Lionshave been serving others. InAustralia we have beenserving as Lions for 70years. Now it’s time for usto look back at what wehave achieved, and to planwhat we’ll achieve in thenext century.

17 LCIF: Reaching across borders19 Have a Lion of a time in Tasmania20 LCIF annual report24 Lions out & about27 Your say28 International Convention delegate form


4 Lion

By BobCorlew, LionsClubsInternationalPresident

A new service platform forOUR SECOND CENTURY

When I was younger in the 1960s, the winds of changeblew. Then again, those winds are always blowing.“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to thepast or present are certain to miss the future, ” PresidentJohn F. Kennedy said. So we have to manage the inevitablechange. “Change with direction” is how I like to put it. Weneed to change the world in a positive manner .

Lions Clubs International is changing with direction. We aremoving ahead with a new ser vice platform. Our past is stillrelevant, and we’ll still help the blind, support youth and do themany things that clubs do. Besides focusing on vision, we’llcontrol diabetes, address childhood cancer, protect theenvironment and curb hunger. These five areas represent ournew global service framework.

Our work with diabetes will be emphasised. Diabetes is arapidly growing scourge both in developed and developingnations. Lions will increase awareness and expand screeningand treatment programs.

We’ll also really step up our environmental efforts, whichreally matter to younger Lions and Leos. We’ll work for cleanwater and air, better sanitation and more passive sources ofenergy.

As for vision, besides assisting the blind and continuing tobuild eye clinics and hospitals, we’ll help those with impairedvision. We’ll increase our eye screening of children and devotemore resources to growing problems such as maculardegeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

A common chord we will strike in ser ving will be supportingyouth. We’ll especially target pediatric cancer. Sadly, survivalrates are as low as 10 percent in some na tions.

We chose this framework after much stud y and consultationwith Lions and Leos. We are confident our new global ser viceframework matches the interests and capabilities of Lions andLeos.

Our goal is to ser ve 200 million people annually by 2021.That’s an ambitious plan: it triples our current humanitarianimpact. But we know that in the past when Lions ha ve beenasked to reach a goal they smashed past it.

The world is rapidly changing. Lions will meet tha t changewith a renewed, refocused commitment to ser ving the world’sneeds. Our second century of service will greatly expand ourscope and reach and ensure Lions remain the grea test force forgood among all service groups.

MELVIN’S DREAMMelvin Jones was a dreamer, a doer and a pragmatist. He was an energetic,extroverted salesman who in private hours would reread Shakespeare.What better man to found the world’s largest association of service clubs? TheLions International Board of Directors officially designa ted Jones as the founder ofLions Clubs in 1958 – more than four decades after Lions Clubs held its firstmeeting. But, no matter what his official title, Jones’ impact on Lions has been far -reaching. He provided the leadership, the organisational ability, the tenacity and themuscle necessary to establish the foundation for Lions Clubs Interna tional tobecome what it is today. “What if these men who are successful because of theirdrive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving theircommunities?” Jones asked. He saw a new kind of c lub with the desire to helpothers.

100 YEARS OF SERVICE

Meet some famous Lions Sir Edmund Hillary, mountaineer, Mt Everest conqueror Gerald Ford, American President Jimmy Carter, American President Admiral Richard Byrd, Antarctic explorer Amelia Earhart, aviator and honourary Lion


5April - May 2017

HOW LIONS BEGANIn 1917, Melvin Jones, a 38-year-old Chicago business leader, toldmembers of his local businessclub they should reach beyondbusiness issues and address thebetterment of their communitiesand the world. Jones’ group, theBusiness Circle of Chicago, agreed.

After contacting similar groupsaround the United States, anorganisational meeting was held onJune 7, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois,USA. The new group took the nameof one of the invited groups, the“Association of Lions Clubs”, and anational convention was held inDallas, Texas, USA in October of tha tyear. A constitution, by-laws,objectives and a code of ethics wereapproved. And the rest is histor y.

WORLDWIDE

Centennial Commemorative Coins on saleCelebrate 100 years of humanitarian ser vice by purchasing a Lions Clubs Centennial Commemorative Coin.

This exquisitely crafted, limited-edition silver dollar coin is produced by the United Sta tes Mint and features ourfounder Melvin Jones.

This keepsake coin is the perfect way to honour our rich histor y and support the life-changing work of Lionsaround the world. For each coin sold, US$10 is authorised to be paid to Lions Clubs Interna tional Foundation (up toUS$4 million) to improve the lives of even more people in need.

The proof-finish Centennial Coin costs US$52.95. Coins will only be minted during 2017 and supplies are limited.Don’t miss your chance to o wn a piece of Lions histor y.

Order your Centennial Coin today! – http://lions100.lionsclubs.org/EN/about/centennial-coin.php

AT THE START:Members of the firstLions Club, the ChicagoCentral Lions Club.Chartered in 1917, itcarried on the legacyand vision of LionsClubs founder MelvinJones.

SERVING OTHERS:Helen Keller, blind anddeaf from 19 months ofage, laid down thechallenge to Lions in1925 to become“knights of the blind inthe crusade againstdarkness.” Lionsaccepted herchallenge and havebeen involved in sightprograms ever since.


Lion6

HOW LIONS CAME TO AUSTRALIAAustralian William R. Tresise was about to exceed the agelimit for volunteer organisation Apex in the mid-1940s whenhe stumbled upon the opportunity to bring the ser viceprograms and international friendship of Lions ClubsInternational to his home country.

In his last year with Apex, Tresise travelled to San Francisco torepresent the organisation at a 1946 service clubs conference. Achance meeting in California with Fred W. Smith, a Lion whowent on to serve as International President from 1947 to 1948,couldn’t have been better timed.

Lions clubs, Tresise discovered, had no age limit. Theorganisation was dedicated to service, and it was expandingaround the world. Both men saw an opportunity that shouldn’tbe missed. Tresise spoke with other Lions leaders – includingMelvin Jones, the organisation’s founder and secretary-general,and soon found himself appointed a provisional district governorof Lions Clubs charged with founding a Lions c lub in Australia.

Tresise went home to Lismore, NSW. Although the city wassmall, he had plenty of business contacts and he invited man y ofthem to hear about Lions. His enthusiasm was infectious. Within

a year, the Lismore LionsClub organised, and on 29September 1947, the clubreceived its charter, makingAustralia the 18th nation tojoin Lions Clubs. At the timeof his death in 1975,Australia had almost 1000clubs.

70 YEARS OF SERVICE IN

THERE WHEN WE’RE NEEDEDIn 70 years, Australian Lions have been there whenever a major communityneed has arisen.

We have a proud history of achievement in disaster and emergenc y relief,medical research and community ser vice. We were at the coalface for CycloneTracy, the Black Saturday bushfires and the Queensland floods.

We were involved with the development of the bionic ear and the cer vicalcancer vaccine Gardasil. We inspired a young Fred Hollows and continue toprovide funding for a range of other research initia tives involving diabetes,childhood cancer and autism.

We assist with local community fundraising for special causes and help withdevelopment and building of local parks, community venues and sporting centres.

BRINGING OUTTHE BEST:Whether it’s raisingmoney by cookingsausages or inspiringothers like Dick Smith(who donated $1million to theAustralian LionsFoundation in 2013)with our invaluablework, Australian Lionshave in 70 yearsestablished a deepbond with thecommunities weserve.

READ ALLABOUT IT:Australia’s LIONmagazine wasone of the first.Today, 33internationaleditions of themagazine areprinted in 20languages, anddigital andaudio versionshelp ensureLions canaccess thenews whereverthey go.


AUSTRALIA

First Australian International PresidentOne of the proudest years for Australian Lions was 2013 when Lion Barr y Palmer made historyby becoming the first Australian Lion to be elected to the International Presidenc y.

A Lion since 1976, Barry, now a Member of the Order of Australia, took over the reins in Lions’ 94thyear, leading 1.35 million members in more than 46,000 c lubs in 207 countries and geogra phic areasaround the globe.

WE SERVE


8

Picture: Tourism Tasmania & Samuel Shelley

The concept is simple: every child deserves achance at a healthy life. Making that happenis now one step closer, thanks to acombination of good deeds, dollars andgenome power.

Cheeky, smart, obsessed with Frozen: at firstglance Ava seems to be an average six-year -old.Rewind to January 2011, however, and it’s adifferent story. When Ava was six months old,doctors found a 5.5cm neuroblastoma in her chestand abdomen, with secondary bone cancer. Overthe next year, little Ava endured eight rounds ofchemotherapy and three operations. Then, justbefore Christmas, the family received the bestpossible seasonal gift: news that Ava required nofurther treatment. Now, with part-time monitoring,Ava can enjoy the ever yday pleasures of any otherhealthy child, oblivious of her babyhood illness, justas it should be.

Sadly, others aren’t so fortunate. Cancer is themost common cause of disease-related death inAustralian children. Every year, more than 950children and adolescents are diagnosed withcancers, and nearly three will die from cancer ever yweek.

It’s children like Ava – alongside the less happystories – that have inspired a landmark partnershipto combat children’s cancer. Garvan Institute ofMedical Research, the Lions Club InternationalFoundation (LCIF) and the Australian LionsChildhood Cancer Research Foundation (ALCCRF)have joined forces to launch the Lions Kids CancerGenome Project.

The project funds whole genome sequencing oftumour and normal tissue for 400 Australianchildren with high-risk cancer, which will helpclinicians to determine the best treatment for eachchild. In addition, this information will establish adatabase of genomic factors that predisposechildren to cancer, which will assist with preventionand treatment strategies into the future.

The three-year project brings together Gar van’sstate-of-the-art capability in whole genomesequencing and analysis, and Australia’s nationalpersonalised medicine program in childhood cancer,the Zero Childhood Cancer Program, led by theChildren’s Cancer Institute and the Kids CancerCentre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.

Such an exceptional vision, however, requiresexceptional generosity and dedication. While LCIF

has committed $2.7 million and ALCCRF $0.5million – the country’s biggest philanthropicdonation for kids cancer – the remaining $0.8million required for project completion still needs tobe found. Lions members are encouraged tofundraise for the project throughout 2017, andclubs or individuals can set up their own onlinefundraising page to encourage donations. To learnmore, visit genomepower.org.au.

GENOME POWER: decoding kids’ cancerHow we can give others just like Ava a fighting chance


April - May 2017 9

Lions and The Garvan Institute of Medical Research are offeringkids with high risk cancers a better chance of a healthier future.

Trust Lions to be taking the next big step in kids’ cancer .Every year in Australia, almost 800 kids are diagnosed with cancers,

many of them aggressive, hard to treat and with a high risk of mortality .Although the survival rates have improved greatly for some cancers,

others still take a heavy toll on our young peoples’ lives.Lions have been helping kids with cancer for the past 40 years.But now, with the help of scientific breakthroughs in genomics, we are

taking these efforts to a whole new level. Lions and the Garvan Institute: a partnership that can save kids’lives

The Garvan Institute of Medical Research are leaders in genomics andgenome sequencing. Put simply, your genome is all of your DNA thatdetermines how your body functions. Your genome is unique to you.Sequencing your genome can reveal changes in your genes that can lead todiseases like cancer.

Now, Lions and Garvan have combined to harness the power of thegenome to radically transform the understanding and treatment of kids’cancers.Unlocking genome power. It could be a matter of life and death

The mission of the Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project is to sequence thegenomes from 400 kids with high risk, aggressive cancers. The informationgained will be used to track changes in the tumour and to better targettreatment. So each child will get precision treatment that matches theirtumour. The right treatment for the right cancer at the right time. For thefirst time, we have the science to achieve this goal.How we are going to help kids fight back against cancer

The Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation and Lions

Club International Foundation (LCIF) have committed $3.2 million to fund thegenome sequencing of 400 children with high risk cancers in Australia. Anadditional $800,000 needs to be raised to fulfil the project.

This funding will enable Gar van to undertake the sequencing, analysisand the creation of a database which can be used by researchers anddoctors worldwide. It could help kids ever ywhere have a better chance of ahealthy life.

It is also your opportunity to be part of a massive step forward in the fightagainst kids’ cancers.How you can join the fight

This initiative is not something that will happen some time in the future. Itcan start today. The science and technology are available now. The doctorsare waiting. And most importantly, our kids’ lives depend on it. Here’s howyou and your club can get involved:• Raise funds in your community. It may be a Lions Biggest BBQ or one ofthe many other ways that you or your Lions club work to help others. Visitwww.genomepower.org.au to set up your fundraising page• Make a direct donation online at www .giving.garvan.org.au/lions• Send a cheque to: Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project PO Box 7033 WestLakes, SA 5021• Call us on 1300 73 66 77 (9am to 5pm AEST)Genome Power. Let’s take it to cancer

A joint initiative of Australian Lions Childhood Cancer ResearchFoundation, Lions Clubs International Foundation and the Gar van Institute ofMedical Research.

* Donations of $2 and over are fully tax deductible. You will receive a receiptfrom Garvan Research Foundation (the fundraising arm of the Gar vanInstitute).

Let’s take it to cancer


10 Lion

WORK BEGINS: On hand to see Colin Beauchampscreening Nat Cook MP were (from left) Professor BrendonCoventry and Katrine Hildyard MP and (right) Rachael Sporn(CEO of the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation).

The worth of skin screening was evident when 38 people weredetected with life-threatening lesions at a free weekendscreening organised by South Australia’s Waikerie Lions.

Held under the banner of the Lions Cancer Institute of WesternAustralia, the screening examined 221 community members and alsoreferred 54 people to their general practitioners.

Spokesperson for the project and Waikerie Lions Club cabinetdirector Joe Vikor said the local appointments were booked out almostas soon as they opened.

“We had about 80 people we couldn’t accommodate due to a fullappointment book, so it shows there is a real need for this in ourcommunity, and it was pleasing to see people taking the time out fortheir health,” Joe said.

“Funding for this project comes primarily from Lions clubs and otherdonations and there is no charge to the patient for the ser vice.”

No formal prognosis or diagnosis was offered to those screened, but anyonebelieved to have an area of skin that required further investigation was handeda sheet with an indication of the area of concern shown on a skeletal drawing.

The person screened was then urged to make an urgent appointment withhis/her nominated general GP to have the area of concern investigated further .

Joe Vikor said it was disappointing to see that out of the 221 peoplescreened, only 120 had previously had a screening.

Undertaking the screening were Siva Lowings, Chris Lowings and ColinBeauchamp, all from Western Australia.

Lions Club skin screenings act as a filtering agency; and the referral rateaverages between 27% and 30% when 100 patients are screened, and 63 ofthose would normally not have any suspect lesions.

The protocols under which the Lions screening program operates aredesigned to support local medical practitioners, giving nominated medicalpractitioners more time to deal with the patients who have problems rather thanlooking at patients with clear skin.

Adapted from a story by Sonia Fowler, The River News

Lions lead charge against skin cancer

NEW SKIN CANCER UNITLions from all over South Australia came together tocelebrate the launch of their new Skin Cancer ScreeningUnit at the Torrens Parade Ground in Adelaide City.

Hosted by news media personality Graeme Goodings, thegala presentation featured an iconic sausage sizzle for thepublic and music from high energy band The Borderers.

Presiding at the launch was South Australian Governor HisExcellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, supported by a hostof dignitaries and sporting personalities.

FREE SCREENING DETECTS 38 WITH AT-RISK LESIONS

The screening team.


April - May 2017 11

The fact that a Lion has opened his garden toraise funds is not all that newsworthy. What isnewsworthy is that this gardening Lion islegally blind.

So proficient a gardener is he, people recentlyflocked to his garden to admire its quality .

Lion Col Willmott and his wife, Lion Pam, raisedmore than $3000 for Macular DegenerationResearch by opening the beautiful garden of theirWonthaggi North, Victoria home.

The garden, covering almost an acre, has been

planted and designed by Col assisted by Pam.More than 250 people visited the immaculate

garden on the open day.Col suffers from Macular Degeneration and,

despite being legally blind, is an avid gardener andalso the local Wonthaggi’s club’s “BBQ chefextraordinaire”.

He first discovered he was suffering thedegenerative eye condition 15 years ago.

Macular Degeneration occurs when the smallcentral part of the retina, known as the macular,

degenerates.The retina is the light-sensitive ner ve tissues at

the back of the eye.In the past 20 months, Col has re-established the

garden with native plants and says gardening is agreat outdoor interest for him.

“I used to love fishing but I can’t take the boatout now, and I like to be outside, ” he told the localSentinel Times.

“If I have a go at something I always like to havea proper go at it.”

Picture courtesy Sentinel Times

Blindness can’t stop Col!He might be legally blind but this green-thumbed Lion is a sho wstopping success

John White was the toast of N2’s FigtreeLions Club recently when DG Sharon Bishoppresented him with a Lions Internationalaward for 50 years of ser vice.

In the past half centur y John has held ever yportfolio except the treasurer’s job.

Since joining in 1966-67 he has been a tirelessworker not only for the club but also for othercommunity organisations in the Illawarra.

As a cancer carer, he regularly drives cancer

patients to and from Wollongong Hospital fortreatment and is a volunteer driver for the UnitingCare Aged Care facility at Farmborough Grove.

Why did he join Lions? “My wife Yvonne’sformer boss Michael Baker was a foundationmember of Figtree Lions Club and he got meinvolved,” John said “He was the tailtwister and Iwas always getting fined. I used to think ‘how doeshe know about that’ and realised he must havebeen eavesdropping on Yvonne at work!”

Meet a Lion who’s always on the go


12 Lion

When Donna Fuller, a 42-year-old communications support sergeant at the Cairnspolice station, was holidaying on Norfolk Island last year she suffered a brainaneurysm.

Toowoomba West Inc Lions are celebrating a stunning $100,000 payofffrom their 2016 Christmas Wonderland event.

The money, which has already been handed over to worthy causes ($32,000each to local LifeLine organisations, Toowoomba Hospital Foundation andToowoomba Hospice, with the balance going to several minor beneficiaries), wasraised via gold coin donations.

It is a record for the event.Held nightly as a light show in the Botanic Gardens section of Toowoomba’s

Queens Park from the first Saturday night in December up to Christmas Eve, thelatest Christmas Wonderland was a logistics marathon, with 690kg of sausagesbeing cooked, 620 loaves of bread being used, 14,500 glow products beingsold and 12,000 artistically tied balloons being given out.

The organising team worked two days a week throughout the year beforethe event and it’s estimated total hours worked during the 22 nights were4,434.

Attractions included choirs, bands, dance performances, rovingentertainers and schools entertaining on two big grassed dance areas.

“Without the generosity and support of our sponsors, our volunteers, ourproject committee, and our local community, this event would not be able tohappen,” said project chairman and manager Marshall Cox.

So far the annual festival has returned $854,500 to the Toowoombacommunity through nominated beneficiaries.

The club hopes this year’s event, a celebration of the 100th anniversar y ofLions International, the 70th anniversary of Lions in Australia, and the 10thanniversary of Christmas Wonderland, will lift returns over the $1 millionmark.

Airlifted to Brisbane hospital, Donna

underwent operations to relieve pressure on

her brain, suffering eight strokes, becoming

paralysed down her right side and enduring

severe speech difficulties.

Since that time Donna has undergone a

series of rehabilitation and speech therapy

sessions which are providing slow but steady

progress.

Early in Donna’s therapy it became evident

her quality of life and mental and physical

recovery were being compromised by a lack of

everyday mobility.

Cairns Barrier Reef Lions were called in to

assist fundraising with a ‘Get Wheels For

Donna’ campaign and, together with an

Australian Lions Foundation grant and money

collected by Donna and friends and family ,

$8,500 was raised for a wheelchair.

With the aid of her wheelchair and ongoing

therapy, Donna has moved back into her

modified home unit and with the support of

friends and her police colleagues stoically

battles the day-to-day challenges and

frustrations that have become an unwanted

intrusion into her life.

Wheels for sergeant Donna

Toowoomba West’s record $100,000 Wonderland

Lions Cheryl Orton, Debbie McAlpine and Sandra Tessmann catch up with theCaped Crusader during the record-breaking event.


Just a few years ago Jordan Green

was named 2014 National Winner of

the Lions Youth of the Year program ...

now he’s part of Australia’s defence

forces.

In July last year he became a

Lieutenant in the Army and late last year

was involved in a New Caledonia exercise

with military personnel from Australia,

France, Canada, Chile, Fiji, Japan, New

Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, United

Kingdom, United States and Vanuatu.

Its aim was to facilitate training

designed to collate regional partners in the

event of extreme and adverse weather

conditions requiring immediate response

by coalition forces. It was the first time

Jordan had commanded Australian troops

overseas and at times he also was in

command of foreign troops.

13April - May 2017

Youth of the Year winner Jordan tastes Army action

Leos on the leadership trail in BaliFour Leos from Cherrybrook Leo Club in N5recently attended a Leo Leadership Camp atthe Puri Taman Sari Resort, Bali.

The weekend camp, hosted by the Leos and

Lions of MD307, is an annual event for Leos in

their area, but through the connective power of

social media, the Australian Leos were invited to

join them.

The Cherrybrook attendees were Leos Khushal

Polepalle, Aparna Vishwanathan, Gayara

Welegama and Gajan Shivaramanan, and they all

declared it a fantastic success. They were

overwhelmed with the welcome they received and

have come back full of excitement and

enthusiasm for their future as Leos. Here is a

summary of the weekend from Leo Gajan:

FRIDAY The reception we received was

unbelievably welcoming. We were picked up from

the airport and taken straight to the resort by Leo

Rah Angga of the Bali Shanthi Leo Club. Although

our flight was delayed by two hours, he had

waited for us and our dinner had been saved.

SATURDAY We were split into different teams

and conducted a number of great leadership

strengthening exercises. We were given the

opportunity to speak in front of the Indonesian

Leos and Lions and contribute our ideas. Most of

the Leos were exceptionally strong in English so

translation was not a problem (although there

were some times when we felt a bit confused,

but then a Leo would turn to us and explain what

was going on).

We particularly enjoyed Lion Anthony who gave

a few powerful motivational talks about what it

means to be in a position of power and how we

can instil change and turn dreams into goals.

SUNDAY We were given a tour of the beautiful

rice fields which surrounded the resort over a

one-hour walk. When we returned we had a

period of reflection where the Cherr ybrook Leos

had the opportunity to get together and plan what

we wanted to bring back with us to Australia. Weengaged in a lot of networking with the Indonesian

Leos and Lions whom we hope to keep as close

contacts in the future. All up it was the best

experience we have ever had as Leos and can only

hope we get the opportunity to do it again.

TIME OF THEIR LEO LIVES: The N5 Leos – (above,left to right) Aparna Vishwanathan, GajanShivaramanan, Gayara Welegama and KhushalPolepalle – rate the leadership camp as providing thebest time they have had as Leos to date.

GETTING TOGETHER: The Bali leadership camp(left) offered a welcoming vibe to all, including the fourAustralians.


14 Lion

From Council Chairman Rodd

FROM THE MULTIPLE DISTRICT

Greetings to all themembers of ourwonderful Lions familythroughout Australiaas we enter the finalquarter of our Lionsyear. Wow, time doesfly.

It will soon be ourNational Convention in Hobart, Tasmania. With anentertaining and informative program planned forlooking forward and looking back, and a superblocation, this will be a great opportunity for you tohelp in the centenary celebrations. Remember, ithelps everyone if you register early rather thanleaving it to the last minute, so go to the website oryour district newsletter, complete and lodge theregistration form. See you there.

We are also at that time of the year for clubelections, asking our Lions to stand up and supporttheir club and their community. It is the opportunityto have a go, to be part of our growing organisationand helping to meet the need wherever it is. Clubmembers need to support those taking theopportunity to lead and I ask that you assistwherever you can. I commend all those who arestepping up to be community leaders

The Council of Governors met in Januar y andhad a very productive meeting which includedagreement to support the Long Range DevelopmentCommittee’s road map for the strategicdevelopment of Lions Australia for the foreseeablefuture. The District Governors Elect were alsobriefed on the plan and displayed their support andencouragement. This is an exciting opportunity forus all as we move into our next centur y of service.

I am aware that many clubs participated inCitizenship Ceremonies on Australia Day where theaspect of Lions serving their community was easyto see. I congratulate all those clubs and Iencourage other clubs to be involved where theycan offer membership of our organisation to thesenew Australians to support their new communities.

I mentioned last month how the lead-up to ourNational Convention between March and May is awonderful time for clubs and districts. This is whenthe Club Youth of the Year competition is finalised

with District and State finals and the states conducttheir Leo of the Year Final. All this culminates in thedisplay of their skills and talents at the Youth of theYear and Leo of the Year Finals at the MDConvention in Hobart. Once again these are greatopportunities to sell Lions to visitors. In Hobart, thefinal is on Monday 8 May and a number of localschools have been invited to attend to view thisshowcase event. This is an excellent opportunity toadvertise what we do and invite members of thewider community to come along and listen to theyoung people speak.

March to May is also time for our annualmembership drive. A time when all Lions in

Australia canfocus on seekingto expand ourservice byencouraging newmembers to joinour organisation.It was interestingto read that at theend of February,639 of our 1224clubs had addedat least one newmember thisLions year, that isjust over half theclubs. Imaginewhat an outcome

it would be if all clubs added one new member .Our International President Bob Corlew hashighlighted that for every new Lion, 70 members ofa community can be ser ved. So service is the key.That is something we can be proud of as Lions.

Saturday 4th March was identified as acommunity Lions Awareness Day, where clubsacross Australia were encouraged to have a streetstall to tell the community about Lions and ourcentenary and to offer the invitation to ser ve. Thiswas a great opportunity for Lions to engage with thecommunity and I was ver y happy to hear somewonderful stories of engagement and success. Asin most things, it just takes a little effort and theresults will be achieved. Thanks to the clubs that

participated and to the District Governor teams thattook on the challenge to make it work. If youmissed out, make a plan for next year.

During this period I attended the Youth Exchangemeeting in Brisbane and was pleased with thepositive atmosphere of the meeting and thededication of the various representatives. Lionsshould be proud of all that is being achieved in thisyouth area, however it does require you and yourclubs to be engaged for the program to workeffectively. Hosting is the way to go. Share a coupleof youth visitors with members of your club, learnfrom and enjoy the experience, it really is a life-changing undertaking. Sign up now.

In March I had the opportunity to attend theQueensland State Leo Conference and what anexperience that was. I engaged with energetic andfocused young people who want to make adifference and have fun, a tiring but excitingweekend. It was great to see. I also jumped acrossthe ditch to visit the NZ District 202J Conventionand to engage in a bit of sportsmanship before therugby season started – I know I will not have anychance then. Suffice to say, they do thingsdifferently, however like us in Oz, fun was the mainingredient and another great weekend of friendshipwas enjoyed.

The management team will meet in early April toplan for the final quarter of the year , review theprogram for Hobart and to prepare for the rest ofour centennial celebrations. They are a great teamlooking after so many aspects of our organisation toensure our members are supported and ourprograms developed to meet the needs. Thanks,Team.

Remember, whilst it is nice to be busy , it is betterto be engaged and involved, because that meansyou are doing it with others who share your dreamsand ambitions. Service to others is the best work inlife.

Keep well, smile and be happy as We Serve.– Lion Rodd Chignell

‘At the end ofFebruary, 639 ofour 1224 clubs hadadded at least onenew member thisLions year ...Imagine what anoutcome it wouldbe if all clubsadded one newmember’


15April - May 2017

Students at The Cathedral School in Townsville (Q2) certainly felt the lo ve on

Valentine’s Day, thanks to members of the school-based Leo c lub.

In what is becoming an annual tradition, Leos spent the week leading up to Valentine’s

Day taking orders for roses and serenades, then delivered them all on Tuesday 14 February.

There was great excitement as students received roses, heart-shaped chocolates or cards

from their peers, but it was the lunchtime entertainment that really got the school buzzing.

Everyone gathered in the quad to watch as Leos Emelie and Ramona sang love songs while

two cupids, Leos Abbie and Chanel, danced around the lucky recipients of the serenades.

It was all done in the spirit of friendship and inclusion, with students recognising their

teachers and their Year 7 buddies, as well as their special friends. In keeping with the heart-

shaped Valentine motif, the Leos donated the funds raised to the Heart Foundation.

Leos share the love on Valentine’s Day

FLOWER POWER: Leos Jerome and Emelie prepare to deliver roses on Valentine’s Day.

Victoria’s V2 Lions Club of Lara is celebrating the LionsInternational Centenary by relaunching itself into the communitywith a brand new look for the ne xt century.

The club has come up withan exciting new logo to bedisplayed on clothing, on itscaravan, on new signage andin advertising, public relationsand correspondence.

“It’s out with the old but notforgotten, and in with thenew,” said Lara President JeffCahn.

The club hopes the cleanyet striking lines of the logowill portray it as innovative

and progressive.“The members

believe the newlogo will assist inthe way weinteract with thecommunity as avibrant and activeclub that is pro-active as well asbeing re-active tosituations thatrequire our assistance,” said Jeff Cahn.

Along with the Lions logo itself, the traditional Lions colours of blue andgold are used with a silhouette of the You Yangs, a familiar mountain rangenear Lara, being reversed out of a gold semi-circle.

Lara’s new look for a new centur y

If you think Australia needs greening up , you might wantto activate your club’s members to volunteer as sitecoordinators for Schools Tree Day on Friday 28th July orNational Tree Day on Sunday 30th July.

Planet Ark’s popular campaign, now in its 22nd year, continuesto inspire the hearts and minds of ordinar y people wanting to doextraordinary things.

Tree Day engages the community in hands-on fun, positiveenvironmental action, in places where they live, work and play.

“Our research also tells us that we are happier , smarter,calmer, and healthier when we connect with nature, ” said PlanetArk’s PR and media manager Carol Warwick.

“We are looking for coordinators who can host public plantingevents at local parks, Landcare or re-generation sites, sportsfields, scout halls or an event for their community at a school orpre-school, place of worship or a workplace.”

Anyone wishing to register as a site coordinator can visittreeday.planetark.org, call the hotline on 1300 88 5000 or visittheir local participating Toyota Dealership.

Calling all tree lovers


16616 Lion

Although India has one of the f astest growing economies inthe world, an estimated 50 percent of Indians lack propershelter. An overwhelming majority of the population does nothave access to adequate sanitation or secondar y education.

Lions in Ireland are teaming up with Lions in India to help the poorin rural areas to help themselves.

Lions of District 106 I in Ireland are partnering with the Arni SilkCity Lions of District 324 A4 in India to help women break the cycleof poverty. Together they received a US$50,000 Core 4 grant fromLions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) to fund a microenterpriseprogram for single and widowed mothers. LCIF believes thatmicroenterprise boosts the economic wellbeing for those who live ator below the poverty level and have limited skills and capital but whoaspire to improve their situation.

The Lions are working with Nandri, a nonprofit in Ireland, and ChildAid Trust (CAT) in India to provide microenterprise loans to single andwidowed mothers. Most of the women who participate in CA Tprograms are illiterate and support their families through menial labor .They are part of the Dalit caste, the lowest social class in India. Thewomen are denied access to traditional credit or loan options.

The women are given a loan of Rs. 25,000 (approximately Aust.$482), which they repay at a one percent interest rate for 25 months.Some women use their loans to purchase a cow whose milk they cansell on an ongoing basis. Some choose to purchase sewing machinesso they can find consistent work as seamstresses. Others open smallshops to sell snacks and cold drinks in their communities. All of theseoptions allow the women to be more independent and to feed andeducate themselves and their children.

Lions are involved in ever y step of the process, from reviewing loanapplications to distributing cheques. Lions from both countries ser veon an advisory committee, providing financial oversight, organisingpublic awareness events and even training beneficiaries onbudgeting.

Lourdu Mary, a destitute widow in the village of Moranam, receiveda microenterprise loan. She lives with her two children in a small hutwithout electricity or proper sanitation and works as a daily labourerin a field. She used her loan to purchase a cow . Selling the cow’s milkfor food and dung for fuel is helping her meet her family’ s basicneeds every day.

Since piloting microenterprise grants in 2014, LCIF has funded sixprojects in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Ireland and Kenya, totallingUS$475,000. More than 1,200 loans have been issued.

For information on LCIF’s microenterprise grant program, visitlcif.org.

Microfinance loans provide an option for women to break the cycle ofpoverty and support their families.

Reaching acrossborders to fight poverty

Lions Youth Exchange programmust renew to remain relevantThe Lions Youth Exchange program has enabled thousands of youngAustralians to travel overseas and experience foreign cultures while stayingwith host families.

It also allows us as Lions to welcome young people from overseas to our countr yand share our homes and relaxed lifestyle with them.

In global uncertainty and rising extremism, youth exchange is even moreworthwhile, embraced by Lions to promote tolerance and understanding among allpeople and inspire and educate our young.

Young Australians are not only great ambassadors for us, they return home betterpeople, more confident and mature and often with a life-long thirst for travel.

The young people visiting Australia have similar life-changing experiences, makinglife-long friends with our host families and each other . They are also greatambassadors for Australia. Consider the Italian city kid covered in dust, working withpoddy calves on an outback property. He couldn’t have been happier!

Or the Malaysian girl shopping and catching a train by herself for the first time,swimming at a deserted beach and eating Tim Tams. She wants to study here now.

All good news, but the Youth Exchange program requires renewal and greaterfinancial security. The numbers of overseas participants are stable, but youngAustralians travelling overseas on exchange have crashed from over 500 at its peak

to only 37 in 2016.There is greater competition from schools and other bodies offering overseas

travel, study and exchange but it’s clear our programs require more oxygen. Andrunning the Youth Exchange program in Australia for overseas visitors is expensive,logistically challenging and running on a deficit.

MD Council, chaired by PDG Rodd Chignell, has adopted findings of a white paperprepared by the Youth Exchange sub-committee offering a forward strategy. It will beconsidered further by National Convention in Hobart.

There is a suite of measures aimed at boosting outbound Australians; improvingthe experience for overseas visitors; cutting costs of the youth camps and improvingtraining of Lions who organise visits.

Youth Exchange is more than providing free holidays for already privileged youngpeople. It’s about opening the world to kids, many from humble backgrounds, whooften scrimp and save and fundraise to be selected and sponsored by their Lionsclubs. Lion Tony Reading, National Chairman

Youth Camps & Exchange, MD201 – Australia

YOUTH EXCHANGE: Isabella from Brazil meets a dinkum Aussie.

LCIF


April - May 2017 17

There were pigs and people aplenty when NSW c lub Tathra heldits third annual pig racing event earlier this year .

The club’s most successful so far, it attracted visitors from near andfar and even included a dog high jumping event.

Held at the Tathra Beach Country Club, it was run by Kevin Kiley ofNoah’s Thoroughbred Racing Pigs who has raised well in excess of $1

Be the local community heroMany non-profit organisations would love toorganise movie nights for their community, toentertain, to bring people together, to educate,or to fundraise.

Unfortunately, many have limited funds, and that’swhere Lions clubs come to the rescue.

Why not purchase a small outdoor cinema package(for 150-500 viewers) and loan it to your localcharities and other non-profit organisations? Youcould also use it at your club – at youth camps,Christmas parties, for presentations, fundraising andfor entertainment.

Many service organisations support localcommunities and bring joy with outdoor cinema.

Robyn Bryant, the secretary of Dalwallinu LionsClub, shares her experience in using inflatable cinemapackages from Smart Digital: “We use it a lot, andgive it to other organisations. It is a fantastic product,we love it. Set up is ver y easy, audio is good, and sois image quality. We gave it to the local agriculturalsociety show, to the local racing club – they wereshowing films of racing events – and to the localfooty club, to name a few.”

Apart from watching movies, the portable cinemacan be used to watch live sports events (popular withsports clubs) and for gaming (great idea for youthprograms). All in all, outdoor cinema is a truly visiblegift to your community.

For more information, visit www.smartdigital.com.au

million for charities over the last 16 years.Kevin, who runs events from Cairns to Hobart, told

the local Bega District News that about 80% of thosewho attended had never before been to pig racing.

Said Tathra President Anthony Dack: “It takes a lot oforganising and coordination and would not be possiblewithout every member of our club and their partners.We also got helpfrom members ofthe public andother clubs.

“We invited theBermagui LionsClub and they soldmore donuts thanever before.”

HOME BY A SNOUT!


18

When South Australia’s Glenside Lions visited the Restless Dance Theatre earlier this year theybrought with them a much welcomed surprise.

They presented a $15,000 cheque for a portable rostra seating platform to be used at the Adelaidefacility.

The studio provides opportunities for youngpeople with disabilities to participate in high leveldance performances.

Previously when Restless held performancesat the studio, they needed to hire a rostra toprovide suitable viewing for the audience.

Glenside Lions Vice President Ian Digby andLion Paul Turner presented the cheque to thetheatre’s business development manager BelindaHellyer (see picture above).

In turn, Belinda and the company’s managertreated Lions to a tour of the facility .

PEDAL POWER: Victoria’s Torquay Lionsrecently swapped Lions shirts for hi-viz safetyjackets to marshal traffic during the Cadel EvansGreat Ocean Road Race near Geelong. PeterMcMahon (left) and Harvey Price prepare to stoptraffic as the cyclists approach.

Dancing to the tune of $15,000


April - May 2017 19

MD201 CONVENTION:5 May to 8 May 2017

The Three Capes Track

Tasmania is like nowhere else on the planet.It’s a place where Tasmanian devils roam,where paddock-to-plate means heirloomtomatoes foraged that morning and whereover 1,000 peaks beg to be c limbed. InTasmania, everything’s close. Cruise a remoteSouth West harbour by day and be sippinglocal pinot in the vibrant capital comenightfall. Expect the exceptional.

THREE CAPES TRACKThis track is worldclass and mud-free, leaving thedolerite cliffs and sweeping Southern Ocean viewswith your full attention. The four-day trek beginswith a Pennicott boat trip from Port Arthur HistoricSite and the huts are designed with comfort andTasman Peninsula views in mind. Forty-sixkilometres, so spectacular. DISTILLERIES, VINEYARDS & CIDERIESLike your Tasmanian whisky? Highland distilleriesawait you. Curious about the Apple Isle’s rosy redstransformation into moreish cider? Head for TheApple Shed. Like your Tasmanian wine served withPacific oysters? Bangor Oyster & Wine Shed enroute to Port Arthur Historic Site is calling. Thereare some 20 distilleries now across the island,including newbie Nonesuch Distillery near Sorell. Orenjoy Bill Lark’s best on the waterfront, NantWhisky’s Salamanca bar, Captain Bligh in town andShambles Brewery in Elizabeth Street. GIN MAKINGEver wanted to make your own gin? At BillMcHenry’s distillery on the Tasman Peninsula youcan using water from his on-site spring. WithBespoke Tasmania Tours, whip up your own mix ofTasmanian botanicals, then bottle and label yourvery own spirit. Outdoor lunch up in the hills,complete with a McHenry-poured cocktail is all partof this day out.

GREAT EASTERN DRIVEThis is the stuff of car commercials – azure waterhugging tarmac bends and a ribbon of white sandybays into the distance. There’s oysters and wildlifeand vineyards and berries and blow holes andmore, plus the new Devil’s Corner with woodfiredpizza and fresh seafood! TEE OFF AT KING ISLANDThere are two very fancy golf courses (CapeWickham and Ocean Dunes) so head over. Alongwith world-class golf, there’s surfing, King Islandcheese, exploring and more. KAYAKINGEat fresh fish and chips from the deck of a kayak inthe heart of a capital city. With Hobart Paddle, enjoya twilight paddle. Roaring Forties run a host ofkayaking trips including Hobart’s Beaches, Cliffsand Caves and multi-day adventures to the SouthWest. TAMAR VALLEY WINE ROUTEMore than 30 wineries dot the cool-climate valley ,from Pipers River to Relbia. Plan your day around afavourite whether the Leaning Church Vineyard withits tilted dwelling, the famous bubbles of JanszTasmania or a long lunch beneath the trees ofJosef Chromy. There’s always Relbia Lodge directlynext door so you can wake up and do it all againthe next day. SOUTH WEST WANDERINGIt’s a wild place that South West Tasmania!Untamed. But Par adds a touch of luxur y with itsSouth West Wilderness Camp. Spend two nightssleeping near the shores of Bathurst Harbour,waking to freshly cooked breakfast and beingferried by private boat to secret coves and walkingtrails. Feel like an early explorer atop peaks thathave stood unchanged for millennia. A once in yourlife experience.

CRADLE TO COAST TREATSKentish ale, wasabi cheese, Belgian truffles, self-bottled whisky … be tempted on this mountain-to-beach feasting trail. And remember – it’s okay toeat choc-dipped raspberries for breakfast. Just askChristmas Hills Raspberry Farm. TWO WHEELED FUNMountain-bike fever is sweeping through Tasmanialike a madman on his first downhill descent.Hollybank and Blue Derby are the latest additions toa new range of parks and trails not far fromLaunceston Airport. Whatever your riding level, ridethrough Tasmania’s forests on breathtaking descenttrails or cruise custombuilt tracks. Or grab a freeArtbike or a Mona bike and explore Hobart city at aslower pace. FEAST HOBART-STYLENew restaurants and watering holes are all over thecity. Aloft Restaurant and The Glass House bring anew sophistication to the waterfront, Urban Greekfills big shoes in the former Garagistes space andfurther up on Elizabeth Street is The ShamblesBrewery. Then there’s Pancho Villa, Frank, Templo,Franklin, the list goes on. For a six-course gourmetbreakfast including Lark whisky, go for aprogressive walking feast with Gourmania. FLY HIGH OVER THE TARKINE WILDERNESSChopper high above ancient tracts of rainforest,some of the largest on the planet. Fly the length ofsweeping, empty coastlines and over sandy dunes.Flights range from 30 to 90 minutes. CANYONING AT CRADLEHead to the alpine reaches of Cradle Mountain andclimb into a wetsuit. Cradle Mountain Canyons runtrips where you jump, swim and abseil throughancient canyons. Suitable for all abilities and thoseas young as eight

MORE DETAILS: www.discovertasmania.com.au


LCIF is invested inhumanityThe Foundation plans to raise$50 million annually in the fightagainst measles and otherchallenges facing the world

LCIF is raising the stakes. And we’re doing itat a time when the need couldn’t be greater .

For nearly 50 years, the Foundation hassupported the life-changing work of Lions, servingsome of the most vulnerable people and theneediest places on earth.

Now, as we prepare to celebrate our 50thanniversary in 2018, we have set a goal of raising$50 million a year. We know the goal ischallenging, but it will position Lions for evengreater impact in our communities, and our world.

We can fund more vision screenings and cleanwater systems, build more clinics and rebuild more communitieswhen disaster strikes. We can do more in the fight against measles, a

preventable disease thattakes the lives of 300children a day. That’swhy the Foundation ismobilising Lions andworking with globalpartners like Gavi, the

Vaccine Alliance, UK’s Department for International Development andthe Gates Foundation to end the epidemic. With an estimated 17.1million deaths prevented from 2000 to 2014, we know Lions aremaking a real difference.

The Foundation wants to do more because global needs aregrowing. In 2015-16, LCIF raised $39.5 million, but awarded $45million in grants. And Lions are launching a new global ser viceframework that will require the Foundation’s support. It will takeincreased funding to keep pace with the growing demand for ser vice.

Through the support of Lions, LCIF can reach its $50 million goaland bring more hope to the world.

Keep reading to find out how we’re already doing just that.

We’re proving kindnessmattersLCIF is helping more people than ever before

HUMANITARIAN RELIEFHour after hour Mary Ndundo (pictured above), a middle-agedseamstress, bends over her sewing machine in Nairobi. She lives andworks in Kibera, Kenya’s notorious slum. Since she received a smallloan thanks to LCIF and Lions, her business has taken off. She is

sewing batches of tracksuits and sweaters for schoolchildren, and herlandlord has expanded her shop. Ndundo is one of many women nowbetter able to provide for their struggling families because of an LCIFmicroenterprise project. Small loans enable the women to purchasesupplies and equipment to start or expand businesses. The Lions ofDistrict 411 A in Kenya, in partnership with ASA Kenya, areempowering the poor to take control of their own destiny .

NURTURING YOUTH“OK, all of you are going to the principal’ s office.” That’s what LeahRoberts told her seventh-grade writing class. But the students weresent out of the room not for misbehaving but to receive praise forcommendable conduct. A shy student, reluctant to share his writing,had been encouraged by classmates, who chanted his name. After

Together with our partners, wehave prevented millions ofmeasles deaths

– Joe Preston, 2015-16 LCIF Chairperson

LCIF ANNUAL REPORT


Tourism Tasmania/Sean FennessyTourism Tasmania/Richard Eastwood

Roberts read aloud what he wrote,there was “not a single snicker – onlypraise”. That kind of positive behaviourhas been part of the classrooms atWayside Middle School (see photobelow left) near Fort Worth in Texassince it implemented Lions Quest,LCIF’s social and emotional learningprogram. Roberts credits Lions Questwith increasing her students’enthusiasm, integrity, citizenship andcompassion. Lions Quest was adoptedby the Eagle Mountain SaginawIndependent School District in FortWorth thanks to a $300,000 grantfrom the Nova Foundation. Lions Questhas trained more than 600,000educators reaching more than 14million students in nearly 100countries.

SAVING SIGHT

In El Salvador, an impoverished nation terrorised by violent gangs, parentswhose children have vision problems often have nowhere to turn. Healthcare resources are poor or non-existent. The Benjamin Bloom NationalChildren’s Hospital in San Salvador is the nation’ s sole public hospitaldedicated to children. But thanks to LCIF and Lions, children in El Salvadorare finally getting their vision corrected (see photo above). The Lions ofDistrict D2 in El Salvador received a SightFirst grant for US$53,601 toexpand the National Program for Pediatric Low Vision at Benjamin Bloom.The grant facilitated infrastructure upgrades and human resource trainingfor 28 eye-care professionals. Through LCIF, Lions save sight in El Salvadorand around the world.

PROVIDING DISASTER RELIEFTyphoon Soudelor devastated the Western Pacific region andclaimed dozens of lives in the summer of 2015. Monsoonrains, high winds, flooding and landslides left millions offamilies without water, electricity or shelter. LCIF respondedimmediately with a US$10,000 Emergency grant, awardedto the Lions of District 204 Micronesia for relief efforts inSaipan (see photo above). A US$200,000 Major Catastrophegrant was awarded to Multiple District 300 Taiwan to assistwith both immediate needs and long-term reconstruction.The LCIF Emergency Grant program provides financialsupport to Lions and other partners engaged in disasterresponse and recovery efforts. When a disaster strikes andmakes the news, Lions want to help. LCIF gives them thatopportunity. “When I see someone that’s been devastated, Ijust ache for them. And I want to do as much as I possiblycan for them,” says donor Lion Terri Oster of the WestHempstead Lions Club in New York.

And we’re doing even more. Read more life-changing stories at LCIF.org.And turn the page to read of LCIF’s $50million goal.


Hope is within our reachIt starts with achieving our $50 million goal

Each person and family in need motivates us to keep pushing forwardtoward our goals. And each act of kindness and ever y dollar matterswhen we’re investing in hope. Because it isn’t always easy to comeby when people are struggling. But through the efforts of Lions andLCIF, hope can be restored.

The numbers prove it. In 2015-16, the Foundation impacted thelives of more than 44 million people, undertaking large-scale projectsthat lead to healthier communities, brighter futures, and lasting hope.Each of those 44 million is a real life like Mar y Ndundo, whose lifewas improved thanks to an LCIF microenterprise project. That’s why

LCIF matters.What’s more, LCIF

is truly yourFoundation. Everydollar flows backinto ourcommunitiesthrough the effort ofLions. And eachdollar is spent whereit will have the mostimpact and

managed with full transparency. Not surprisingly, our Foundation hasreceived a four-star rating – the highest awarded – from CharityNavigator for six consecutive years.

It’s true, raising $50 million a year is ambitious, especially in anage when engagement in volunteer organisations is declining. That’s$10 million more than the Foundation raised in 2015-2016.

Achieving that goal will require renewed commitment, compassionand exceptional generosity. But most of all, it will take all of us – all1.4 million Lions – joining together, ever mindful of the lives wechange through service, never forgetting the joy that comes from

LCIF could not accomplish any ofthese feats without thecommitment of Lions around theworld. Give careful considerationto how you and your club willcontinue to make dreams cometrue in the future.

– Joe Preston, 2015-16 LCIF Chairperson

Every $10 mattersWe can vaccinate 10 children or feed a family after anatural disaster.So give today!LCIF.org/donate

helping others and the smiles that greet us. If every Lion gave $10 to the Foundation, we wouldn’t just meet our

new fundraising goal, we would far exceed it. With LCIF supporting thework of Lions, and Lions supporting LCIF, there’s really no limit to howmuch hope we can restore to the world.

A mother waits with her child for a vital measles-rubella vaccination.

Read the full letter and annualreport at LCIF.org/AnnualReport

LCIF is the story of hope.

LCIF ANNUAL REPORT


April - May 2017 23

When members of Victoria’sTorquay Lions Club saw the brightlycoloured letter boxes produced byclients in the metal workshop of thelocal Foundation 61 drug andalcohol rehab centre, they knewthey were too good to remain asecret.

So the club is promoting them fromtheir BBQ trailer during local marketdays.

“Although the Torquay Lions havecommitted $50,000 over the next fiveyears to provide accommodation forresidents at Foundation 61, we thoughthelping them with letter box sales wouldbe a small extra we could do for them, ”said Vice President Patricia Blane.

Foundation 61 aims to empowerpeople who are confronting life

controlling issues so they can restorecontrol in their lives and contributepositively to mainstream society.

“Metal-working and wood-workingare two of the ways we help our clientslearn activities which could be of valueto them as they get their lives on track, ”said Foundation 61 Program DirectorRob Lytzki.

“We provide a range of programsincluding a Drug & Alcohol RehabilitationProgram, a Transition House, a Women’sProgram, and Community Support.

Foundation, a charitable organisation,provides a live-in community at MountDuneed, offering hope and direction forpeople who have drifted frommainstream society, but not exclusively,because of the use of drugs andalcohol.

When Baska Desha joined the Lions Club ofMacGregor, he wanted to give back to hislocal community. Now, several years later, hisimpact is being felt much further afield.

In 2016, after losing a close friend to prostatecancer and having another recently diagnosed,Baska decided he wanted to find a way to bringawareness to the disease.

“I’ve supported breast cancer in the past, but Iwanted to support this cause that was now close tomy heart – and I remember John Grimstone (ProjectChair for Lions Prostate Cancer Research andTreatment project) talking about prostate cancerresearch at Mater and I thought OK, I’d like to

support that,” Baska recalls.“More men die of prostate cancer than women

die of breast cancer, and I think we need to changethat.”

Baska was still brainstorming fundraising ideaswhen his wife took him to a concert featuringfolksinging group Cloudstreet – and he enjoyed it somuch he held a $40-a-head fundraising concertand dinner.

Local businesses supplied prizes, includingweekends away to the Sunshine Coast and a trip toAuckland courtesy of Dreammaker Travel.

“Other Lions club members also helped withprizes. I think we ended up with about 25-30 prizes

to raffle off on thenight!”

Hoping to have150 people attend,he had a sell-outwith some needingto be turned awayas the venue was atcapacity!

In that oneevening Baskaraised $7200 for theLions ProstateCancer Researchand TreatmentProject, whichsupports prostatecancer research atMater.

THE FACTS: PROSTATE CANCERIn Australia today, nine men will die fromprostate cancer.

Even more heartbreaking, one in ever y six men ispredicted to develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.

At Mater , we believe that ever y man diagnosedwith prostate cancer deser ves a better future. Andjust like Baska and the Lions Club of MacGregor, youcan help change the lives of these men by raisingfunds for prostate cancer research.

Mater’s world-class research institute – MaterResearch – delivers medical and clinical researchthat aims to translate their findings from ‘bench tobedside’ as quickly as possible; directly benefitingpatients at Mater , across Australia and around theworld. Right now, a number of promising and world-leading prostate cancer research projects areunderway, including the development of a vaccine forprostate cancer.

Associate Professor Kristen Radford and her teamhave come a long way in developing a therapeuticvaccine which would enable a person’ s immunesystem to kill cancer cells and eliminate them fromthe body . If successful, we could see thedevelopment of a ‘next generation’ therapeuticvaccination which would offer a practical, and moreaffordable, treatment approach for use in men withprostate cancer.

For almost two decades, Mater’s researchers havebeen working around-the-clock to improvediagnostics and treatment for a range of cancersincluding prostate – but there’s still so much to do.

For more information, visitmaterfoundation.org.au.

A nifty fundraising idea pays off for prostate cancer research

Sharing the mail on a good idea

Foundation 61’s Rob Lytzki (left) shows Torquay Lions President Brian Keanesome of the metal letterboxes manufactured by people being rehabilitatedfrom drug or alcohol addictions. The Lions have committed to maintaining twobedrooms at the Mt Duneed centre for the next five years.


24 Lion

LIONSOUT AND

ABOUT

TEA ANYONE?: There was fine china aplenty when C1’s LionsClub of Tea Tree Gully, in conjunction with the local council, held itsannual art show. All items, including 170 paintings, were producedby local artists.

ON SHOW: To celebrate the start of the Lions Centennial y ear, South Australia’s Yankalilla Lionsconstructed this blue and gold float complete with birthday cak e and candles. It was part of aparade through the streets of Normanville

DROP-IN HELP: When visiting pretty Lake Cathie in NSW, Lionsonoz member PDG WarrenWhite helped out Lake Cathie Bonny Hills President John Hayes and his wife Lion Sandy onbarbie duties, to raise funds to build a skateboard rink. With them is a satisfied customer.

STRIKING: Torquay (Vic) Lion Bob Tyler of the Surf Coast Relay forLife Committee was a vision in purple and y ellow before walking hislaps. The committee raised $68,500-plus for the Cancer Council.

CAKES & COOKIES: There were lots of goodies on offer when Sydney’ s Mareeba Lionessesheld a successful Teal Ribbon cake stall to raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Australia. The finaltally from the event was $1500.

Lion-April-MayApril-May-24-32 Sect 4_template Lion 16/03/2017 7:50 am Page 24

April - May 2017 25

HIGH ACHIEVERS: After donating $24,000 to local causes in the past y ear, itwas no surprise that Victoria’s Kiewa-Tangambalanga Lions were presentedwith the Community Organisation of the Year Award by the local Indigo Shire.

WHEN YOU’RE HAPPY SHOW IT: Meet a happy Lions in service. Fran Bellatiwas in celebration mode to support the Centenar y float created by Yankalilla Lions(see other picture at left).

LIQUID ASSET: Bellarine Peninsula Lions and Barwon Water and Geelong CityCouncil representatives open a new drinking/rest stop provided by the clubs on theBellarine Rail Trail, which links Geelong with the historic port of Queenscliff .

STEPPING UP: It’s Youth of the Year season and Natasha Pedersoli and Lac hlanFalzon were delighted to be named overall winner and public speaking winnerrespectively at the Sunbury Hume club’s event in V1-4.

HAPPY BAND: There were smiles all round when (from left) Oliver Friendship(overall winner), Hannah Hewitt, James Clare and Mary Gleeson took part in theTewantin Noosa club’s Youth of the Year final.

TOP UP TIME: Sydney’s Kings Langley Lions raised $1000 at the local shoppingcentre to assist victims of the r ecent Hunter Valley bushfires, then promptlydonated another $1000 to the Queanbeyan bushfir es victims.


Lion26

Country broadcaster Marcia Wells from Wauchope NSW is the 2017Peel Valley Lions’ Country Music Charity award winner.

She was presented with the annual award, first handed out in 1994, duringthe Tamworth Country Music Festival.

The award is for significant contribution to the community by way offundraising, helping others and through a connection with Australian countrymusic.

Marcia has been a broadcaster with Community Radio 2W ayFM for morethan 40 years and, through the station, has been part of a team that hasraised well over $130,000 for charities and organisations.

Most recently she organised a concert to help raise funds for a bust ofsinger Chad Morgan to be erected in Tamworth’s Bicentennial Park.

Like many of the previous Peel Valley Lions Club Country Music CharityAward recipients, Marcia is a quiet achiever, going about her fundraising andcharitable work with a humble attitude that belies the hard work behind it.

Marcia was presented with the traditional Fred Hillier ‘outdoor dunny’sculpture and a donation of $500 in her name to her local Riding for theDisabled live on air.

She was nominated by the Lions Club of Wauchope.

Correct sailIn the last issue of the LION in the stor y“Centennial 2017 Sets Sail”, there is aninference that Lion Jim Williams might haveinstigated the entire Sailability program. In factJim, a Lion for 57 years and a life member for25 years, instigated the Sailability project inToronto.

Marcia takes off country charity award

Marcia Wells with awards chairman, Peel Valley Lion Terry Hill.

FACING UP TO ITVictoria’s Bendigo Lions Bec Day and Mar y Thomas happilyundergo some face painting at a r ecent fundraiser CelebrationDay for Emily, daughter of local couple Natalie O'Neill and Luk eSimons, who has bone cancer. The event was arranged by Bec,Chairperson of the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer ResearchFoundation and Bendigo President.

The Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation(ALCCRF) is $20,000 better off thanks to the Lions Club of Jer visBay Inc. and its association with a local amusement compan y.

The company, Joylands Amusements, has long staged a large carnival inHuskisson at Christmas and for one matinee performance each year itallows the club to run the ticket booth and to take the proceeds.

The happy arrangement was established by the “grandfather” ofJoylands Amusements, George Melonas, a former Jervis Bay Lion, and hislate wife Joy.

“Even though George is ‘sort of’ retired now and the running of Joylandshas been handed over to his grandson, Greg, you can usually see Georgearound the carnival and he is always up for a chat while at the same timekeeping a watchful and grandfatherly eye on all the proceedings, ” saidJervis Bay publicity officer Jeff Thomas.

“George has always had a passion for the plight of children and inparticular in their fight against cancer and has made many generouscontributions to our funds over the years.”

The donation was made up of money collected from the club’ sassociation with George and Joylands over the past 12 months.

“This is one of the larger donations to ALCCRF by an individual Lionsclub and hence we are immensely proud of our efforts and thankful for ourcontinued association with Joylands Amusements and in particular withGeorge Melonas,” said Jeff Thomas.

HANDOVER: George Melonas (right) presents the $20,000 cheque to LionsDistrict ALCCRF Chairman Ken McLeish.

Happy association brings$20,000 bonanza forchildhood cancer research


April - May 2017 27

Australian music icon Joe Camilleri and his Black Sorrows headlined a festiv al of 30 bandsthat drew $8000 to raise a wareness of mental health problems in young people and to help insuicide prevention.

The festival, the Mane Event, was organised by Victoria’s Lions Club of Leopold.

It’s the third year the club has supported the festival, which has quickly become a popular annual

event.

Proceeds went to Headspace Geelong that ser ves the needs of young people with mental health

problems through Western Victoria.

The $8000 was presented to the CEO of Headspace, Malcolm Scott, by PCC Bob Gilchrist and the

festival founders Jon Gilchrist, Mick Ryan and Tristan Gall (see picture below).

Leopold Lions ran a barbecue to add to the donation.

Facebook page for pastand presentAs your Community Engagement Officer I haveset up a Facebook page named “Roar” for allLions, LEOs both past and present as well asanyone who has had anything to do with Lionsat any time in their life.

The page was created for anyone who has beeninvolved in any of the Australian Lions youth projectsincluding, but not restricted to, Youth of the Year,Youth Exchange and LEOs. As well as anyone who isor has been involved with Lions Clubs International.

It is to give our youth and both past and presentLions members a chance to keep in touch with ourLions family and hopefully become inspired to join orre-join a Lions club some time in the future.

I invite all current members to follow and share thepage among your friends and fellow members andpost inspiring stories about all of the fabulous workthat we do in our local communities each and ever yday.

To find the page, type the following address intoyour browser:www.facebook.com/groups/1839956549619365/

PDG Dale “Toby” CrawfordMD Community Engagement Officer

Joe Camilleri blasts to the tune of $8000

It might have seemed just a fun way to spend aday, yet the annual golf day of V ictoria’s Laraclub raised $10,000 and provided the LaraCommunity Centre's Occasional Child Careprogram with updated educational teachingaids for children up to 5.

The program’s staff are dedicated to providingchildren with a supportive, caring, stimulating andeducational environment.

yoursayLions’ letters

$10,000 for childcare centre


INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION


South Australia’s Hahndorf Lions recently joined with others in thecommunity to acquire and outfit a bus as an outside broadcast unit forthe local 88.9FM community radio station based in Mt. Barker.

The vehicle, a secondhand Toyota 25, was given at a discount price to the

station by local bus company Lofty Coaches but needed an estimated $44,000

to bring it up to standard for broadcasting purposes.

Hahndorf Lions have a close affinity with the fledgling radio station, having

given it $1000 three years ago to help with start-up costs, in return for a half-

hour session on a Thursday morning each fortnight to talk about Lionism and

more particularly zone clubs.

Much of the money was raised by the Hahndorf, Mt Barker and other Zone 5

clubs, supplemented by a contribution from the Australian Lions Foundation.

At a function

earlier this year, the

club’s President

Jenn Hodgson,

widow of the late

Lion and the former

Hahndorf Zone 5

Chairman Roy

Hodgson, presented

a cheque for

$20,000 to the

station general

manager Chris

Carpenter.

Hahndorf Lions can’t be accused of missing the bus


Lion

LEOS IN ACTION

New WA club hits the ground runningWaroona Leo Club (W2) is still in its first year ofoperation, but its members are certainlymaking a mark in their local community , asmall town just over 100km south west ofPerth.

Their first BBQ project was cooking forNAIDOC Day last July, and they have honedtheir skills on several more events since then.

The Leos have been involved in CommunityTask Force jobs such as helping to clean up theSenior Citizens Kitchen, St Vinnie’s StorageShed, the Girl Guides Hall and Forest EdgeRecreation Camp. They also collect newspapersfor recycling (pictured below), earning $150 aton when they have gathered enough.

Recently Waroona Leos hosted their firststand-alone event – The Amazing Race.Twenty-four teams entered in their cars tofollow directions on a course, completing tasks

along the way and collecting items on ascavenger hunt. Leo Zach Faulkner wavedeverybody off with a special chequered flag inthe Leos colours of blue and gold.

At least one member of each car crew hadto be dressed as a Disney character and it wasreally impressive to see the efforts that hadbeen made by so many members of the localcommunity (see picture below). Costumesvaried from Snow White to Captain Jack

Sparrow to Woody andBuzz from Toy Story,but the most popularcharacters were MinnieMouse, including onewhole family dressedas her and Peter Pan,who was alsorepresented by a wholeteam called the PanClan.

Twenty members ofthe Waroona Leo clubran the day, either bydoing a morning shift at

the cricket ground registering the contestants oradding up score sheets, adjudicating and awardingprizes at the finish at Drakesbrook Weir, or in manycases doing both. It took a long time to organise thisevent and the sub-committee, led by Project LeaderXaviar Deleo, did a fantastic job. Leo Fedele Francosingle-handedly worked out the route, clues,questions and answers, scoring and scavenger huntsheet. A truly fantastic job!

Recognising ExcellenceCongratulations to Leo

Katherina Blekic (SunraysiaLeos, C2) who has receivedan International Leo of theYear Award. Following hersuccess in the national Leoof the Year competition in2015, she was nominated byMD201 for the internationalaward. She is one of 40 Leosworld-wide to be selected byLCI to be recognised forexcellence in Leo service,leadership and development.

Congratulations also to Leo Selina Tsang (MarianLeos, V2) who received the Young Citizen of the YearAward on Australia Day from Brimbank City Councilfor her outstanding service to the community. Inaddition to a very successful year of fundraising bythe Leo Club, Selina has volunteered at St Vinnies OpShop in Sunshine, visited the Woornack NursingHome to give out Christmas presents andvolunteered at the Leos Community BasketballTournament. Selina also represented the communityof Brimbank while on a ser vice trip to Vietnam thatinvolved building houses within a village community .

Time to think aheadThis is the time of the year to start thinking about

who might deserve recognition at handover functionsin June/July.

A Leo Award of Honour can be presented to a Leowho has made an outstanding contribution to theirclub or community during the year. This medallionand ribbon can be purchased from the LionsAustralia Shop for $40.

A Graham Pearce Award can be presented to anyLion, Lioness, Leo Advisor or Leo in recognition ofoutstanding service to the Leo club program. Theaward costs $500 and funds contribute to theMD201 Leo Development Fund. This prestigiousplaque can be ordered from the MD Leo Chairman –further details and an application form can be foundon the Leo page of the MD201 website.

Leo Club Awareness MonthApril is on the Lions International calendar as Leo

Club Awareness month. This is an opportunity forLeos and Lions to raise awareness about theimportance of engaging young people in thecommunity through the Leo Club Program. What willyour club do?

Leos and Lions – ser ving together!Toni Lanphier

MD201 Leo Committee Chair


April - May 2017

YOUTH OF THE YEAR

By the time you read this, the National Final forthe current year will be imminent. We will havehad about 2000 young Australians participate thisyear. Whilst just six will progress to the NationalFinal, all participants will have gainedimmeasurable benefits and experiences from theirparticipation.

After attending the Lions International Youth Camp atRotorua, last year’s state winners travelled to Perth asguests of the Lions Club of Fremantle. They were shownthe sights of Perth and Fremantle and travelled toBusselton where we were hosted for lunch by theBusselton club. After a swim at Australia’s longest jetty,it was off to Capel, where we were hosted by RileyFaulds’ grandparents. In Perth and Fremantle the groupvisited the Perth Mint, the Lions Eye Institute, the EarScience Institute of Australia, Hillarys Boat Harbour, WAMaritime Museum and Kings Park.

The group also attended receptions by our sponsorNAB and the City of Fremantle. An interesting cricketmatch was played by our national finalists with a groupof disabled people at Point Peron. (One of the group, athird grade cricketer, was dismissed for a duck in hisinnings).

The National YOTY sub-Committee’s appreciation isextended to the Lions Club of Fremantle and inparticular Lion Margaret Amm.

The YOTY Facebook page is active once again and isthe best way to keep abreast of YOTY news and events.

Brian Williams, ChairmanLions Youth of the Year Program

NATIONAL FINALISTS ON TOUR: Theirtravels included (from top right, clockwise) aNAB reception, a meeting with the DeputyMayor of Fremantle Cr. David Coggin, a catch-up between Riley Faulds and Inter nationalPresident Bob Corlew who was visiting Perth,an icecream break at Gnomesville nearDardanup, and a visit to the Lions HearingFoundation’s mobile screening unit at the EarScience Institute.



Documents

100 YEARS OF SERVICE WORLDWIDE - Lions Clubs Internationallionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/The... · moving ahead with a new service platform. Our past is still relevant,