OPERATION FLOOD RELIEF

FEB-MARCH 2011

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Round-the-worldRound-the-worldsailor Jessica Watsonsailor Jessica Watsonjoins Lions flood appealjoins Lions flood appeal

OPERATION FLOOD RELIEFOPERATION FLOOD RELIEF

Lion-Feb-March-1-7 Sect 1 _template Lion 2/2/11 11:22 AM

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Lion – Australia and PNGLion - Australia and Papua New Guinea edition ispublished bi-monthly for the Multiple District 201Council of Lions Clubs International and circulated toall members.Published by MD201 Council of Governors and printed byPMP Print, 37-49 Browns Road, Clayton Victoria 3168.An official publication of Lions Clubs International, the Lionmagazine is published by authority of Board of Directors in21 languages: English, Spanish, Japanese, French,Swedish, Italian, German, Finnish, Korean, Portuguese,Dutch, Danish, Chinese, Norwegian, Icelandic, Turkish,Greek, Hindi, Polish, Indonesian and Thai.Editor: Tony Fawcett, Fawcett Media20 Millett Road Gisborne South VIC 3437Phone: (03) 9744 1368Email: [email protected] Enquiries: Lions National Office31-33 Denison St, Newcastle West, NSWPhone: (02) 4940-8033Lions Australia website: www.lionsclubs.org.auDeadlines: 1st day of month before cover date.MD201 Council of Governors: Ray Marks C1, GrahamSmithers C2, Peter Clarke N1, Warren Woods N2, CliffColeman JP N3, Richard Leonard N4, John Harrison N5,Lesley Lyons Q1, Patrick D Lynch Q2, Beverley Bates Q3,Neville Luckel Q4, Ken Gatehouse T1, Graeme Lukey V1-4,Max Oberlander V2, Shirley Higman V3, Anthony StockdaleV5, John Beale V6, Bill Laundy W1, Terry Gray W2.Distribution of Magazine: Clubs and MembersAdditions to distribution list, deletions, changes of addressand of club will be made only when advised through theClub Membership and Activities report. Non-Lions, librariesand other organisations who wish to advise changes shouldcontact Lions National Office, Locked Bag 2000NEWCASTLE NSW 2300, Tel: 02 4940 8033 email:[email protected] Executive Director – Peter LynchManaging Editor - Dane La Joye, Lions Clubs International300 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842 USAExecutive Officers President Sid L. Scruggs III, NorthCarolina, USA; Immediate Past President Eberhard J. Wirfs,Kelkheim, Germany; First Vice President Dr. Wing-Kun Tam,Hong Kong, China, Second Vice President Wayne A. Madden,Auburn, Indiana, USA.Directors First year: Yamandu P. Acosta, Alabama, USA;Douglas X. Alexander, New York, USA; Dr. Gary A. Anderson,Michigan, USA; Narendra Bhandari, Pune, India; JanezBohori , Kranj, Slovenia; James Cavallaro, Pennsylvania,USA; Ta-Lung Chiang, Tiachung,Taiwan; Per K. Christensen,Aalborg, Denmark; Edisson Karnopp, Santa Cruz Do Sul,Brazil; Sonja Pulley, Oregon, USA; Krishna Reddy, Bangalore,India; Robert G. Smith, California, USA; Eugene M. Spiess,South Carolina, USA; Eddy Widjanarko, Surabaya, Indonesia;Seiki Yamaura, Tokyo, Japan; Gudrun Yngvadottir,Gardabaer, Iceland.Second Year: Enrico Cesarotti, Rome, Italy; Luis Dominguez,Mijas Pueblo, Spain; Gary B. D’Orazio, Idaho, United States;Yasumasa Furo, Dazaifu, Japan; K.P.A. Haroon, Cochin,India; Carlos A. Ibañez, Panama City, Panama; Ronald S.Johnson, Maine, United States; Byeong-Deok Kim, Seoul,Republic of Korea; Horst P. Kirchgatterer, Wels/Thalheim,Austria; Hamed Olugbenga Babajide Lawal, Ikorodu, Nigeria;Daniel A. O’Reilly, Illinois, United States; Richard Sawyer,Arizona, United States; Anne K. Smarsh, Kansas, UnitedStates; Jerry Smith, Ohio, United States; Michael S. So,Makati, the Philippines; Haynes H. Townsend, Georgia,United States; Joseph Young, Ontario, Canada.

C O N T E N T S

4 Operation mercy

6 Lion’s on-the-spot account

7 Jess joins Lions’ red bucket brigade

8 International President’s report

10 Barry meets world Lions leaders

12 Council chairperson’s report

14 Taking dental care to Kenyan orphans

18 Peta power!

20 Sunbury – birthplace of the Ashes

24 Around the nation

26 Official announcements

28 Executive summary

30 Your say

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

Page 7 - Jessica Watson aids Lions

Page 8 - And the money rolls in

Page 4 - Operation mercy

Our c

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COVER: When help wasneeded, round-the-world yachtswomanJessica Watson put herhand up to focusattention on flood relieffundraising byQueensland’sMooloolaba Lions. Seestory page 7.Photo courtesyviewnews.com.au

‘We serve’

ContributionsContributions for the April - May2011 issue should be submitted byMarch 1 to The Editor, Lion magazine,Fawcett Media, 20 Millett Rd,Gisborne South, Victoria 3437 oremailed [email protected]

Connections, influence, friendship, philanthropyFebruary - March 2011 Volume 92 No. 1


The Queensland devastation viewed from anAustralian Army Black Hawk helicopter droppingsupplies.This photo and photos bottom far left and bottom far rightcourtesy Australian Defence. Photo right third from bottom:Wikipedia/Timothy Swinson. All other photos courtesy the NineNetwork.


OPERATION MERCYWhen floods struck, Lions stood up right across the nation

to do what they always do best They’re images of heartbreak and sufferingthat will live long in our memories.

But even before the waters had subsided fromthe recent flooding in several Australian states,Lions were on the job doing what they knowbest – making a difference.

Whether rattling tins and buckets in shoppingcentres or selling sausages outside hardwarechains, they were at work helping their flood-ravaged fellow Australians to get back tosomething resembling a normal way of life.

Blankets and clothes firstLions everywhere were quick off the mark

with drop-off points for blankets and newclothing. In Nowra, NSW, a transport companyquickly had goods heading to Queenslandvictims.

Fresh crays to rescueIn the South Australian coastal town of Robe, Lionsgot hold of two large and extremely fresh crayfishthat they raffled. The crays brought in $662 in fourhours, while a barbecue and donations addedanother $1147.

$100 note stuffed in tinTasmania’s Wellington/Latrobe Lions found

one of their collection tins with a $100 notestuffed inside.“The generosity of the Australianpublic knows no bounds,” said club secretaryPeter Feenstra. Meanwhile, Tasmanian Lionsjoined with other clubs and the Tassiegovernment in joint fundraising, with thegovernment matching funds dollar for dollar.

Kiss and a hug for 93-year-oldWhen collecting, Lugarno Lion Elvio Munzone wasapproached by an elderly lady who simply said“Sonny, I would like to make a donation”. Elvioasked the lady’s age and she happily replied 93,

opened her purse and took out money for breadand milk and kindly donated 50 cents. “Sorry, that’sall I have,” she explained. Elvio gave her a kiss anda hug of thanks.

Sandbags, $60,000 & Gen YIn Tewantin, like elsewhere, Lions filled

sandbags and prepared meals for SESvolunteers while processing donations ofclothing, furniture, bedlinen, books and otherusable items. In Mackay, Lions sold food at aflood relief concert and in Mooloolaba morethan $60,000 was snared by fundraising. Vice-President Fred Smedley noted much came fromGen Y donors, noting some were “teenagers intheir early 20s, with studs in their noses andpants down their backsides, the ones you mightloosely call louts; it just goes to show, you can'tjudge a book by its cover.”

Singing for donationsSydney’s Hornsby Lions joined with choristers

from the Sydney Philharmonic on bucket-rattlingmall walkabouts singing You Are My Sunshine, thencombined with Apex, Hornsby Shire and Leos todispense 1500 free sausages and hold a five-hourvariety concert in the mall.

Lockyer Valley man donatesIn the tiny NSW town of Boorowa, Lions tell

of a donation from a man working in their areawhose home was in the flood-ravaged LockyerValley. He ruefully told them his home would“likely be gone” but that he still wanted todonate. “The open big-heartedness of peoplewas amazing,” said collector Mary Lou Carter ofthe Lions Club of Sydney Special Olympics InnerWest. “One little girl came up and said she hademptied her money-box to give money to theflood victims so the little children could buytoys.”

Norfolk rattlingDespite its small population and an impending

cyclone, the Lions of Norfolk Island raised morethan $4000 in just two and a half hours of bucketrattling at an intersection. Two later donations of$1000 boosted the tally.

Cash cowsFarming Lions from Victoria‘s Yarram club

auctioned off cattle to raise funds for embattlednorthern farmers to buy fencing equipment andfodder. “We learnt a lot from the bushfires in2009,” said president Brian Hall. “People wantto know that their donations are going directlyto those affected, to help them get back ontheir feet.”

Sandbags on the moveIt wasn’t just in Queensland and NSW where

Lions reacted. As flood waters encroached onHorsham in Victoria, Lions from all around the areagot an urgent plea to help their Horsham mates fillsandbags. “Thank God for mobile phones,” quippedDG Max Oberlander. Lions from clubs includingHeywood, Cavendish, Ararat, Edenhope and Gorokefilled about 90,000 sandbags ... and when Horshamhad been saved the sandbags were trucked on todefend Warracknabeal.”

Slippery dip swells coffersMore than 80 anglers did their bit for floodvictims by catching eels in the Manning Riverclub’s annual Eel Bash at the Taree Racecoursedam. Their slippery efforts helped raise $20,000for victims and St John Ambulance.


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The Australian Lions Foundation is urgingfellow citizens around the country to“take pride” in assisting the flood-stricken victims in Queensland, as thenot-for-profit organisation commits$200,000 through Lions relief andrecovery work.

“We are all shocked and saddened by thedevastating and tragic floods which havebeen, and are still, ravaging Queensland andSouth Eastern and Central NSW”, ALFChairman Paul Logue said.

“Our Foundation is consulting with theDistrict Governors of the affected areas andhas provided funds to assist the districts andtheir clubs to undertake relief and recoveryefforts.

“At this stage we have committed$200,000 to flood relief, with more supportin various forms still in the pipeline,” Paulsaid.

In a true collaborative effort, LionsAustralia has established a simple process tofacilitate local Lions club donations aroundthe country, filtering them directly to theNational Lions relief effort.

It is devastating times like these thathighlight the value of being part of such anorganisation; making it easier for individualsto gain support as well as contribute andgive back to the community.

Funds will be predominantly used tocover cleaning up, replacement of food,clothing, bedding, white goods, children’sschool requisites toiletries and medications.

ALF donates$200,000

Lion’s on-the-spot accountAs the waters started rising around Rockhampton, Lion Bernadette Harris was there torecord how our members quickly mobilised for what would become a major disaster

ROWING HOMELion John Pearson of RockhamptonMt Archer Lions Club canoes homein North Rockhampton.

For Rockhampton Lion Bernadette, thesefloods were all about how her fellow Lionscoped so bravely and well.

“In Theodore I was deeply touched speakingwith PDG Spencer and his Lion wife JeanetteRose, both elderly. These two wonderful Lionskept cooking and serving food to emergencyworkers and their crews when the drama firstarose. Finally they had to be evacuated to theTheodore Golf Club. If they had gone sooner theycould have been with family or friends in comfort.

They were sleeping onmattresses on the flooralong with eight otherevacuees taken to thegolf club.

“Every day PDGSpencer went out byboat with the other mendoing whatever could bedone. They tell jubilantlythat water didn't entertheir home – just thesheds and their amazinggardens that have

supplied floral displays for District Conventionshere in Q4 for many years. The gardens are allgone now.”

Bernadette reports that Bundaberg Lionscontinue to work tirelessly in collecting goods.

“In Emerald I spoke with President Gary

O’Dwyer and he relays heart-wrenching stories ofloss and destruction. Their den was submergedand they have lost equipment, records, food andfurniture – but they haven’t lost their Lions spirit.

“When I spoke to Gary he was busy moving ayoung couple with a baby who had lost all theirpossessions into the Lions den, which they wereable to call home until better arrangements hadbeen made. When asked ‘What can we send tohelp?,’ Gary replied “food, money, clothes,furniture, beds, fridges, toasters ... ‘just anythingthat makes a house’.

“Gayndah was another badly hit town with anelderly Lion having his house go completelyunder water. The people of this small place arebanding together to assist those affected.”

Bernadette told of Lions helping others whentheir own homes were in danger and of theproblems many are facing.

“We have severe shortages of food andessentials with many, many products notavailable – and when they’re flown or transportedin by barge the cost is really high and the panicbuyers snap them up.

“Would you believe toilet paper is one of themost sought after items? Snakes and vermin arealso a huge issue as they are flushed out of theirhabitats and are seeking dry places to live. Thepestilence of sand flies and mosquitoes isanother matter of grave concern.”

She said Rockhampton Lions have beenswamped with offers of assistance fromclubs in Q4 and interstate. “This is a trulyawesome exercise in seeing Australianslooking out for each other and I’m proud tosay Lions are in the thick of it, going abouttheir business in their quiet unassumingmanner and remembering to offer a smileof encouragement along the way.”

‘Lions arein the thickof it, goingabout theirbusiness intheir quietunassumingmanner’


7February - March 2011

Lions and clubs donating should make their cheques payable to their District

and send them to their District Treasurer (with a note indicating the ultimate

destination for funds – e.g. “NSW/Qld Flood Relief”, “Vic Flood Relief”, “Tas

Flood Relief”, “WA Flood Relief” or even “General Flood Relief”.

Funds will be dissected into appropriate accounts so that the money will be

granted to the correct areas in due course by the Australian Lions

Foundation.

Further details are on the Australian Lions Foundation Website:

www.lionsclubs.org.au/alf.

Or download a PDF at

http://www.lionsclubs.org.au/download/ALF-revised-donation-procedure.pdf

So easy to donate

Photo courtesy viewnews.com.au

Jess joins Lions red bucket brigade

Around-the-world sailor Jessica Watson gave Mooloolaba Lions’collecting an added boost when she lent a hand at the local SunshinePlaza shopping centre.

Jessica signed autographs, books and t-shirts and chatted with fansbetween taking donations for flood victims.

“It’s incredible to see everyone pulling together to start on the clean-upeffort,” said Jessica who had promoted appearance beforehand on her web

blog. “My thoughts are with everyone affected,” she said before heading offto Germany on a promotion.

Jessica came forward of her own accord to help Lions, happily shaking ared bucket for shoppers to donate. She said she “just wanted to dosomething little to help”.

As this edition of the Lion magazine went to press, Mooloolaba Lions hadraised more than $60,000.

The mop-up begins ... an Army relief helicopter hoversover a flood damaged home in Grantham.

Picture courtesy Australian Defence.


CalendarCalendarchanges;changes;service isservice isconstantconstant

By Sid L Scruggs lll, President,The International Association of Lions ClubsThe world of Lions is a bit upside-down as much of the worldviews life. As Lions, instead of a focus on working and makingmoney, we concern ourselves with serving and making lifebetter for others. In a world often divided by borders, languageand culture, we find unity in service. As we move into the newyear, our annual Lions calendar has reached the halfway mark.

It’s been a privilege to serve as your international president forhalf a year and witness the incredible zeal for service Lions of theworld have. I have asked Lions to renew their service commitmentand thousands have done so. I have encouraged Lions to embracethe four global service action campaigns and to take on newprojects related to youth, sight and hunger. In April, I’m sure Lionswill take on innovative and effective projects to protect theenvironment

Service is what we do and defines who we are. Our service is apositive way to increase membership. It happened with my club,the Vass Lions in North Carolina. We jumped from 12 activemembers to 65 members by increasing our service activities. Ourclub invited younger parents by working with the Boy Scouts andsponsoring the Peace Poster contest and a Leo club. We brought inpeople interested in hands-on service by being involved with Mealson Wheels, health and eye screenings and delivering food baskets.We attracted people who wanted to be part of a larger, successfulorganisation with a global outlook but involved in local projects.

I tell this story not just out of pride but to encourage other clubsand offer a blueprint for club success. When we are a Beacon ofHope to others, we also shine a light on ourselves. Being active inthe community allows us to be visible, viable and worthy of joining.

I initiated the Bright Start Awards to encourage district governorsto engage and invite new members for service. Our MembershipDivision at headquarters can offer expert guidance to developprojects to encourage new members and retain our currentmembers. Please visit the Member Centre on the website of LionsClubs International for more information.

As we move further into the second half of the Lion year I thankyou for all your service and encourage you to be a Beacon of Hopein your community. Among your New Year’s resolutions pleaseinclude a continued commitment to our mission of service.

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And the money rolls inLions toil for flood victims

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February - March 20119

1. DG.Max Oberlander and Lion Graeme Barr fromHeywood fill sandbags to counter the Horsham flood.

2. Usha of Sydney Nepal Himalaya club and ElvioMunzone of Lugarno shake their buckets.

3. Thanks to the baking efforts of Fiona Turner of LoganLadies Business Club, relief workers were kept fed.

4. Riverstone’s Lorraine Smith on duty.

5. Ray Phillipson and Bill Newbold with masses ofmoney Hornsby Lions collected.

6. Norfolk Island Lions collected more than $4000 inabout two and a half hours at an intersection.

7. Davy Lee and Cheryl Landon-Jones of Castle HillLions traded smiles for donations

8. Oatley Leo Club President Agnes Chan collecting.

9. Even the young wanted to donate.

10. Brisbane McGregor Inc members at work.

11. Boorowa has just 1200 people yet local PresidentBarry Miller and Secretary Marilyn Miller joined withother Lions and clubs in collecting more than $4000.

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10 Lion

attending to show them who we are and why I amseeking their support.

Anne and I thank you all for the wonderfulsupport, words and letters of encouragement wehave received. We are so very grateful.”

As can be seen by PID Barry’s report, he andAnne will be away for much of January in Southand North America presenting themselves tovarious forums, meetings and conventions.

As part of Barry’s campaign he has in place afundraising committee whose brief is to raise fundsto assist with associated campaign costs.

A successful dinner was held in November atthe NSW Parliament which was attended by ConsulFu Aimin, Consulate-General of the People’s Publicof China in Sydney. During the evening Consul FuAimin addressed the meeting and in part hisspeech included the following: “We are honouredto be present with such distinguished guests andMr Barry Palmer who will one day lead such awonderful service organisation (and) who asks fornothing in return but payment in kind to our fellowman.

“As the representative for Consul General HuShan of the PRC in Sydney, who could not make ittonight, I offer my very best wishes to theendorsed candidate for the position of InternationalSecond Vice President in Seattle.”

The Fundraising Committee is currently workingwith the Sydney Inner West Lions Club to hold adinner on the 12th of February.

I have had a pleasing number of emails fromLions and partners advising that they are planningto go to Seattle and are happy to help us asvolunteers in Barry’s team – so thank you for thatBUT WE WILL NEED MANY MORE to assist us withthe tasks we have to undertake.

Please consider attending the InternationalConvention in Seattle – it will be a once-in-a-

A Happy New Year to all members of theLions Family from PID Barry Palmer AM,Chairman PID Dr Bob Coulthard AM and allmembers of the International 2nd VicePresident Campaign Committee.

We are sure 2011 is going to be a very excitingand successful year for all Australian Lions,Lionesses, Leos and Lions Partners.

Since my last article PID Barry and Lion Annehave continued their busy schedule of meeting theLions of the world in their quest for International2nd Vice President.

The following report has been submitted by PIDBarry:

“Over the past two months Anne and I havetravelled to a number of Lions InternationalForums. These have included the USA/CanadaForum, together with the Europa, OSEAL andISAAME forums.

This has provided both of us with a wonderfulopportunity to meet with many Lions and Lionsleaders from around the world and enabled me topresent myself as the endorsed Australiancandidate for the position of International 2nd VicePresident.

We have been very humbled by the support andencouragement given to us by our Australian Lionsfamily and from those many areas around theworld that we have visited.

We are such a diverse and large organisationand these visits have allowed Anne and I to speakand learn from so many Lions about what ishappening and the issues they face in theircountries. Doing this gives us a much greaterappreciation and knowledge about our organisationfor the years ahead.

This month we are going to the Lima Forum inPeru and then to attend an Executive Meeting inChicago. While in the USA I have been invited toattend the Kansas MD Winter Conference, then toconventions in Texas and California. These visits,like those undertaken previously, will allow me topresent myself to these areas and the Lions

lifetime opportunity to witness an Australian Lionelected to our International Executive. Barry willbecome International 2nd Vice President in 2011,International 1st Vice President in 2012 andInternational President in 2013 in Hamburg,Germany.

If you are planning to attend Seattle don’t forgetto register for the convention as soon as possible.You can do so online on the Lions Internationalwebsite – www.lionsclubs.org – and the sooneryou register the cheaper it is. If you requireaccommodation, that can be arranged when youregister. LCI has designated hotels for theAustralian delegation. The advantages of staying inthe designated hotels is that free transport to theconvention venues is provided and also it puts usall together for planning activities etc.

The Committee has also negotiated a specialairfare deal with Qantas.

Detailed information on all aspects of airfaresand other campaign matters can be obtained fromthe MDs and PID Barry’s website. Simply log on towww. lionsclubs.org.au where you will find detailsof the Qantas deal, and click on the link to get intoPID Barry’s website.

If you have not yet submitted an expression ofinterest to be a volunteer, please either go into PIDBarry’s website and download a form or simplysend me an email to [email protected] telephone 08 88537 285.

I have decided to call 2011 the “3V” phase ofour campaign – why you may ask? Well, there arethree Vs that are going to be absolutely essentialfor us to be successful and they are Volunteers,Votes and Victory

With your help we will have the Volunteers ANDVotes AND ... Victory!

PDG Carlene KingCampaign Committee member

The ongoing quest for International 2nd Vice President

BARRY MEETS WORLD LIONS LEADERS

That Lions spiritIt was all hands to the job whenfloods struck rural Victoria.

At Carisbrook, Lions from various clubsincluding Castlemaine and Maiden Gully-Marong converged to assist with gardenclean-ups, moving of shop stock andkitchen clean-ups.

Helpers were fed by Carisbrook andMaryborough Lions.

Pictured right taking a break from theirlabours are Bendigo and Strathfieldsayepresidents Graham MacDonald and AlanAndrews.



Dr Bob Cooter AM, one of the pioneers ofLionism in South Australia, has received manyhonours but the latest takes some beating. Hehas had a plane named after him.

Dr Bob, a charter member of the Port AugustaLions Club in 1966 and an inaugural Flying Doctor,has had a new Royal Flying Doctor Service PilatusPC12 named in his honour.

The plane also bears the names of two of hisfellow Flying Doctors, Dr John Thompson OAM(deceased) and Dr John Mickan AM.

With his two colleagues, Dr Bob pioneered thedevelopment of the RFDS in the north of SouthAustralia in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.

It’s been said that without the self-sacrifice andcommitment of the three doctors to the rural andremote communities of South Australia, the ‘tyrannyof distance’ might have crippled social and

economic development north of Port Augusta.Dr Rob, who graduated from Adelaide University

in 1952, and his two colleagues flew with the FlyingDoctor as soon as it was set up and gave their timefree for 12 years to attend patients in remote areas.

The doctors conducted daily routine andemergency phone and radio consultations whicheventually led to the creation of monthly clinics atAndamooka, Oodnadatta and Marree.

In 1966 Dr Bob and Dr Mickan made asignificant medical discovery. A previously raredisease had killed 20 children and young adults inPort Augusta, Port Pirie and Kadina. They suspectedthat the source of the disease was the Morgan-Whyalla water pipeline.

After further research they discovered a liveamoeba in the spinal fluid of a young boy – thiswas amoebic meningitis and the discovery was an

Australian first.Dr Cooter, the first life member of

the RFDS, went on to join the board ofRFDS Central Section, now RFDSCentral Operations (SA/NT), including aterm as chairman from 1985-1988.

In 1976 he established a rurallocum service, the forerunner to thecurrent rural locum model for SouthAustralia. In total, he gave 32 years ofservice to the RFDS.

In its first two months of service, thenew plane named after the threedoctors transported 214 patients from30 regional and remote locationsthroughout South Australia.

It is the third of five new medically-equipped Pilatus PC-12 aircraft to beintroduced to the Central Operationsfleet over the calendar year at a costof $30 million.

Lions doctor’s flying tribute

Dr Bob Cooter at thenaming ceremony thathonoured him and his twofellow Flying Doctors.

Dr Bob Cooter AM (left) with his two fellow Flying Doctors, Dr John Mickan AM (centre) and Dr John Thompson(deceased), who have given their names to a new Royal Flying Doctors plane. This picture was taken in 2007

(Photo: courtesy The Transcontinental)


12 Lion

From Council Chairperson Bob

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

A Happy NewYear, fellow Lions.Barbara and Ihope you had asafe andenjoyable timeover theChristmas break.

The latter end of2010 and thebeginning of 2011 hasn’t been a very happytransition for many of our colleagues and friends inQueensland and our thoughts and prayers go outto those families who have been devastated by thisincredible flooding. Our “Q” District Governors wereat the fore organising immediate assistance intheir areas, and the unreserved offers of aid andsupport from all other districts have beenoverwhelming.

Once again as with the Victorian bushfires,concerned thoughts and offers of assistance havebeen extended by our fellow Lions in MD202, aspecial gesture which reinforces the strong bondwe have with our New Zealand friends. I believeour Queensland Lions clubs will have their handsfull for many months with requests of assistance inthe aftermath of this heartbreaking disaster. Otherdistricts, I am sure, will readily give any practicalhelp they can, if and when requested.

Since my last report Barbara and I haveattended the T1 Convention in Burnie where onceagain we experienced warm Lions hospitality. I alsotook the opportunity to meet with the MDConvention Committee and host club inLaunceston. Everything is well in hand. Luckily wehave accommodation and venues secured (the AFLhas scheduled a first round football match on thesame weekend). All we need now to ensure a greatweekend Convention is YOU. If you haven’t yetregistered please don’t leave it to the last minuteto do so. It will assist the committee to prepare forcatering and seating etc. and help regulate theflow of paperwork in replying to registrations andpossible queries.

Our trip to New Zealand to attend their Councilmeeting was a great experience for us. We werewarmly welcomed by Council Chairman Robin andLions Lady Lois and indeed all the Councilmembers. While Barbara was looked after by LLLois and some partners, I was right into Lionswork, invited not only to observe but to participatein their membership summit attended by DGs andDGEs and conducted by PID Cliff Heywood and PIDRon Luxton. GMT Area Coordinator PCC TonyBenbow and PDG Bede Long also attended. It was

not surprising to see that we all have the sameproblems when it comes to membership growthand forming new clubs. The new GMT/GLTprogram format was presented; it was wellreceived and fully embraced by all. It was also veryrefreshing to note a number of young men andwomen taking up the challenge and taking on therole of District Governors for the incoming year.

Early December I attended two meetings, thefirst with the Membership Services Committeewhere the main objective was to clarify the newGMT/GLT structure and its implementation. All DGsand DGEs are now aware of the new format.

The second was with the Youth and CommunityServices Committee which gave me a greaterinsight into the varied programs we conduct inthese areas. Our Peace Poster project is a greatway of allowing young people to give visualexpression to their thoughts on a chosen topic. Thejudges and I had a difficult job choosing the winnerfrom the very talented group of entries. There isdefinite growth in new Leos clubs. Coupled withthe Youth of the Year these continue to be ourquality youth projects and the basis for our Lionsmembers and leaders. Youth exchange is goingstrong although there are not as many outgoingexchangees as incoming this year. I haven’t gotenough space to do justice to our Children’sMobility and our new Children’s Childhood CancerResearch programs but I encourage you all to lookinto them and support them where you can.

The December Management Meeting was heldin Newcastle which gave me the opportunity to seethe new National Office and meet and ‘put a faceto’ the hard working and dedicated staff.

At the time of writing this the January Councilmeeting has not taken place. A report onevents/outcomes etc will have to be left over untilthe next issue.

In conclusion, may I again remind you of theimportant events coming up to note in your diary;the MD Convention in Launceston in April, theInternational Convention in Seattle in July and theANZI Forum on the Gold Coast in September.Finally, to our Queensland friends, Barbara and Ihope that by the time you receive this communitiesare well underway to recovery and you are back tosome normality.

Bob Gilchrist‘Lions caring and sharing in service’



From Executive Officer Rob

Little events have a habit of growing.Just ask the Lions of the NSW CentralWest town of Dunedoo.

In 2008, they launched Art Unlimited, andwhat had been a local Lions club arts andcrafts show was transformed into an eventthat has attracted artists, photographers andceramicists from around Australia and theworld.

Since the first Art Unlimited show inDunedoo (population 800) three years ago,prize money has risen to more than $10,000.

First place prize money of $3000 isoffered in each of the competition’s threecategories (hanging art, photography andceramics), with winners decided by aneminent panel of art judges. There is also apeople’s choice award of $500, sponsored bySullivans CRT Dunedoo. The third Art Unlimited

event is on May 20-22 2011. Tickets are nowavailable. For details, visit

www.artunlimitednsw.com.au or ring NormaGallagher on 02 63751107.

As we read thismagazine, no Lionin Australia will beuntouched by therecent flooddisaster that hasreachedcommunities acrossthe country.

Our hearts go out tothose who have lostso much, and I am sure we keep in mind the longroad that there will be to recover and rebuild.Although this is a time of great hardship and loss, itis also one of those times when our organisationshines. While our rivers rise and flood, all of us willhave also read the flood of e-mails – tales of Lionswho have staffed the evacuation centres, openedtheir homes, camped on street corners and railwaystations raising relief funds or arranged convoys ofessential goods in to the flood-stricken areas. Ourcommunities know, too, that we will be in there forthe long haul.

It seems that these disasters occur all tofrequently, and it is so important that we look to ourown sustainability and renewal, to ensure that wewill always be there to help.

One of my roles is to contact the many applicantsfor Multiple District positions following Councilmeetings – some with the good news that theyhave been offered a position, others with thanksthat they put themselves forward for consideration.In some cases, incumbent applicants are notselected for positions. Although these wonderfulLions have given excellent service to the credit ofour organisation, sometimes the Council looks to

provide the opportunities to others. This message isvery much about building the leadership ranks ofthe organisation by giving others the opportunity totest and hone their skills. Those Lions who haveserved in Committees at Multiple District level haveso much to offer within Districts and Clubs wherethey bring leadership talent and experience.

Many of you participated in the OrganisationalReview surveys in September/October.Approximately 40% of clubs contributed to thesurvey – which in any organisation would beconsidered to be a fantastic achievement. It showedthat clubs are very interested in the future of theirassociation, and have the capacity to think deeplyabout the challenges ahead. The Council considered18 recommendations from the consultant at theJanuary 2011 Council meeting. The DistrictGovernors-elect also had the opportunity toparticipate in a workshop to consider the findingsfrom the review. Council resolved to prepare a“road map” for the organisation – a forward planthat translates the findings of the review intoactions for the next five years. The outcomes of thereview will be the subject of a briefing at theLaunceston Convention.

If you have not yet finalised your registration forthe Launceston Convention, please take the time todo so. Early registration is a great benefit to yourfellow Lions who are organising the Convention. Itassists with the planning and frees up resourcesthat can be used to give you the best possibleexperience during the Convention.

We are still waiting on bids for Districts or Clubswishing to host the 2014 Convention. If you areinterested, please don’t hesitate to contact me for apackage.

Finally, I would like to offer my congratulations toPast District Governor Bruce Unwin who has beenappointed to the position of National Treasurer. Ihave spoken to Lion Bruce who is enthusiasticabout taking on such an important role for ourMultiple District.

Rob Oerlemans

Coming up■ Convention Bids MD201 2014 – See notice inthis magazine for further information.■ PR Grants – support building the profile of Lionswithin your District with a grant of up to $1000 –one per District per year. For further informationplease e-mail [email protected] with the word“PRGRANT” in the subject line.■ Best District Convention/Holden Promotion:$500 District prize for the best display associatedwith your Convention. For further information pleasee-mail [email protected] with the word“HOLDENPROMO” in the subject line.■ Register for the Launceston Convention 2011.Online Registrations are available now. Just followthe links from the Multiple District Website –www.lionsclubs.org.au

Things to do■ Remind yourself about the special offers for ourLions members. You can find these in the membersarea of your Oz-Clubhouse website, or atwww.lionsclubs.org.au.■ Attending the Seattle Convention in 2011 or justthinking about it? Thinking about supporting ourdelegation in Korea in 2012, or Hamburg in 2013?Don’t forget to fill out the online survey. Go towww.ozzielions.blogspot.com

Art of the matter

This moody shot of Gillespies Beach, NSW, won Jackie Schneider the photography award at Art Unlimited last year.


Lion14

It’s a long way from Capalaba in Queensland toKenya but four local Lions recently made thetrip on a humanitarian mission. The four wentto provide free dental services to orphans andfour outlying villages of Nyahururu. The tripwas made possible with $5000 raised byCapalaba Lions and a personal contributionfrom Lion Jeff Underhill. The dental teamcomprised oral health therapist MichelleBurnett, dental assistant Ann Woodford, teamcoordinator Michael Leong and dentist DrDebbie Leong.

Dr Debbie Leong reports:Carrying over 45kg of dental supplies, we travelled24 hours to Nairobi and then a further harrowingfour hours along potholed roads to our finaldestination! Nyahururu, 2400 feet above sea level,is higher than Mt Kosciusko and combatting altitudesickness is a common problem. Our lodge, built inthe 1930s under British rule, fortunately had flushtoilets, trickling hot showers and mosquito nets.This was going to be our home for the next ninedays.

Heroes of the Nation Orphanage has 530orphans and a staff of 60. Most of the orphans havelost both of their parents to the AIDS epidemic,tribal wars, accidents and diseases. Kenya has 2.5

million orphans. Together with two Australian andone Kenyan dentist, we examined all the orphansand staff and treated those in urgent need. Everyorphan was given a complete charted examination,a toothbrush and Michelle Burnett conducted anoral hygiene education program in every classroom.We treated those in urgent need with extractionsand ART (Atraumatic Restorative Treatment), fillingsdesigned by WHO for Third World countries. We leftsome dental equipment and supplies in theorphanage for a local dentist to carry on theprogram that we had set up.

From the orphanage, we ventured out to provideemergency dental treatment, such as removal ofpainful, broken down and abscessed teeth, to thevillagers of the township of Nyahururu using achurch hall as a makeshift dental clinic. The nextday we treated villagers in the slums of Maina.There are 20,000 people in this slum with norunning water, sewage or electricity. And they haveto pay to live there!

Day five saw us travelling to the beautiful

surroundings of Ngarua where we worked in thedistrict health clinic. Finally we drove away toRumuruti to work amongst the Samburu nomadswho are similar to the Masai people. They live inmud huts and some still wear traditional colourfulcostumes and neck braces.

The conditions we worked under were far fromideal with no running water or electricity in mostareas. Our makeshift dental chairs were low schooldesks, making for back-breaking work. African teethwere particularly difficult to extract due to their long,large and curved root morphology.

Despite the conditions, we worked hard and long,often without lunch and only stopping for water andbiscuits. The queue of patients needing reprievefrom their toothaches seemed never-ending. Weworked by torchlight and disinfected ourinstruments chemically. We also brought drugs withus in the advent of an accidental needle stick injurywith a HIV positive contaminated needle. Traveller’sdiarrhoea was also a common problem in our team.

We examined more than 1000 patients, extractedover 600 teeth and gave away more than 1000toothbrushes. The chiefs of the villages and directorof the orphanage were very grateful to us and weeven attended a traditional African wedding asinvited guests on the weekend! We also attendedthe local Lions Club Nyahururu dinner meeting andtheir Lions expressed how touched they were thatwe had come so far to help their people.

We left Kenya knowing we would miss the warmfriendship and hospitality of these gentle people andglad that we had left them with a pain-free, happysmile!

The Lions Clubs International Code of Ethicsstates: “Aid others by giving my sympathy to thosein distress, my aid to the weak, and my substanceto the needy.”

Dr Debbie LeongPrincipal Dentist

Debbie Leong Dental

Takingdental careto Kenyanorphans

On a mission of dental mercy ... Lion Michael Leong (left), Lion Debbie Leong, Lion Anne Woodford andLion Michelle Burnett with some of their patients.

AUSSIE LIONS INITIATIVE

LCIF’s record ofemergencydisaster reliefJust over a year after the Haitiearthquake it’s worthremembering LCIFs disasterrelief payments worldwide.

In recent years LCIF disasterdonations have included:■ $15 million for South Asiatsunami■ $6 million for Haiti earthquake■ $5 million for Hurricane Katrina■ $3 million for China earthquakeLEFT: A few of the many whobenefitted from LCIF relief in Haiti.


New Series II. The very clever Commodore. We’ve made sure these cars look smart, but more importantly, we’ve made sure these cars are smart. The new touch-screen Holden-iQ System has Bluetooth® to let you search contacts and make phone calls without touching your mobile. It’s also a rear camera1 for parking, and you can rip, store and play CDs with its built-in flash drive.2 What’s more, the future friendly 3.0L SIDI and 6.0L V8 engines are so clever, they can run on both petrol, or Bio-ethanol.3 The only smart thing left to do, is take one for a test drive. See your Holden Dealer or visit holden.com.au. Go better.

New Series II Commodore.The smartest cars we’ve ever made.

Things you need to know: 1. Standard on SS V-Series and Calais V-Series models. Optional on all other models (not available on Ute). 2. Built-in flash drive to rip and store CDs is not available on Omega. 3. Bio-ethanol – a blend of up to 85% ethanol and 15% petrol. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark and logo of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Telephone, iPod®, USB, Bluetooth® and auxiliary functionality of Holden-iQ will depend on the level of compatibility of your device. Visit holden.com.au for a list of telephone and iPod® compatible devices. HBR516


16Lion

Tomasz Banas arrived early for the 2010Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia RegionalGames.

He was excited to compete with Team Poland,but he was also excited to have his eyes checkedfor the first time during the Opening Eyes screening.What 17-year-old Banas didn’t know is that hewould become the 200,000th athlete to benefitfrom this program.

Working with partners, Lions helped to screen900 athletes over five days in September inWarsaw. Banas was one of the 288 athletes whoreceived free glasses during the event.

A global partnership among Lions, LCIF andSpecial Olympics, Opening Eyes is celebrating its10th anniversary.

LCIF Chairperson Eberhard J. Wirfs and SpecialOlympics International Chairman and CEO TimShriver cut the ribbon to launch the anniversaryscreening event. More than 200 clinical volunteers,coaches and athletes joined them.

“This partnership is a natural for Lions, given ourmission of saving sight and helping the disabled. Itis truly a collaboration of shared mission,” saidEberhard Wirfs.

LCIF has a long history of supporting initiatives to

help disabledpopulations. Lions’support of OpeningEyes is crucial tothe program’ssuccess. At SpecialOlympics games,Lions assist withregistering athletes,conducting visionscreenings and fittingglasses. More than12,000 Lions have volunteered.

The partnership is made possible through Core 4grant funding from LCIF. In October, LCIF awardedan additional $1 million to continue and expand thispartnership. Since the partnership began in 2001,LCIF has contributed a total of $12 million. Athletesin 85 countries can see better and have a brighterfuture as a result of this collaboration.

Lions do more than provide glasses. Thepartnership is helping to train additional vision carespecialists in how to provide better vision care tothis population. More than 10,500 doctors havebeen recruited and trained. Many eye careprofessionals who participate in Opening Eyes say

that it represents one of their most gratifyingprofessional experiences.

The need is great. Among Special Olympicsathletes, 68 percent have not had an eyeexamination in three years, 37 percent are in needof eyeglasses and 18 percent wear clinicallyincorrect eyeglasses.

Optic industry leaders also support OpeningEyes. Essilor International is the global exclusivesupplier of lenses, and Safilo serves as theexclusive supplier of ophthalmic frames andsunglasses.

A badminton player, Banas’ new glasses helpedhim win gold in doubles badminton and silver insingles badminton.

Lions worldwide collected eyeglasses, heldeye-screening camps and marchedblindfolded during Lions World Sight Day inOctober.

International President Sid L. Scruggs III marked

the occasion by helping hand over adaptive

equipment at the Nippon Lighthouse for the Blind in

Japan. The facility offers rehabilitation training and

job training programs for the blind and visually

impaired.

Lions began World Sight Day in 1998. Hundreds

of blindness prevention groups now participate. Sid

L. Scruggs’ global service action campaign asked

Lions to focus on sight in October.

“Lions members around the world and Lions

Clubs International Foundation have long been

champions for saving and restoring sight, but now

we are increasing our programs aimed at the

visually impaired,” said Sid L.Scruggs, accompanied

by his wife, Judy. “With funds raised through

Campaign SightFirst II, Lions will expand

rehabilitation and low vision services. Through Lions

World Sight Day, we are shining a light on this new

area of focus.”

An estimated 124 million people live with low

vision. About one-fourth of these people would

benefit from low vision services. In many countries,

availability of low vision services is very limited.

The equipment for the Nippon Lighthouse was

made possible through an LCIF SightFirst grant.

SightFirst is Lions’ most ambitious and most

successful initiative. Through SightFirst, Lions have

restored sight to 7.68 million people through

cataract surgeries, prevented serious vision loss for

30 million people and improved eye care services

for hundreds of millions.

Through SightFirst, Lions provided this magnifier andother adaptive technology to the Nippon Lighthousefor the Blind on World Sight Day.

Sight Day a far-sighted winner

An athlete is screened at the Europe/Eurasia Regional Games

200,000th athlete screened

Special Olympicsright on track



Grahame Genner ofMudgeeraba Lions onQueensland’s GoldCoast is the winner ofthe first Early BirdDraw Prize for anaccommodationpackage for the ANZIPacific Forum inSeptember this year.

Grahame has wonthree nightsaccommodation for two in a superior room atJupiters Casino & Hotel with breakfast eachmorning at Food Fantasy. In addition, he winsentry and a meal for two at the AustralianOutdoor Spectacular.

There are five more Jupiters Casino & Hotelaccommodation packages to be won, with thesecond drawn in early February for those whoregistered by January 31.

Grahame’s an ANZI Forum winner

Proof in the puddingLions Australia had its cake and ate it tooduring the Christmas just gone.

Lions raised $1.5 million from selling itshumbly famous Christmas cake and a new lineof Christmas puddings.

“Christmas really came early and we arethrilled with the results of the sales,” LionsAustralia Executive Officer Rob Oerlemans said.

“The cakes have become part of a familytradition, not only because they are anexceptional product but because people who buythem trust that the proceeds from the cakes willgo to hundreds of needy projects in their ownlocal communities”.

More than 2000 cartons of our new line ofChristmas puddings sold out in record time, andmore than 320,000 Lions Traditional ChristmasCakes were sold across the country atChristmas.

“Cake sales continue to increase every year,while the sale of our new line Christmaspuddings has jumped 25% since 2009,” saidRob. “This is an absolutely fantastic result, and itis great to see more and more people aresupporting such a good cause.

“All labour that goes into the making of thecakes is voluntary. And unlike many other not-for-profit organisations, Lions pays fees to covertheir own operating costs – so people rest easyknowing that their money is going to where it isintended.”

BELOW: A proud fundraising tradition over the years.

17

Autism is a lifelong disorder that affects one in

119 children and ultimately family and friends of

the child.

Recent studies have shown that children with

autism with intellectual development delays who

receive preschool therapy have a one in three

chance of being able to enter the mainstream

education system and go on to lead a normal

productive life with little if any special support.

The condition is life-long but some people have

no intellectual impairment, only social impairment.

The cost of a therapy program places a

tremendous strain on families of these children,

often at the expense of other family members.

The cost to a family can be upwards of

$30,000 per year until school age.

Lugarno Lions hope in the future to work with

other clubs in its zone to coordinate assistance for

the Sylvanvale Foundation, so that as many autistic

children as possible are able to take advantage of

preschool therapy.

Lions go into bat for autism

Preschool therapy is avital aid in controllingautism and Lugarno Lionsare doing their bit to help.Pictured in a meetingwith Sylvanvale staff areLion Bob Walker, SimoneMcClenaughan (MediaManager Sylvanvale),Pauline Stanley (CEOSylvanvale), Lion DavidFlynn and Lion TerryLynch.

Sydney’s Lugarno Lions recently made a donation towards equipping a purpose-builtpreschool being constructed at Sylvanvale to provide early intervention for childrenwith autism and disabilities.


Lion18

At a time when the image of young people isoften under scrutiny it’s refreshing to findone with vision and a genuine regard forother people.

Leo Peta Cormelli’s enthusiasm, energy andresilience have ensured she has become anexceptional role model for other young

people.Peta, recent winner of the Queensland

Community Service Volunteer of theYear Award (12-17 years) at

Queensland’s first Youth Forumin Brisbane, is clear aboutwhat she values and hasdeveloped a personal ethicto make a contribution tothe world. Her strengths liein a determination to changethings for the better, and adesire to make life a littlehappier for others.

At the awards,Queensland’s Department ofCommunities broughttogether 40 young people torepresent the views of theirpeers on key issues foryoung people and theircommunities. They providedfeedback to the QueenslandGovernment, and worked todevelop policy submissionsand youth-led projects.

Peta’s win came as no surprise to those whoknow her. The Founding President of the TropicalNorth Leos Club (October 2009), she has in hercapacity as president organised and managednumerous events such as marshalling the'Longest Line of Wheelchairs' for Disability ActionWeek, co-ordinated preparations for Youth Week,assisted with a school camp at a special schooland spent a weekend at Waverley Creek runningthe Driver Reviver stop.

Peta has also contributed to Meals on Wheels,working alongside their volunteers deliveringmeals both in school time and in holidays.

In 2009 Peta founded a community projectcalled Breakaway which provides support tosiblings of children who have a disability. Peta'sgoal was to create a network of people living in asimilar situation who could support one another.

Her list of community volunteering efforts goeson and on – and at school she has been just asbig a contributor.

Accolades include Lions Youth of the YearAward (2010), Lions Community Service Award(2010), ZONTA Young Women in Public Affairsfinalist (2010) and National Aspiring LeadershipSummit as a participant in 2009.

Rather than adopting a negative perspective onissues, Peta is adept at noticing what needs to bedone, does it, and has the capacity to enlist othersto help. Through her community service, she hashelped make people feel connected, effective andgiven meaning to her own, as well as many otherpeople’s lives.

PETA POWER!This inspiring Leo shows just what can beachieved when you set your sights on helpingothers

Johnny Lee, 4, of Leeming, Western Australia, is looking proud in our photo as he hasjust been presented with a new bike by Leeming Lions.

Johnny, who lives with his mum Xia, Dad Swee and two older brothers, suffers fromglobal development disorder. This has left him with low muscle tone and quite short armsand legs, factors that make learning motor skills and development and maintenance ofmuscle strength a lot more difficult.

Bike riding will aid Johnny in his future development, strengthening his leg muscles anddeveloping his balance skills. It will also help him to broaden his motor planning abilities,co-ordination, concentration, independence and play opportunities with other children.

RIGHT: Johnny on his new bike with Mum Xia and Leeming Lions President Lawrie Carr.

Johnny’s set to ride an independent road



Because Australian Lionsonoz is a club forwandering Lions, finding a way to assist thecommunity is always a challenge.

But this club of essentially “grey nomads” hascome up with a unique project.

At first, it was suggested members collectaluminium cans but, because of limited room incaravans and motorhomes, it was decided tocompromise and collect aluminium ring pullsinstead.

The cans themselves are deposited in the manyLions can crates scattered throughout our vastcountry.

Lionsonoz members are assisted by Inverellschools and the community which collect ringpulls for them with the support of Lions Brendaand Rod Payne.

Through working with a Lions club in theInverell community, Bill Sutton of the InverellMcIntyre club found a buyer for the ring pullsafter visiting a couple metal recycling operators.

Northhaven Limited already collectedaluminium cans but had not thought ofseparating the ring pulls from the cans.Management saw a great opportunity in doingthis so the project became reality – and as a follow-on, at least four additional people with a disabilityhave been given employment.

Northhaven Limited intends to increase itsadvertising for members of the Inverell community,surrounding communities and schools to collectcans and ring pulls. Lionsonoz’s existing sources ofring pulls in Inverell and Ashford will remain andInverell MacIntyre Lions Club will get a better-than-market-price for ring pulls in the future.

Lion Bill said the last batch of ring pulls netted$88.50, which went to the Lions Spinal CordFellowship.

Lionsonoz President Stewart Payne presentedcertificates of appreciation to class 2P Ross HillPrimary School, Holy Trinity Primary School andAshford Primary School for their work in collectingthe ring pulls.

He encourages Lions elsewhere to save ringpulls. They can be taken to any Sims Metaldistributor. For information regarding Sims Metalcollection points, contact Stewart Payne –[email protected].

Lionsonoz –yes, they sureCAN do

Lion Bill Sutton of Inverell McIntyre Lions Club, Tess Pomfrett of Northhaven and Lionsonoz President Lion Stewart Paynewith a wheelie bin full of ring pulls ready to raise funds for the Lions Spinal Cord Fellowship.


FAR FLUNG CLUB

BIRTHPLACE OF THE ASHESThe Rupertswood mansion in Sunbury. It was here that theEnglish cricket team was invited to spend Christmas in 1882.That visit is credited with giving rise to the Ashes. Now guestscan dine and stay here and, if they’re so inclined, have a whackwith the willow. Picture courtesy Rupertswood



First settled by Europeans in the mid 1860s,Sunbury is an unlikely place to have aconnection with cricket’s most fiercely foughttrophy.

On the banks of picturesque and meanderingJacksons Creek and now a commuter satellitecentre of Melbourne, being just 35km north-west ofthe city, it seems a million miles away from crickettraditionalism.

But it was here, at the 50-room Italianatemansion of Rupertswood, that the Ashes originatedin 1882.

It’s a story that until a decade or so ago was notgenerally known.

At Christmas that year, the touring English cricketteam led by dashing Ivo Bligh had been invited toRupertswood as a break from their heavy schedule.And on Christmas Eve, after a congenial lunch, theyplayed a social game against a local team, made upmainly of Rupertswood staff.

They won the game and afterwards their hostess,Lady Clarke, burnt the bails (some accounts claimthere was only one bail, some suggest it was a balland bails), placed them in a small purple velvetpouch (some say it was a pottery urn) andpresented them to Ivo Bligh, proposing that they beused as a perpetual trophy between Australia andEngland.

Bligh kept the Ashes, which he described as hismost treasured possession, and after his death theywere presented by his wife to the MaryleboneCricket Club at Lord's cricket ground where theyreside in an urn today. The handover luncheon wasattended by Sir Donald Bradman.

It’s believed that Lady Clarke’s inspiration forcreating the Ashes was an 1882 satirical obituary

that appeared in the English Sporting Times afterAustralia unexpectedly beat England by seven runsin a match at The Oval. The writer, Reginald Brooks,lamented the death of English cricket and advised,tongue-in-cheek, that “the body will be cremated

and the Ashes taken to Australia”.Getting on to the story, the rest of the English

sporting press started speculating how England’s1882-83 tour of Australia would be a quest toregain the Ashes.

While the Ashes have never been officiallydeclared the trophy for which the two countriespassionately strive, they have become a worldwidesymbol of that rivalry.

Interestingly, the Ashes were not the only thingEnglish captain Ivo Bligh, a favourite with manyfemale cricket watchers, took away from Sunbury.

During his visit he met and fell in love with FlorenceRose Morphy, a music teacher at Rupertswood andcompanion to the children of Lady Clarke. The pairwere married at Rupertswood in February 1884.

Described as an easy-going beauty, Florence livedwith Bligh in England and in1900, when he inherited thetitle of eighth Earl of Darnley,she became Countess ofDarnley, residing at thefamily seat at Cobham Hallwhere the Ashes remainedon the library mantelpiecefor many years.

Today, the double-storey, bluestone Rupertswoodwith its stunning ballroom is little changed from thebuilding that greeted the English cricketers in 1882.

Built by Sir William Clarke, the son of pastoralistW.J.T. ‘Big’ Clarke, Rupertswood, one of the largesthouses in Victoria, was sold to Hugh Victor (H.V.)Mackay, the inventor of the Sunshine Harvester, in1922.

On McKay’s death it was sold again and, afteranother owner, was bought by the Salesian Societyin 1927 to become a boarding school forunderprivileged boys. Today the school, now co-educational, remains but no longer do the boysreside in the mansion.

Restored to its former glory, it has become aboutique hotel used for balls and gala events. Until2004 it had its own private railway station.

Today there is a Rupertswood cricket club andtouring English cricket teams still regularly visit forsocial matches. – Tony Fawcett

Welcome to Sunbury ...

Birthplace of the AshesBirthplace of the Ashes

An occasional series that takes a look at the many and variedregions where Lions clubs are located

LIONS OF SUNBURY-HUMELIONS OF SUNBURY-HUMEBegun as the Lions Club of Sunbury in 1964 when there were onlyabout 1700 people in the rural town north-west of Melbourne, the clubevolved into the Lions Club of Sunbury-Hume in 2002 to take in thewider region of the Shire of Hume.

While the original membership comprised many who worked inSunbury itself, today it includes members from Hume andneighbouring shires who daily commute the 30km or so to theMelbourne CBD.

Like some other close-to-city clubs, Sunbury-Hume has had

difficulty attracting new members in recent times but is confident aconcerted membership drive will progressively reverse the trend.

With Hume being one of the fastest growing municipalities inAustralia, with an anticipated population of nearly 250,000 by 2030,there will certainly be a large target market.

If any Lions know of residents in the area who might like to join,to do their bit to make a difference in the community, the clubwants to hear.

Contact the secretary or president on 03 9746 3428.

CONTINUED OVER PAGE


22 Lion

Apart from producing AFL footballers of thecalibre of James Kelly and Matthew Egan(Geelong), David Schwarz (Melbourne), MarkJohnson (Essendon and Fremantle) alongwith model Cassi Van Den Dungen(Australia's Next Top Model), Sunbury laysclaim to arguably Australia’s best known andmost romanticised outdoor rock festival.

Along the banks of Jacksons Creek on theproperty of local farmer George Duncan on theAustralia Day long weekend of 1972, 30,000-40,000 rocked to 41 bands (and did a lot morebesides, it’s suggested) at the first Sunbury PopFestival.

Artists of the calibre of Billy Thorpe and theAztecs who performed their then new hit MostPeople I Know ‘Think That I’m Crazy’, Max Merritt& the Meteors, Wendy Saddington, the WildCherries and Spectrum took part in an event hailedas a highpoint in Australian rock.

For many the memories nostalgically linger. Apart from the music, the four Sunbury Pop

Festivals that eventuated also inspired local groupThe Fauves to pen the lyric “There’s the tree wheremum and dad conceived me; Do you believe thatI’m a child of Sunbury '73?”

Sunbury’sSunbury’smonumentmonument

to rockto rock

Sunbury - Hume Lions (V1-4)Sunbury - Hume Lions (V1-4)meet at 7.30pm on the secondmeet at 7.30pm on the second

and fourth Mondays of eachand fourth Mondays of eachmonth. For more details, phonemonth. For more details, phone

(03) 9746 3428.(03) 9746 3428.

Birthplace of The AshesBirthplace of The Ashes

When the first settlers sailed up Melbourne’sYarra River to establish their new home, oneamong them decided to branch out on hisown.

After checking about, George Evans, a bachelorin his 50s, decided that the place for him was thetranquil little valley near current-day Sunbury.

In 1836 he built an impressive stone homesteadhe named Emu Bottom, because of the many emusthat frequented the low-lying area.

Life was hard but good for Evans. He prosperedwith sheep and draught horses and in 1843, at age58, he married an 18-year-old girl, Anne Holden,who bore him six children.

Emu Bottom still stands today, as Victoria’s oldesthomestead and a popular diningand function centre.

While Sunbury benefitted fromsheep early on, it was wine forwhich it quickly became known.The first vineyards went inmidway through the 19th centuryand quickly established profitablebusinesses, with Craiglee andGoona Warra producing some ofthe best wines. But whenPhylloxera hit Victoria’s vineyardsbusiness declined greatly,despite the fact that the vinelouse had bypassed Sunburyvines. When the depression ofthe 1890s hit, the industryseemed doomed.

Happily, in recent times theSunbury wine industry hasflourished again,

FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Victoria’s oldest homesteadSunbury-Hume LionsLOOKING AFTER

ELDERLYWhile many Lions clubs get involved withhelping community organisations withintheir areas, the Lions of Sunbury-Humerun their own.

Via a committee, the club owns and runs

the Lions Club of Sunbury Elderly People’s

Home, a low and more recently high-care

facility that boasts 33 beds.

The facility was launched in 1991 thanks in

part to a $400,000 kitty, raised by Sunbury

Lions and the local Rotary and Apex clubs

through regular bingo nights. This money was

matched by an $800,000 government grant.

A short walk from the centre of the

township of Sunbury, the home has a friendly

atmosphere and encourages residents to

decorate with their own furniture and

belongings to promote a home-like

environment

Lions Club of Sunbury Elderly People’s Home:29 Timins St, Sunbury 3429 –03) 9744 7001,www.lionshostelsunbury.com.au.

Victoria’s oldest existing homestead, Emu Bottom, as it looks today.

Meticulously restoredthroughout, Sunbury’sRupertswood has welcomedmany since it was built in1874-76.



Of undies, family yarns and Maxie WalkerOf undies, family yarns and Maxie Walker


A giant pair of Bonds undies (promoting prostate cancer research)hanging in the main street of Rutherglen gave an inkling of what theV6 convention would hold.

A highlight was a presentation by former cricketer Max Walker who, fromthe minute he stepped on stage, held everyone’s attention.

There was not a cough as he shared stories, not about his cricket highsbut about lessons he learned from his father, Big Max – ones he has lived byhimself and which he has passed on to his children.

There were lots of funny stories but the underlying sentiment was to getout there, believe in yourself and go for it with enthusiasm and joy.

While quite a few members and families only made it to convention forthe remembrance ceremony on the Sunday, it’s unlikely that anyone leftRutherglen without some special memories.

Two talented Lions, Gordon Sawyer and Peter Croucher, providedentertainment for the ‘Let’s be Kids’ again dinner party on the Saturdaynight.

LEFT: New Lions Julie and Don Simpson with guest Max Walker.

Ellie’swinning takeon peaceDespite living a more ‘fortunate’ life, a younggirl from not-so-sleepy Perth used herintuition to pen, paint and pencil Australia’stop Lions Club International Peace Poster.

Ellie Tengrove, a 12-year-old art student, took onthe challenge to draw a poster whichartistically expressed her vision of peace– she was just one of 350,000 studentsacross the globe who did the same.

To Ellie’s surprise, her poster waspicked to represent Australia at theinternational level againstapproximately 100 young hopefuls.

Pointing to the colourful partsof her poster, Ellie said the goodand the bad would always bethere, but we need to focusmore on the good.

“A lot of planning wentinto it (the poster) and Iresearched a lot of things,”Ellie said.

Ellie’s mother Naomi Tengrovesaid her daughter was always interested in whatother people thought.

“We talk about what happens in the world and onthe news – we are fortunate and blessed to beliving in Perth,” said Ellie’s mother.

But the masterpiece which has scored her aplace in the top 100 in the world nearly didn’t end-up the way she had envisaged it would.

“Whenshe was about tocolour in the middle of the poster, Iwas like, just colour it in black and white, she hadbeen working on this poster for ages by then,” saidEllie’s Mum.

“But she said ‘no, Mum, you have to show the

good and the bad by using thecolours’.”

With Ellie’s obvious natural ability forexpressing her inner thoughts, the

masterpiece was drawn in just four days.“The black and white bits are in pen, the

frame is in paint and the inside is in pencil,”Ellie said.

This 12-year-old girl will definitely make adifference in whatever she does and is looking

at photography, designing and psychology aspossible career choices.

But things could change if she wins the grandprize of a trip to New York to celebrate UnitedNations Day where the winning artist will bepresented with an engraved plaque and a cashprize of US$2,500.

Good luck, Ellie!

RIGHT: Ellie iscongratulatedon her PeacePoster win byDavidMeehan,President ofthe LionsClub of NorthBeach.


Bikkies for flood victims

Lion24

AROUND THE NATION

Young gun stormshome in big field

Join the 50th parties

Another new club!

The day Santa Elviocame to school

Cold weather didn’t stop a record 321runners turning out for the annual DingleyDozen Fun Run and Walk organised by theDingley Village Branch Club at BraesidePark, Melbourne.

David Bayley, 18, blitzed the field in under 40

minutes, the fastest time since marathon

champion Magnus Michelson won in 2004.

Numbers are increasing yearly. The latest

event attracted 52 Lions from 10 clubs and two

Hearing Dogs.

Proceeds go to the local Community Advice

Bureau, the Lions Cord Blood Foundation and the

Lions Spinal Cord Fellowship. Major sponsors

were Parks Victoria, Bendigo Bank, Contours and

Aston Ryan Malcolm.

V2 DG MaxOberlander andPresident JamesParker (left) havereason to lookhappy; They justchartered the newLions Club ofBalmoral andDistrict.

Past members of both the Mudgee andBroken Hill clubs are invited to join 50thbirthday celebrations.

Broken Hill, chartered in April 1961, iscelebrating on Saturday May 14. Contact BarryHancock ([email protected],0414 929 894) for details.

Mudgee celebrates on Saturday, June 4 (venueis still to be decided). Contact Lesley Halpin(02 6373-3374) or Andrew Blackman(02 6372-3000) for details.

Christmas has come and gone but IPDG ElvioMunzone will be a long time forgetting hisSanta duties.

He donned the big red suit to meet the kidsfrom kindergarten to year 2 of Oatley Public Schoolin NSW.

Rather than a sleigh, he arrived, with two elves,in a 1963 vintage Lincoln Continental.

There were plenty of questions, such as ‘what’syour phone number?’ and ‘do you ever get stuck inchimneys?’ Elvio fielded them all.

According to the teachers, he was the best,most caring Santa ever.

When your world is in despair there’ssomething very comforting and Australianabout a cuppa and a biscuit.

With that in mind, Lion Phil Wilson ofSydney’s Lane Cove club decided to cook upsome biscuits for Queensland’s flood victims.

Phil, who’s also a superintendent with theAmbulance Service of NSW, called on a friend,Rabbi Dovid Slavin of Our Big Kitchen, to helpbake up some. Our Big Kitchen is acommercial-sized kitchen founded by RabbiSlavin of the Yeshiva Centre which operatesthrough volunteers to provide food for those incrisis, emergency workers and the volunteerswho support them.

With all provisions and recipes donated anda band of volunteers aged from about eight to“seniors” working feverishly, thousands ofbiscuits were soon produced.

But how to get them to Queensland?Past District Governor Peter Mendl was soon

on the phone to District Governor JohnHarrison in Sydney and then to DistrictGovernor Lesley Lyons in Queensland.

Queensland Lions had no hesitation involunteering their services to distribute thebiscuits to provide comfort to those in crisis.

TOP: Volunteers hard at work making thousands ofbiscuits for flood victims.

ABOVE: PDG Peter Mendl with Rabbi Dovid Slavinwho provided cooking facilities at Our Big Kitchen inSydney.



SMILES FOR ANOTHER JOB WELL DONEThis young trio is all smiles because the Hornsby Leos co-hosting with the Waitara Rotary Club of the annual

Black Wattle Ball took in $32,000, which will go towards the purchase of two neonatal intensive

bed/resuscitation trolleys for the local Hornsby Hospital. Pictured (left to right) are Alice Byun, Bella McKinley

and Rahini Haran.

Honour well deservedTrades peopleaffected by Victoria’shorrendous BlackSaturday fires willlikely offer quietthanks for the workof Rob Tunney of theLions Club ofBlackburn North.

Rob, who died recently, was among a dedicated

band who aided many affected trades people as

part of the Tools for Tradies program.

A Lion for 24 years, he was presented with an

International Presidents Certificate of Appreciation

for his bushfire work.

The V5 District Disaster Relief Trust also

presented Rob with the Geoff Callander Award for

outstanding service.

Much of Australia has been beset by floodsand, after a flood disaster hit towns in SouthAustralia’s Gilbert Valley, the response wasimmediate with donations of clothing,bedding, toys and cash.

Manning the barbecue to feed volunteer

workers in the clean-up, organised by the Lions

clubs of Gilbert Valley and Kapunda, are C1 DG

Ray Marks and Lions John Gilbert and Darryl

Green (pictured below).

Houses in Riverton, Tarlee, Rhynie, and

Stockport were flooded in the early hours of the

morning.

The ALF was swift in authorising a grant to be

administered by a committee of GV Lions.

Like most true Lions, Les Brown of theYamba, NSW, club wasn’t expecting itbut when appreciation came in the formof a Helen Keller Award he wasjustifiably proud.

Les (pictured at right being presented withthe award by IPDG Christine Woolnough atthe N1 district convention) gained the honourfor 32 years of outstanding service to Lionsand the community, in Sydney and Yamba.

In 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions toaid persons who are deaf as well as thosewho are blind.

Since that time, Lions have developedmany projects that focus on service topersons who are deaf or hard of hearing andthis award honours both her and those whotake up her challenge.

Adding sizzle to effort

Saviour of tradies


Lion26

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS - COMMITTEE VACANCIES


Executive Summary - International Board of Directors Meeting, Hamburg, Germany


For your convenience the Lion magazine is available online athttp://www.lionsclubs.org.au/news/lion-magazine/index.php. Members who nolonger wish to receive a printed copy of the magazine at their home addresscan now elect to have their names removed from the database. Pleasecontact your Cabinet Secretary – name and membership numbers will berequired to take you off this list.

Convention bids 2014Seeking expressions

of interest!Districts and Clubs who wish to be considered to host the 2014 MultipleDistrict Convention must submit their bid to the Executive Officer, consistentwith Clause 62 of the Multiple District Constitution.

Bids must comply with all provisions of the Multiple District Constitutionand the Multiple District Convention Bid Specification that can be obtainedfrom the Executive Officer. I would encourage prospective bidders todiscuss their plans with me, prior to submitting the bid.

Executive OfficerRob Oerlemans

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS


28Lion

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND OCTOBER 1 - 4 2010

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE1. Transferred the convention trading pins policy from theClub Supplies chapter of the Board Policy Manual to thetrademark policies in the Legal chapter of the Board PolicyManual and simplified the policy language. 2. Revised the District and Multiple District DisputeResolution Procedure in the Board Policy Manual toprovide clarification concerning the applicable district(single, sub- or multiple) references.3. Revised the Club Dispute Resolution Procedure in theBoard Policy Manual amending the procedures withrespect to appointing the conciliator, raising objections tothe conciliator appointment, establishing a minimumUS$50.00 filing fee, and providing clarification concerningthe applicable district (single or sub-) references.4. Adopted resolution to be reported to the 2011International Convention to amend Article XII, Section 2 ofthe International By-Laws increasing membership dues byUS$4.00 phased in over two years beginning effective July1, 2012, and simplifying the language of this section.

CONVENTION COMMITTEE1. Approved a Leo convention registration fee for the 2011Seattle convention. Leos 12-17 years US$10.00; Leos18-30 years US$50.00.2. Approved Kevin Scruggs to perform and function as theemcee at the international show for the 2011 Seattleconvention.3. Established per diem allowances for appointedcredentials committee, district governors-elect, districtgovernors-elect seminar faculty and headquarters staff forthe 2011 Seattle convention.

DISTRICT AND CLUB SERVICE COMMITTEE1. Recognised clubs in Shenyang and Xian China asprovisional districts upon reaching 17 clubs and 450members and granted authority to the ExecutiveCommittee to assign a district number and appoint adistrict governor for the provisional district for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. 2. Expanded Provisional District 386 to include theprovince of Zhejiang, China.

3. Designated the country of Bhutan within the boundaryof District 322-F. 4. Amended the Board Policy Manual relating to theGuiding Lion Program to limit the guiding Lion to servingno more than two clubs at any point in time and to requireCertified Guiding Lions to retake the Certified Guiding LionCourse every three years to maintain certification. 5. Amended the Board Policy Manual relating to districtgovernor-elect seminar expenses to increase the hotel stayan additional day to allow the District Governors-Elect theability to fully participate in international convention events.6. Amended the Board Policy Manual relating to clubcancellation to require the district governor to submit arebuilding plan within 30 days to avoid cancellation andthat measurable progress must be made within six monthsto remain in status quo and avoid cancellation.

FINANCE AND HEADQUARTERS OPERATIONCOMMITTEE1. Approved the 1st Quarter Fiscal Year 2010-2011Forecast, which reflects a surplus.2. Modified Chapter XXII, Page XXII-6, and ParagraphE.1.b., of the Board Policy Manual to require pre-approvalfor fare when the cost is in excess of US$1,000.3. Modified the policy for club visits where roundtrip travelexceeds 600 miles (966 kilometers) so the request forapproval is submitted to the Finance Division, not theinternational president.4. Approved an upgrade allowance for past internationalpresidents for travel exceeding 10 hours, not includingtime on the ground for connecting flights. The allowancewill be the difference from the actual ticket cost less thelowest available business class fare and subject toapplicable tax reporting and treatment.5. Housekeeping revision to Chapter XXII, page XXII-7,Paragraph E.1.e., of the Board Policy Manual regardingrental cars.

LCIF1. Revised the Investment Policy Statement to a) reflect anincrease in the upper range limits of the asset allocationsfor fixed income and equities in the general endowment,

and b) add language regarding planned givinginvestments.2. Suspended the implementation of the selection processfor future LCIF Steering Committees until further discussionat the April 2011 meeting, and rescinded the portions ofResolution 14 approved at the June 2010 Board ofTrustees meeting relevant to the selection process.3. Approved 36 Standard, International Assistance andCore 4 grants totalling US$1,840,614.4. Tabled one grant application.5. Approved a grant in the amount of US$1,123,606 toextend the Lions-Special Olympics Opening Eyes program.6. Established the office of LCIF Assistant Treasurer, as anon-voting position, and appointed the LCIF FinancialAnalyst to fill this position.7. Updated the investment section of the LCIF chapter ofthe Board Policy Manual with necessary language toimplement the account at Northern Trust for thefoundation’s planned gifts.8. Updated the rules of audit of the LCIF chapter of theBoard Policy Manual to: a) include the LCIF SteeringCommittee, and b) update the travel by air section.

LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE1. Approved Past International Director Howard Lee (BritishIsles & Ireland) to serve as a 2011 DGE Seminar groupleader.2. Approved the schedule and curriculum plan for the2011 DGE Seminar.3. Approved a funding request from the Africa SteeringCommittee to support a training seminar for incoming firstand second vice district governors and incoming councilchairpersons in May 2011.

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE1. Updated the Board Policy Manual to reflect the newLion areas of China Dalian, China Qingdao, China Beijing.2. Updated the GMT Rules of Audit to include all standardprovisions of the LCI Rules of Audit, except for fourprovisions. The four provisions are: 1. Air Travel over 10hours round trip GMT Leaders will be authorised toupgrade to premium economy; 2. Spouse/Adult

Companion travel to GMTmeetings will not becovered by LCI except forthe GMT InternationalCoordinator or where aGMT member is specificallyrequested to attend a boardmeeting; 3. Hotel cost willbe reimbursed for singlerooms only; 4. LCI willreimburse for meals duringa trip up to a maximum ofUS$75.00 per day.

PUBLIC RELATIONSCOMMITTEE1. Approved pastinternational presidents andpast international directorsto nominate Lions for theLion Recognition Award.SERVICE ACTIVITIESCOMMITTEE1. Selected panellists andalternates for the Leo ClubProgram Advisory Panel forthe 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 fiscal years.For more information onany of the aboveresolutions, please refer tothe LCI Web site atwww.lionsclubs.org orcontact the InternationalOffice at 630-571-5466.


Judges, choose carefully, treat them well!Judges, like umpires or referees, are a necessity in any competitivesituation, and Youth of the Year is no exception.

It is most important to choose your judges carefully, as they have the mostcontact with your contestants and will influence the experience that theseyoung people will take away with them.

At club level, 3 judges are permitted. Make sure you:• Have a gender balance – do not have 3 female or 3 male judges.• Invite people who work with, or have regular contact with young people.• Have a wide range of professional or work experience. Do not invite

people from the same professional or work background.• Refer to the Club Chairman Manual; there are many suggestions for

judges there.Once you have your judges in place, make sure they are well briefed.

Spend at least an hour with them going through the entry form and the Guideto Judges form. These documents have most of the detail you will need. Youmust also explain the time commitment required.

During your discussions the judges must decide the following:• 4 general knowledge questions for the interview and• 2 impromptu questions for the public speaking sections.As a starting point in your discussion with the judges – and to help them to

choose good questions – ask them to consider the following areas:• One question of local interest (careful with state/territory borders)• One at state level (careful with state/territory borders)• One of national importance• One of international significanceDon’t forget that the questions cannot be ambiguous or require two

separate answers – and keep them brief and to the point. It is important to remember that at club level, only the winner will have a

second opportunity to hone their skills. Therefore it is vital that all participantsleave the quest with a feeling of achievement. So please try to keep thequestions at a level that all contestants will feel comfortable with.

This criteria is especially important with the impromptu questions. Longcomplicated questions only confuse young people. Make the impromptuquestions short, precise, and consider only topics that the contestants at thislevel can talk about for two minutes!Winners advisory forms

Remember, when the Club, Zone, Region and District Final has been run,you MUST complete the Winners Advisory Form and attach the originalapplication form of your winning contestant plus his/her winners advisoryforms from the previous levels. These documents must be forwarded to thenext level. What happens now

After you have run your final and completed your forms, what do you donow?

Have you asked your contestant to come to a club meeting with theirparents to practise their speech and answer a couple of impromptu questions– some of the clubs do, and this helps their contestant to gain confidence,before the next level.

It also lets the parents know that we care about their young person and arewilling to put in the time to develop their skills.

You could also let the person know about Youth Exchange and LEOs asthese are programs they may encounter when they attend university or take agap year after finishing year 12.

You could also ask the parents to consider joining Lions. At national levelwe have a number of parents of contestants who have joined. These parentswould have walked away from Lions if somebody had not asked them to join.

If you want to learn more about Youth of the Year, please visit out websiteat http://www.lionsclubs.org.au/yoty

Youth of the Year – “You just can’t lose”Bryan Coggle, Chairman, Lions Youth of the Year

A new directionOften when Lions talk about youth, our youth projects and the ageingmembership of Lions, the conversation will follow two streams ofthought:• “I wonder what happened to “so-and-so” who came to us throughYouth of the Year” (or Youth Exchange or Leos).• “Where can we get young members from? We don’t know any youngpeople.”

On reflection, it could well be that the ponderings of the first statementprovide the answer to the question!

Lions throughout the world make a lasting impression on high quality youngpeople through the major youth projects we run. In Australia we have an addedadvantage and a unique opportunity with our popular Youth of the Year program.This project attracts about 2000 young people each year; we need to recognisethis opportunity and make the most of it.

There is another, often untapped source of potential quality membership –the parents of the young people we meet. These people are in the perfect agebracket to be considered for membership.

In early 2010, the Council of Governors recognised the potential of theseprojects and created a new position to look at how we can keep contact withthese young people and encourage them to consider Lionism and what we haveto offer. The position is called the Youth Membership Conversion Officer.

The challenge for the role is to explore new directions and seek ways toattract young people to Lions. There are so many possibilities for this to occur,but like many things in life, we will be taking small bites to begin with andconcentrate on the stronger possibilities first.

There are many things that all Lions and clubs can do to assist.We cannot keep in touch with our youth if we do not know who they are.

Therefore, it is most important the YOTY chairmen at Club, Zone, Region andDistrict levels ensure that all the details – especially email addresses - arecompleted in full on the winners advisory form. We can then make contact.

There are many ways of encouraging young people to join with us in serviceand to keep in contact with each other.

• Using modern technology that young people are so familiar with.• Starting new Leos clubs where young people congregate, e.g. near

universities or other advanced education facilities. This is already underway in anumber of locations.

• Helping Leos to encourage Alpha Leos to form or join Omega clubs – orbecome Lions.

• Talking with former YOTY, YE and Leos to see what they are doing with theircareers and their lives in general.

Future articles will introduce some ideas and ways for Lions and clubs topromote themselves to the young generation.

I am building a data base of young people who have been involved in ouryouth projects. I will also be asking some of them to tell us what they are doingin a series of “where are they now” articles in the Lion magazine. I would like tohear from anyone who has contacts with former participants with an interestingstories so we can publish them.

I am also keen to explain the role of the Youth Membership ConversionOfficer in detail and promote avenues available to encourage young people tojoin us. I am available to be a speaker at District Conventions or other relevantDistrict functions.

I look forward to developing this exciting new role as the youth are our futureand we must move forward and adapt and evolve to keep Lionism relevant in amodern, ever-changing world.

Adrian Miles, MD Youth Membership Conversion Officer

LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAR YOUTH MEMBERSHIP


Search for a van: If you own or know of a food van at the rightprice, Coffs Harbour Lions could be interested. The club is looking for one

ready to go or a suitable sized van to convert. Contact President Bob Jones:02 66524240 or [email protected].


Lion

EDITOR: Letters to Your Say may beedited for reasons of space, clarity orlegal necessity.

More cake supportersIt was with interest that I read the article“Cakes by the Dozen” (Australian LionDecember-January 2010/2011) advising thatBrisbane funeral directors KM Smith are along-standing supporter of the Lions Club ofMoreton Bay Christmas cake sales, with a2010 order of 17 cartons of cakes.

Coincidently, our club has a long-standingChristmas cake sales relationship with a rivalBrisbane firm of funeral directors, Alex GowFunerals. In 2010, their cake order was for 18cartons. Alistair Gow, former managing director ofAlex Gow Funerals, was a member of our club formany years and, while Alistair retired from Lions acouple of years ago, we greatly value thecontinuing association with our club.

It is great to see these businesses supportingthis important annual fundraiser.

Terry MacDonaldPublicity Officer

Ashgrove / The Gap Lions Club

A new challenger Congratulations to the Lions Club of PalmBeach-Currumbin Q1 for their excellentmembership achievements.

But their wait for a response to their unansweredquestion in the Dec-Jan 2010/2011 issue of theLion is now over. The Lions Club of Sydney ChineseSydney N5 quickly tallied their numbers and weresurprised to find that they have beaten the PalmBeach-Currumbin Lions by a whisker.

“Currently we have only 118 active membersand three associate members in InternationalPresident Sid Scruggs III, International 1st VP DrWK Tam and PID Barry Palmer,” lamented clubPresident Mei.

yoursayLions’ letters

So far Sydney Chinese Lions have been namedthe top club in Constitutional Area VII by LCI in year-round growth (41+ members category) for threeyears since 2006. They have now been presentedwith three Flag Set awards. Any spare 3m widedisplay cabinets they can borrow? Anyone?

Over the past six years the club has raised anddonated over $300,000 to such charities as FlyingDoctors, Red Cross, St John, with Lionsfoundations and projects to boot.

For a club that chartered only in 1995, thesedon’t seem to be a bad effort after all! But SydneyChinese Lions are humbly certain, no doubt, thatother clubs may have already surpassed andbeaten them. Lion William Wong

Sydney Chinese Lions Inc.

ANZI Pacific forum costRegarding the forthcoming ANZI PacificForum scheduled for September this year, ifit is a Refreshing Voyage into Tomorrow thenmembers had better start saving today!

The concept is indeed brilliant, the planning isperfect, the program is all embracing.

However, the cost of attending for mostmembers is out of proportion.

If I were to attend, the program of events wouldcost $300, the fee to register costs $100, twonights to sleep there costs $400, and the air farefrom here is just over $500 return.

That’s a grand total, minimum, withoutincidentals, of $1300.

In my opinion, that’s too expensive for mostmembers as most members are on a limitedincome.

I do hope it is a resounding success to rewardall the hard work, planning and effort that hasbeen put into the event. It must have some laterimpact on conventions in Launceston and thenPerth.Only time will tell.

Brian Favero,South Wagga Lions Club

LEOS ROARPenguin Leo Club’s milestonePenguin Leo Club in T1 celebrated its 40th charteranniversary on November 16 last year. The clubranks 60th in the world and is 34th as the oldestactive Omega Leo club with 24 members. Thereare currently 5700 Leo clubs worldwide, including86 in MD201.Leo of the year quest

The aim of the Leo of the Year Quest is todevelop and encourage qualities of leadership,experience and opportunity within candidates whowill be fine ambassadors of the Leos of Australiaand PNG, both within these countries andoverseas.

Such ambassadors should have a knowledgeand appreciation of the Leo program and LionsClubs International, and of Australia and PNG andits affairs. Entrants must be able to expressthemselves clearly in writing on an applicationform and adequately at an interview when facedwith unrehearsed questions, seeking explanationsor opinions. Entrants are judged on a face-to-faceinterview which represents 80% of the mark anda prepared speech which represents 20%. At theNational Final at the 2011 Convention inLaunceston on 16 April, there will be an overallwinner, although there is a possibility for a Leo towin both sections of the quest.

The overall winner is also nominated forInternational Leo of the Year.

State finalist entries for the 2011 Leo of theYear close with MD201 Leo and Youth OutreachCommittee Chairman, Martin Peebles, on March14 this year.

Full details including entry form are on theMD201 Leo Website atwww.lionsclubs.org.au/leos. Further informationcan be obtained through your state Leocoordinator or MD201 Leo & Youth OutreachCommittee Chairman, Martin Peebles, on(02) 4626 8220 or 0437483127.Queensland Leo/Lion receives honour

Congratulations to Leo/Lion Tom Porter fromLions District Q2 on receiving an InternationalPresident’s Leadership Medal for 2009/10.Leo/Lion Tom is President of Twin Cities Leo Club,President of the Queensland State Leo Counciland Leo Associate on Lions District Q2 Cabinet.Tom is an inspirational Leo/Lion and a greatambassador for Leos throughout Australia and theworld. Tom received his medal from Q2 IPDG JohnMuller at the Q2 convention in Cardwell inNovember.

Further information on the Leo program isavailable at www.lionsclubs.org.au/leos.

I congratulate all Lions, Lionesses and Leos foryour ongoing support and wish you good healthand continued success in 2011.

"Youth are our future - but they are also ourtoday" Martin Peebles

Leo and Youth Outreach CommitteeChairman

30

AUSTRALIAN LIONS DRUG AWARENESS FOUNDATION INCAnnual General meeting

Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of the Foundation to be held in Launceston onSaturday 16 April 2011 commencing at 12.30 p.m.

Each Constituent Member is entitled to one vote and that representative should have accreditationfrom the Club Secretary. However in the case of a State/Territory Director election only delegates fromthat State/Territory may vote. Members not attending may complete a postal ballot for Director.

Nominations are called for Directors for Victoria and Northern Territory. Nominations are to bereceived by the Secretary by Wednesday 23 March 2011 on the correct form.

Nominee must be a member in good standing of a Constituent Club within the relevant State.Nomination forms are available from the Secretary at PO Box 530, Springwood QLD 4127, Phone:(07) 3341 3900, Fax : (07) 3341-0525 or by email – [email protected].

Should a potential nominee wish to obtain a copy of the position description for a Director pleasecontact the Secretary of the Foundation as above.

David McKenzieSecretary



As most Lions will be aware we have beentrying for over 20 years to hold aConstitutional Area Forum in our area, thesame as every other area in the Lions worlddoes every year.

An area forum is a gathering of Lions from thethree Multiple Districts in our area, Australia, NewZealand, and Indonesia, plus the islands of theSouth Pacific. Each country will host the forum inturn which means that we will hold the forum inAustralia every third year, which should limit anyimpact on our District and Multiple DistrictConventions.

The Executive Officers of the Association will alsobe in attendance, along with the InternationalPresident, the 1st Vice President, the 2nd Vicepresident (hopefully our very own PID Barry Palmer)and the Immediate Past International President andthey will each have sessions during the forum. It’sprobable that there will be some InternationalDirectors there too. This will give our Lions theopportunity to meet and discuss items of interestwith all of these Lions from around the world.

A forum is not like a convention. There are nobusiness matters debated and the entire program isdesigned to give useful information on a widevariety of topics. If you go to the forum website(lionsanzipacificforum.com) you will see the list offorum topics and there is something to interesteveryone who attends. Topics were chosen afterseeking views from Lions and we received goodparticipation in response to our survey form. Eachtopic will last for 80 minutes giving plenty of time togo into the subject in depth and for interactivediscussion with the presenters.

There will be a forum store and display boothslocated within the forum venue.

There are optional social functions with luncheson Saturday and Sunday, and a dinner on Saturdaynight. All functions will have a guest speaker ofnote – for example, at Saturday lunch time, ourInternational President will address us. Saturdaynight will also include entertainment by anoutstanding, well known performer who alwayspresents an acclaimed show.

We have included a number of headlinepresentations in the forum topics, which, whilecarrying a message, will provide you with plenty oflaughs during these sessions. The InternationalPresident will have a special session for ClubPresidents which should be of great benefit to all

Presidents who attend. This is a unique opportunitywhich has never been available to us before andwill be something special for Club Presidents toremember about their year.

We are very conscious of the fact that economictimes are tough at the moment and have stringentlycontrolled our costs to set prices at the lowestpossible level to encourage Lions to attend. In thisday and age, however, most convention venueshave certain costs which cannot be avoided and wehave to make sure we collect enough money fromour attendees to cover these costs, and that is whythere is a registration fee to attend. We feel certainthat, at the end of the forum, everyone will agreethat they have received great value for money.

Also with the idea of providing cost-effectivealternatives there is a wide variety ofaccommodation to provide for all budgets, forexample two-bedroom units which could cater fortwo couples are available for $170 per night, $85per couple. See our website for a good selection ofaccommodation venues. There seem to be a lot ofcheap air fares being advertised at the moment too,so travel to the Gold Coast should be affordable.

Jupiters Hotel has great facilities for our forumand, of course, there are wonderful holidayactivities on the Gold Coast for you to enjoy, eitherbefore or after the forum.

Every other area in the world is very enthusiasticabout their forums and they have a great timewhen attending. For our area to continue withforums into the future, a good attendance at ourvery first forum is essential and we hope that youwill try it and see if you like the experience.

This is a history-making event, being theinaugural Area Forum for Constitutional Area 7, andwe will now be joining the rest of the Lions world atlast in providing our members the opportunity ofattending a forum specifically tailored to our needs.Everything is ready for you to have an interestingand entertaining time and all we need is yoursupport. I really hope to see you there!

Ken Bird,Past International Director

PS: If you have registered for the forum andnot yet received your receipt could you please

contact Host Committee Chairman PDGKen Mulcahy by phone 07 3800 3514 or e-mail

[email protected]

ANZI-PACIFIC forum offers something for all

31

In 1982-84, Lions of Australia, PNGNew Zealand and Indonesia were luckyto be represented on the InternationalBoard by Lion (PID) Pat Ryan.

Many Lions remember Pat’s wonderfuloratory skills and his ability to get a very realmessage to us. He is a friend to so many inour MD and, as he has said on trips toAustralia, “I always leave home to comehome” – a real expression of his love forAustralia.

Late last year New Zealand and someAustralian Lions had a chance to say thanksto Pat and his lovely wife, June, of theRotorua Host Club in New Zealand when hecelebrated 50 years of LCI service.

“Pat and June were invited to what Patthought was a small lunch with his club tohonour this achievement. To his surprise,approximately 100 were in attendance tosay thank you for his wonderful service.

“Pat was presented with his 50 YearMonarch and many speakers gave theirmany memories of Pat’s contributions. Ahighlight was the presence of Keith Mitchell(now 95 years) who retired as LionsInternational representative for NZ in 1982after being involved in the formation of 469clubs. He described how he visited the townof Levin (Pat’s original club) looking to set upa club in 1960. Pat was invited to come to ameeting. When Pat got home from themeeting, June asked ‘how did it go and whatis it all about?’ Pat replied ‘I am not sure butI am the secretary’.

“The rest is history and what acontribution Pat has made – always the Lionserving and mentoring wherever he could.

PDG JJ Kessner and myself, friends of somany years, were lucky to be present andwere glad to pass on best wishes and thanksfrom all their friends “across the ditch”.

PID Pat Ryan, we salute 50 years ofunselfish service.

– PCC Bruce Hudgson

Celebration for agreat friend ofAustralian Lions


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Become a LionFellowship ... good times ... meeting people ... buildinglasting friendships ... service to the community ...learning new skills ... leadership and personaldevelopment – these are just some of the benefits ofbeing a member of Lions, the world's largest and most active service club organisation.

Lions have been a part of the Australian communitysince 1947, serving the people without promise orwant of reward. Lions are people just like you!

Joining is by invitation, but applications areencouraged from all members of the community.Membership is for men and women over 18 and ofgood moral character and reputation.Just fill in the form and send to the ExecutiveOfficer at Locked Bag 2000, Newcastle NSW 2300or [email protected], so it can beforwarded to a Lions Club near you.

Support LionsLions are about giving back to their communities.

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

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

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

LIONS DONATION

Multiple District 201 of Lions ClubsInternational Inc.

Locked Bag 2000

Newcastle 2300

If you would like information on how tomake a tax deductible donation to Lions,email our Executive Officer:[email protected] phone on (02) 4940 8033

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

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