Opening young eyes LIONS YOUTH - Lions Australia
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:37 pm Page 1
LION December - January 2017/18
Australia / Papua New Guinea edition – $1
yes to
LIONt
She
Y O U T H INITIATIVE
Registered by Australia Post Publication No. pp100002889
ng e
Open
ME
iN
nT
g you
VIRON
EN
INSIDE: REGISTRATION FOR
TOWNSVILLE NATIONAL CONVENTION
Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:37 pm Page 2
Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:37 pm Page 3
‘We serve’
“To create and foster a spirit of understanding
LION
among all people for humanitarian needs by
providing voluntary services through
community involvement and international
cooperation”
December - January 2017/18 Volume 134 No. 6
Lion – Australia and PNG
Lion - Australia and Papua New Guinea edition is
published bi-monthly for the Multiple District 201
Council of Lions Clubs International and circulated to Connections, influence, friendship, philanthropy
all members.
Published by MD201 Council of Governors and printed by
PMP Print, 37-49 Browns Road, Clayton Victoria 3168.
An official publication of Lions Clubs International, the Lion
magazine is published by authority of Board of Directors in
21 languages: English, Spanish, Japanese, French,
Swedish, Italian, German, Finnish, Korean, Portuguese, OUR COVER
Dutch, Danish, Chinese, Norwegian, Icelandic, Turkish,
Greek, Hindi, Polish, Indonesian and Thai. In the Clare region of South
Editor: Tony Fawcett, Fawcett Media Australia, an exciting
20 Millett Road Gisborne South VIC 3437
Phone: (03) 9744 1368 environmental project is
Email: tony.fawcett@bigpond.com taking shape in which young
Advertising Enquiries: Lions National Office Australians are being
Our cover
31-33 Denison St, Newcastle West, NSW 2302
Phone: (02) 4940-8033 introduced to the beauty of a
Lions Australia website: www.lionsclubs.org.au wetlands area. Learn of the
Deadlines: 1st day of month before cover date. project and the Clare Green
MD201 Council of Governors: C1 Megan Butler, C2 Judy Team that has masterminded
Glastonbury, N1 Michael (John) Davis, N2 Chris Howard,
N3 Glenn Byrnes, N4 Annemarie Jones OAM, it, on page 6.
N5 Ron Gattone, Q1 Ann Reed, Q2 Robert (Bob) Roberson, Page 6 - Hide & seek
Q3 Engelbert Krampl, Q4 Rod Somerville, T1 Hester van
Niekerk, V1-4 Malcolm Qualtrough, V2 Trevor Hirth, V3
Andrew McMahon, V5 Pat Mills, V6 Norm Walkington, W1
Sue Lowe, W2 Grant Hewett.
Council Chairman: Malcolm Peters
Distribution of Magazine: Clubs and Members
Additions to distribution list, deletions, changes of address
and of club will be made only when advised through the
Club Membership and Activities report. Non-Lions, libraries
and other organisations who wish to advise changes should
contact Lions National Office, Locked Bag 2000
NEWCASTLE NSW 2300, Tel: 02 4940 8033 email:
info@lions.org.au
USA Editor-In-Chief - Sanjeev Ahuja
Managing Editor - Christopher Brunch, Lions Clubs
International 300 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-
8842 USA
Executive Officers: President Naresh Aggarwal, Delhi,
India; Immediate Past President Chancellor Robert E. “Bob”
Corlew, Milton, Tennessee, United States; First Vice
President Gudrun Yngvadottir, Gardabaer, Iceland; Second
Vice President Jung-Yul Choi, Busan City, Korea; Third Vice
President Judge Haynes H. Townsend, Dalton, Georgia,
United States. Page 7 - Dance fever Page 18 - Convention registration
Directors First year: Doo-Hoon Ahn, Seoul, South Korea;
Sandro Castellana, Padova, Italy; Hastings E. Chiti, Lusaka,
Zambia; William Galligani, Nimes, France; Thomas Gordon,
Ontario, Canada; Nicolás Jara Orellana, Quito, Ecuador;
Ardie Klemish, Iowa, United States; Alice Chitning Lau,
Guangzhou ,China; Connie Lecleir-Meyer, Wisconsin, United
CONTENTS
States; Virinder Kumar Luthra, Patna, Bihar, India; Dr. Datuk
K. Nagaratnam, Malacca, Malaysia; Don Noland, Missouri,
United States; Regina Risken, Giessen, Germany; Yoshio 4 International President’s report 12 Rural haven for youth at risk
Satoh, Chikuma City, Japan; Patricia Vannett, North Dakota,
United States; Gwen White, North Carolina, United States; 4 A decade-long hayride 14 Council Chairman’s report
Nicolas Xinopoulos, Indiana, United States.
Directors Second Year: Bruce Beck, Minnesota, United 8 Lions in China 18 Convention registration forms
States; Tony Benbow, Vermont South, Australia; K. 9 Go for gold 24 Lions out & about
Dhanabalan, Erode, India; Luiz Geraldo Matheus Figueira,
Brasílía, Brazil; Markus Flaaming, Espoo, Finland; Elisabeth 10 Unclaimed Lions money 26 Committee vacancies
Haderer, Overeen, The Netherlands; Magnet Lin, Taipei,
Taiwan; Sam H. Lindsey Jr., Texas, United States; N. Alan 11 Dance fever 28 International executive summary
Lundgren, Arizona, United States; Joyce Middleton,
Massachusetts, United States; Nicolin Carol Moore, Arima,
Trinidad and Tobago; Yasuhisa Nakamura, Saitama, Japan;
Aruna Abhay Oswal, Gujrat, India; Vijay Kumar Raju LION magazine deadline
Vegesna, Visakhapatnam, India; Elien van Dille, Ronse, Contributions for the Feb-April 2018 issue should be submitted by January 1 to
Belgium; Jennifer Ware, Michigan, United States; Jaepung
Yoo, Cheongju, Korea. The Editor, Lion magazine, Fawcett Media, 20 Millett Rd, Gisborne South,
Victoria 3437 or emailed to magazine@lions.org.au.
3
Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:37 pm Page 4
By Naresh NEED FOR FEED
Aggarwal,
A decade-long
Lions Clubs
International
President
REDUCING HUNGER IS
ONE OF OUR
PRIORITIES
HAYRIDE
Ten years ago the “millennium drought”, the driest years on record for most of
Australia, brought rural heartbreak.
For Americans, Thanksgiving is a celebration of So grim was the situation that nationally three farmers per week reportedly were taking
their blessings. Yet, in most nations, giving thanks their own lives through frustration and many others were walking off the land.
also is a part of the culture. In India, Hindus begin When devastating bushfires in Victoria’s East Gippsland compounded the disaster, Upper
their day in their home shrine venerating the Beaconsfield Lion and hobby farmer Graham Cockerell decided in 2006 that something had to
divine with fresh flowers and prasadam (a food be done. On the spur of the moment, he filled his tilt-tray tow truck with hay and with the
offering). Every Hindu festival involves counting help of some fellow Lions delivered it to disaster areas.
one’s blessings and thanking God. So was born Need for Feed. It was established as a District Project at the 2009 V3 District
Giving back out of gratitude also is part of the Convention and was extended for a further three years last year.
culture of Lions. We serve because we are thankful. Today, after a decade of action, it’s busier than ever, helping more rural Australians than
We recognise our advantages and deeply desire to ever. Looking back, Graham Cockerell says one of its proudest moments was helping
give others what they lack. Marysville Lions with the first convoy into the Victorian town after the horrendous Black
Sadly, many people worldwide lack enough food. Saturday fires.
Nearly 800 million people go to bed hungry each Need for Feed has been there after fires and floods and has become the major supplier of
night, and a person starves to death every 15 emergency fodder and funding for transport in Victoria, outstripping even the Victorian state
seconds. Hunger is a problem both in developing and government and other agencies combined.
developed nations. Shockingly, 16 million U.S. Millions of dollars’ worth of fodder has been provided, around $750,000 in cash has been
households are undernourished, while 180 million raised and a network of more than 100 volunteers established.
people in my home country of India lack food. In “Our oldest volunteer is 82,” says Graham. “He’s been with us since we started and just
Africa, the situation is even worse. Millions recently we’ve had to stop him climbing up on top of the trucks.”
experience chronic hunger because of drought, In May last year when the dairy price crisis hit, Need for Feed networked with others,
conflict and high food prices.
Thanks to the “green revolution” that increased
crop production, hunger can be conquered. It’s largely
a matter of getting food we have to people in need.
Well, with Lions, we’ve eliminated the middleman. We
have an army of volunteers, foot soldiers willing and
able to defeat hunger.
Understanding how vital food obviously is and how
well positioned Lions are to lessen it, Lions Clubs
International has prioritised hunger as one of Lions’
five core concerns. So, Lions, support your local food
pantry and bank. Help feed low-income children at
schools. Donate to LCIF, which routinely supports
highly effective Lions’ projects to lessen hunger.
Do what you can. As Mother Teresa said, “Not all of
us can do great things. But we can do small things
with great love.” So with your club or district feed the
hungry. Lions will not fail those in such desperate
need. This Thanksgiving, indeed each and every
month, I give thanks to all 1.4 million Lions and an
estimated 175,000 Leos, men and women and youths
grateful for their blessings and determined to save
and enrich lives by stamping out hunger.
4
Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:37 pm Page 5
including clubs, schools and businesses, and quickly had money and support “Or the other family who had a broken $400 part on the tractor they
rolling in.To date, $500,000 has been raised to support desperate farmers couldn’t afford to fix. A young teenager was driving the tractor while dad
right across Victoria, and into southern NSW, northern Tasmania and the operated the fork controls with a screwdriver. Just so they could feed out
eastern side of South Australia. the hay we had delivered. It was a disaster waiting to happen.”
Non-money donations have also made a difference. “Sometimes it was Then there were the 1,000-plus hampers part funded by Need for Feed
the simple things, like fuel cards to the family whose daughter missed the and distributed by Lions at Christmas.
school bus one day, only to have mum covered in petrol trying to syphon “If it wasn’t for the support from our volunteers, our Lions clubs, and
some out of the quad bike, because the car had no fuel to run the daughter other generous businesses and organisations, we would not have been able
to school,” says Graham Cockerell. to achieve the enormous benefit we have,” says Graham.
Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:37 pm Page 6
BOOK RAMBLE: Lions International First Vice President Gudrun Yngvadottir and her husband, Dr Jon
Bjarni Thorsteinsson, are welcomed to the bookshop by Maryborough President Lorraine Parker. LIONS & THE ENVIRONMENT
The day the 1st Vice Pres dropped by for a read and a cuppa South Australia’s Clare Lions
Staff of Victoria’s Maryborough Lions Club bookshop got a pleasant surprise when Lions Young Australians are getting an exciting
International First Vice President Gudrun Yngvadottir dropped by for afternoon tea. new appreciation of nature thanks to a
She and her husband, Dr Jon Bjarni Thorsteinsson, both from Iceland, had been in the area passionate group of South Australians called
attending the ANZI Pacific Forum in Ballarat. the Clare Lions Green Team.
She praised the bookshop as a prime example of what Lions around the world can achieve in The Green Team is introducing groups of school
their local communities.“It just has all the elements: it’s about literacy, connections with local children and others to the marvels of the bush at
people, and all the proceeds go back into community projects,” she said. the Gleeson Wetlands of Clare, about 140km north
When a club member noted that the couple would likely not find any books about Iceland, Ms of Adelaide.
Yngvadottir promptly found three relating to Icelandic culture, including volcanoes and Vikings. Over spring this year, children were encouraged
to observe wildlife from a new bird hide and to
LISTEN TO THE LION
explore the wetlands.
Apart from reading this hard-copy version of the magazine, Australians can
read the digital LION online.
Now it’s also possible to listen to the Australian LION magazine online.
A new text-to-speech feature in your digital magazine has recently breen
activated to allow this.
It’s called Amazon Polly and it provides visually impaired readers with a great way
to get access to LION magazine stories by having them “read” back to them.
It is also a great tool for Lions who want to listen to the magazine on the go.
Give it a try. Simply pick any story in your digital magazine, and click on the
“speaker” icon under the title (see image below).
The link to access your digital magazine is:
mydigimag.rrd.com/publication/?i=425343
This is yet another way we deliver a great digital magazine experience to readers!
f
Lion
6
Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:37 pm Page 7
HIDE & SEEK
Green Team is opening up young Australian eyes to a world of natural beauty
The Green Team, made up of Lions Club of Clare While the club sees nothing wrong with the different feeding habits of birds, such as nectar
members, has been working on the project since sausage sizzle image of Lions, it believes this feeders and insect eaters, while the structure of the
2014 in conjunction with the Clare and Gilbert project shows to the public that Lions can be large number of plants provides a variety of safe
Valleys Council and local contractors. involved in so much more. habitats.
The team, along with volunteers, has been The Lions Green Team is well on its way to Many bird species have already established
responsible for planting more than 4,000 native achieving its aim of making the Gleeson Wetlands themselves and it is anticipated these numbers will
seedlings, spot spraying and spreading mulch for one of Clare’s most popular places for walkers and grow as plants mature.
weed control. Regular working bees are held and bird watchers.
community volunteers are encouraged to join in. The wide variety of native flora and year-round For more details on the wetlands, visit
In one week alone, Clare Lions along with water provides a safe haven for numerous birds. ramblingsdc.net/LionsGW
teachers supervised well over 60 students on visits. Plant species have been selected to meet the
WET ’N WILD: Clare Green
Team’s Pat Williams guides a
group of schoolchildren through
the wetlands.
Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:37 pm Page 8
Lions in CHINA
Lions Australia Global Leadership Team Area Leader, PDG TIM IRVINE, takes a look-see visit
to a Chinese Lions club and returns filled with goodwill
My wife and I recently had a holiday visiting number of presentations, and, although the whole finding out more about Leos because they
family in Qingdao in China. During our time we event was in Chinese, the District Governor, currently do not have Leos and know little about
took the opportunity to attend a changeover Richard, provided some translation and kept us them.
celebration, to take part in a club project of informed during the proceedings. A few days later we assisted them with one of
the Qing Dao Lions Club and spend some time Some of the highlights included the their projects. It was during the Moon Festival, the
with the District Governor of District 383. presentation of Centennial Membership second most important event after Chinese New
Seeing a little of how Lions operates in China Certificates for new members inducted in that Year, and part of the tradition is exchanging moon
was an eye-opening experience. year, and the outgoing President’s address in cakes with family and friends. Their club went to
Lions in China is very formal and they love which he highlighted the growth of the club from a senior citizen’s centre and presented moon
ceremony and grandeur. We arrived at the 28 to 54 members and a number of successful cakes to older residents who didn’t have close
changeover ceremony and were greeted by all projects. During the celebration the club also family. Seeing the genuine delight on the faces of
the club in their bright red Chinese Lions blazers signed an agreement with the local university to those receiving gifts was a very moving
and a red carpet for us to parade down. provide opportunities for students to work with it experience for Pene and I.
During the changeover ceremony there were a on volunteer projects. I was also challenged to take on some of the
I was also given the patrons at a game of table tennis, and yes, China
opportunity to address beat Australia!
the club with my On one of the walls was some writing in
daughter-in-law as Chinese which loosely translated as: Our bodies
interpreter, so I told are now old, but we have had a joyous life and
them of some our hearts are happy.
Australian Lions These words really did typify the spirit of those
projects, including our we met that day.
health projects, Youth This was a wonderful experience and I would
of the Year and Leos. encourage any Lion who is travelling overseas to
The District Governor take the time to meet up with some local Lions
was very interested in and exchange the gift of goodwill.
The Lion
8
Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:37 pm Page 9
GO FOR GOLD
Lions eye
research
strikes it rich
with Chris’
nugget EUREKA: The six-ounce gold nugget worth $12,500 that one lucky person will win.
A Lions club deep in the jarrah forests of with his late wife Dorothy 14 years ago. The Institute will also be able to provide stem
south-west Australia is converting a six- Chris suffers from a rare form of retinal damage cells – from a patient’s own skin tissue – to
ounce gold nugget into funding for stem cell and has just five per cent of normal sight. researchers in other medical disciplines.
research to unlock the mysteries of eye The raffle, to be drawn on February 10 next year, Brian King Fellow, Dr Carla Mellough, was
disease. will have only 10,000 tickets. recruited from the UK last Christmas to run the new
The donated nugget, valued at $12,500, is The Eye Institute has over the past 60 years research project. A graduate of the University of
being raffled Australia-wide by the Lions Club of provided a wealth of scientific answers and Western Australia, she was selected from a group of
Nannup to raise $100,000 for the Lions Eye innovations to specialists and patients alike. distinguished applicants from around the world.
Institute in Perth. These have included the wonderful synthetic The Lions Club of Nannup heard of Dr Mellough’s
The nugget has been provided by vision-impaired cornea, and the Institute’s new stem cell research is cutting-edge research program, and the additional
member and club President Chris Morten who expected to assist with answers to many other eye funding needed for specialised equipment.
found it while prospecting 900km north of Perth diseases, such as macular degeneration. Chris, the donor of the gold, believes the project
is perhaps the single largest Lions project of its kind
in the Asia Pacific region in the Lions Centennial
Year.
“Clubs are now buying books of tickets as a way
of contributing toward research, which could offer
health benefits to the entire world.
“In most cases, clubs and many ticket buyers say
if they win the nugget, it will be re-raffled to keep
the ball rolling.”
Chris’ sight assistance dog Tandy, a two-year-old
golden retriever, is wearing a replica of the nugget
on her collar during the lead-up to the draw.
“It’s been 26 years since a doctor demanded my
car keys and, like so many other low-vision people, I
still long to be back behind the wheel,” Chris
explained earlier this year.
“For 15 years my late wife Dorothy did all the
driving as we chased outback work in our four-
wheel-drive. I’ve held on to the truck, just in case,
and Tandy has booked the front passenger seat in
case I get my licence back.
“By then she’ll well and truly have earned that
seat.”
Raffle tickets are $10 each, with 25 tickets in a
book. They can be obtained by going to
www.nannuplions.org or typing Lions Gold Nugget
Raffle in your browser.
The website allows PayPal purchases and direct
deposits.
Contact Nannup.lions@gmail.com or call
President Chris on 0427 560 264 for more
information.
Dr Carla Mellough and Chris with his sight assistance dog Tandy outside the Lions Eye Institute in Perth.
December - January 2017/18 9
Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:37 pm Page 10
Clubs urged to recover unclaimed money
That forgotten Lions bank account could be hiding “lost” funds that
might be used for some community good
Hundreds of thousands of dollars are lying
forgotten in “lost” bank accounts – and Lions
clubs and districts are not immune. LOST
A recent search of the Australian Securities &
BOUNTY:
About $617
Investment Commission’s lost money list on its
million is held
MoneySmart website (www.moneysmart.gov.au) in “lost”
revealed amounts varying from as little as five Australian
cents to $12,780 in Lions associated bank bank accounts
accounts. and some of
About a dozen of the “lost” Lions accounts that money
contain sums greater than $1,000. belongs to
In at least one case money was collected by Lions clubs
Lions for local bushfire victims about 12 years and districts.
ago but for various reasons was never able to be
distributed.
In that instance, the club knows about the Lions Executive Officer Rob Oerlemans said He suggested clubs also make their own checks
account and is planning to reclaim it. Lions Australia regularly checks the ASIC lost as sometimes account names might not be
Other clubs and districts are no doubt unaware money list and advises clubs connected to immediately recognised as belonging to Lions
of their “lost” money. accounts. clubs or districts.
Bank accounts are considered “unclaimed”
after seven years without deposits or withdrawals
being made.
Currently about $617 million is held in “lost”
accounts.
Money received from banks by ASIC is
transferred to the Commonwealth of Australia
Consolidated Revenue Fund.
The good news is that while the money might
be listed by ASIC as “lost” it can be claimed at
any time by the rightful owner.
There is no time limit on claims.
To claim money, you first need to contact the
bank. If the claim is successful, the bank will
notify ASIC and it will arrange for the funds to be
released to the bank so your club or district can
be paid the money.
Once claims are proven legitimate, the money
is generally paid within 28 days.
Last year ASIC arranged payments of more
than $87 million stemming from lost bank
accounts, shares or insurance policies.
Lions is not alone among service organisations
with bank accounts on the lost list.
A recent check on behalf of Rotary produced
similar results.
The Lion
10Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:38 pm Page 11
Dance fever hits Adamstown
When it comes to creating stars, this Lions club is right in step
It’s been a celebration of dance around the Adamstown club in NSW in Grammar school junior campus, attracted 101 entrants and featured prizes
recent months. totalling $7000.
First the club held a joint function to celebrate both the 100th birthday of The eisteddfod has a proud history with several now famous entrants
Lions and the 50th celebration of its Mattara Eisteddfod. going on to successful careers.
Then shortly later came the 50th eisteddfod itself. The event offers prizes in all areas of dance including classical,
The first function featured several performances from dance studios that contemporary, tap and jazz, with two $2000 and two $300 scholarships
had entered the eisteddfod, while the eisteddfod, held at Newcastle being awarded to individuals during the finale.
This year’s eisteddfod was attended by last
year’s ballet winner Brittany Dunwar who came
home from New Zealand to watch her brother
perform.
Brittany now lives in New Zealand where she
performs with the New Zealand Ballet Company.
The $2000 she won last year helped her attend
a championship and perform in America.
Earlier, District Governor Glenn Byrnes along
with representatives of several N3 clubs attended
the joint event at the Merewether Golf Club where
a celebration cake was cut.
STAR’S RETURN: Adamstown President
and eisteddfod secretary Kim Barker with last
year’s ballet winner Brittany Dunwar, now
with the New Zealand Ballet Company. She
came home to watch her brother perform in
this year’s eisteddfod.
December - January 2017/18
11Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:38 pm Page 12
LIONS & YOUTH
Rural haven for youth at risk
Just 20 minutes from the heart of Canberra, this ground breaking
complex is leading the way as a community asset while giving young people a
taste of country life
Once an abandoned farm, the Lions Youth Queanbeyan region (District 201N2), it is situated school identifying the students to be involved.
Haven has in a few years proved its worth on on the 200ha Westwood Farm a short drive from Animals on the farm include lambs, calves,
a range of fronts. Canberra. pigs, chickens, ducks, two alpacas and the herd
A not-for-profit organisation owned and The farm runs a herd of Red Angus cattle and of Red Angus.
supported by Lions clubs in the Canberra and offers horse agistment as well as renting Students are involved in hands-on activities
buildings to other community groups such as including feeding the animals (bottle feeding the
Communities @Work and DUO Services Australia. lambs is a favourite activity).
Communities @Work run the on-property Students are also taught to prepare their own
school for children at risk, while DUO’s Tandem morning tea and lunch, before cleaning up and
House is a respite centre located at Westwood recycling waste through a worm farm and the
Farm. property’s laying hens.
The major Lions activity at Lions Youth Haven In addition, students learn about farm
(LYH) is a 60-bed student accommodation, maintenance as well as the vagaries of
Westwood Lodge, which provides affordable agriculture. They also learn that regardless of the
accommodation for visiting students to the ACT. weather (it was around three degrees when one
Its long-term purpose (once the mortgage is recent group arrived in the morning), farm work
paid off) is to provide a steady income stream for must go on.
activities to support youth at risk. Canberra and Queanbeyan Lions volunteer to
The Farm Skills Program was re-established at pick up and return students to their schools,
Lions Youth Haven in 2015 and caters for while other volunteers manage the shopping and
students at risk of disengaging from secondary liaise with schools.
school. Currently the program is operating at full A hard working agricultural teacher who has
capacity five days a week and demand is so built a great rapport with students also assists in
popular there is a long waiting list. sourcing animals and other resources for the
The program runs for one day per week for a farm program.
school, for eight weeks per term, with each Currently participating schools contribute about
Banjo’s legacy lives on
In the last LION magazine you might have read how
much-loved Queensland Lion Bill “Banjo” Bennett was
raising funds for leukemia research, despite himself
suffering from the terrible disease.
Sadly, after that story was written Banjo lost his fight with
the disease. Happily though, his legacy lives on in the event he
inspired, the inaugural Banjo Bennett Memorial Golf Day.
The golf day was recently held in St George, Queensland in
his honour to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation's ESA
Village.
Nearly 80 golfers took to the greens, the strong showing no
doubt due to Banjo's involvement in many community groups,
including long-time membership of the St George Lions, rugby
league and golf clubs.
INSPIRING: Banjo” Bennett’s wife Linda and children, Michael
(left) and Emma-Jane, congratulate the inaugural Banjo Bennett
Memorial Golf Day winners Mike Curtin, Mark Pain and Tony Gibson.
The Lion
12Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:38 pm Page 13
50% of costs, while donations and grants keep the program running.
Supporting schools are rich in their praise for the program.
“We fully endorse and support this program and foresee a long-term, strong
partnership between our school and the Lions organisation,” said one principal. “It
has had a significant, positive impact on the lives of our students and has opened
the door for new career pathways and has built solid learning links and friendships
that will last beyond formal schooling. We could not recommend the Lions Youth
Haven program more highly to any schools looking for ways of building engagement
with learning for their students.”
From an appreciative student came the following:
“Today was the first time that I have: caught and held a pig, heard a pig’s ear-
piercing squeals, touched a horse, fitted a halter onto a cow, taught a group about
my horse, chopped firewood, tended a fire in a wood heater.”
Lions Youth Haven is keen for clubs to provide their local schools with information
about staying on the working farm when visiting Canberra.
For more information about Lions Youth Haven, the Farm Skills Program or
Westwood Lodge check out the website lyh.org.au and the Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/LionsYouthHaven
December - January 2017/18
13Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:38 pm Page 14
What you should
FROM THE MULTIPLE DISTRICT
From Council Chairman Malcolm NEW LIONS
Greetings to 2018 Council of Governors Meeting is well By the Executive Officer, Rob Oerlemans
all underway. Included in this meeting is the District
members of Governor Elect and the District Cabinet Secretary The Multiple District is the administrative
our Lions Designates training. Whilst this is a very busy time, structure of Lions that governs activities
Family the application and development of our Governor for Australia and Papua New Guinea. It is
around teams in MD201 is the envy of many other nations. governed by a Council that is elected
Australia. The MD Leadership Team has an active and each year.
Firstly, I engaging program set out for each of the groups. Your District elects a District Governor
must Our goal of serving 200 million people worldwide each year to lead and guide your District
apologise for not writing an article for the last is rapidly approaching, with just under seven million Cabinet. By virtue of that election, the
issue of the LION magazine. After our return people still to be served. I believe our target will be District Governor joins the 18 other District
home from the August Council Meeting and the reached very soon. Here in our own Multiple District, Governors to sit as a Council to lead and
ANZI Forum in Ballarat I was taken to Coffs LCI figures indicate that in the first five months of guide the Multiple District.
Harbour hospital with pneumonia. the year we have served 536,905 people, so keep Lions Clubs International places
The weekend following the ANZI Forum I, along up the good work. On the Centennial Service responsibilities on the District Governor, and
with PIP Barry Palmer, District Governor Ron Gattone Challenge Activities, to date we have 29% of clubs the Multiple District Council, to deliver the
and Narelle, had the pleasure of hosting in our Multiple District having recorded activities on annual goals of the Association. This
International 1st Vice President Gudrun Bjort the LCI website. This is what we do ... and we need includes, in particular:
Yngvadottir and her husband PID Jon Bjarni to record what we do so that others know. You owe 1. Deliver the five service goals of our
Thorsteinsson in Sydney. The weekend included a it to yourselves and our organisation to stand tall Association through the Global Service Team.
visit to the Lions Eye Bank and Save Sight Institute, and be proud of your achievements. Now is the 2. Increase membership through the Global
the Garvin Institute and the Sydney Waratahs Lions time, let’s get moving for the way ahead is clear and Membership Team
Club. Their visit concluded with a lunchtime cruise we want our Centenary of Service Challenge to 3. Support and develop our clubs and
on the Harbour. conclude with 100% club participation. members through the Global Leadership
After my recovery from the bout of pneumonia I Saturday 3rd March 2018 has been identified as Team.
had the sad duty of attending the funeral of PID Dr. Lions Awareness Day, a national day for Lions to 4. Support and resource our service goals
Bob Coulthard in Adelaide. celebrate and share the amazing work we do in our through the Lions Clubs International
We are now almost halfway through our communities. It’s a chance for us to show all Foundation.
Centennial year and so much has happened. From Australians that “We Serve” more than sausages. 5. Work together to manage and develop our
all indications I have seen on Facebook, our District On Lions Awareness Day, invite your club to Association through District collaboration
Governors and their teams have been busy holding participate by setting up a stall or holding a BBQ and and coordination.
very successful conventions. talking with your communities about the amazing In addition, Multiple District 201 through
Narelle and I were privileged to be invited to four work your club and our organisation does around its Conventions, has established many
district conventions – N1 in Inverell, Q2 in Bowen, the world every day. projects and Foundations over the years that
Q1in Lismore and N5 on Norfolk Island. They were As many are planning to travel to Las Vegas for require support and coordination and an
all very informative, entertaining and very friendly. the 101st International Convention and to witness ongoing infrastructure. These include our
We would like to thank the districts and the host history in the making with the inauguration of our youth programs, national office, and the
clubs for the wonderful hospitality. Conventions give first female International President, our own 66th many projects listed on our website.
us many opportunities to learn and share ideas. It Multiple District Convention is being held in Council will ask delegates at the Multiple
was great to see so many First Conventioneers Townsville from the 4th to 7th May 2018. The theme District Convention in Townsville to consider
attending and learning more on how our is “A New Century of Service”, will set the scene for establishing a Lions Advisory Board (LAB) to
organisation operates. Please encourage other our next 100 years of service. With an informative support the Council. The LAB will not act
members of your clubs to attend next year’s and entertaining program being planned, it will be a independently of Council. Rather it will be
convention and to join in the fun. Don’t forget to convention for all who attend to remember. able to investigate, research and manage
report back to your clubs on the many positive In conclusion, as the festive season descends programs on behalf of Council and make
things that you learnt at your district convention. upon us it is probably time for us all to contemplate recommendations to the Council for action,
At your convention you would have heard about having a rest in January – although when do Lions as can any Committee Chairperson.
the proposal from the Long-Range Development ever really stop? Where there is a need there are Importantly, however, the LAB will sit for a
Committee (LRDC), to be put to the MD201 Lions ready to serve and support their communities. term of four years and that will give it the
Convention in Townsville, regarding the Lions Narelle and I would like to take this opportunity to opportunity to provide a longer term view of
Advisory Board (LAB). To enable you to gain a better wish you all a safe and enjoyable Christmas and a our projects than is possible for Council.
understanding of this proposal, there is more Happy New Year, and may 2018 be a year of growth BENEFITS
information at right, and on the Multiple District and prosperity as we continue in our service as 1. Refocusses Council towards strategic
website as the Convention draws near. Lions into the next 100 years. – Lions Malcolm governance and leadership.
The planning and preparation for the January and Narelle Peters 2. Strengthens the link between the program
The Lion
14Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:38 pm Page 15
know about the...
ADVISORY BOARD
and goals of the International President and Lions personally productive.
Clubs International, at the Multiple District level. The LAB will meet at a central location
3. Strongly associates the Council with the in person for a half-day meeting on 3-4
strategic goals of Global membership, leadership occasions. Other meetings will be held by WHY STAND FOR THE LIONS ADVISORY BOARD?
and service. teleconference. Meetings will be short, focussed The Lions Advisory Board provides the
4. Gives District Governors the time to collaborate and targeted. opportunity for suitably skilled Lions to serve the
and support each other. The work program will be set in consultation organisation by contributing to the governance of
5. Provides the opportunity to reduce the with the Council through a performance-based, programs and activities. As the time commitment
formality of Council meetings. management plan and budget. is more manageable than other roles, it may suit
6. Increases program accountability by The nomination package including required working Lions, or those who are committed to
connecting operational programs to a body (Lions skills and experience can be found on the other activities.
Advisory Board) that continues beyond a website as indicated below, or through the Lions seeking experience in a directorship role
may seek to stand to build their credentials and
experience.
THE NEXT STEPS/FIND OUT MORE
a. Presentations about the concept have been
delivered at each District Convention.
b. Information regarding the Lions Advisory Board
and the positions is available on the Lions
Australian website at lionsclubs.org.au/lions-
advisory-board
c. Detailed Notices of Motion will be supplied to
clubs at the usual time covering the proposal and
the necessary changes to the Constitution.
Those wishing to stand for the four Lions
Advisory Board positions at the Townsville
Convention should obtain the information
package online or from the Executive
Officer. Nominations for the positions,
according to the process indicated in the
package, must be supplied to the Executive
Officer at Locked Bag 2000, Newcastle NSW
2300 no later than Monday 5 March 2018.
Elections will be carried out at the
Townsville Multiple District Convention,
12-month term. Multiple District Executive Officer. subject to delegates approving the motions
7. Provides an opportunity for Lions with expertise STRUCTURE to establish the Lions Advisory Board. If
in governance and management to contribute to Four Lions will be elected at the Multiple the delegates do not approve the
Multiple District projects at a senior level. District Convention to sit on the Advisory Board establishment of the Lions Advisory Board,
8. Strengthens accountability of operational for a term of four years. nominations will lapse.
programs to the Convention that creates them. The Council Chairperson each year
9. Reduces the administrative load of Program will, by virtue of their election, sit as a
Chairpersons through less reporting to improve full, voting member of the Advisory
their mobility in ‘the field’. Board.
10. Provides the opportunity for effective The five members will select one of
performance management of programs. their number (excepting the Council
BOARD Chairperson) as Lions Advisory Board
If the proposal is adopted at Convention, it is Chairperson.
critical that delegates have the opportunity to The Multiple District Executive
elect LAB members with the right qualifications (Executive Officer, Legal Officer and
and expertise. National Chairperson) will participate
The members will require strong governance in the Lions Advisory Board Meetings
skills/qualifications, excellent knowledge of our in an ex-officio capacity.
organisation and programs and the ability to be
December - January 2017/18Lion-Dec-Jan 2_template Lion 17/11/2017 4:39 pm Page 16
LIONS AT WORK
FLOWER POWER brightens the ward
As Dungog President Lesley Wright read an Orchid
Society magazine, she noticed a picture of
Sydney’s North Shore Hospital beautifully
decorated with a huge mural derived from photos
of orchids grown by a society member.
She immediately thought of the tiny local Dungog
Hospital, where the one-bed palliative care ward
consisted of a bed, side-table and wooden clock on the
cream-painted walls.
Unlike other wards, it had no view of the town and
surrounding hills.
Being committee members of Maitland and Coalfields
District Orchid Society and with an extensive library of
orchid images, Lesley and her husband Kim, the Dungog
Lions Treasurer, got to work.
Four acrylic prints were made as a club project and
presented to the hospital to brighten things up.
COLOUR UP: Hospital admin officer Annette O’Neill (left)
displays the prints with Dungog President Lesley Wright and
hospital manager Nicky Churms. Now patients have more
than a clock and a TV to brighten their days!
LCIF
Lions protect Indonesian children from measles and rubella
By Jamie Konigsfeld
“We will make this world a safer place to live for our
children,” declares Council Chairperson Jono Koesmo,
confident in the success of Lions’ efforts to protect the
children of Indonesia from measles and rubella.
Both the measles and rubella viruses are prevalent in Indonesia,
and thousands of cases are reported annually. Measles is a
potentially life-threatening virus that can leave its survivors with
brain damage, deaf and blind. Rubella can cause miscarriages and
birth defects.
Of course, Lions cannot stand by and watch as thousands of
children are diagnosed with these diseases each year. With funding
from Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), Lions of Multiple
District 307 in Indonesia have joined the Indonesian government
and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in a measles and rubella (MR)
immunisation campaign.
During this two-year campaign, the goal is to immunise at least
95 percent, or around 70 million Indonesian children against SAFEGUARD: Knowing another child will be protected from measles and rubella, Lions in
measles and rubella. After the campaign, the Indonesian Indonesia smile at a vaccination event.
government will replace the measles vaccine with the combined the challenges local Lions face in their efforts to raise awareness and
MR vaccine in the country’s routine immunisation system. The government is encourage participation. “[It] surprised me [that] so far there are so many myths
hoping to eliminate measles and rubella from Indonesia by the year 2020. and wrong information [about vaccinations] given to some schools and parents.”
In order to accomplish this monumental goal, the campaign is being In order to advocate for the life-saving MR vaccinations, Koesmo says Lions are
conducted in two phases. The first phase took place in Java Island’s six reaching schools and parents through social media, websites, radio, seminars
provinces during August and September. All schools conducted vaccination days and other types of ads. Lions are also visiting schools, religious leaders and
in which children between the ages of six and 15 years received the vaccine. local governments.
The campaign extended to local clinics, hospitals and community centres to The MR vaccine protects children from the potentially life-altering and deadly
reach children between the ages of nine months and six years who were not yet infections that are widely affecting Indonesia. LCIF and Lions will continue to
in school. The second phase of the campaign will take place in 2018 and will work together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to receive a MR
bring vaccinations to children in the remaining 28 provinces outside of Java vaccination.
Island.
Koesmo, who is very involved with the MR campaign, has described some of
Lion
16
166Lion-Dec-Jan 2_template Lion 17/11/2017 4:39 pm Page 17
TIMELY GIFT: Epping Eastwood Lions and a host of Lions dignitaries, hospital staff and health managers and others were on hand when the cheque was handed over.
Whopping $49,000 boost for Ryde Hospital upgrade
A $49,000 donation from Epping Eastwood Lions Club, the Australian hospital more quickly,” Mr Noone said.
Lions Foundation and the Lions NSW-ACT Save Sight and Public Health Epping Eastwood Lions Club Immediate Past President Lynn Campbell said
Care Foundation means Sydney’s Ryde Hospital patients can now much of the money had been raised at a trivia night earlier this year.
breathe a little more easily when they undergo surgery. “The attachment between Ryde Hospital, the local community and our club is
Lions representatives visited the hospital recently to inspect the three very strong,” she said.
anaesthetic machines upgraded with the donation. “It is a real pleasure for us to be able to contribute to the vital work of Ryde
Hospital site operations manager Matthew Noone said the donation meant Hospital by providing tangible help – this time, in the form of cash to upgrade
the machines – used to deliver anaesthetic gases and monitor a patient's vital important equipment.
signs during an operation – could be upgraded ahead of schedule. “I’d like to thank everyone who supports Lions, and supported our trivia night,
“This donation, like others we are lucky to receive, allows us to stretch our because they all played a role in making Ryde Hospital an even better asset for
budget further – meaning patients and staff benefit from improvements to the our community.”
4WD for Tanzanian orphanage
Five years ago Figtree Lions Club (N2) young child after watching images of the
“adopted” the Forever Angels Baby Home Ethiopian famine on television back in 1985.
orphanage in Tanzania as a project. Since then, Amy and her husband Ben
Support for the orphanage and the Forever have adopted five Tanzanian children and a
Projects fundraising group has remained a top lone Somali child from the UK and manage
priority. the baby home remotely from the UK.
Since late 2011, the club has donated more Figtree Lions Club’s connection to the baby
than $14,500 to assist the orphanage, which home is through members Greg Dombkins’
promotes and awareness of orphaned and son Mark and wife Anna who moved to
abandoned children in Tanzania and supports Tanzania in 2010 where Mark taught at an
initiatives to alleviate the problems. international school and Anna was a boarding ON THE ROAD: The 4WD bears the names of those
Recently the Forever Projects group raised parent/counsellor. who have donated, including Figtree Lions Club.
more than $30,000 (of which $1000 came from The couple, who have three children of
Figtree Lions) in five weeks to purchase a 4WD their own, subsequently adopted three Forever Projects group, raising more than
vehicle for orphanage staff, enabling them to take abandoned siblings, twins Charlie and Shalom $250,000 in the past five years.
on the treacherous Tanzanian roads. (Shay) and their older brother Jabari. Apart from receiving donations, the group has
The Forever Angels baby home in Mwanza on They returned to live in Wollongong, NSW organised fundraising functions such as food and
the shores of Lake Victoria is the realisation of a where Mark, Anna, Mark’s sister Kate and many wine nights and installations at a local music
dream that Amy Hathaway of Britain had as a friends have continued to work tirelessly for the festival. – Geoff Failes
December - January 2017/18
17Lion-Dec-Jan 2_template Lion 17/11/2017 4:39 pm Page 18
NATIONAL CONVENTION – Friday 4th May to Monday 7th May 2018
SEE YOU ALL IN TOWNSVILLE
Photography: Megan MacKinnon
The registration form is out (see opposite page) so now is the time
to sign on for your visit to sunny North Queensland.
The hard working convention committee have their theme – “Together in
the Tropics” – and we have Council Chair Malcolm’s theme of “A New
Century of Service”. What better place to start our next 100 years of
community service (71 years in Australia) than here in Townsville!
All district conventions have now finished and it’s time to get organised to
travel to the National Convention next May. At this Convention we can plan
for the next decade of service and new opportunities for the growth of Lions
Clubs International.
MD201 66th NATIONAL CONVENTION – Friday 4th May to Monday 7th May 2018
– MARK IT IN YOUR DIARY NOW
The organising committee is gearing up the program, the venues are organised and the greeters
and volunteers are waiting to welcome you all to Townsville. The last convention held in Townsville was
in 1987 and the city has grown so much, so come on back and see the progress here in the north.
Renew old friendships and make new ones.
The Gala Ball will be held on the Saturday evening with the theme “NQ Tropical”. It will be a night to
remember. Dress code details are on the website.
We are having a tree-planting morning on Thursday 3rd May so – for the early arrivals – come
along and join in our environmental project. Details on how to register are on the registration form.
There’s so much to see and do in Townsville – Army and RAAF museums for the military buffs, a
visit to Magnetic Island, city tours and much more. Our tour desk will be there to assist you in
organising your tours before or after the Convention. Come early and stay longer.
The Convention website provides links to assist conventioneers with travel and accommodation
options. Please book early to ensure you get the accommodation of your choice.
We will also be producing a monthly newsletter with relevant updates. The newsletter will be
forwarded to District Cabinet Secretaries for distribution to all clubs.
Looking forward to seeing you all in Townsville at the Convention where we can all be
“TOGETHER IN THE TROPICS”
PDG Di Pyers
Chairman
Convention Organising Committee
18Lion-Dec-Jan 2_template Lion 17/11/2017 4:39 pm Page 19
December - January 2017/18
19Lion-Dec-Jan 2_template Lion 17/11/2017 4:39 pm Page 20
Lion-Dec-Jan 2_template Lion 17/11/2017 4:39 pm Page 21
Lion-Dec-Jan 2_template Lion 21/11/2017 8:09 am Page 22
So just who is Australia’s oldest Lion?
When Lion “Gentleman Jim” Williams challenged readers in the last Brunswick Mullumbimby Lions joined the challenge with their 64-year life
LION magazine to come up with Australia’s oldest Lion he really member Noel James who turns 90 this coming April. Narromine Lions hit
started something. back with their charter and Lions life member Bill Ballhausen OA, a Lion for
Jim, 87, a modest fellow and an active Lion for 57 years, wasn’t claiming 65 continuous years at the one club. He
the title. He was merely interested. comes in at an impressive 90 years.
Since then, nominations for senior Lions have been coming in thick and Not to be outdone, Queensland’s
fast. Blackwater Lioness Ladies nominated local
First off the mark was N5’s eagle-eyed Alan Penney who correctly pointed Lion Frank Wilson, a proud 93 and a Lion for
out that on the same page that Jim issued his challenge, there was a story 49 years. So far Frank (pictured at right with
hailing Ku-ring-gai Lion John Taubman, a proud 88 and a Lion for 63 years. his wife Dorothy, an artist) seems our leader.
Then long-serving Bondi Lion Kalman “Colin” Bloch put his hand up to But watch this space, there are certain to
being 89 this December (he first joined Lions in Rhodesia in June 1968). be more challengers.
Lion
22Lion-Dec-Jan 2_template Lion 17/11/2017 4:39 pm Page 23
LIONS AROUND THE NATION
TAKE THE TOUR TO
TROPICAL
TOWNSVILLE
Years ago district and multiple district
conventions were the highlight of the Lions
year. Unfortunately, the emphasis has shifted,
and historically numbers attending
conventions are falling. This trend needs to be
reversed.
Sydney 88 touring committee has accepted the
challenge to encourage Lions to travel to the 66th
MD Convention being held in Townsville in May Green Island and Magnetic Island, to name just two of the places we will visit.
2018. Each year the committee plans an exciting holiday to complement the MD
This group of dedicated Lions has put together a fascinating trip that will Convention and encourage Lions from various districts to join with N5 Lions.
warm the hearts of many Lions and partners, staying eight nights at The It’s a great chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.
Ville in Townsville followed by five nights at the Shangri-La in Cairns, 3-16 Applications are now being accepted from all over Australia. Don’t miss
May 2018. Daily breakfasts are included and, while touring, most meals. out on a fabulous opportunity to enjoy fellowship with other Lions, the
Immerse yourself in one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders Townsville MD Convention and a wonderful relaxing tour.
and discover an underwater wonderland in Tropical North Queensland. Explore Contact Secretary Peter Touzel 0478 090 784 or email peter@touzel.id.au
History Project
I am attempting to compile a history of Lionism
and Lions clubs in that geographical area of
Australia currently identified as MD 201 Districts
C1 and C2.
To date my research has identified just over 100 Lions
clubs that have been chartered since 1961 and which no
longer exist. I am appealing to any member who may
have been a member of any of these “folded” clubs to
contact me with a view to providing details of charter
night and subsequent officers, or with any other historical
material relative to any of these clubs which they may be
willing to donate to my project.
Contact: Bryan Hearn, JP IPDG C2
– bandk392@bigpond.com, 0410 539 274
SAVE THOSE STAMPS
Following our story in the last LION magazine on
the success of the Lions International Stamp
Club’s Australian auctions in raising funds for
ALCMF, several readers have enquired how they
can donate stamps.
The club’s President Ted Henebery recommends
contacting the following: $238,000 bid to fund Big Red Kidney Bus
V, C and T Districts: Graham McKenzie,
Queensland’s Robina Lions are program provides a mobile haemodialysis
PO Box 4, Trafalgar, VIC 3824 – 0400 104 058,
determined not to miss the bus, the Big service, allowing those requiring haemodialysis
grahammck@westnet.com.au
Red Kidney Bus. to have a holiday while still receiving treatment.
N Districts: Ted Henebery, Lions Club of Hornsby, PO
The club was given the go-ahead at the Big Red Kidney Buses are open to all
Box 3053, Asquith, NSW 2077.
recent Q1 Convention to launch a $238,000 Australians on hospital, satellite or home
Q Districts: Ross Paine, 10 Balgownie Dr, Peregian
campaign to purchase and fit out a BRKB for haemodialysis. The buses travel to popular
Springs, QLD 4573 – 07 5448 1592,
Queensland. holiday destinations across Victoria and NSW,
rosspaine@bigpond.com
It will work closely with Kidney Health where they are located for up to six weeks at a
W Districts: Max Lurie,
Australia in the campaign. Kidney Health time, staffed by experienced dialysis nurses
48/16 Freedman Rd, Menorah WA 6050.
Australia’s award-winning Big Red Kidney Bus and renal technicians.
December - January 2017/18
23Lion-Dec-Jan 2_template Lion 17/11/2017 4:39 pm Page 24
LIONS
D
OUT AN
ABOUT
1st VP gives benches the sit-in test
When International First Vice President Gudrun Yngvadottir
visited Lara’s award-winning Kevin Hoffman Walk in Victoria,
she wasn’t about to miss out on testing one of the three
benches donated by local Lions.
The benches were provided as part of Lions International centenary
celebrations.
Joining her sit-in was DG Trevor Hirth, watched by a Lions
entourage comprising (from left) Jon King, Gudrun’s husband PID Jon
Biardi Thorsteinsson, Kevin Hoffman, Jan Hirth and Bryan Walker.
TEST RUN: Young Jareth Purcell excitedly tries out his new Crocodile Gait Trainer,
supplied courtesy of Queensland’s Gracemere Lions. Jareth has Spina Bifida and his
Happiness comes from ‘Hear Me Roar’ previous walker was too small but this new model suits him perfectly.
When a City of Adelaide Lion came across a blog written by a
woman undergoing chemotherapy treatment she was moved,
so moved she encouraged her fellow Lions to do something
about it.
The result was the Hear Me Roar project.
Aimed at supporting South Australian patients through the ups and
downs of their illnesses and treatments, it involves giving them items
that will make them smile while making their lives a little easier.
It started with bright and happy multi-purpose cushions and has
extended to port pillows for patients who find it difficult and/or painful
wearing a seat belt, to handmade book bags, handmade dressing
gowns and children’s headbands.
By the end of this year, the team (pictured below on a recent
hospital visit) will have donated more than 1,000 gifts.
Visit www.hearmeroarproject.com.au for more details.
No 1: Queensland club Gayndah has collected 4000-plus pairs of glasses for recycling and
Edwina Randall has collected many during 10 years on the job. She’s congratulated here by
President Bill Mellor and Edna Hunter, wife of Past President Noel Hunter.
The Lion
24You can also read
