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NewNewInternationalInternationalPresident’President’ssprogram toprogram togrogrow Lionsw LionsPlus his links with

Australia and a youngElvis Presley

Eberhard and Margit Wirfs

August - September 2009 Volume 84 No. 5

The Lion – Australia and PNG

The Lion - 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 Lion ispublished by authority of Board of Directors in 21 languages:English, Spanish, Japanese, French, Swedish, Italian, German,Finnish, Korean, Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, Chinese,Norwegian, Icelandic, Turkish, Greek, Hindi, Polish, Indonesianand Thai.EditorTony Fawcett, Fawcett Media20 Millett Road Gisborne South VIC 3437Ph: (03) 9744 1368Email: tony.fawcett@bigpond.comAdvertising ManagerGraham Madigan68 Wyeree Road, Mandurah, Western Australia 6210Ph: (08) 9535 2927, 0409 883 455Email: madigan@southwest.com.auLions Australia website: www.lionsclubs.org.auDeadlines: 1st day of month before cover date.MD201 Council of GovernorsJohn McIntosh C1, Corinne Stone C2,Christine Woolnough N1, Paul Helmling N2,Marilyn Kinealy JP N3, Ray Strong N4,Maureen Beryl Payne N5, John C Lynch Q1,John D W Muller OAM Q2, Heather Short Q3,Helen Schellbach Q4, Robert (John) Gillham T1,Jill Qualtrough V1-4, Bob Gilchrist, Thomas Shillito V3,Robert Kann V5, Alan Lindsay Millar V6,Pamela Dawn Baird W1, Neil F Saunders W2.Distribution of Magazine: Clubs and MembersAdditions to distribution list, deletions, changes of addressand of club will be made only when advised through the ClubMembership and Activities report. Non-Lions, libraries andother organisations who wish to advise changes shouldcontact Lions National Office, Locked Bag 2000 NEWCASTLENSW 2300, Tel: 02 4940 8033 email: admin@lions.org.auUSA Executive Director – Peter LynchManaging Editor - Dane La Joye, Lions Clubs International300 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842 USAExecutive Officers International President – Eberhard J. Wirfs,Kelkheim am Taunus, Hessen, Germany; Immediate PastPresident – Albert F. Brandel, Melville, New York, USA; FirstVice President – Sidney L. Scruggs III, Vass, North Carolina,USA; Second Vice President – Wing-Kun Tam, Hong Kong,China.Directors Second year: Bishnu Bajoria, Bankura, India; KenBird, Queensland, Australia; Kwang-Soo Jang, Seoul, SouthKorea; Douglas A. Lozier, Indiana, USA; Shyam Malpani,Mumbai, India; Art A. Marson, Wisconsin, USA; Dr. JerimiahMyers, Alaska, USA; Ellis Suriyati Omar, Kuching, Malaysia;Eugenio Roman Jr., Arecibo, Puerto Rico; Bojan Sober, Rijeka,Croatia; Dr Ton Soeters, Huizen, The Netherlands; Neil R.Spencer, Florida, USA; Beverly L. Stebbins, Texas, USA; TadaoSugimoto, Hokkaido, Japan; Prof. Dr. Hayri Ülgen, Istanbul,Turkey; Rosane Jahnke Vailatti, Penh, Santa Catarina, Brazil;Debra Wasserman, Faribault, Minnesota, USA.First year: Enrico Cesarotti, Rome, Italy; Luis Dominguez,Mijas Pueblo, Spain; Gary B. D’Orazio, Idaho, USA; YasumasaFuro, Dazaifu, Japan; K.P.A. Haroon, Cochin, India; Carlos A.Ibañez, Panama City, Panama; Ronald S. Johnson, Maine,USA; Byeong-Deok Kim, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Horst P.Kirchgatterer, Wels/Thalheim, Austria; Hamed OlugbengaBabajide Lawal, Ikorodu, Nigeria; Daniel A. O’Reilly, Illinois,USA; Richard Sawyer, Arizona, USA; Anne K. Smarsh,Kansas, USA; Jerry Smith, Ohio, USA; Michael S. So, Makati,the Philippines; Haynes H. Townsend, Georgia, USA; JosephYoung, Ontario, Canada.

C O N T E N T S

4 International President’s report

6 Lions action

8 Meet the Chairman

9 Doonas bring warmth

10 CEO’s report

11 Waltzing Matilda

12 International news

13 Marketing plan

15 International President’s program

27 Service in his soul

28 2009 District Conventions

30 International Executive Summary

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

Page 17 - President’s program

Page 11 - Aussies offer invite

Page 8 - Importance of fun

Our c

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COVER: Our new InternationalPresident Eberhard Wirfs, herewith his wife, Margit, hassome exciting plans for Lionsin 2009-10. His full program ison page 14 – along with thestory of his fascinating linkwith a showbusiness legend,on page 27.

‘We serve’

New contributor emailContributions intended for theOctober - November 2009 issue of theLion should be submitted bySeptember 1 to The Editor, The LionMagazine, Fawcett Media, 20 MillettRd, Gisborne South, Victoria 3437 oremailed to the new email address –tony.fawcett@bigpond.com

Connections, influence, friendship, philanthropy

4The Lion

Move togrow in2009/10

By Eberhard J. Wirfs, President,The International Association of Lions Clubs

I ran a business and I believe in the maxim that businessesmust grow or die. But I believe that principle also applies toLions. We must keep moving forward. We Lions need motionand energy. We need dynamic progress. Life is alwayschanging and always evolving. We need to push ahead. Weneed to Move to Grow.

In 2009-2010 we Lions need to grow our membership. The GlobalMembership Team is leading the charge. Lions leaders are focusing onmany parts of the world, especially Eastern Europe. We have just11,000 Lions there but have carved out four geographic areas wherewe expect to see significant growth during the next three to five years.

But every club and every Lion has to help boost membership.Perhaps the best place to start is within your own home. We oftendon’t invite our spouse to share the privilege and joy of being a Lion.

Let’s continue to invite women and families in general to join. Twodecades ago we had no female Lions. Today they are the fastestgrowing segment of our organisation. We have nearly 260,000 femaleLions, about 20 percent of all Lions. But we need to specifically targetwomen because we need them.

We also need to better engage youths in community service. Wehave programs attractive to youths such as Youth Camps andExchange, the Peace Poster Contest and Lions Quest. Let’s makethese programs more visible and more available. My goal with LionsQuest is to extend it into 60 nations and develop it into a coreeducational program of Lions Clubs International.

One of the new ways we will appeal to youth this year is the LionsClubs International Global Youth Music Competition. We’ll hold regionalcompetitions and then we’ll hold the finals at the internationalconvention in Sydney next year. This will be a reality show that is realand riveting. It will promote social and cultural understanding andunderscore our commitment to youth. Music is a universal language,just as Lions are universal in appeal. So get ready for some wonderful,spirited, talented musical competition.

We need to grow in social understanding, grow a new generation ofleaders and grow increased public awareness of Lions. The metaphorfor us Lions is the gingko tree. Provide a gingko with sun and soil andit can live for 1000 years. Its resiliency makes it a symbol of hope. Itrepresents heritage, adaptability and utility. Lions possess these traitsbut we can’t stand still and rest on our laurels. Lions, Move to Grow in2009-2010.

Eberhard J. Wirfs

STEFANO CALLING

It is with pride that Milduraextends a genuine welcome toour region for the ‘Edge of theOutback’ National Convention –April 30 - May 3 2010.

The six Lions Clubs in our areanamely Irymple, Mildura, Merbein,Coomealla, Buronga-Gol Gol and RedCliffs all have representatives on ourorganising committee and aredelighted to be working together tohost the 2010 National Convention.

Ambassador - Stefano de PieriCelebrity chef and author Stefano

de Pieri is the region’s TourismAmbassador for food and wine. Wellknown from his ABC-TV series, hismany cookbooks and award-winningrestaurant, Stefano has done muchto promote the Murray’s vast array ofculinary resources and is proud tobe our Ambassador of the LionsAustralia Conference. You will havean opportunity to chat with him andenjoy some of his culinary delightswhile in Mildura.

Talk about Mildura!That’s exactly what you’ll do when

you have had your Lions Australiaconvention in Mildura. You’ll talkabout Mildura’s great choices ofaccommodation to suit all budgets.You’ll talk about our award-winningrestaurants and nearby cellar-doorwine experiences

And you’ll talk about how smart itwas to extend your stay to do some

extra touring – maybe a day tour;some cruising along the Murray; atrip out to enchanting MungoNational Park; or simply discoveringthe secrets of our food bowl.

Ah yes, Mildura. Keep talking! With its fine, mild weather,

cosmopolitan flavour, unique localfood, world class wines, stunningrestaurants and vibrant arts culture,Mildura is a wonderful destination.

Mildura has extensiveaccommodation options andexcellent transport links.

Why Mildura • Serviced by 4 airlines - RexAirlines, Qantas, Sharp and VirginBlue. Virgin Blue’s jet service fromMelbourne takes just 40 minutes.• Over 6000 beds available in theregion• 7 golf courses• 37 wineries• Regional population almost60,000• More than 60 activities andattractions available

For details, contact ConventionOrganising Chairman Lion LauriePhillips – (03) 5024 2315, Emaillauriephil3@hotkey.net.auFor Accommodation bookings:Mildura Visitor Information &Booking Centre 1800 039 043.Updated information:www.lionsclubs.org.au then clickon ‘Conventions’

5August - September 2009

Tune In Not Out, an initiative of the AustralianLions Drug Awareness Foundation Inc andTasmanian organisation Drug EducationNetwork, won through to the finals of the2009 National Alcohol and Drug Awards.

A national podcast service created by and foryoung people, the project was nominated for theprestigious awards by Bronte Cameron (ALDAF’sSouth Australian Director).

It was one of three national finalists in thecategory of “Excellence in Services for YoungPeople” in a year of record nominations.

The eventual winner was Mission Australia’sTriple Care Farm.

Tune In Not Out podcasts aim to help youngpeople make safe decisions around the use of

alcohol and drugs. They allow young people tolisten to more than 260 fact sheets as well asproviding a growing range of podcasts.

The awards celebrate Australian achievements inpreventing and reducing alcohol and other drug useand harm and are sponsored by the AlcoholEducation Rehabilitation Foundation (the mainsponsor), the Australian Government Departmentsof Health and Ageing, and Education, Employmentand Workplace Relations and supported by ActNow(NSW Government), ACT Health, and the PharmacyGuild of Australia. The Ted Noffs Foundation, Alcoholand Drug Council of Australia, Australian DrugFoundation and the National Council on Drugs werecollaborating organisations in the awards.

The number of visitors to the Tune In Not Outwebsite has more than doubled in recent months.To visit the team at Tune In Not Out, go towww.tuneinnotout.com.

Lions drug/alcohol project wins through to final

When new International President EberhardWirfs needs a little inspiration he often turnsto a painting that hangs on the wall of hisGerman home.

The painting, he says, helps him to envisage thepossibilities open to a great organisation such asLions.

It shows an Australian scene (where one of hissons studied) of a road stretching to the horizon.Beyond the road are swirling dark clouds and thetreacherous territory of the outback.

While the painting suggests that danger lurks in

every direction, it also shows that road home, aroad to safety and success.

Eberhard Wirfs maps out some of his plans fortaking Lions down its own road to success andsafety in his 2009-2010 program starting on page15 of this issue.

International President’s Aussie link

If you have a need for a wombat esky,Trentham Lions might be able to help.

You see, the Lions of Trentham, a small village inVictoria perched on the Great Dividing Range and

surrounded by the grandeur of the Wombat StateForest, have some to spare.

The Lions work hard to promote Trentham as thegateway to the Wombat State Forest and it has sixlife-sized fibreglass wombats to donate to clubsprepared to use them to raise money for victims ofthe Victorian bushfires.

The wombats have removeable backs and makeexcellent eskies. Valued at $600 each, they wouldbe a unique gift for the person who has everythingor could be raffle prizes or auction items.

The wombats were donated to the club by RobCurtin of Uracast, a fibreglass productsmanufacturer specialising in animals and theming.

Rob is locally known as the “sheep bloke”, inrecognition of his ute which transports aroundlaughing sheep and a smiling sheep dog. Touristsand locals alike are also fascinated when Rob visitstown with his elephant in a trailer, or Miss Piggyriding pillion on a Harley Davidson. Besides

donating wombat eskies, Rob is also working withLions to erect a wombat sculpture in Trentham’stown square. The life-sized wombat will sit on aplinth with the inscription “Trentham - gateway tothe Wombat State Forest”. A full range of Uracastproducts can be viewed at www.uracast.com.au.

Lions Clubs who wish to use a wombat esky for afundraiser for bushfire victims or associated causesare invited to write to the Trentham Lions Club atPO Box 36, Trentham VIC 3458 with a briefexplanation of the fundraiser and its proposedbeneficiaries. Applications will close a month afterthe publication of this article.

FANCY A WOMBAT ESKY?

Outback painting gives him inspiration

IP’S FASCINATING TIETO A YOUNG ELVISPRESLEY – PAGE 27

ARTICLES HELD OUTSome regular articles have been held out of thisissue in order to run our new InternationalPresident’s 2009-10 program in full. They willre-appear next issue.

The Lion6

COASTGUARD’S QUICK RESPONSE

BAIRNSDALE’S CHOPPER SQUAD

LIONS ACTION

Two injured fishermen can thank a newCoastguard vessel for their speedy delivery tohospital.

The $300,000-plus vessel, featuring a $4000

heat-seeking night vision camera paid for by

Victoria’s Lions Club of Geelong South Barwon,

located the pair who were worked on by paramedics

on the deck before being helicoptered to hospital.

The rescue came soon after the vessel’s

commissioning and blessing, attended by Lions.

The new vessel (pictured right at its

commissioning) joins a 20-year-old, smaller craft.

The Geelong Coastguard has assisted South

Barwon Lions for many years in running the club’s

Barwon River Canoe Mini Marathon, using their boat

as a patrol vessel during the event. Funds from the

marathon usually amount to about $2500 for the

Geelong branch of the Red Cross.

The East Gippsland Shire,which is the pointy end ofVictoria, extends from theheadwaters of the MurrayRiver to the sea. About 80%of its area is mountainous,dissected by rivers andstreams, many of whichempty into the beautifulGippsland Lakes.

Despite this spectacularscenery and its appeal to hikersand tourists, it can be difficult toget around this shire,particularly for those needing toget to hospital quickly.

It has supported a substantialtimber industry for many decades.It also supports nine Lions Clubs, which is not badfor one municipality.

The late Lion Derek Lind, a worker in the timberindustry, was among the first to see the need for

rapid treatment for workers and others injured inthe bush.

He pushed for Lions to work for a dedicatedlanding area for helicopter rescue. That helipad,

adjacent to the Bairnsdale Hospital, wasbuilt in 1993 as a Bairnsdale Lionsproject and the club has continued tomaintain it to ensure it is ready for anyincoming flights.

Prior to the helipad, helicopterslanded at local sports grounds and roadambulances transported patients to andfrom the hospital.

The helipad is constantly used by theair ambulance, Helimed 1, intransporting patients to and fromBairnsdale Hospital.

It’s considered by Helimed Pilots asone of the better landings and is used

on average at least once a fortnight.“This has been a great project for all of

East Gippsland,” says Bairnsdale LionsPresident Brian Andrews. “We have all beentouched in some way in knowing someone who hasrequired the services of Helimed 1.”

South Barwon Lion Doug Wynd (right) receives a certificate of appreciationfrom Geelong Coastguard’s Commodore Peter Barrow.

Bairnsdale Lions carry out maintenance work on the helipad at Bairnsdale Hospital, aproject pushed for by local Lion Derek Lind.

7August - September 2009

FIRE KIDS TUCKIN BIG TIME

PRIDE IN THEIR WORK

BLACK DOG RIDE

It was congratulations all round when AllSaints actor John Howard caught up withLions Club of Bomaderry performingensemble Pride.

As well as performing, the group had organisedthe entertainment and sound at the Shoalhaven

Bashers Motor and Lifestyle Expo, held at theNowra Showground on the NSW South Coast.

The club also brought its food van to support theevent.

John Howard is a regular supporter of the charityday.

Forty three children from Victorian bushfireareas and their carers ate well on a GoldCoast holiday thanks to Gold Coast Lions andothers.

When the club was approached only one mealhad been paid for on the holiday but it quicklycalled in its contacts – and the well-fed VictorianFire Kids Dreamer rated the trip a huge success.

“To see the excitement on the 43 young facesas they explored the delights of the Gold Coast willnever be forgotten,” said organiser Lion Lyn Foster.

The children were flown to Coolangatta courtesy

of Jetstar, then picked up courtesy of SurfsideBuses who had their own clown on board.

A few had not seen the beach before andimmediately waded into the water.

Accommodation for the first two nights camecourtesy of the Runaway Bay Super Sports Centre,while Runaway Bay Lions put on a dinner at theParadise Waters Uniting Church Hall.

Then came a Movie World visit and gifts ofhome-made quilts, pizzas and pasta courtesy ofPalm Beach-Currumbin Lions. Next stay was at theQuality Motel Mermaid Waters, with a SeaWorldvisit and a dinner at the Royal Pines Resort.

Before flying out the children enjoyed an AquaDuck waterways tour and a sausage sizzlesupplied by Mudgeeraba Lions, then a two-hourconcert and later a morning tea courtesy of thePalm Beach-Currumbin Lionesses.

“You are our heroes and we will never forget thekindness, generosity and thoughtfulness of theGold Coast Lions and Lionesses,” summed upBruce Morrow who, with his family, had lost histourism business and nearly all possessions in theVictorian bushfires.

The Pride group (Shannon Kinch, Alyssa Burke, Emily Nye and Sam Nye) with John Howard and, in thebackground, Shoalhaven Mayor Paul Green who was having some fun in trying to gatecrash the picture.

Young Victorian fire victims forget their troubles at abrunch organised by the Palm Beach-CurrumbinLioness club.

If you see Lion Steve Andrews riding by onhis motor bike in coming days, say G’day.

For Steve, of Busselton WA, is keen for thesupport of fellow Lions on his solo Black Dogmotorbike ride around Australia to raise communityawareness about depression, one of the mostcommon of all mental health problems.

Steve is travelling anti-clockwise aroundAustralia on Highway 1 and hopes to end up backin Busselton on August 20.

Due to his tight schedule and the vast distanceshe is covering, he’s not able to stop at every Lionstown he passes through but he’s fitting in someshort stops for morning teas and lunches.

And the ride’s name, Black Dog? Many people,including Winston Churchill, have referred todepression as their ‘black dog’.

It’s estimated around one million adults and100,000 young people are living with depressioneach year in Australia, with one in five experiencingdepression during their lifetime.

Steve has experienced the impact of depressionfirsthand and lost both his mother and two closefriends to suicide following depressive illnesses.

He hopes his ride will raise awareness about theimpact of depression and the resources available toassist people.

Steve is also raising money for the Suicide CallBack Service run by Crisis Support Services. A free,nationwide telephone service, it offers short tomedium term support for people at risk of suicide,their carers, and those bereaved by suicide. Forfurther information go tohttp://www.suicidecallbackservice.com.au/

The Lion8

PATRICK theLion Namers

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

and Leo’s!)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

If you think this hippie looking characterpictured above has little connection withLions, think again.

For this headbanded flower child with the tintedspecs is none other than your new CouncilChairman, District N2 and the Canberra Belconnenclub’s Phil Lawler.

You see, Phil’s one of those Lions who believesthat in order to do your best for your fellow manyou’ve also got to have a little fun along the way (ashe was at a past convention).

One of his major platforms during his year as N2District Governor was “have fun while you serve” –and that’s how he has and will always play it.

He’s keen that others do similar, pointing out thatLions and partners are often able to serve betterwhen they’re happy and fun-loving in their ownsituations. As a Lions colleague puts it, “Philbelieves part of the job of organising a project is tomake time for a bit of fun afterwards, a time whenLions can sit around and chat, to debrief, andmaybe have a beer or a wine together.”

But don’t be fooled that Phil Lawler is simplyabout fun. In his 13 years in Lions he has built an

enviable reputation as one of the mostaccomplished, hardest working achievers in theorganisation.

In many ways Phil’s working background makeshim tailor-made for the role of Council Chairman.There’s seemingly nothing missing.

Tasmanian born (he went to school in Hobart), hesaw much of Australia and gained a solid groundingin the workings of large organisations while servingfor 20 years in the Australian Army.

Today Phil looks back with gratitude to the solidgrounding those Army days gave him.

Having worked his way up to Warrant OfficerClass One, in the mid 1990s he moved on tobecome regional manager for ACT Housing. Here, invarious management roles, he gained an equallysolid insight into public housing and the importanceaccommodation can make in a person’s life,particularly for those who are disadvantaged orexperiencing a crisis.

Next came key roles in private enterprise, withPhil all the time building on his leadership andmanagement skills.

For a time he worked as an executive manager

MEET THECHAIRMAN

OF FUNOur new CouncilChairman, Phil Lawler,believes even the hardestworking Lion can enjoy alittle hilarity some time

Phil and Darlene with sons Geoffand Ben and their partnersMacarena (left) and Kristy.

August - September 20099

before calling on his Army and housing backgrounds tobecome National Property Manager with the DefenceHousing Authority.

Then in 2002 his career took another major turnwith his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of theAlcohol and Drug Foundation ACT Inc, an organisationthat aids those suffering alcohol and other drugproblems, along with their families.

Again it was a position that would have majorapplication to his role with Lions, particularly his workwith the Australian Lions Drug Awareness Foundation,to which he is greatly committed, and other projectstoo numerous to name here.

Until recently on the board of the Alcohol and DrugCouncil of Australia, he sees alcoholism and alcohol-induced violence as among the major problems facingAustralia today. While Phil enjoys an occasional beerhimself, he believes community attitudes that condoneanti-social behaviours need to be changed.

With all that community-minded background, Phil’sworth to Lions is obvious.

In his year as Council Chairman he is alreadyworking to strengthen the link between Lions and theCommonwealth, highlighting the abilities of our

organisation as a leader in the area of volunteerism. Atthe same time he’s building bonds with corporateorganisations to make Lions better able to serveothers.

A proud family man, Phil happily talks of theactivities of his and wife Darlene’s two adult sons,Geoff and Ben, and their respective partners Macarenaand Kristy.

When the opportunity to stand for Council Chairmancame up this time, it was to them that Phil turned foradvice. The immediate response, particularly fromDarlene, also a Lion, was ‘go for it’.

He sees one of his biggest challenges as workingwith organisers to make next year’s SydneyInternational Convention a showcase to the Lions

ABOVE LEFT: Fun-loving Lions together ... Phil and hiswife Darlene at a convention.

ABOVE RIGHT: With the Sydney InternationalConvention fast approaching, Council Chairman Philreceives a briefing on plans from PID Barry Palmerduring the pair’s recent visit to the InternationalConvention in Minneapolis.

RIGHT: Phil on barbecue duty.

world. He’s confident it will be just that, aswell as a springboard for the further growthof Lions in Australia.

Of course, he hopes that along the wayeveryone will be having a little bit of fun aswell. Certainly he’ll be doing his best tooccasionally indulge his passion for playinglawn bowls.

Many Victorian bushfire victims aresleeping well thanks to 600 new woollendoonas and 1000 pillows.

The bedding, valued at nearly $180,000, isthe result of a Naracoorte, S.A., businessman(and soon to be new Lions Club member) whohad a good idea. His idea appealed to local Lionsclub president Dave Thomas and the rest, asthey say, is history.

With help from four Naracoorte Schools andthe Naracoorte Herald newspaper, Lions took upthe challenge of local bedding manufacturer MiniJumbuck to match every dollar raised by Lions

with new bedding and pillows to the value of fivedollars of its own. Mini Jumbuck staff all donatedtheir time and labour free to make the doonasand pillows.

Quicky the ‘Dollars for Doonas’ project wasaway, with a local printing company providingleaflets sponsored by a Post Office employee.

WIN TV, Mount Gambier, ABC Radio and localprint media spread the message further.

Each doona pack was personalised with adrawing by Naracoorte school children and amessage of support from Naracoorte andDistricts people. A Victorian transport operator

got the load to Melbourne. And when the doonaswere being unloaded at the Lions warehouse twounassuming people who had lost their house inthe fires wandered in. The couple, farmer AntoniaParisi, 69, and his wife Toni, 74, who had lived inthe Narbethong area for more than 30 years, hadlost not only their home but also their entirewalnut, blueberry and raspberry farm.

When Mrs Parisi was told they would be thefirst recipients in the Dollars for Doonas projectand that each doona pack carried a personalmessage or picture from a Naracoorte child, heremotions overcame her and tears flowed.

Doonas bring warmth to fire victims

From Executive Officer Rob

VALE DJOKOI first met LionDjoko in Indonesiaas a DistrictGovernor. He hadan infectiouslaugh and a greatsense of humour.He went on to bethe CouncilChairman forIndonesia andthen theInternationalDirector for ourConstitutionalArea.Djoko once again was accepted by everybodywho came in contact with him. His great senseof humour, his jokes and singing madeeveryone warm to him.I recently attended his remembrance ceremonyin Indonesia. The love and affection theIndonesian Lions had for him was very obviouswith the outpouring of emotion from all thoseLions who spoke.His wife Lonnie asked if I would express herthanks to the Lions and Partners of Australiafor all your kindness and good wishes, not onlyin his passing but during their visits here.Thanks for the memories Lion Djoko. We will allmiss you.

PID Barry Palmer AM

Meet our new international representative

I have very literally just returned from theLions Clubs International Convention inMinneapolis. Australia was represented by arelatively small delegation, but a very hard-working one that brought great credit toAustralian Lions.

We hosted two functions at this Convention. The‘Downunder Breakfast’ that is hosted in rotation byLions of Australia and New Zealand was attendedby more than 120 Lions from our constitutional areathat incorporates Australia, Papua New Guinea,Norfolk Island, New Zealand and the Pacific Islandsand Indonesia. We also were pleased to have someguests from other parts of the Lions world. Thebreakfast is the opportunity to meet socially withothers from our region and hear from some of thecandidates for International Office. The breakfastwas ably hosted by our new Council Chairman PhilLawler and addressed by our International DirectorKen Bird, the incoming 1st Vice President, SidScruggs III, and by our new 2nd Vice President DrWing-Kun Tam, as well as by the Council Chairmanof MD202 and MD307.

You will see some photographs on the oppositepage of our representation at the International

Parade. The Australian delegation is alwayspopular, but we cannot compete with the affectionlavished on our mascot, Matilda the Kangaroo. Weowe a great deal of thanks to Matilda’s handlers,PCC Franz Mairinger and PCC Bruce Hudgson sinceMatilda, although popular, can be a little unruly.

Australia also hosted a very popular receptionthat was literally bursting at the seams with morethan 300 in the room during the early part of thereception. The reception is a chance to meet withSenior Lions from around the world and was wellattended. We were honoured with visits from ourInternational President as well as our Second VicePresident, and our endorsed candidate for 2nd VP,Dr Wing-Kun Tam. Our own International Director,Ken Bird addressed the reception, which was wellattended by many of his colleagues from theInternational Board. Past International DirectorBarry Palmer kindly and successfully hosted thereception. I would like to offer my thanks to CouncilChairman Phil, the incoming Council, and the manyLions who assisted on the night to contribute to itssuccess.

The Convention was also attended byrepresentatives from the Sydney Host Committee,NSW Government authorities, Convention andTourism personnel who 'ramped up' their planningactivities for the next International Convention thatwill be held in Sydney in 2010.

The International Convention honoured Australia'sown Father Chris Riley from 'Youth of the Streets'with the Lions Humanitarian Award. The Award,that carries a donation of US$200,000 for therecipient’s charity, has previously been awarded tonoted philanthropists such as Mother Theresa andUS President Jimmy Carter. Many Australian LionsClubs support Youth off the Streets and would shareour joy that Fr. Chris’s efforts have beenacknowledged in this way.

Past District Governor David Jones was alsoacknowledged in receiving a Lions Everyday Heroaward, in the District Governor category, for hisdistrict’s work in the Black Saturday bushfires.Speakers at the International Conventionacknowledged the outstanding efforts of the lions ofVictoria and Australia in managing the bushfire andflood disasters of the last six months.

We also congratulate our colleagues in NewZealand who received an Everyday Hero Award inthe District Service Project category, for the HartWalker project. This project, that was initiated inDistrict N5 in the late 1990's, has brought so muchjoy to families on both sides of the ditch, and it iswonderful to see it recognised in this way.

It was a wonderful Convention and one thatbrought great credit to our Multiple District. Mythanks and congratulations to our new Council

Chairman Phil Lawler, and the new Council, whorepresented the Multiple District with distinction atthe Convention.

Finally, I returned to Australia in time to attendmy Club’s Board meeting – more than a littlejetlagged, but was very pleased when ClubPresident Peter announced that my own new HunterBusiness Lions Branch had been officially approvedby Lions Clubs International. I look forward tojoining with membersfrom around Australiain growing our newbrand of Lionism toserve our Australiancommunity.

In Lions,Rob Oerlemans

For more information visit www.lions2010.com

REGISTERTODAYLIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION,SYDNEY JUNE 2010

PID Djoko Soeroso, a truefriend of Australian Lions.

The Lion10

Waltzing Matildain Minneapolis

Australian Lions and members of the NSW Government made use of theMinneapolis International Convention last month to promote next year’s SydneyInternational Lions Clubs Convention. Happily, many delegates declared they’ll bethere, no worries. Leading the push were Australia’s incoming Council members,along with Matilda the giant mascot.

Aussie Lions offer a downunder invite to Sydney 2010

LEFT: PCC Franz Mairingerbacks up Matilda inMinneapolis.

RIGHT: Our Legal Officer, PCCDavid Skinner, on parade.

BELOW LEFT: PID Barry meetswith Tourhosts representativesin Minneapolis to plan theSydney 2010 Convention

BELOW: Newly elected 2nd VicePresident TAM addresses theAustralian reception.

BELOW RIGHT: Our newGovernors waiting to march inthe Minneapolis Parade

BOTTOM: Hennepin Bridge andweir over the Mississippi River,Minneapolis.

Photography: Rob Oerlemans

John Wargo of New York saw LCIF in action after Sept. 11.Two projects he assisted on stood out: the volunteer-reliefwarehouse and the bereavement camps for families.

“To see firsthand how LCIF works for us was amazing,” saidWargo, a board appointee in 2008-09 for Lions Clubs International.

Wargo knew what to do when he learned LCIF was changing itsorganisational volunteer structure and needed a Multiple DistrictCoordinator (MDC) for MD-20 (New York). He is one of 130 MDCsworldwide. “It’s my hope that our team of coordinators in MD 20will be able to educate and further promote local Lions about thework of LCIF and expand the base that we already have and reallydrive home that this is our foundation,” he said.

MDCs have selected and appointed District Coordinators topromote LCIF both to the public and Lions through presentations,grant and program updates, fundraising progress reports andarranging for district booths to share educational materials.Coordinators will also promote fundraising, identify potential donors,assist in submitting funds and with grant and recognitionapplications.

Leaders are appointed and trained for a four-year term (allowingfor some variation to address local needs). The LCIF MD andDistrict Coordinators will fill the role formerly served by MD andDistrict LCIF Chairpersons. (The list of MDCs is available online.)

The organisational changes flow from the recent LCIFDevelopment Plan, overseen by a Development Advisory Committee(DAC) made up of one past International President or aninternational representative from each constitutional areas.

“Often times, the LCIF District Chairperson is in that role only forone year and by the time they are getting up to speed on LCIF’smany programs and its available grants, the year is almost up,”said Wargo.

Lions and non-Lions are engaged in the work of LCIF now morethan ever. In fact, 90 percent of more than 11,000 recentlysurveyed Lions and Lions leaders indicated that LCIF was "veryimportant" to LCI.

“Together, we have provided 40 years of humanitarian service,been recognised as the #1 ranked non-governmental organisationworldwide with which to partner, and surpassed CampaignSightFirst II’s US$200 million challenge goal in the most aggressiveinitiative in Lions’ history to provide and protect sight,” saidMahendra Amarasuriya, LCIF Chairperson. “Please give theseleaders your best advice and full support as they prepare to supportLCIF.”

• 130 LCIF Multiple District or Single District Coordinatorsworldwide• One LCIF District Coordinator will be appointed in everydistrict around the world• These new roles have replaced the current structure ofLCIF Multiple District Chairperson or Single DistrictChairperson• DC term is four years (although first term of DCs willserve only three years, 2009-2012)

By Nicole BrownAdmasu joined a sea of 10,000people, some walking nearly 9kmbarefoot in dusty conditions and90-degree heat for the launch ofMalTra week in Ethiopia. “My eyesare very painful. I heard the Lions arehelping people with my problem so Icame here today seeking their help,”he said.

MalTra, a combination of the wordsmalaria and trachoma, was the first week-long initiative by Lions in Ethiopia tosimultaneously fight malaria and trachomanationwide. This SightFirst program is thefirst of its kind to concurrently control twodiseases. The president of Ethiopia, GirmaWolde Giorgis, a Lion, presided over thelaunch event ceremony and distributed thefirst five doses of medication.

“Lions clubs have proven to be a pillarfor the mitigations of the problems of oursociety. Lions have brought about light ofhope to our society for the future,” saidGiorgis, declaring the government’scontinued support for Lions programs.

Lions and LCIF have partnered with theEthiopian government and its ministry ofhealth, The Carter Center, Pfizer Inc. andthe International Trachoma Initiative foryears on trachoma control programs in theAmhara region of Ethiopia, the mostendemic area of the world for trachoma.

The Amhara region is a one-hour flightfor the closest Lions club in the capitalcity of Addis Ababa, yet Lions routinelymake the trip for distribution andeducation programs. Through MalTraweek, Lions and partners are expandingthe program to reach more people

“This is a huge problem,requiring a huge intervention. Nosingle organisation can do italone. Without this kind ofpartnership it wouldn’t bepossible for us to bring thisdisease under control,” saidTeshome Gebre, a member ofthe Cosmopolitan Addis AbabaLions Club and The CarterCenter country representative inEthiopia. “We dream to see acountry where nobody will bedying from malaria, nobody willbe going blind from trachoma.That’s our objective, and wehope that the end is in sight.”

More than 14,000 volunteers mobilisedto visit hundreds of thousands of villagesto distribute Zithromax to five millionpeople during MalTra week. The amount ofmedication needed for the weeklongtreatment program filled a 757 jumbo jet,which Pfizer chartered to fly themedication to Ethiopia. Ethiopia is the sizeof Britain and France combined. In thenation of 72 million, about 10 million haveactive cases of trachoma.

PROGRAM TO BEAT TRACHOMAInternational

Coordinators on the job

12 The Lion

Thanks to Lions, Ethiopians will grow upwith their sight intact.

Major changes Cor porateAr t

0401 475 890Fax: 1300 223 839

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Mazza’s

13August - September 2009

Your club needs a marketing plan

Two things determine our success as Lions.How well we serve our community and whatour community knows about us.

If you asked the average person what Lions do,most would probably mention mints and Christmascakes. How many Australians know about how wehelp the elderly, those with disabilities, youngpeople or about the 101 projects we do that makeour communities safer, healthier and better placesto live.

If your club wants to grow and get communitysupport for its projects, you need to tell thosearound you who you are, what you do and why youare important. In other words you need to marketyourself because only by effective communicationscan your club:

• Attract new members.• Raise more money.• Let others know how Lions can help them.• Meet new sponsors, donors and funding

bodies.• Draw public attention to fellow Lions who

work tirelessly year in year out.In 2009 marketing can be tough. The economy is

uncertain, the community is time poor andcompetition for volunteers and in fundraising isfierce. All of which means there is no place for clubs with marketing L plates on. The first step ingetting your marketing licence is to draw up asimple but effective marketing plan.

A club marketing plan sets out how you intend topromote the club over the coming 12 months. Itspans from one changeover period to the next and

in two or three pages details:• The two or three key promotional goals you

need to achieve.• The groups in your community you want to

reach and the information you need to sharewith them.

• The mix of advertising, online marketing mediacoverage, events, word of mouth marketingand other communications that will helpconnect you with local people.

• A timetable and a budget.• Who is responsible for what as you market

your club.• How you will measure marketing success.Early in the new club year it’s worth investing

time and effort to do up a marketing plan. It willfocus the efforts of the club, ensure your hardearned funds are wisely spent and importantlymake sure everyone is pulling in the right directionas you set out to communicate with yourcommunity.

Lion Bob Crawshaw is the Secretary ofCanberra Lake Burley Griffin Lions Club.

He has 16 years marketing experience andblogs PR at http://mainestreet1.blogspot.com/

Next month we discuss how our local media can help you let

people know what you do.

Promoting strengths locally

It is a new club year and time to consider how you will promote Lions overthe coming 12 months. This article is the first in a four-part seriesby BOB CRAWSHAW on how to market your club. This installment looks atthe club marketing plan.

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MoveToGrowLIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’S THEME

“We must stretch – stretch inour dreams, our plans, and ourACTIONS. If we don’t, we will perish.”International President Eberhard Wirfs

16The Lion

“The future is rooted in the past. Thefuture needs vision. VISION withoutaction is only a dream”International President Eberhard Wirfs

16The Lion

1717August - September 2009

International President’s Theme 3

“See the leaf, two parts united,For so long, millions of years -Living thing, stronger than mankindDid survive fires and fears.”

One of the most basic facts of nature is that it is dynamic. The visual world continually undergoes change,both from dynamic events in the world itself, such as the movement of trees in the wind, and from the visualchanges generated from our own activities, such as locomotion. In other, more basic words, everythingneeds momentum, or movement, in order to progress, or grow. Move to grow. It’s a very basic concept,which can be applied to most everything. Nothing that remains static grows.

It is this basic concept – move to grow – that I have chosen as my theme for 2009-2010, with the ginkgotree and leaf as its symbol.

Have you ever seen a ginkgo tree? The ginkgo has a long history, with ancestors extending back some280 million years. It is one of very few plants living today that has such a clear lineage dating back into thePaleozoic era. Fossil ginkgo leaves and petrified trunks can be found during the Tertiary period in NorthAmerica, Europe, and Asia. It is very resilient, with an average life span of 1,000 years, and unique in thatit has both a male and female variety in the same plant.

So why the ginkgo tree? The ginkgo is a symbol of hope and love, and a monument of peace andenvironmental protection and even considered a vision aid. The ginkgo tree has in fact been declared the“millennium” tree. When taking into consideration its other characteristics of esteemed heritage, longevity,adaptability, utility, sustainability, and global abundance, it’s easy to see a correlation between the ginkgotree and Lions Clubs International.

Compared to the origins and lifespan of the ginkgo, Lions Clubs International is still in its infancy. As aglobal organization dedicated to promoting international understanding, we must symbolically plant a ginkgoat every opportunity. The sapling has to be planted and nurtured world-wide in an appropriate manner withgood soil, sunshine and water. Like a ginkgo tree, our programs must be a sustainable resource that willstand the test of time. Always mindful of our motto, “We Serve,” we must continue to plant seeds ofunderstanding and enduring community service, and cultivate a clear and consistent message of purpose.This involves effort, momentum, action and NEED TO MOVE.

I have learned a great deal through Lions and from Lions. I was entrusted to take on major challenges, andI am extremely thankful for that chance. Now the time has come to give back.

Eberhard J. WirfsLIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT

The oldest living Ginkgo tree grew from one tiny seed.Have you ever planted a seed and watched it grow?Have you planted a sapling in your yard in the hope thatone day it would grow into a beautiful tree? It takes time.It doesn’t happen overnight. Even the hardiest, mostresilient species must be cared for and nurtured. It musthave good soil, plenty of sunshine and water in order tothrive and blossom into a sustainable resource.

Lions Clubs International’s most sustainable resourceis our members. So how do we ensure our membersremain as our most sustainable resource?By successfully

■ Extending new Lions clubs■ Inducting new, qualified Lions members■ Providing service to the community■ Building international understanding■ Empowering members with leadership skills

We must continue to grow our membership. It is the key

to our success, and the key in our ability to meet the

growing needs of communities around the world.

Successful involvement of qualified members means long

term retention.

Qualified members – that is, individuals with experience,

who are committed to sharing their talents and expertise

with others for common good - will ensure the continued

growth of our association. Everyone agrees that our

association’s future depends upon its ability to attract

new, high quality members and to successfully charter

new clubs.

The invention of the steam engine and the printing press

were critical in altering the course of human civilization.

Similarly, providing of equal opportunities to women and

making playing fields gender neutral have absolutely re-

defined socio-economic and political dynamics. LCI

adopted the historical resolution of throwing open the

gates of membership to women in 1987. Since then,

various steps have been initiated to encourage the

growth of women members.

In some parts of the world, spouses of the members are

fully integrated into the life of their club. They strongly

identify with the objects of the association and by

participating in the activities of their clubs they add value

and demonstrate emotional involvement.

4 Move To Grow

“If we MOVE, wewill expand and

enhance ourselves,our clubs and thecommunities we

serve.”International President

Eberhard Wirfs

MOVE TO GROW MEMBERSHIP

AREA TARGETSconstitutional area new members new clubs

Area 1 U.S.A. 800 350

Area 2 Canada 100 35

Area 3 South America 1000 125

Area 4 Europe 3500 250

Area 5 OSEAL 2500 250

Area 6 ISAAME 9000 750

Area 7 Australia, NZ. 100 40

Total 17000 1800

18The Lion

August - September 200919

A powerful organization like Lions Clubs International

cannot afford to ignore “the majority of the population”

in its quest to grow and remain relevant in our times.

A study of the density of women population in districts

around the world clearly indicates that we need to step

up our efforts in this direction. The official opening of our

organization to women members is by far not enough.

We must actively expand this opening on a world-wide

scale.

We look toward women not just to inflate our numbers,

but because we are convinced that their presence

shall add greater meaning to our association, and

that this demographic correction shall make us

more contemporary. Women are blessed with the

psychological advantage of “seeing with their minds and

listening with their hearts.” In some parts of the world, we

seem to have unfortunately become out of sync and

stayed behind the times by keeping our clubs and

districts a male-dominated bastion. We need to move

ahead and change. If we do not ride the waves of

change, we will find ourselves beneath them. Toward the

end of the first decade of 21st century, we have a clear

choice to make: Change or become extinct!

Lions Clubs International will support those efforts

through the Global Membership Team (GMT), extension

representatives in the field, and a flow of information to

arm you with the knowledge necessary to develop and

execute effective membership growth plans.

The GMT, implemented in 2008-2009, will continue to

work interactively and with international experience in

2009-2010: analyzing trends, exploring new

opportunities, monitoring targets set by the new governor

teams, and providing assistance in pursuit of set goals.

District governors and Lions in each district will be

recognized for their successful efforts in

■ extending new clubs

■ including new members in existing clubs

■ annual net membership growth.

Transparency shall be built into the plan for recognition,

which shall be based on the diverse ground realities in

different constitutional areas. As certain benchmarks are

reached, medals and awards shall be forwarded at the

recommendation of the district governors. The details of

this plan shall be circulated to clubs and districts

separately.

I would also request you to create an appropriate

atmosphere to help nurture these new members.

Extension of Lionism is possible through expansion of the

existing markets and development of new markets. The

former is a regular approach, and the Lions in ISAAME

have excelled on this front. The latter is an opportunity-

driven approach and the Lions in Europe have responded

appropriately by forming positive partnerships between

established Lions countries and countries where Lions

clubs are only beginning to take root. We are beginning

to reap the fruits of the newly established plan - Eastern

Europe Project (EEP) - to revitalize clubs in this region

through better retention and planned extension process.

It is encouraging to see how the opening of opportunities

in this part of the world that was shielded from global

influences in the past is currently imbibing values of

sharing and caring for community development.

Plant a Lions ginkgo today, and grow our association of

tomorrow.

International President’s Theme 5

20The Lion

The fruits of success in the future come from the seeds of

our present actions. I have believed in succession

planning, and MD 111 ( Germany) is an example of

sustained and continued growth with the experiment of

grooming district governors over a two-year period. Our

current district governors need more responsible hands to

rely on, and the future governors must have a

comprehensive grasp of all issues pertaining to the

association and the district. We will now begin a new era

where we shall talk of the District Governor Team consisting

of the district governor and two vice district governors

working together in harmony and with responsibility

allocation for sustained growth.

Michael Phelps came back from his first Olympic experience in 2000 without a medal; in 2004 (at Athens) his genius

was making itself evident and at Beijing, he made history with an unprecedented haul of eight gold medals. Leadership

needs to be nurtured to create such glorious records. It matures through inquisitive observation, participative interaction

and hands-on experience. Our District Governor Teams will have all the above ingredients to produce leaders with

sound value systems and creative skills to be role models in different parts of the world.

The circle of command below indicates how result-oriented efficiency and succession planning is achieved:

■ Develop a team approach to district leadership

■ Foster collaboration

■ Integrate responsibilities

■ Achieve conflict free environment

■ Develop confidence and competence

■ Enlist support from others by appealing to common

ideals

The two major components of this circle of command are:

■ Sharing of experience which requires communication

among the three district officers

■ Identification and delegation of responsibilities by

the DG to the 1st and 2nd VDGs with adequate

resources for desired results.

6 Move To Grow

Move To Grow the DG TEAM

21August - September 2009

There is a ginkgo tree in a forest in northern China that is

estimated to be over 1,000 years old, with roots that extend

in a 50-foot radius and 40 feet into the ground. The roots

provide the nourishment to sustain this ancient tree – the

very reason it has survived 1,000 brutal winters, and

countless natural disasters.

Lions Clubs International, in its relatively short history of just

over 90 years, has grown into the world’s largest service

club organization. While other organizations have

diminished in both scope and influence, Lions Clubs

International has continued to be the leader in global

humanitarian service.

For our primary goal of creating and building a better

tomorrow, we need to develop a pool of competent and

knowledgeable future leaders who are responsible for the

next generation and the healthy perspective of our

association.

To ensure Lions continue to provide high-quality service, support membership growth objectives, and to meet the needs

of members seeking personal development opportunities, we must promote leadership development in all areas. In this

way, we empower our members to take an active role in clubs, districts and on an international level. We must move to

identify potential leaders and encourage them to actively participate in Lions Clubs International’s e-learning programs

and Lions Leadership Institutes. We must move to promote the development of more qualified Lions trainers through

participation in our Faculty Development Institutes. Most importantly, we must enable them to accept leadership

responsibilities and to make use of their enhanced skills.

To accomplish this, we will:

■ Provide special training modules for the new district leadership team comprised of the governor, first vice district

governor and second vice district governor.

■ Broaden our library of interactive leadership development programs

■ Develop curricula to effectively address the needs of Lions in specific areas around the world

■ Make training opportunities available to all Lions by using the world wide web and offering expanded online

interactive courses and leadership tools

■ Approach and unite MERL structures to the membership development process

Strong leaders = strong roots = a stronger association.International President’s Theme 7

“Leadership is not just a position,it is ACTION that produces results”International President Eberhard Wirfs

MOVE TO GROWLEADERS

22The Lion

8 Move To Grow

Working globally means thinking globally. This means promoting

national needs while keeping the bigger picture in mind. Our

combined strength was seen at its best in providing support

during major natural disasters like the Tsunami, Katrina, the

China earthquake, and other catastrophes. The successful

implementation of the SightFirst program in Asia and Africa are

examples of our global concern and impact.

Presence of lions clubs in over 205 countries makes it possible

for us to establish contacts with like-minded individuals in every

part of the world. This has prompted me to initiate and

encourage clubs to adopt the Lions Exchange program. The

focus of this program is to encourage Lions from various

districts to travel in a group to other districts in the same

constitutional area or outside to understand and appreciate

diversity, and to promote global brotherhood.

There is so much to learn from one another, and there can be

no better method than personal observation and involvement.

We hear of so many success stories, and I desire that such

initiatives be replicated in more parts of the world with regional

modifications.

MOVE TO GROWSOCIAL UNDERSTANDING

“Global perspective and regionalknowledge leads to BEST PRACTICES.

In addition, acceptance of culturaldifferences and increased knowledge of

international relations will have aprofound impact on our Association.”

International President Eberhard Wirfs

23August - September 2009

International President’s Theme 9

Hans Christian Andersen’s delightful tale “The

Nightingale” tells the story of an ancient emperor who

never left the walls of his kingdom. He only knew that

which he saw and heard day after day within his

confined world. One day, he heard a nightingale singing,

and he became enamored with the little bird. Not

knowing any better, the emperor assumed the bird only

sang for him, and he was unwilling to share that song

with others.

Unlike the emperor, we, as Lions, need to share our

“song” with others. Too often, we hear that Lions Clubs

is the best-kept secret. We can’t move our organization

forward if we don’t communicate our message of global

service, thus increasing public awareness of who we are,

what we do, and how others can be part of our global goodwill.

With the advent of new media, there has never been a better time to explore inventive ways of communicating our

message to the world. And with the new brand, our association has a universal message to share with others.

We recently launched a new and improved Web site. With over a million visitors to our Web site each month,

lionsclubs.org is quickly becoming the fastest means of communicating to members and non-members alike.

Get familiar with the new Web site. There are now many tools available to you, such as new videos, public service

announcements, a new Lions YouTube channel. Very soon, Web site templates will be available to clubs, districts and

multiple districts.

Explore the many options available –Facebook, blogs, online newsletters. We can establish links with the new

generation, whose lives are digitally configured, only if we access them through the modes they find acceptable.

We ought to communicate our success stories and arouse interest in others to join us. “LIONS IN SIGHT” shall be a

special fortnight (11th to 24th January 2010) when Lions will be encouraged to move out of their dens to tell the world

what they are doing. I have intentionally chosen this fortnight as a mark of respect to our founding father Melvin Jones

whose birthday falls within this period.

Above all, remember the nightingale doesn’t just sing for the emperor. The nightingale’s song is meant to be

appreciated by all. Share our song, and share our message of global humanitarian goodwill with others. Move to

increase public awareness.

Move toINCREASE public awareness

The Lion24

10 Move To Grow

Study after study indicates that when young

people are engaged in community service the

commitment nurtured then is carried forward

to adulthood.

Lions have long realized that youth are not only

our present, but our future. This is clearly

evident by the numerous programs we have

for them –Lions Quest, Youth Camps and

Exchange, Peace Poster Contest – to name

only a few.

Lions Quest programs are school-based,

comprehensive, positive youth development

and prevention programs that unite the home,

school and community, to cultivate capable

and healthy young people of strong character,

through life skills, character education, civic

values, drug prevention, and service-learning

education. My goal for Lions is to extend

Lions Quest programs to over sixty countries worldwide and to develop it as an educational core program of Lions

Clubs International.

For many young people, participating in the Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Program is a life-changing

experience. Traveling to another country, living with a host family, participating in a camp and experiencing another

culture are milestone events.

Unlike other exchange programs, the Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Program are not conducted for

tourism, education or employment. Instead, it is a unique cultural learning opportunity. As the program continues to

evolve and grow, I wish to encourage Lions to implement more service activities into camp and exchange programs so

participants may experience hands-on the Lions motto, “We Serve.” Afterall, WE SERVE, the story of our success,

spans the globe.

Through the Lions Clubs International Global Youth Music Competition – a global music contest with young people to

be initiated districtwide, then constitutional areawide at the forums, and the finals between area winners at the

international convention, the young talent of today will become our bright future of tomorrow. One finalist from each

constitutional area (vocal or instrumental) will compete for the top prize at the Sydney Convention.

The youth of today GROWto be the Lions of tomorrow

25August - September 2009

International President’s Theme 11

This music competition will not only promote social and cultural

understanding and appreciation, but will also underscore our

commitment to young people. As we’ve seen through our other youth

programs, such as the annual Peace Poster Contest, encouraging and

supporting the youth of today helps to ensure dedicated, effective

leaders for tomorrow. Through this initiative we will be able to reach a

new target audience using a language which each person understands

–the language of music.

Since 1957, when the first club was organized, the Leo movement has

grown to more than 5,700 clubs in more than 139 countries with

approximately 144,000 members. The Leo program will launch a new

brand campaign in fiscal year 2009-2010. Based on market research

and designed to complement the new Lions brand, the new Leo marketing plan reflects the vitality and ingenuity of

today’s youth, and will enable us to more effectively promote Leo clubs, using a research oriented approach.

We need to continue to encourage Lions to work and serve with youth as we continue to grow our association.

Move To Growour FOUNDATIONLions Clubs International Foundation represents Lions helping Lions serve the world. The Foundation aids Lions in

making a greater impact in their local communities and around the world. During 2009-2010, we must promote the

development of LCIF with a long-term view so that our Foundation can continue its rich heritage of bringing healing and

hope to people worldwide.

We will together work to :

■ promote development of LCIF in each district

■ encourage multiple districts to have special training sessions for LCIF coordinators

■ cultivate LCIF donors worldwide by causing greater LCIF visibility and building donor loyalty

■ motivate lions to contribute to LCIF, more particularly to become Melvin Jones fellows

■ extend Lions Quest to over sixty countries worldwide and to develop it as an educational core program of LCIF

12 Move To Grow

The Ginkgo Awards are designed to recognize Lions who exemplify the

attributes needed to move our association forward – who have planted the

necessary seeds for our future.

As I travel around the world I will, at the recommendation of a committee

composed of specified international directors, recognize those Lions who have

initiated and executed programs which complement the International Theme –

Move to Grow. This will be a mark of my personal appreciation for such

individuals. Each award shall be personally presented by me.

At the international convention in Sydney, Australia, Lions from all over the

world will also be recognized at a gala celebration, in the following categories:

■ Most women members added by a club and district

■ Most new club web sites added by a district

■ Highest donation to LCIF by a club and district

■ Outstanding service projects by a club or district

■ Lions who best exemplify the international theme

Lion by Lion, service project by service project, ginkgo by ginkgo, we are

creating momentum. We must continue this momentum, working together

every step of the way.

Lions can achieve the unthinkable if they are committed to the task at hand.

Such has been our past. Such can be our future.

So how many ginkgos do we need to plant? How many new clubs should we

extend? How many new members must we induct? How much service

should we provide? That depends on us collectively. Needs continue to

escalate all over the world. Lions must be ready to answer the call.

As an association, we are the global leader in humanitarian and community

service. By planting a Lions ginkgo, we can provide the shade of love, the

warmth of friendship, and a healing touch-that will last for a long time. Isn’t

that what being a Lion is all about?

“We have a stake inone another ... whatbinds us together is

greater than whatdrives us apart, and ...

if enough peoplebelieve in the truth ofthat proposition and

act on it, then wemight not solve everyproblem, but we can

get somethingmeaningful done for

the people with whomwe share this Earth.”

President Barack Obama

“We must stretch — stretch in our dreams,our plans, and our ACTIONS.

If we don’t, we will perish.”

International President Eberhard Wirfs

MOVE TO GROWMOVE TO GROW

2009-2010

President’sGinkgoPresident’sGinkgo

The Ginkgo AWARDS

26The Lion

Every Lion has a story to tell. EberhardWirfs could write a book.

As a 17-year-old in Germany, hebefriended Elvis, the most famous GI in theworld at the time. The two met at a Gasthaus(a tavern/restaurant). “One day I’ll sing a songfrom Germany for the world,” Elvis assuredWirfs.

As a young man, after an internship at aU.S. food company, which was years ahead ofits overseas counterparts in marketing, Wirfstook over his father’s small food company inGermany. “You will find our companywherever people like to eat well out of thehome such as at restaurants, airplanes andrailway stations,” he proudly explains.

Our new president, our first from Germany,is the typical Lion. He relishes hismembership because hands-on service stirshis soul. “As a Lion you are asked for help. Asa Lion you are needed. If somebody isneeded, he is able to contribute,” he says inEnglish. “This enriches our life. Sometimeswith only a little money, but much more withyour hands, you give the help that is needed.It’s not only satisfying, it’s important. It’simportant as a citizen to have this kind ofresponsibility in the world.”Early Hardship: A Lions pin was the linchpinfor Wirfs becoming a Lion. In 1985, he metwith a friend. “And he always wore his pin.And one day I asked him what is this? I didnot know,” recounts Wirfs. The friend invited him tothe Hofheim am Taunus Lions Club and Wirfs soonwas wearing his own.

The Wirfs family lives in Kelkheim, a postcard-perfect small town near Frankfurt. Wirfs hastravelled the world but there is nothing quite like hishome region. “I love this area so much-the RheinRiver, the vineyards, the monasteries and thewonderful castle,” he says.

Wirfs was born in 1942. His father was aparamedic in the war. Evacuating Frankfurt duringthe war, Wirfs’ mother took her three young childrento a farm. “It was a very bad time – hungry and justbarely able to get by,” he says. “My mother wasalone, with her three children. She worked veryhard just to get her kids out of hunger.”

Even after the war, food was scarce. Young Wirfshelped feed the hens, harvest the peas and lookafter his younger sister. His mother held the familytogether. “My mom gave us all a lot of love and alot of understanding. We felt she was always on ourside, even when we made a mistake because shehad the kind of understanding that wasunbelievable. So overall we were very happy even

when the times were hard.”One day a jeep with four U.S. soldiers rolled into

the farm. Wirfs was frightened by the soldiers. Oneof them handed him a rough-textured sphere. “Ithought it was a ball. I wanted to play with it, but heopened it so I could taste this orange,” says Wirfs.The soldiers took a liking to Wirfs and came backday after day, giving him chocolate and rides in thejeep. “I developed a kind of friendship and I heardtheir language which I could not understand. Andmy mother told me this is English. So I was veryinterested in that. It was my first contact withpeople from America. So this was really animpression that changed some ideas in my life asto the American people.”

The Wirfs family survived the lean post-war yearsby its wits; care packages from America alsohelped. As a young boy he didn’t quite understandthe who or why behind these boxes of food thatarrived in the post. He later learned that a familyfrom Idaho were the benefactors.

There were benefits to being hungry, though.“I’ve had the privilege of knowing what it means tostarve,” he says. “I think hunger is the number onecatastrophe in the world.” In his travels, Wirfs can’t

bear to pass by hungry children he seeson the street. “If Eberhard has no food ordrink to give him, he maybe touches hishand. We heard it’s not a good idea togive a child money. It’s better to give himlove,” says Margit, his wife.

Wirfs finished his studies at theUniversity of Hamburg. In school helearned French as well as English. “Veryearly on I realised that speaking anotherlanguage makes a lot of friendship,” hesays. After his studies, he took aninternship at various companies in theUnited States. One of his assignmentsplaced him a few miles from Oak Brook,the future home of Lions ClubsInternational (then in downtown Chicago).He immersed himself in U.S. businesspractices and culture.

One of the artists he heard on Americanradio was his old acquaintance, Elvis. TheKing made good on his promise to Wirfs.In the 1960 film G.I. Blues he sangWooden Heart, based on the Germanfolksong Mus I Denn Zum Städele Hinaus.

One of the activities Eberhard andMargit enjoy together is riding a tandembike, a feat that takes teamwork andtypifies their relationship. He seeks hercounsel on the food business, in Lionsmatters and in everything else they share.“I’m convinced I would not have had the

results in my life without her,” he says.Married in 1971, they have two sons, Oliver (who

helps run his father’s company) and Marcus (alawyer in London).A Lions Leader: Eberhard Wirfs didn’t accumulatetitles and responsibilities so much asaccomplishments. He founded a women’s club inKelkheim and helped membership grow significantlyoverall in Germany. In his own club Wirfschampioned working together on fun projects andurged other clubs to follow suit. One of his majorachievements was to help implement Lions Quest inGermany. So vulnerable himself as a child, heembraced the program that teaches basic life skills.“It’s a preventive program,” says Wirfs. “It’s an anti-drug program. It’s also a program to learn to sayno. To say no to drugs. To say no to bad behavior.To say no to negative influence. And Lions Quest isto be seen from my point of view as a core programof Lions Clubs International in the future.”

A hallmark of his presidency will be a worldwidemusic festival for youth culminating in a competitionnext summer at the international convention inSydney.

Story: Jay Copp

Service in his soul...And the day our International President met a young Elvis Presley

DIST. DATE HOST CLUB CHAIRMAN201 C1 16-18 October Clare SA Don Pritchard (Gillian) PO Box 424 Clare SA 5453

(H)08-8843 9257 (W)08-8842 3511 (F)08-8842 3424 (M)0417 835 761 don@armaghfs.com.au

201 C2 23-25 October Hahndorf Rodney Allen (Lyndell) 35 English St Hahndorf 5245 (H)08-8388 7495 (M)0418 828 862 allen.davidge@bigpond.com

201 N1 23-25 October Narrabri Bob Percival (Shirley) PO Box 6 NARRABRI NSW 2390(H)02-6792 2247 (F)02-6792 2448 (M)0428 651 231bigbobpercival@hotmail.com

201 N2 10-12 October Yass 2VDG Geoff Hobart (Cherie) Willow Bank, Yass River Rd, Yass 2582 (W)02-6272-9232 (M)0411 414 678 willowbank@austarnet.com.au

201 N3 30 Oct - 1 Nov Soldiers Point Virginia Andrews (Bob) 53 Caledonia Close Salamander Bay 2317 (H)02-4982-0205 n3con@yahoo.com.au virginiaa@aapt.net.au

201 N4 13-15 November Wagga Wagga

Wagga Wagga South Bob Gnezdiloff (Moya) 14 Myall Crescent Wagga Wagga 2650 (H)02-6922 3396 (W)02-5908 4107 (F)02-5908 4199 (M)0428 694 353 gnezdiloffrg@bigpond.com

201 N5 13-15 November Bomaderry

Richmond Ern Payne (Beryl) PO Box 350 Richmond NSW 2753 (H)02-4588-5323 (F)02-4578-8065 ernpayne@ernpayne.com

201 Q1 17-18 October Brisbane Holland Park

PDG David Floyd (Julia) 252 Ekibin Road East, Tarragindi Qld 4121 (H)07-3892 7130 dtgfloyd@bigpond.net.au

201 Q2 13-15 November Mackay

Mirani Sugar Valley Bill Firth (Gwen) 99 Juliet St Mackay 4740 (H)07-4957-7067 firth@mcs.net.au (Mackay North)

201Q3 2-4 October Caloundra

Brisbane Bunya PDG Roley McAtee (Carmen) PO Box 569 Everton Park Q 4053 (M)0419-878-499 (H)07-3353-2410 (W)07-3239-5222jrmcatee@bigpond.com

201Q4 23-25 October Longreach Doug Slade 146 Crane Street ( PO Box 375) Longreach 4730(H)07-4658-1149 (W)07-4658-1609 slade1@tpg.com.au

201 T1 13-15 November Hobart

Kingborough Erik Madsen (Lita) PO Box 2001 Lower Sandy Bay TAS 7005 (H)03-6229 6554 (F)03-6229 6425 alf@lionstasmania.org or convention2009@lionstasmania.org

201 V1-4 23-25 October Tooleybuc

Swan Hill PDG Graham Gaylard (Maxine) PO Box 368 Swan Hill Vic 3585 (H)03-5032-4191 (F)03-5032-3454 (M)0427 324 191 frypan@hotkey.net.au

201 V2 6-8 November Camperdown PDG Bill Duncanson (Lion Jeanette) PO Box 86 Camperdown Vic 3260 (H&F)03-5593 2788 bill.jeanette@duncanson.net.au

201 V3 23-25 October Stratford Malcolm Forsyth (Doreen) PO Box 2 Stratford 3862 (H) 03 5145 6477 (M) 0427 456 477 (Stratford)

201 V5 13-15 NovemberSpringvale Town Hall

South East Business Wheelers Hill

Daya Fernando (Maryse) 944 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill 3150 (H)03-9574 8922 (F)03-9574 8822 diamaus@bigpond.net.au

201 V6 17-18 October Corowa Bill Kaitler (Marie) 2/7 Parade Pl Corowa NSW 2646 (H)02 6033 1226 fredericks23@aapt.net.au

201 W1 9-11 October Perth Metropolitan

Whitford PDG Jack Le Cras 10 Kenton Court Kingsley 6026 (H)08-9409-1014 jack.lecras@ozemail.com.au

201 W2 26-27 September Albany Jamie Mawer (Dianne) PO Box 723 Albany WA 6331 (H)08-9842-9701 (M)0429 080 174 albanylionsclub@yahoo.com.au

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The Lion30

Executive summary - International Board of Directors

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, USA,MARCH 9-14, 20091. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was chosen as the sitefor the 2014 International Convention.AUDIT COMMITTEE1. Received and reviewed the cash applicationprocess.CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE1. Adopted resolution to be reported to the 2009International Convention to amend Article VIII,Section 3 of the International By-Laws by deletingthe first sentence of the second paragraph in itsentirety and substituting the following:Redistricting proposals shall be considered by theInternational Board of Directors provided that eachproposed sub-district shall contain at least thirty-five (35) Lions clubs with a total membership of noless than one thousand two hundred fifty (1,250)members in good standing unless a proposalreduces the number of sub-districts within themultiple district.CONVENTION COMMITTEE1. Determined there would be no change in the fullregistration fees and approved a US$80 one-dayregistration fee for the 2010 Sydney convention.2. Determined that voting delegates and non-votingalternate delegates wishing to certify must pay thefull-specified registration fee.3. Approved a May 28, 2010, individual roomcancellation deadline date for the 2010 Sydneyconvention.4. Determined that the 2017 convention locationwill be selected seven (7) years in advance.DISTRICT AND CLUB SERVICE COMMITTEE1. Cancelled 139 clubs with 841 members for non-financial reasons.2. Placed 11 clubs from District 322-E in statusquo due to non-existence.3. Approved the reappointment of CoordinatingLions for 14 areas.4. Approved the appointment of District Governorsfor provisional districts and to fill district vacanciesfor the 2009-2010 year.5. Approved the redistricting of Multiple Districts 35(Florida) and 324 (India).6. Approved modifications to Chapter IX of theBoard Policy Manual. The modifications establisheda new reimbursement policy for District Governors-Elect that reduces the length of the seminar by oneday and provides an additional night stay for DGEswho would miss the closing session due to flightschedules. The new policy also establishesreimbursement for the DGE spouse travel to theDGE Seminar to an amount not to exceed US$500.Additional modifications clarified the proceduresrelating to the provisional and districts below 35clubs and 1,250 members for two years and,contingent on the adoption of a correspondingproposed amendment to the International By-Laws,revised redistricting procedures to allowredistricting proposals that reduce the number ofdistricts to be considered by the International Boardof Directors.7. Revised procedures for club cancellation to allowautomatic cancellation of clubs that disband, mergeor engage in litigation involving Lions matters, alongwith housekeeping items in Chapter V of the BoardPolicy Manual.8. Changed the administration of club namechanges to the District and Club AdministrationDivision.9. Requested that the Constitution and By-Laws

Committee draft language necessary for an

amendment to the International By-Laws to beproposed to the delegates at the 2009 InternationalConvention which would allow redistrictingproposals with fewer than 35 clubs and 1,250members to be approved by two-thirds of the boardwhen the proposal reduces the overall number ofsub-districts in the multiple district.FINANCE AND HEADQUARTERS OPERATIONCOMMITTEE1. Approved the 2008-2009 3rd quarter forecast,reflecting a deficit, which is primarily due to netunrealized investment losses.2. Approved an Association General Fund Reserves/Spending policy, which is included in FinanceChapter of board policy.3. Approved modifications to board policy regardingthe class of travel for past international presidentsand administrative officers. Past internationalpresidents are authorised to fly business class andadministrative officers may fly business class whenround trip travel exceeds 10 hours.4. Approved modifications to board policy and theExecutive Officer Travel Expense ReimbursementPolicy to outline spousal travel responsibilities andguidelines. Travel expenses for a spouseaccompanying an executive officer, internationaldirector, past international president, pastinternational director, board appointee or officialspeaker to speaking assignment(s), boardmeeting(s) or international convention will bereimbursed according to the Rules of Audit if thespouse is present at scheduled Lions ClubsInternational functions and events. Reimbursementwill not be provided if the spouse does not attendscheduled functions and events.5. The board approved modifications to board policyand the Executive Officer Travel and ExpenseReimbursement Policy to allow a single or amultiple district, inclusive of all its sub-districts, toextend an invitation to one executive officer peryear. Special circumstances, which require visitationby more than one executive officer, may beauthorized with the approval from the internationalpresident. This policy does not apply to attendanceat forums, training programs, planning meetingsheld for association programs or initiatives, or forother travel related to LCI operations.6. Approved modifications to board policy to definegeneral responsibilities and purpose of officialspeakers. To ensure meeting attendees receivesignificant benefit from having an official speaker,the primary purpose of an official speaker shall beto encourage membership growth and to promoteand raise awareness to relevant and especiallymore recent association programs, policies, andachievements including LCIF and its programs andmission accomplishments. The speaker isencouraged to relate such topics in a way that canbenefit, improve or inspire local clubs and districtshosting the meeting. Travel reimbursement and/orfuture speaking assignments may not be approvedif a speaker presents on programs not affiliatedwith the association.7. Approved modifications to the Board CommitteesChapter of board policy to give responsibility to theFinance and Headquarters Operation Committee toreview the association’s Form 990 prior to filing.LCIF1. Approved that the SF II funds be transferred attheir book value from LCIF’s general endowment toa separate SF II fund.2. Revised LCIF’s Investment Policy Statement toreflect separate and revised asset allocations for SF

II and general endowment funds.3. Revised the Humanitarian (non-designated)Grants Spending Policy to include a five-yearaverage for calculating the value of assets andunrestricted donations.4. Approved 44 Standard, International Assistanceand Core 4 grants totaling US$1,632,933.5. Tabled five grant applications.6. Denied three grant applications.7. Approved a US$57,890 Core 4 Board-directedgrant to support the Lions HIV/AIDS ComprehensiveCare Clinic for Children in Nairobi, Kenya.8. Inserted new paragraphs in the Board PolicyManual regarding the appointment and terms of theLCIF Multiple District and District Coordinators.9. Updated the LCIF chapter of the Board PolicyManual with the Humanitarian (non-designated)Grants Spending Policy.10. Approved a US$100,000 Major Catastrophegrant for Brazil flooding.LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE1. Established eligibility requirements for theposition of District Governors-Elect SeminarChairperson, effective beginning with the 2010District Governors-Elect Seminar.2. Established eligibility requirements for theposition of District Governors-Elect Seminar GroupLeader, including a limit on the number ofconsecutive years an individual Lion can serve asgroup leader, effective beginning with the 2010District Governors-Elect Seminar.3. Reduced the duration of the District Governors-Elect Seminar by one day and adjusted the groupleader expense reimbursement accordingly;established new reimbursement policy for theDistrict Governors-Elect Seminar group leaderspouse travel to an amount not to exceed US$500.LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE1. Adopted a resolution to approve a new two-tierstructure for the China Affairs CoordinationCommittee. The first tier will be an ExecutiveSteering Committee comprised of three to fourLions members, with the LCI President serving asan ex-officio member each year. The second tierwill be a coordinating committee with two to threeLion members each from (1) Mainland China, (2)China Hong Kong and Macau, and (3) MultipleDistrict 300 Taiwan, for a total of six to ninemembers.The term of appointment for both committee tierswill be three years, with the LCI Presidentauthorized to make new appointees in case ofvacancies and/or when circumstances warrantchanges in composition.MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE1. Approved the Lion Cub program, a new programunder the Family Membership Program.2. Approved the adoption of the Global MembershipTeam revised structure and budget considerations.3. Approved the extension of the entrance feewaiver from six months to twelve months fortransfer and reinstated members who haveresigned in good standing.4. Approved an entrance fee waiver until May 31,2009, for individuals in District 352 Egypt who havebeen participating in Lions activities but have notbecome members.5. Approved a revised Rules of Audit for the 2008-09 GMT leaders and the 2009-10 GMT leaders.PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE1. Established Lions In Sight as a pilot program forLions year 2009-10.2. Established the Lions Clubs International Global

August - September 2009

Youth Music Competition as a pilot program forLions year 2009-10.3. Increased Presidential Award Medals to 1,050and International Leadership Award Medals to1,200 for Lions year 2009-10.4. Changed the position of Vice District Governorto 1st Vice District Governor and added theposition of 2nd Vice District Governor. Bothpositions inserted in the Order of Precedence.Delete paragraph *** and explanatory note (d).SERVICE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE1. Approved a Memorandum of Understandingbetween Lions Clubs International and theDiabetes Education Camping Association, Inc.2. Approved the adoption of the Leo LeadershipConference Grant Program, effective fiscal year2009-10.3. Named the recipients of the 2007-08 Top TenYouth Camp and Exchange Chairperson Award.4. Added previously approved District andMultiple District Sight Chairperson awards toboard policy.5. Changed title of the Lion appointed at thedistrict level who encourages the implementationof international relations projects from “DistrictInternational Understanding and CooperationChairperson” to “District International RelationsChairperson” to be consistent with the title at themultiple district level.6. Approved District and Multiple DistrictInternational Relations Chairperson awards,effective 2009-10.7. Approved the establishment of ALERTchairpersons at the district and multiple districtlevels, effective immediately.8. Approved District and Multiple District AlertChairperson awards, effective 2009-10.9. Discontinued the following adopted serviceprograms and activities effective July 1, 2009:

Hearing and Sight Communication Aids andAssistive Devices; the Stamp Collection andExchange Program; World Peace Day; and theYoung Ambassadors of the 21st Century AwardProgram.10. Approved the establishment of a LionsServices for Children Chairperson at the multipledistrict level, effective July 1, 2009.11. Approved a Multiple District Lions Servicesfor Children Chairperson Award.12. Approved the turnkey Lions Children FirstProgram as an adopted service program of theassociation, effective July 1, 2009.13. Revised board policy with respect to Alphaand Omega Leo Membership, effective July 1,2009, which is now defined as: AlphaMembership - A member of the Leo club who is12 years of age to 18 years of age; OmegaMembership - A member of the Leo club who is18 years of age to 30 years of age.14. Deleted non-applicable nomination criteriawith respect to the Leo-Lion Advisory Panel.15. evised board policy pertaining to cooperativealliances to clarify that all alliances shall includea descriptive plan for promoting publicawareness of the relationship and its goals;include a defined leadership role for Lions; andpromote the LCI global image and includeappropriate recognition of LCI. Moreover, noalliance organisations shall be permitted tosolicit, contact, or otherwise communicate withLions clubs, district or multiple districts withoutthe express written permission of Lions ClubsInternational’s Board of Directors.For more information on any of the aboveresolutions, please refer to the LCI Web site atwww.lionsclubs.org or call the InternationalOffice at 630-571-5466.

31

In the June-July edition of the magazine, itwas reported that Father Chris Riley wouldbe presented with LCI’s HumanitarianAward, at the forthcoming InternationalConvention. He is certainly a worthyrecipient of this prestigious honour. Thearticle stated that “he is the firstAustralian to receive the award”.

He is, in fact, the second Australian to be sohonoured. At the 1991 International Convention,in Brisbane, Int. President Bill Biggs presentedthe Humanitarian Award to Dr. Douglas Coster,Lions Professor of Ophthalmology, at FlindersUniversity, in South Australia. A cheque forUS$250,000 accompanied the citation.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Coster saidthat he would use the money to trainophthalmologists, from neighbouring countries,where there was a significant shortage of eye-health specialists.

He pointed out that “if you give a man a fish,you feed him for a day. If you give him a fishingrod, you feed him for life.” Professor Coster wasnominated for the award by P.D.G. Peter Jarvisand Lion Ian Tonkin, of District 201 S3.

Bob Coulthard, P.I.D.Lions Club of Marion.

BIGGEST BBQ WINNERSWinning clubs in the Lions Cord Blood & ChildhoodCancer Research Appeal’s 2009 Biggest BBQ contestare: C Districts, Lions Club of Edwardstown Inc; NDistricts, Lions Club of Epping – Eastwood Inc; QDistricts, Lions Club of Ballina East Inc; T District,Lions Club of Kings Meadows Inc; V Districts, LionsClub of Beaumaris Inc; W Districts, Lions Club ofJerramungup Inc. Clubs will contacted by theirnearest BBQ Galore store to arrange delivery. Fundsto date total almost $100,000.

Father Chris notour onlyHumanitarianAward winner

Notices of Motion requirementI would like to remind Lions that any Notices ofMotion proposing a Multiple District Project mustfirst have been passed at a District Convention,before being considered at the Multiple DistrictConvention. You will need to forward details ofMultiple District Project motions passed at yourDistrict Convention to the Executive Officer by 31December 2009. The Notice of Motion mustinclude full organisation details of the proposedproject and the financial responsibilities, if any,of the participating clubs, and the required

commitment (if any) of Multiple District funds tostart up the proposed project to administer andconduct the project during its first year ofoperation.

Ordinary and Constitutional Notices of Motionto be considered at the 2010 MD201Convention must be submitted to the ExecutiveOfficer by the Council, a District Convention, aDistrict Cabinet or a Lions Club not less than 60days before the opening of the MD201Convention, or 1 March 2010. The Notice of

Motion must include information about thefinancial implications of any proposal.

Please refer to Clauses 79-91 of the MultipleDistrict Constitution for detailed information.

All notices of motion must be forwarded tothe Executive Officer

Rob OerlemansExecutive OfficerLions Australia

Committee VacanciesThe current vacancies closed on

31 July for consideration at the

August Council meeting. Committee

Appointments and future vacancies

will be printed in the October-

November edition.

The Lion onlineFor your convenience the Lion magazine isavailable on-line at http://www.lionsclubs.org.au/news/lion-magazine/index.phpMembers who no longer wish to receive aprinted copy of the magazine to their homeaddress can now elect to have their namesremoved from the database. Please contactyour Cabinet Secretary - name and membershipnumbers will be required to take you off this list.

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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 NationalOffice so it can be forwarded to a District or 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 Bay 2000

Newcastle 2300

If you would like information on how tomake a tax deductible donation to Lions, emailour Executive Officer at executiveofficer@lions.org.au or phone on 02) 4940 8033

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

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www. l i onsc lubs .o rg.au

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