dec - jan 2012-13 lions clubs international australia...

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DEC - JAN 2012-13

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Lions Clubs International Australia Papua New Guinea Edition $1

LION

CONVENTION CALL

Canberra beckons

Lion-Dec-Jan-1-7 Sect 1 _template Lion 12/3/12 6:58 AM

3

C O N T E N T S

4 International President’s report

5 Lions $1 U.S. coin

6 Lions action

8 Lugarno’s show of shows

10 Big boys’ toys

12 Council Chairperson’s report

14 Leo’s visit to Timor Leste

15 Leos steppin’ out

16 ANZI-Pacific update

19 Lions united against measles

20 61st National Convention

24 Around the Nation

26 Official announcements

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Hearing DogHearing DogMegMeg

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y Au

stra

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ost

Pub

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No. p

p255

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0162

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DEC - JAN 2012-13

Registration form& booking details inside

Lions Clubs International Australia Papua New Guinea Edition $1

LION

CONVENTION CALL

Canberra beckons

Page 20 - Canberra Convention

Page 15 - Leos steppin’ out

Page 8 - Show of shows

Our c

over

Connections, influence, friendship, philanthropyDec-Jan 2012/13 Volume 103 No. 6

ContributionsContributions for the Feb - March 2013 issue

should be submitted by January 1 to The

Editor, Lion magazine, Fawcett Media, 20

Millett Rd, Gisborne South, Victoria 3437 or

emailed to [email protected].

LIONLion – Australia and PNGLion - Australia and Papua New Guinea edition ispublished bi-monthly for the Multiple District 201Council of Lions Clubs International and circulated toall members.Published by MD201 Council of Governors and printed byPMP Print, 37-49 Browns Road, Clayton Victoria 3168.An official publication of Lions Clubs International, the Lionmagazine is published by authority of Board of Directors in21 languages: English, Spanish, Japanese, French,Swedish, Italian, German, Finnish, Korean, Portuguese,Dutch, Danish, Chinese, Norwegian, Icelandic, Turkish,Greek, Hindi, Polish, Indonesian and Thai.Editor: Tony Fawcett, Fawcett Media20 Millett Road Gisborne South VIC 3437Phone: (03) 9744 1368Email: [email protected] Enquiries: Lions National Office31-33 Denison St, Newcastle West, NSW 2302Phone: (02) 4940-8033Lions Australia website: www.lionsclubs.org.auDeadlines: 1st day of month before cover date.MD201 Council of Governors: Don Pritchard C1,Ron Pascoe C2, Deyann McDonnell N1, Gary Parker N2,Ron Way N3, Barbara Andrews N4, Greg Dunn N5,Merv Ferguson Q1, Doug Winterflood Q2, Kaye Smith Q3,Pat Bauer Q4, David Daniels T1, Fred Jacobs V1-4,Lou Scholten V2, Donald Cameron V3, Glenda McLeod V5,Thomas Little V6, Barry Middleton W1, Geoff Carberry W2Distribution of Magazine: Clubs and MembersAdditions to distribution list, deletions, changes of addressand of club will be made only when advised through theClub Membership and Activities report. Non-Lions, librariesand other organisations who wish to advise changes shouldcontact Lions National Office, Locked Bag 2000NEWCASTLE NSW 2300, Tel: 02 4940 8033 email:[email protected] Executive Director - Peter LynchManaging Editor - Dane La Joye, Lions Clubs International300 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842 USAExecutive Officers President Wayne A. Madden, Auburn,Indiana, United States; Immediate Past President Wing-KunTam, Hong Kong, China; First Vice President Barry J.Palmer, Berowra, Australia; Second Vice President JosephPreston, Arizona, United States. Contact the officers at LionsClubs International, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, Illinois,60523-8842, USA.

Directors First year: Benedict Ancar, Bucharest, Romania;Jui-Tai Chang, Multiple District 300 Taiwan; Jaime GarciaCepeda, Bogotá, Colombia; Kalle Elster, Tallinn, Estonia;Stephen Michael Glass, West Virginia, United States; JudithHankom, Iowa, United States; John A. Harper, Wyoming,United States; Sangeeta Jatia, Kolkata, West Bengal, India;Sheryl May Jensen, Rotorua, New Zealand; Stacey W.Jones, Florida, United States; Tae-Young Kim, Incheon,Korea; Donal W. Knipp, Missouri, United States; Sunil KumarR., Secunderabad, India; Leif Åke “Kenneth” Persson,Vellinge, Sweden; Dr. Ichiro Takehisa, Tokushima, Japan; Dr.H. Hauser Weiler, Virginia, United States; Harvey F. Whitley,North Carolina, United States.

Second Year: Joaquim Cardoso Borralho, Linda-a-Velha,Portugal; Marvin Chambers, Saskatchewan, Canada; BobCorlew, Tennessee, United States; Claudette Cornet, Pau,France; Jagdish Gulati, Allahabad, India; Dave Hajny,Montana, United States; Tsugumichi Hata, Miyagi, Japan;Mark Hintzmann, Wisconsin, United States; Pongsak “PK”Kedsawadevong, Muang District, Petchburi, Thailand;Carolyn A. Messier, Connecticut, United States; Joe AlPicone, Texas, United States; Alan Theodore “Ted” Reiver,Delaware, United States; Brian E. Sheehan, Minnesota,United States; Junichi Takata, Toyama, Japan; Klaus Tang,Wied, Germany; Carlos A. Valencia, Miranda, Venezuela;Sunil Watawala, Negombo, Sri Lanka.

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

COVER: Apart from ourNational Convention in April,Canberra has much tointerest the visitor, includingthe National Carillion on LakeBurley Griffin. It was a giftfrom the British Government.See Convention update andregistration on pages 20-23.

Photography: Main pictureand inset – Australian CapitalTourism


Lion4

More membersMore membersmeans moremeans moreserviceservice

When I was boy I played on a beautiful Little Leaguefield. I was only 12 but I felt like a major leagueballplayer. Our park was so clean, neat and well-groomed. The Lions built that ball field. That field wasimportant to the Lions, many of whom had boys whoplayed baseball, and it was important to the entiretown, where baseball was popular.

The Lions in my town had no trouble getting membersbecause they responded to the needs of the community.They were the community.

Probably the greatest challenge of our clubs today isattracting new members. To do that, we need to be asappealing as possible to those around us. We need toadapt ourselves to the present population. That meansdoing projects important to the community. That meansholding meetings that respect people’s schedules andpreferences. That means continuing to embrace ourheritage but also being open to new ways of doing things.We need to be agents of change and be willing to setaside or downplay old-time practices if people are notenthusiastic about them.

We’re not a top-down association, so headquartersdoes not dictate how clubs should go about theirbusiness. Lions know best what works for their clubs. Butthe key is to do some self-analysis and reflection. I havebeen strongly encouraging all clubs and districts to makefour “pit stops” throughout the year. Pit stop checklists areavailable on the LCI website. Take the time for a good,long look at your club. Take pride in youraccomplishments but also assess how your club can dobetter.

I am tremendously proud of our service. No associationcan match what Lions do and have done for nearly acentury. Yet we need to not only serve in our clubs but togrow membership in our clubs. All of us have a stake inour future. Every member you add, especially someoneyounger than you, is a way to perpetuate our service foryears to come. In a World of Service, we multiply the goodwe do when we add to our membership.

By WayneA Madden,Lions ClubsInternationalPresident

I am sending this photograph ofgolden roses that were painted by mymother, Mrs Lucelle Harris, who is amember of the Lions club of Fairfield,NSW.

When she saw the photograph of theLions Rose on the cover of the June-JulyLion magazine it caught her eye.

She was inspired to paint the rose andnow has painted it three times with afourth pending. Two of the paintings havebeen donated to Lions clubs to raffle. Thethird was specifically painted for hercousin and his wife who were celebratingtheir golden wedding anniversary.

My mother has painted throughout herlife and finds inspiration for her workfrom nature such as this beautiful rose.

Regards, Carolynn Worthing, Coffs Harbour, NSW.

A reader reports:

Lions Rosegrows toartisticnewheights

How to buy the roseAs a reminder for others wanting

to appreciate this superb Lions Rose,

it can be bought in Australia through

Treloar Roses.

In 2012 and beyond, Treloar Roses

is donating $1 from the sale of each

rose to the Australian Lions Childhood

Cancer Research Foundation. The

foundation’s mission is to prevent

kids with cancer dying by raising

funds nationally for the best scientific

and clinical childhood cancer

research. To order the Lions Rose

phone 1300 044 853. Bare rooted

roses are delivered May to August.


5December - January 2012-2013

American President Barack Obama hasrecognised the work of Lions worldwide bypushing through a bill for a special $1 U.S.coin to celebrate Lions Clubs International’s100th anniversary in 2017.

The coin is seen as a worthy tribute to themillions of Lions who have served theircommunities during the last 100 years.

In addition to highlighting a century ofcharitable services to people in need, there willbe a surcharge of $10 for every commemorativecoin sold – without any cost to Americantaxpayers – to be donated to the Lions ClubsInternational Foundation.

Funds will support ongoing Lions programsthat assist the visually impaired, disabled, youthand those affected by major disasters.

Throughout the last century, Lions clubs haveplayed a lead role in the fight against blindnessby preventing vision loss for more than 30 millionpeople. Additionally, Lions efforts have saved the

sight of more than 14 million children througheye screenings, surgeries, vaccinations and othertreatments.

“This coin will provide greater awareness ofour organisation, encourage Lions to moveforward with their selfless volunteer service, andraise critical resources to continue to help thosein need,” said Lions Clubs International PresidentWayne A. Madden.

“On behalf of Lions clubs and ourcommunities, I would like to express our deepappreciation to the sponsors of theCommemorative Coin Bill, U.S. Senator JerryMoran of Kansas, U.S. Representative PeterRoskam of Illinois, and U.S. Representative LarryKissell of North Carolina. It is thanks to theirdetermined efforts along with the support of all ofour House and Senate co-sponsors that this billwas signed into law. Lions should be proud of ouradvocacy and outreach success in getting suchbroad support for the Coin Bill.”

The U.S. Mint creates only two commemorativecoins per year by acts of Congress. For furtherinformation regarding Lions Clubs InternationalCentury of Service Commemorative Coin Act, visitwww.lionsclubs.org/coin/.

The coin will not be released until 2017 butalready Lions and coin collectors are putting theirnames down to buy.

Lions to be recognised with $1 U.S. coin

‘This coin will providegreater awareness of ourorganisation, encourageLions to move forward

with their selflessvolunteer service’

A group of 10 members of Victoria’s Nathaliaclub who rode postie bikes home after theMulti District Convention in Perth in May haveraised $46,037 with their marathon ride.

The money will go to children’s cancerresearch.

Eight men and two women undertook the3,500km trip, taking just 10 daystravelling on vintage Honda CT110postie bikes.

The group made pitstops attowns along the way to raise fundsand awareness for their chosencause, the ALCCRF (the AustralianLions Childhood Cancer ResearchFoundation), sleeping under thestars overnight or in tents orcampervans.

All costs for the trip, bikes,spares and fuel, food and air ticketsto Perth for some participants werepaid out of their own pockets inwhat is the true spirit of Lions

Their efforts on the ride raisedthe largest single donation to theALCCRF to date.

At a cheque presentation ceremony last month,the riders and back-up crew were presented with15 Neil Williams Honoured Member awards andthree Black Opal awards in recognition of theirfantastic efforts

The riders and back-up crew included MaxBaker, Stuart Barnes, Colin Dyason, Colin Grinter,

Russell Harbor, Tim O’Dwyer, Rachael Ormond,John Loader, Sue Loader, Roger Seiter, ElvieBarnes, Peter Commadeur, Mary Crosby, PeterHogan, Todd Grandell, Gail Grinter, Jason Loaderand Jackie Loader.

BELOW: The proud pedallers at a thank-you ceremonylast month to recognise their efforts.

Posties from Perth triumph with $46,037


Lion6

Dam good idea

Busy hands

Seaside saviours

LIONS ACTION

Two years ago Victoria’s Simpson andDistrict Lions Club undertook theredevelopment of the local dam and itssurrounds – and now the fruits of theirlabours are being recognised.

The small dam on the edge of the

Seldom ones to miss a good fundraisingopportunity, Sydney’s Lugarno Lions wentone further with their successful bowls dayin October.

The day raised $4,250 to purchase a “HartWalker” – and $660 of that money came froman auction of an AFL football signed by 2012premiers the Sydney Swans.

The day was supported by many bowlers fromsurrounding clubs as well as the Coogee andBondi clubs.

On the ball

PDG Elvio Munzone holds aloft the money-raisingAFL ball signed by members of the victorious SydneySwans.

Plans to develop and beautify an entranceto a jetty in South Australia’s WattleRange area appeared to be languishing –until local Lions got involved.

Members of Beachport-Rivoli Bay LionsClub quickly installed aconcrete path along a seawall near the jetty.

The club funded 13 cubicmetres of concrete costingabout $4,500 – and with alittle bit of cement left overthey repaired a hole thatwas developing in thelaunching area of the boatramp.

Club members hope thatby Christmas they will havelaid 500 square metres ofpaving for tables andchairs.

There will be new rollover kerbingbetween the rotunda and the concrete paththey installed and additional car parking.

BELOW: Beachport-Rivoli members at work on

the concrete path by the jetty.

township and the surrounding parkform the historical centre of theHeytesbury area.

The local Lions cleaned up and re-screened a path with gravel andplanted native grasses and trees withthe help of Simpson Primary schoolchildren.

The club also painted a rotunda andrepaired park benches.

The ongoing project was supportedby the shire, Land Care, grants andmembers of the community whodonated time and machinery.

Recently the local fisheriesdepartment put rainbow trout in thedam and the club held a fishingcompetition for young locals.

Keeping children prone to trouble busy with their handscan keep them on the straight and narrow.

Even better, an adult mentoring them one-on-one lendsmore stability and guidance. Duncan MacLennan, President ofthe Coolangatta-Tweed Heads Lions Club, does somewoodworking as part of the club’s volunteering at the Shed,which also offers boys and girls planting, worm farming andcooking. Building lives can be as simple as building shelves.

Photo courtesy the Daily News



Lions spirit

Waiting & watching

Coin Trail

Back on track

For six years Elermore Vale (NSW) Lions have been following a trail that hasbrought big rewards.

The club’s Coin Trail project has raised $19,000 in that time.Lion Ron MacLeod, the driving force behind the project, recalls the first Coin Trail

was so successful the club decided to hold six a year.All money raised goes to Cord Blood Research for Children with Cancer. It’s a

simple idea involving just a couple of boards with a line going around from the centreout (see photo above).

Club members ask (and sometimes sing to) passersby to place any small changethey can spare on the board. A shopping centre has generously given space near thesupermarket entrance and another centre has recently allowed them to do the same.

“It is also a great opportunity to invite people to join our fantastic organisation andlet the community know of the good work Lions do,” says the club’s Lyn Pearson. “Wehave balloons and some sweets in a basket for the children, whether or not money isdonated. Our biggest day out so far raised $971, not bad for around four hours work!”

When South Australia’s Paralowie Lions heard about six special bikes andfood and drink being stolen from the local Salisbury Cycle Speedway Club, itacted quickly.

The refreshments had been brought in specially to celebrate the club’s 40thanniversary – and the bikes, which had higher handlebars than normal and nobrakes, had only recently been purchased for use by underprivileged and autisticchildren along with their carers.

And that wasn’t the club’s only setback. Early on the morning of its plannedcelebrations it was broken into again.

Salisbury Cycle Speedway Club members receive a cheque from Paralowie Lions.

Patients waiting for treatment in the casualty andoutpatients departments of Adelaide’s Noarlunga Hospitalnow have big-screen television sets to help take theirminds off their problems.

Five sets were donated to the hospital thanks to theNoarlunga-Morphett Vale club and the generosity of localretailers.

Funds for such projects are not available through normalhospital operating costs so the club’s donation was muchappreciated.

After covering the cost of the TV sets enough funds remainedto purchase additional entertainment devices for use by visitorsand patients.

The club has previously been involved in projects at thehospital for patients in the dementia and dialysis wards.

BELOW: Noarlunga-Morphett Vale Vice President Elaine Winter andNoarlunga Hospital General Manager Bronwyn Masters with one ofthe new TV sets in the Emergency Department waiting area.

When Modbury Lions(C1) learned ofsomeone with adisability who requiredassistance, theyquickly rose to thechallenge.

A woman with aprosthetic leg whosehusband had left herwas unable to care forher large above-groundswimming pool.

So Modbury Lionshired a jackhammer and spent a recent Saturday dismantlingthe pool so the area could become part of the garden.

ABOVE: Lions Peter Wilson, Bob Gregory and Alan Zwar taking abreather.


8 Lion

As Lions Australia fundraisers go it’sa leader of the pack.

Each September the southern suburbsof Sydney come alive with the Lugarnoclub’s Lions Spring Festival – and this yearwas no exception with thousands ofpeople enjoying the great weather andhectares of entertainment throughoutGannons Park.

The event, started as a small Education

Week function more 30 years ago, nowboasts 200 stallholders, regularly attractsmore than 40,000 visitors and ranks asSydney’s largest carnival south of theRoyal Easter Show.

Sponsored each year by Hurstville CityCouncil and the St George & SutherlandShire Leader, the event has become a firmdate on the local community’s calendar offestivities.

It’s been going for more than three decadesyet this fundraiser has lost none of its fizz

SHOW TIME: Boasting 200 stallholders and more than400 vintage and classic vehicles, the Lions SpringFestival is evidence of just what Lions and communitybodies can achieve. Pictured (clockwise from above) area fiery juggler, young stars, Lions poet DG Greg Dunn,locals enjoying the festival, a young rider atop the bull,jousting good fun and maybe some top-line performersof the future.

Lugarno’s show ofLion-Dec-Jan-8-15 Sect 2 _template Lion 12/3/12 7:02 AM

December - January 2012-2013 9

Photos: Lion Bob Walker

showsPATRICK theLion Namers

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

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

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


10 Lion

BIG BOYS’ TOYSSpirits were high when Orange Lions ClubPresident Mick Medcalf and a crew of fellowLions set off in his pink-painted tractor for the2012 three-day Camp Quality Tractor Trek.

Mick entered the tractor on behalf of the club

and was joined by Lions Errol McCann, Alf “Fred”

Humphries and Charles Stammers.

The field of entrants included 15 tractors and one

Bren gun carrier (on an Army float).

The inaugural trek was made to support Camp

Quality, the children’s family cancer charity that

works to build resilience in the lives of every child

living with cancer and their family in Australia.

The trek departed the Orange Field Day site for

Dubbo via Molong, Cumnock and Yeoval, and

returned via Geurie and Wellington.

The maximum speed of the tractors was limited

to about 25kph (the speed of the slowest entrant so

as to cause minimum disruption to traffic) and the

route was on country roads and off highways as

much as possible.

On day one the biggest drama was a head

gasket blown by one of the Chamberlains but it was

quickly towed by another Chamberlain and fixed.

Along the way entrants were treated to local

hospitality. At the West Dubbo Bowling Club there

was dinner organised by the Dubbo West Rotary

Club, followed by an auction of items donated by

sponsors.

On the second day, the tractors were put on

display for the Saturday morning shoppers in Dubbo

and a raffle was run in conjunction with the trek.

After overnighting at the showground in Wellington,

all tractors lined up for a procession through the

main street

On a cold and frosty morning entrants headed off

for Mumbil and morning tea, where they met a

ABOVE: Mick Medcalf (second from left) and his trekcrew of fellow Orange Lions got into the spirit ofthings, while (left) many young spectators eagerlyinspected the vehicles.

Making tractor tracks in the quest for quality for cancer kids



family and their nine-year-old son, a cancer victim

who is supported by Camp Quality.

After lunch in Mullion Creek it was on to Orange

and another public display of the tractors and a

barbecue arranged by Orange Lions and ably

manned by Rotary friends.

The Central West Camp Quality Coordinator,

Graeme Eggleston, thanked the entrants and

drivers, and presented each with a framed plaque,

then made awards to the various entrants.

Orange Lions President Mick Medcalf was

humble in receiving the award for the most funds

raised by an individual entry, approximately

$12,000.

The Orange club gratefully acknowledges the

outstanding support and sponsorship from the

local business community.

Overall, the trek raised about $82,000 and

everyone had a great three days and an enjoyable

trip.

Following the trek‘s success, another is being

planned for 2013.

It will be a joint project between Camp Quality

and the Orange Lions Club.

– adapted from an article by Lion Charles Stammers

Your free greeting sealsIn this issue of the Lion magazine youshould have received a free promotionalgift from the Lifesaver Foundation.

It is part of the foundation’s latest projectand comprises three sections. The top sectionincludes seasons greeting seals, the middlesection is a bumper-bar sticker incorporatingthe International President’s Theme and thebottom section features seals of theInternational President’s Theme. These can beused for many purposes.

The three-in-one project was designed by a15-year-old student, Geordie McGrath.Geordie also designed last year’s highlysuccessful bookmarks on the theme “Who arethe Lions?”

The Lifesaver Foundation is also mailingfour sheets of seals with a letter outlining thepromotion to every Lions club in Australia.

BELOW: During the trek entrants were delighted tobe able to meet a nine-year-old who has benefittedfrom his Camp Quality experience.

While many volunteer organisations report

declining membership, Lions Clubs International

experienced its fifth straight year

of membership increase. Not

since 1993 has the world’s

largest service club organisation

recorded five straight years of

membership growth.

“We chartered more than

1,500 new clubs, bringing our

total number of clubs to a record

high of more than 46,300 clubs,”

said Wayne A. Madden, the 2012-13 President

of Lions Clubs International. “In the last five

years, we have increased our membership by

nearly 60,000 members. With a net increase of

nearly 6,000 members in the last year, Lions can

provide more service to their communities and to

those in need around the world.”

According to Madden, “Lions membership has

grown as Lions have concentrated on expanding

the programs and service they are providing to

their communities. Last year, in one international

campaign alone, Lions planted more than 13.5

million trees around the world.

“The fastest growing demographic group in

Lions clubs is women,” says Madden. “Also

expanding rapidly is the number of members

from the same family.

“We are organising family clubs and

encouraging parents and children and

other family members to volunteer together.

Family clubs or those with lots of

family members fit easily into today’s

busy lifestyles.”

Lions are also employing new ways

of connecting with the people in their

communities.

“We are reaching out

to younger people by increasing

our efforts in social networking,"

says Madden.

Lions have also organised many specialty

clubs such as cyber clubs that meet online and

get together only to do service projects, as well

as other clubs that serve specific interests and

needs of groups within

communities, such as

Champion Lions Clubs in

Support of Special Olympics.

Lions have developed

regional programs in areas

including India and China that

are experiencing success in

recruiting members. The

number of new members in

China more than doubled in the last year. Lions

are the first and only service club allowed by the

government of The People’s Republic of China to

charter clubs and operate in China.

Lions Clubs International has nearly 1.35

million members in 207 countries and

geographic areas.

In addition to its efforts toward conquering

blindness, the organisation has made a strong

commitment to community service and helping

youth throughout the world.

To learn more about Lions Clubs International,

visit www.lionsclubs.org.

Lions records fifth straightyear of membership increase

Membership in Lions Clubs International increased to nearly 1.35 millionmembers, as of June 30, 2012.


12 Lion

The visit of an International President isalways a special event and the NovemberAustralian tour of current President WayneMadden with his wife, Lion Linda, lived up toall expectations.

Throughout the visit President Madden sawfirsthand the work of Australian Lions in theircommunities and the success of our organisation.

In Australia to attend the N5 Convention inLithgow, his tour started with some special eventsarranged by District N5 along with the NSWParliamentary and Sydney Executive Lions Clubs.

First off, he and his party were hosted by theSpeaker of the NSW Parliament, the Hon. ShellyHancock, in the Fountain Court with 60 local Lions,many from the Parliamentary Lions Club, on hand.

The next day began with a wonderful visit to theLions Eye Bank and the NSW Save Sight Unit to seethe invaluable medical research supported MD201Lions at the Sydney Eye Hospital.

Later, the group was again hosted at ParliamentHouse with a lunch for 28 VIPs from the District andParliament in the President’s Dining Room. Duringlunch the President of the NSW Upper House, DonHarwin, agreed to join the Parliamentary Lions Club,a fitting event for our International President.

Later we were all taken to the Gallery to watchQuestion Time in the Lower House where ourInternational President and others were recognisedby the Speaker.

That evening it was on to a casual get-togetherbarbecue organised by District Governor GregDunn’s Lions Club of Crestwood and hosted at thehome of club members Bob and Helen Rose. Noformalities, just meet and eat.

While we had anticipated a pleasant scenicventure through the Blue Mountains to Lithgow thenext day, this was not to be as scattered cloudsturned the sky to pea soup as we ascended theGreat Divide.

After a short rest, we visited Lithgow CouncilChambers for a reception hosted by Mayor MareeStatham and General Manager Roger Bailey. Then

came another wonderful dinner, this time at SecretCreek Cafe and Restaurant within Secret CreekSanctuary, before going back to the Conventionwhere the troops were enjoying the “Meet, Greetand Eat” in preparation for the Opening Ceremony.

The group’s thanks go to the Lions Club ofLithgow for their excellent country hospitality andabundant supply of food.

Before heading back to Sydney, the partyexperienced a hair-raising descent to the depths ofthe Clarence Colliery Coal Mine in the WesternCoalfields area.

The next part of the tour saw President Maddenand Lion Linda travel to Brisbane, with more than170 guests representing 70 local clubs – includingthe Brisbane Lord Mayor Lion Graeme Quirk (whoreceived a Medal of Merit from IP Madden) –providing a friendly Queensland welcome.

The success of the LCIF-fundedEyeglass Recycling Centre was onshow in Queensland and thePresident and his wife sawfirsthand its amazing work.

Later at Princess AlexandraHospital, President Madden gaineda fascinating insight into the role oflocal Lions in supporting medicalresearch when Professor IanFrazer, whose discovery of theCervical Cancer vaccine was aidedby Lions, spoke at length. This

hospital is home to a number of top researchersfunded by the Lions Medical Research Foundationand Professor Frazer’s praise for the hard workinglocal Lions who sustain the Foundation was not loston our President. Nor was Australian Lions’contribution to the new research building to houseabout 700 researchers and due to open in earlyDecember.

International President Wayne Maddenwins the hearts of local Lions

On a fun-filled and highly informative visit to Australia...

SEE NO EVIL ... (from left) Council Chairman Lou Onley, N5 DG Greg Dunn and International President WayneMadden ham it up for the camera on a Sydney Harbour cruise during his visit, while (bottom left) the happymood continues with (back) CC Lou, DG Greg, the President and (front) Kaye Onley, Judith Dunn and LindaMadden. President Madden (bottom right) addresses the Lithgow Convention.

Council Chairperson Lou Onley’s column willreturn next issue. This time around he wasmore than occupied hosting PresidentMadden’s Australian visit.

– Edited by CC Lou Onley



From Executive Officer Rob

As the countdown closes to the HamburgInternational Convention, where we hope tosee Barry Palmer inaugurated as the firstever Australian to be elected to theInternational Presidency in July 2013, ourtravel partner, Travelscene AmericanExpress has launched three postconventiontouring optionsexclusive toLions Clubmembers.

Travel fromHamburg to Zurichover 10 magicdays exploringiconic citiesincluding Dresdenand UNESCO-listedCesky Krumlov,along with Viennaand Salzburg, fromjust $2080. Windyour way throughthe breathtakingBavarian Alps andwalk in thefootsteps ofancient Romans,on your 12-day

Hamburg to Rome Tour from just $2995.Combine a tour with highlights such as Berlinand Prague followed by a Uniworld Luxury RiverCruise to experience the magic of Germany on a13-day excursion from just $4,409.

Travelscene American Express has appointeda select number of its Member Agencies to meet

the needs of LionsAustralia delegates.Whether you’re lookingto follow your own path,to take advantage ofthese exclusive deals,or seeking traveladvice, there’s a localMember Agencyavailable to help you. Tofind your nearestdedicated LionsAustralia TravelsceneAmerican ExpressMember agency, call13 87 28 – but don’twait too long as theseexclusive tour packageswith Insight Vacationsand Uniworld BoutiqueCruises must bebooked by 27December 2012.

Many Lions fromour Multiple Districtwill have recentlyparticipated inDistrictConventions.District Conventionsare a wonderfulopportunity tocelebrate the workthat we do andacknowledge the

contribution of Lions to their communities. They are also an important part of the

democracy of our association and each Conventionelected the leadership team for the next Lionsyear.

There have been a number of importantactivities and developments at the National level inthe last few months.

Most significant is a new partnership with ApexAustralia. Most Lions will be very aware of Apex,as an Australian service club organisation; we havemany past Apexians in our ranks. Lions Australiarecently won the bid to provide Secretariat servicesfor Apex, from our existing National Office inNewcastle.

Apex remains an independent, member-controlled service organisation, however servicesincluding website and communication, financialmanagement, and member support will now beprovided from the Lions National Office. This is anexciting development that will build the long-standing relationship between Apex and Lions, andwe look forward to providing excellent services tohelp Apex succeed and thrive.

We are progressing with our public relationsinitiatives. Lions should not underestimate theimportance of social media, and we have beenvery active in building our Facebook presence toreach out to Lions, and the broader community.

We have recently entered into a contract toproduce our new television Community ServiceAnnouncement for release in the new year. The“Two Hands” project will highlight the differencethat an extra pair of hands can make to achievinggreat community service through Lions. Theproject includes television advertisements,webcasts and a new promotional video for clubs touse in their recruitment seminars.

With the help of some great Lions, many of youwill also see a ‘reprise’ of our existing CommunityService Announcement in the last few months ofthis year, before the release of the newadvertisement. So although clubs will be having awell-deserved break over Christmas, make sure

you check your e-mails, post box and telephoneany new member prospects who have respondedto the advertisements. We want to welcome thoseextra hands.

We are now 50% of the way through ourrevamp of our National website. Under theguidance of our Webmaster Alex, a youthful andinnovative web design company is developing ournew website. Lions can expect a modern,professional site that presents Lions as thesuccessful and dynamic organisation that we are.

Finally, a reminder to Lions to considerregistering for our up-and-coming National andInternational Conventions. Conventions will giveyou a new perspective about our association andare a great way to find, build and cementfriendships. For those travelling to Hamburg,Travelscene has some very special air and tourpackages for Lions. Please look at theadvertisement above.

My best wishes to you and your families for theChristmas season.

– Rob Oerlemans

Heading to Hamburg?

Coming up1. Multiple District Convention bids for2016 close on 31 December 2012. Contactthe Executive Officer for a bid package.2. Online Registrations for the Lions ClubInternational Convention in Hamburg areavailable now. Follow the links fromwww.ozzielions.wordpress.com3. Registration for the NationalConvention in Canberra is now open. Findthe information on the Convention website atwww.lionsclubs.org.au/conventions/4. LCI Environmental Photo Contest –Entries for the 2013 Environmental PhotoContest are to be provided to the ExecutiveOfficer no later than 11 January 2013. Pleasenote the guidelines published on the LionsClubs International website, in particular, thata maximum one entry only is to be receivedfrom each District, and the entry must be inprinted form.


Lion14

Despite not being able to see their family regularly,the kids are all passionate about becomingeducated and having more opportunities thanprevious generations. This passion for learning andzest for life is something I really appreciated aboutthe program. However sadly there is still a largepercentage of school-aged children who will neverget past basic numeracy and literacy levels due toa shortage of schools, facilities, funding andresources.Promise for future: It has recently come to myattention that all our hard work and anticipationhas paid off as The Encouragement HouseFoundation is currently building a small earlylearning centre. It will be located close by to TheEncouragement House and be for young childrenscattered throughout the community who

She might only be 16but already Hornsby LeoAparna Balakumar isrealising her dream ofmaking a differencein the world

Leo’s visit of passion to Timor Leste

Leo Aparna Balakumar and one of the youngstudents she met and (bottom left) students atEncouragement House in Maliana, Timor Leste.

Sixteen-year-old Hornsby (NSW) Leo AparnaBalakumar has a passionate ambition inlife – to do her best to make the world abetter place. Aparna, a student at Hornsby GirlsHigh School, started realising that ambitionwhen earlier this year she travelled to TimorLeste as one of just 10 Australianrepresentatives of the United Nations YouthAustralia 2012 Pacific Project.While there on a visit in conjunction withDestination Dreaming, she observedAustralia’s foreign aid program in action andmet with members of the Australian HighCommission.Now back in Australia, her observationsprovide an intriguing insight into conditionsand the situation of young people in TimorLeste.

My time there: The two weeks were spentinteracting with members of the local community,understanding their long and arduous quest forfreedom from the Indonesian militia andprocessing exactly how the country could looktowards future prosperity and wealth now thatindependence has been granted.Highlight: Visiting Encouragement House, agorgeous sanctuary for many students, located inthe heart of Maliana where kids can board, eat andhave easy access to local schooling facilities.

otherwise would not have easy access to thesefacilities. The primary focus will be on learningEnglish and as the world becomes more globalisedI have no doubts this will be a skill that will helpthem throughout life. Currently the aim is to allowabout 40 children of primary school age to takedaily lessons there, with various age groups

coming in throughout the day. When I foundout the news I was jumping up and down

with happiness because this is a stepthat will absolutely make a differenceand allow their passion to bechannelled towards something really

positive. Currently the building is under

construction and is visualised tocomprise two classrooms (8 x7 metres)

and an office storeroom, in addition to a wideverandah (three metres) that the children canuse. It will be styled like many of theTimorese buildings surrounding it.

Need for sponsors: For this incredible place tobe put to use, sponsors for individual children arerequired. It is estimated that education for one yearper child will cost $110. It is the vision of bothHornsby Leos and myself that we will easily meetthe quota of 40 children with the generosity ofLions clubs as well as that of the general public.The support of the Lions and Leos has beenincredible and I am so excited they have agreed tosupport my dreams by classifying this sponsorshipplan as an official project. Give them a chance: These children arebeautiful, warm and loving and deserve a chanceto learn and nurture their individual talents. Whilstover there I took over a large collection of musicalinstruments and their joy and love when receivingthem made me see that any resource given will beutilised to its maximum potential. Currently thereare three guest bedrooms being built for volunteerteachers and I too hope to visit and teach thereafter I finish high school in 2013. Gratitude: My local club, the Hornsby Lions andLeos, have been beyond helpful. Their kind wordsand advice have convinced me that I can still makea difference in the world and if I truly feelpassionate about something (in this case helpingthese kids seek out a bigger and brighter future)then I can make it happen. Leo mentor Bill Bradleywas the first person I contacted who truly believedin me and has helped me to nurture contacts bothwithin and outside Maliana to help my dreamcome alive.

The Encouragement Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that relies on corporate andphilanthropic sponsorship to promote and raiseawareness of the value of encouragement in oursociety. More details on Encouragement House:www.encouragementfoundation.org



LEOS STEPPIN’ OUT!

Theyouthful look that’sbecomingmore evidentin Lions

If you wanted to see the future face of

Australian Lions then the place to be was

Queensland’s Q4 District Convention in

October.

While the convention attracted 270 members of

Lions, Lioness and Leo clubs the ‘livewires’ were the

youth.

From the involvement of the Alex Headland Life

Savers in the opening ceremony to the active

participation of Australia's newest Leo club (Swanies)

and the excellent address by Personality Quest

winner Gemma Kerwick, the "young guns" were the

impressive force in the three-day program.

The Lions Club of Mooloolaba hosted the three-

day program.

District Q4 extends along the coast from

Mooloolaba in the south to just north of

Rockhampton. The Northern Territory border is the

western extremity of the district. Winton and

ABOVE: Leos add a fun dimension to the dance floor.

BELOW LEFT: Members of Australia’s newest LeoClub, Swanies, at the dinner dance.

RIGHT: A member of Alex Park Surf Club conductsthe flag ceremony at the convention opening.

Kingaroy clubs mark boundaries to this large

portion of Queensland.

Convention Chairman Alan Moore had praise for

the young Leos, especially considering they were

facing final exams in only a few days. He also

expressed his appreciation of the sponsorship of

several local businesses and the assistance offered

across the three days from the Maroochydore-

North Shore and Buderim Lions Clubs.

The extensive bushland setting of the site, which

is a short stroll from the beach, served as the

venue for all aspects of the convention, including

accommodation for visitors.

New-age Lions


16 Lion

The 2012 ANZI-Pacific Forum earlier this yearin picturesque Queenstown, New Zealand wasanother great success, with Lions fromAustralia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand,Japan, India and the United Statesenthusiastically participating in a wide rangeof seminars on interesting topics.

The social functions, including a cruise on thehistoric SS Earnslaw, were well supported andenjoyed by all.2013: The exciting 2013 news is that the ANZI-Pacific Forum (September 6th to 8th) will be in Bali,Indonesia. This fabled holiday destination will notonly provide us with a memorable forum programbut also great fun and fabulous entertainment. The

theme is “Through Friendship we develop ideas”. The International President will be attending and,

subject to the outcome of the Hamburg Convention,that should be Australia’s Barry Palmer. OtherOfficers as well as International Directors and PastInternational Directors will also be there. Moreimportantly there will be Lions from Australia, NewZealand, Indonesia and the islands of the SouthPacific, as these forums are designed to provideinformation to club members to help them with theirgoal of service to their communities.

There will be over 30 forums, seminars, andworkshops covering a wide variety of topics withsomething for everyone. They will all involve yourparticipation and be highly entertaining. Spectacular

opening and closing ceremonies will delight you andthere will be functions and keynote speakers of thehighest calibre.

An international Lions golf tournament will beheld at one of the most scenic courses in the world,the Championship Golf Course at the Bali Golf &Country Club, Nusa Dua. Get a team together andplay for a fabulous trophy donated by PastInternational President Kajit Habanananda, a Lionwell known to many Australians.

Accommodation is available at the HeadquartersHotel, the Sanu Paradise Hotel, which is the Forumvenue. In addition there are 10 furtheraccommodation providers and costs are much lessexpensive than in Australia. Air fares from Australiaare also very competitive and quite often there arespecial prices which make it very attractive. It couldbe the opportunity to have a fantastic holiday and awonderful Lions experience at a reasonable cost.

Special Bali excursions and partners’ activitiesare planned.

You can obtain all accommodation details andbooking forms on the forum website –Lionsanzipacificforum.com. If you require anyfurther information please contact PID Durban LArdjo ([email protected]) or PCC AnggaKesumah ([email protected]).2014: The 2014 Forum has been awarded toAdelaide and we look forward to the uniqueapproach that this historic city can provide, as wellas the tourist opportunities of its location near someof the best wine-growing areas in Australia. Moredetails will be provided as the Forum committeeswings into action to provide you with an event toremember.General remarks: We have now held two Forumswith two more in the schedule. The ANZI-PacificForums have now become an established fixture inthe Lions calendar for this part of the world. Wehave the opportunity, shared by all other Lions inevery other area in the world, to attend andparticipate in our own area forum.

Those who attended the first two forums, on theGold Coast and in Queenstown, agree that it is avaluable addition to the benefits of being a Lion andwill enhance their ability to fulfil our motto “WeServe”. We also have the opportunity to meet andhave discussions with Lions from our area andother parts of the world.

Those who have not yet attended a forum, pleasetalk to some of your friends who have and get theirimpressions of their worth. I’m sure they will tell youthey had a great time and gathered muchworthwhile information.

Please think about going to Bali for next year’sforum! In addition to the great program, the fun andthe fellowship, the spectacular functions andoutings, it will be an opportunity to go to anoverseas destination renowned for its great beauty,and at a very reasonable price. Once you attend aforum I’m sure you will be hooked for the future.

Best wishes and kind regards,Ken

Ken Bird, Past International Director,Committee member ANZI-Pacific Forum

Executive Standing Committee

Time to experience the ANZI-Pacific Forums!



There was a light show of an unusual kind when South Australia’sBeachport/Rivoli Bay Lions ran a marine safety and flaredemonstration night earlier this year.

Held in conjunction with Transport S.A. Marine Safety Department as aservice to the boating community, it took place at two venues, a local jettyand the recreation centre.

In recent times there have been a number of boating fatalities in RivoliBay and the night provided valuable information for those who attended.

Three different types of flares were demonstrated on the night.

RIGHT: An orange smoke flare is demonstrated on the Beachport jetty.

Showing a bit of flare

Lucy Day is a delightful child, always with abig smile that lights up a room.

Loved by her family and outgoing, there is clearlysomething special about her.

Yet it’s hard to appreciate just what lies behindLucy’s smile, what suffering this young girl hasundergone

Born with Goldenhar Syndrome, a rare conditionthat affects about one in every 10,000 babies, Lucyand her family have battled bravely to keep apositive outlook on life.

For a year Queensland’s Mooloolaba Lions Clubsponsored Lucy at a cost of $10,000 for medicaltherapy, and in September it aided her and anotherthree-year-old, Frankee-Lee Shaw, on a visit to theCalifornia Ear Institute for reconstructive ear canalsurgery.

Lucy suffers from a raft of medical conditionsincluding atresia of the left ear canal, stenosis ofthe right ear canal, and jaw and tongueunderdevelopment and asymmetry. For a long timeher parents had no way of knowing if she would

ever develop speech and language.These conditions affected Lucy’s ability to listen,

eat and talk. At 10 months she was fitted with abone conduction hearing aid and has sinceprogressed well with the help of a therapist.

To get the two girls to California for their mostrecent treatments, both families fund-raised to payfor flights, surgery and accommodation. As thefamilies had never ventured overseas before, theyasked if Mooloolaba Lions could obtain assistancefrom local U.S. Lions when they arrived at SanFrancisco Airport.

Lion Esther Lee, then C4’s DG, set the wheels inmotion. Quickly several U.S. clubs agreed to help.The two girls needed car seats so two were boughtin California for their use.

U.S. Lions also picked them up from the airportand took the group’s luggage to their hotel andsupplied food and beverages and eating utensils foruse in their room. They also loaned them a vehicleto use for three weeks.

After the surgery the girls were not allowed to fly

for a month so the families had to stay in California.PDG Esther and her husband Leelin took them on

a guided day tour of San Francisco and then localLions Bill and Eleanor Britter took Lucy and hermother Michelle and her grandfather to Montereyand Carmel for two days and to dinner.

In the words of Michelle, “They were brilliant andwe were so grateful.”

The families are now home but Frankee-Lee willreturn to have her other ear operated on, and Lucyneeds extensive surgery on her jaw which couldmean a return trip. She also has severe sleepapnoea problems that need to be treated.

But for now the surgery appears successful andMooloolaba Lions join with Lucy and Frankee-Leeand their families in thanking PDG Esther Lee andall the U.S Lions involved.

– Lion Ernene Smedley

Supporting U.S. clubs included San Francisco Marina-North Beach Lions, San Mateo Lions, PeninsulaSpecial Interest Lions, Burlingame Lions and SanFrancisco Host Lions.

Lions unite to help twoyoung Aussies

Lucy Day enjoying a day out in San Francisco with PDG Esther Lee and her husband Leenin, and (below left) inMonterey with Lion Bill Britter from the Peninsula Special Interest Lions Club.


18 Lion

By Allie Stryker

Lions are leaders in sight. From fundingcataract surgeries and diabetic retinopathyprojects to providing medication for riverblindness and trachoma, Lions ClubsInternational Foundation (LCIF) has beenpreventing avoidable blindness on a globalscale for more than 20 years through theSightFirst program.

As announced during Campaign SightFirst II,SightFirst seeks to combat existing andemerging threats to sight through researchinitiatives. In August, the first SightFirstresearch grants were approved. Byfocusing on priority eye diseases (cataract,trachoma and uncorrected refractiveerror), SightFirst will evaluate eye caredelivery and needs, blindness preventionstrategies and barriers to services throughthese grants.

“Funding research priorities related tooperations and evaluative components will addsignificant value to all of the future SightFirstprojects,” says Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao of the LVPrasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad, India, and amember of the LCIF SightFirst Advisory Committee.“These research projects will provide betterevidence on which future projects can be formedand built.”

One of the first LCIF research grants focuses ontrichiasis, an eye disease that turns the eyelidinward, causing the eyelashes to painfully rub theeyeball and scar the cornea, potentially causing

blindness. To combat this disease, the University ofPennsylvania School of Medicine will evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of a new, post-surgerymedication to treat people in Ethiopia who undergosurgery for trichiasis; the medication should helpreduce the risk of disease recurrence. The first of its

kind, the study is highlyrelevant to

global

trachoma elimination efforts. It is closely linked toSightFirst investments in trachoma surgeries andpotentially groundbreaking in its attempt to improve

trichiasis surgery for patients.Continuing efforts in trachoma research, a

second LCIF research grant examines methods offinding and encouraging patients with trachoma toundergo trichiasis surgery in Tanzania. This willimprove access to care for those in need. The study,led by Johns Hopkins Dana Center for PreventativeOphthalmology, will also examine if the methods forfinding trachoma patients will help eliminate thebacklog of trichiasis surgeries in areas of Tanzania.

Two other projects funded under SightFirst’sresearch program are rapid assessment ofavoidable blindness (RAAB) initiatives. These

RAABs will help Lions and their partners properlyplan and implement future SightFirst projects bydetermining the prevalence and causes of eyehealth issues and the barriers patients have toaccessing eye care.

As part of the two grants awarded forRAABs, the Centre for Eye Research Australia,

in partnership with Sudirohusodo GeneralHospital and Hasanuddin University, will conduct a

RAAB in Indonesia to provide information on thecauses of vision loss in Sulawesi. In Bolivia, theInstituto Nacional de Oftalmologia Bolivia, SociedadBoliviana de Oftalmologia and other organisationswill complete a RAAB to define the eye care needsin Cochabamba, La Paz and Santa Cruz.

By researching vision loss and eye care needs inthese regions, SightFirst and LCIF will have a betterunderstanding of eye care needs and priorities.Together with the trachoma research initiatives,these grants will lead to more effective treatmentand blindness prevention in the future.

With a lot of luck and good wriggling fromtheir worm, the Lions Club of ToowoombaInc not only won this year’s annual LionsWorm Race at Crows Nest but were therunners up as well.

President of the club, Trish Clark, said it wasa privilege to be able to support a fellow Lionsclub and have a bit of fun at the same time.

“Our Lions members work hard during theyear raising money for local charities and thisnight is a chance for our members to relax,”she said. “We’ll be holding the cup for the next12 months, until the next race day.”

The Lions Club of Crows Nest has beenholding worm races for many years with profitsbeing used to support local charities.

SightFirst prevents blindness in new ways

A woman in Ethiopia has her eyes screened fortrichiasis.

Toowoomba Lionsget a wriggle on

“

RIGHT: And they’re wriggling ... at theCrows Nest worm races.

Evelyn, the wifeof PCC Ian Kelly,might look a littlestrange but shecertainly solvedthe problem ofteary eyes whilepeeling onionsfor a recentsausage sizzle for W.A.’s Mandurah club.

With so many sizzles going on out west, it’sestimated that, based on 5kg of onions per 100sausages, Mandurah Lions peel about 200 kilos ofonions per year. So that diving gear is not so silly.

Apart from onions, Evelyn assists in running thelocal Youth of The Year and a multitude of otherprojects. Meanwhile, husband Ian, a trustee for theALF and also a regular onion peeler, hasn’t yetresorted to a mask and snorkel.

Divinginto the onions



By Allie Stryker

When Uganda’s Ministry of Health recentlyreported more than 500 cases of measlesacross the country, local Lions wanted to help.In May, Lions in Uganda united againstmeasles and joined LCIF’s effort to helpeliminate measles worldwide by participatingin a country-wide vaccination campaign.

Ugandan Lions worked with the Ministry ofHealth, the World Health Organization and UNICEF tocoordinate a targeted vaccination effort. As a result,a three-day campaign was created and a goal wasset to vaccinate 6.9 million children.

Lions played a key role in the vaccinationcampaign. Working with business contacts, theypurchased radio, television and newspaperadvertisements to raise awareness of thevaccinations. They even used a “town-crier” truckwith loudspeakers that drove up and down streetsannouncing the campaign to everyone withinearshot. Lions also ordered T-shirts for healthworkers and created posters and banners forvaccination sites. Their efforts spread awareness ofthe importance of routine immunisations, potentiallypreventing future measles outbreaks in the country.

All 20 of Uganda’s Lions clubs came together towork alongside community health workers for three

days to support the measlesvaccination campaign. Theclubs held ceremonies tolaunch the campaign, invitinglocal leaders to take part. EachLions club worked with one ortwo vaccination posts to ensurethat children were registeredand other needs were met ateach site while health careworkers administeredvaccinations.

“I asked the Lions Iencountered who had workedtirelessly in the heat for theentire weekend if their threedays of volunteerism had beenworth it,” says BenjaminFutransky, an LCIF staff memberwho participated in thevaccination event. “The answer Iheard over and over from eachLion was a resounding yes. The small part theyplayed in immunising each child filled them with joybecause they knew one less child was at risk ofsickness or even death from measles.”

When LCIF joined the Measles & Rubella Initiativein 2010, officials knew Lions would want to help

children in countries where measles is a heavyhealth burden. More than 41 million children havebeen vaccinated against measles. This year, LCIF isworking with measles partners to vaccinate 157million children against measles.

Together, we can help eliminate measles. Justask the Lions of Uganda.

Helping the Hmong people of Laos

Lions united against measles in Uganda

Health workers at a vaccination post in Uganda prepare to vaccinate morechildren against measles.

When Peter Maroney of the NSW Far-North Coast club Terranora Lakes

announced he was off to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos)

to assist the MiVAC Trust in improving the lives of the impoverished

Hmong people, his fellow Lions were happy to help.

Peter was working for a month in the village of Ban Xai, about 30km west of

Phonsavan – an area of some of the fiercest fighting and heaviest

bombardment during the “Secret War” of the Vietnam War era.

Much of the country still contains unexploded ordinance and active

minefields.

The MiVAC Trust, an initiative of Australian Vietnam Veterans who cleared

landmines in Vietnam, is establishing a model village to teach locals improved

animal husbandry.

As part of the project, a biodigestor, designed by Peter, was being built to

recycle animal waste into methane gas for cooking and lighting for the

production of liquid fertiliser.

Terranora Lakes Lions did their bit by purchasing a concrete mixer to take

some of the hard work out of construction.

Prior to his departure, Peter briefed the club on the project and members

happily donated $570.

Peter reports the mixer has been put to good use in making concrete for the

biodigestor base, walls and roof slab and also in constructing concrete water

tanks and a pigsty.

Lion Peter Maroney with fellow MiVAC volunteer Michael Weibler and local Hmongworkers Vang and Mua with the Lions mixer on completion of six hours of work tobatch concrete for the biodigestor.

FOOTNOTE: The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is a landlockedcountry in Southeast Asia bordered by Burma and China to thenorthwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south andThailand to the west. Its population is about 6.5 million. There areabout 256,000 Hmong in Laos, mostly in mountainous areas wherethey grow dry hill rice and maize. The goal of the MiVAC project inBan Xai is to introduce a series of profit centres and jobopportunities for the villagers, to gradually change theirdependence on swidden (slash and burn) cultivation, to better thehealth and sanitation of villagers and to increase educationopportunities.


20

NATIONAL

CONVNETION

61st

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http://lionsclubs.org.au/conventions/

http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/Visitor-Info/Visitor-Information-Centre.aspx

22 Lion



23

Lions planning to visit Canberrra in April forthe National Convention have a doublecelebration in store.

For 2013 also marks the 100th year sinceCanberra was named as our national capital.

It’s an opportunity for Lions to join in thecentenary celebrations, to get closer to Canberra,both the city itself and its national and symbolicroles.

As part of the centenary celebrations, there is ayear-long program covering sport, science, arts,community, architecture, education, environment,diverse cultures, major events, touring exhibitionsand performances.

History apart, Canberra and the A.C.T. havecontemporary appeal, whether it be discovering thegreat outdoors on the territory’s extensive cyclepaths, world-class mountain biking and city walking

trails or maybe visiting the Tidbinbilla NatureReserve or Namadgi National Park.

For something more sedate, delve intoCanberra’s extensive array of stylish restaurants,bars and shops brimming with local produce andwine (you can chat to local winemakers at theircellar door). At night, the city comes alive with avibrant entertainment scene for all tastes.

Right round Canberra there are fascinating

Join Canberra in its celebrations

places to visit. ● The National Film andSound Archive isAustralia’s living archive,capturing a part ofAustralia’s memory that canactually be experienced in‘living’ vision and sound. ● The National Museumof Australia holds some ofthe nation’s most popularand important itemsincluding Phar Lap’s heartand the Holden PrototypeNo.1.● The AustralianInstitute of Sport offerstours with an elite athlete asyour guide. See whereAustralia’s sportingchampions live and train.Challenge yourself inSportex, the interactivesports experience.● The Australian WarMemorial commemoratesthe sacrifice of Australianmen and women who servedin war. ● The Canberra DeepSpace CommunicationComplex Tidbinbilla is partof NASA’s Deep SpaceNetwork that provides thevital two-way radio link withdozens of robotic spacecraftexploring the Solar Systemand beyond. Just a 45-minute drive from the heartof Canberra, it’s in thebeautiful Tidbinbilla valley. ● The High Court ofAustralia is the highestcourt of appeal and is in astunning building by LakeBurley Griffin in theParliamentary Zone.


Bello Lions not sitting on the fence

Racing in theCup sweep

24

A special little girl

AROUND THE NATION

Lion

Bellingen Lions in NSW have recently beencatching up on their fence-building talents.

A team from the club erected a chain fence atLegacy units in the town.

First off they had to demolish and remove an oldpaling fence before post-hole boring and standingnew metal posts in cement bases. This wasfollowed by fence cladding with pipe work, wirestraining and finally chain link fencing.

The fencing project was carried out over twoSaturdays with a small band of hardworking Lionstaking 12 hours to complete the project.

The team was led by Bellingen Lions ClubProject Chairman Grahame Maddeford who

Queensland Toowoombaclub was off and runningearly for this year’sMelbourne Cup with itsannual Melbourne CupSweep.

All proceeds are being

used to help three local

charities – Family Planning

Toowoomba, Tomnet Toowoomba and the

Pjyama Foundation Toowoomba.

The Chairperson of the raffle committee,

Tammy Wright, said the sweep was a huge

success.

Tammy said that during the selling of tickets

many members of the public commented how

good it was to see a Melbourne Cup Sweep and

how pleased they were that “some of the old

customs have not died”.

Many businesses around Toowoomba also

supported by selling tickets.

Now and again in our great Lionsorganisation you come across a specialperson who makes that extra effort to dotheir very best at what they set out to do.Such is the young lady I am about to tell youabout.

Lauren Quinn is one of our past Children ofCourage. Lauren has (in layman’s terms) “FloppyDoll Syndrome”. This means she has troublestanding and needs to be assisted at all times.

Lauren gets around in her electric wheelchairand is on a ventilator at certain times of the day.

We, the Lions Club of Mandurah, have assistedLauren over the last few years with numerousitems to help her on the incredible difficult journeyof life that she is going through. A few years ago

the club was asked to fundraise to enable Lauren’snew wheelchair to fit into the back of the family’speople-mover. We happily took the project on andraised the $32,000 required in a record 30 days.

I rang Bronwyn (Lauren’s mum) to see if thefamily would sponsor me in Wally’s Walk; (SaveSight Foundation). The answer was, ‘Of courseyes’. I then had a call asking for a few sponsorsheets as Lauren was excited and wanted tocollect some money for those ‘nice people atLions’ who are always helping her.

Lauren then got moving in her electricwheelchair, up and down streets over the nextseven days with her carer in tow collecting forPDG Wally Barrett’s Save Sight Foundation Walk.

Then she started on her school teachers andanyone else she could stop to listen to her. I don’tthink anybody could resist the wonderful, happysmile that is always on Lauren’s face.

The result, this young lady collected $326 forWally’s Save Sight Walk.

– Lion Brian Prendergast

Lauren (foreground)with family and friends.

The new fencewas completedafter 12 hoursof work byBellingen Lionsand replacedan old palingfence (below).

also supplied his Bobcat, without which theproject would have taken much longer tocomplete.


December- January 2012-201325

Fun & floss at a Tupperware triumphCalling quiet achievers

Going green in Winton

EAGER TO TALK: Sydney’s Lugarno Lions weren’t backward in coming forward when they gained theear of the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Senator Jan McLucas, earlier this year. The club,which manages the Lions Australia Autism Spectrum Disorders Early Intervention Preschool Education andTherapy Project, eagerly canvassed issues concerning the project. Pictured (left to right) are Lion David Flynn,the Hon Tony Burke, Senator the Hon Jan McLucas, Lion Kevin Parkes and Lion President John Slack.

Since 1994 NSW’s Peel Valley Lions Club hasannually sought out and honoured a countrymusic personality who has given voluntaryservice to the community through his/herconnection with the genre.

Over the 19 years of the Peel Valley Lions Club

Australian Country Music Service Award, recipients

have included singers, songwriters, musicians and

those who work tirelessly behind the scenes – and

invariably they are quiet achievers who have never

sought recognition or superlatives for their charity

or community efforts.

President Terry Hill has announced that

nominations for the 2013 award are now being

accepted and anybody can nominate someone

they think deserving of the recognition.

“Anyone with a country music connection who

has given of their time and talent is eligible,” said

Terry.

Nominees don’t have to be Lions but

nominations need to be made through your local

Lions club and must be made in writing to: The

Secretary, Peel Valley Lions Club, PO Box 957,

Tamworth, NSW, 2340 and need to be in by

December 18, 2012.

The 20th Peel Valley Lions Club Australian

Country Music Service Award will be presented

during the 41st Tamworth Country Music Festival

in January 2013. The recipient will receive a one-

off trophy crafted by respected artist Fred Hillier

and be given the opportunity to nominate a charity

to receive a $500 donation on his/her behalf from

Peel Valley Lions Club. Enquiries should be

directed to Terry Hill on (02) 6765 6042 or email

[email protected]

This year’s winner, bass player/singer/comedian“Cactus” Martens, receives his award.

Members of Queensland’s Winton Lions club got down anddirty in the interests of horticulture at a new gardenrequested by the club and erected by the local shire’s parksand gardens department.The project was launched as a follow-up to PastInternational President Wing-Kun Tam’s call for world Lionsto plant a million trees. The plants are all Australian nativesand were bought locally.

Fundraising can be serious stuff but Tewantin Noosa Lions Helen Swan, Helen Hatter and ColinCrisp employed a bit of fun at a recent Tupperware fundraiser. The event was to raise money to buya reliable secondhand car with climate control for the family ofJasmin, 8, who suffers devastating Dravat Syndrome whichcauses life-threatening seizures that often requirehospitalisation.



Multiple District Convention bids 2016The MD201 Council is calling for Expressions of Interest to host the

2016 Multiple District Convention. Hosting an MD Convention is a

great way to support your town and celebrate the contribution of your

local Lions. The MD Convention has been said to provide an

economic benefit exceeding $3 million to the host town. The Council

is currently reviewing the Convention process and would particularly

encourage bids from regional centres in Australia.

Intending bidders should contact the Executive Officer to receive a

bidding package. Bids close on 31 January 2013.

Project Notices of Motion for theCanberra Convention

Lions are advised that under Clause 81.1.2 of the Multiple District Constitution

that Motions proposing a Multiple District Project, accompanied by full

organisation details of the proposed project and the financial responsibilities, if

any, of the participating clubs, and the required commitment (if any) of Multiple

District funds to start up the proposed project and to administer and conduct the

project during its first year of operation, must be provided to the Executive Officer

prior to the 1st day of January 2013.

Constitutional and Ordinary Notices of Motion for theCanberra Convention

Lions are advised that under Clause 81.2.1 of the Multiple District Constitution

that all other motions for the Canberra 2013 Convention accompanied by details

of the financial implications, if any, which would, or may, affect any participating

Clubs or members and the commitment, if any, of Multiple District Funds which

would, or may, be required in the event of the adoption of the Motion, must be

provided to the Executive Officer before 25 February 2013.

Intending Project Speakers at 61stMultiple District Convention, Canberra

26 - 29 April 2013Following the last Convention, Council established aConvention Review Committee to work on improving theConvention experience for Lions. One initiative is to improvethe quality and organisation of on-stage presentations toensure that they provide an informative and enjoyableexperience for delegates, and can be managed within thepublished program.To do this we need your help.If you would like to speak at the Convention to promote your

program you will need to provide:A. A 100-word abstract to the Sergeant at Arms outlining the

key points you will make in your presentation.B. Your audio-visual requirements.C. An indication of how much time you will need.D. Advice on who will speak.This information must be provided to the Sergeant at Arms nolater than 4 January 2013.The Sergeant at Arms will advise you if your presentation hasbeen approved, and the time allocated.

PDG Bruce A McLeod JPSergeant at Arms

Canberra [email protected]

AUSTRALIAN LIONS FOUNDATION

OFFICIAL NOTICE

NOTICE to ALL CLUBS in “T” AND “W” DISTRICTS

Notice is given to all members of the Clubs of MD201 “T” and “W” Districts that nominations are called for a Trustee to represent the “T” District and for a Trustee to represent the “W” Districts on the Foundation.

An election to decide your District(s) Trustee will be held at the Australian Lions Foundations Annual General Meeting to be held in Canberra in April 2013 during the MD201 National Convention.

The current Trustee for the T Districts (Lion Alan Pretyman) will be completing his3-year term and will be retiring and not eligible to re-nominate due to the age restrictions in our Trust Deeds.

Nomination Forms and Information are available from:

Secretary Alan Pretyman P.O.Box 2001

Lower Sandy Bay Tas 7005

Completed Nomination Forms must be lodged by mail and be with the Secretary no later than Thursday 31st January 2013.

The Club’s Nominated Representative attending the Annual General Meeting is entitled to vote for a Trustee to represent his or her District or group of Districts.


28Lion

LEOS ROAR

Help in running finalsCongratulations to Leo Sophie Sims from St Joseph’s School Leo Club in Stanthorpe,Queensland on being named Q1 Leo of the Year.

Leo Sophie is extremely involved with her Leo club and has encouraged younger members and soughtnew members.

Sophie is also involved in the Stanthorpe community and is part of the youth ministry at her church.She has participated annually in the Red Shield Appeal and is a member of the Diva Group which holds

annual concerts to raise money for local charities and breast cancer prevention initiatives.She is also involved in Stanthorpe Swimming Club and Stanthorpe Youth Week.Sophie was awarded a Leo Award of Honour in 2012 for service to Leos.She is currently in Year 11, with another year of school left. She was both the Overall and Public

Speaking Winner in the District Leo of the Year Quest and will now progress to the Queensland State Finalto be held early next year.

Says Sophie’s proud mother, Angie: “Without Sophie and (her brother) Daniel’s participation in Leos, weprobably wouldn’t have realised how much Lions do within our community.”

Preliminary judging at club and district level for the 2013 Leo of the Year is now well underway withstate finals in the new year, with state winners progressing to the National Final at the MD201 Conventionin Canberra in April.

Full details of the Leo of the Year Quest and entry forms are available on the MD201 Leo website atwww.lionsclubs.org.au/leos

Congratulations also to Lion John Wearne, Q1 Leo Chairman (pictured below with Q1 District GovernorMerv Ferguson), on receiving a Graham Pearce Award for Services to the Leo Movement in Australia.

Lion John became involved with Leos in 1991 when he set up the Leo Club at Moreton Bay College. In1992 he became District Leo Chairman and continued in that role until 1998. He became District Leo

Chairman again in 2006 and has remained in therole since then.

John enjoys his involvement with young peopleand is passionate about the Leo program. He iscontinually inspired and amazed by the manyprojects that Leos undertake. He says thisinvolvement and interaction keeps him going. Healso believes that every Lions club should sponsor aLeo club and enjoy the involvement andachievements of young people. John is often calledMr Leo.

He has been a Lion since May 1981, when hejoined Wondai Lions Club. During his two terms asLeo Chairman he has formed 45 Leo clubs.

He continues his desire to form new clubs to giveyoung people the opportunities offered by the Leo program.

John has received many awards for his service to Lions including: Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow,James D. Richardson (2), Lions Quest Gold Awards (2), William R. Tresise Fellow, Helen Keller Fellow, RayPhippard Fellow, James McLardie Award, Professor Ian Frazer Humanitarian Award, International PresidentsCertificates of Appreciation (3), International Top 10 Leo Club Extension Award (2) and Star Award.

The Graham Pearce Award is a great way to recognise a member of the Lions family for their service tothe Leo movement in Australia.

Applications for the award can be made to MD201 Leo Chairman Martin Peebles, with full detailsavailable on the MD201 Leo Website at www.lionsclubs.org.au/leos

Lions clubs sponsor more than 6,000 Leo clubs in over 140 countries with over 112 clubs in MD201and over 20 in the planning stages.

This year, your MD201 Leo Committee, in association with the MD201 Council of Governors, will belooking at more initiatives to create greater opportunities for our inspirational Leos, to encourage them toremain in our great organisation after their Leo days are over.

At the beginning of the 2012-13 Lions year, Leo Ellen Watts from NSW and Leo Nic van Essen fromTasmania were appointed to the MD201 Management Group.

They both attend MD201 management meetings to provide a youth perspective in general, whilst notrepresenting the MD201 Leo Committee.

Your Lions club can give opportunities to young people between 12-30 in your area by sponsoring a Leoclub,

Full details are available through your District Leo Chairman and on the MD201 Leo Website atwww.lionsclubs.org.au/leos

For our organisation to grow, we must see Leos as future Lions and encourage them to join our greatorganisation after their Leos service through the Leo to Lion Program.

Earlier this month (5th December) we celebrated International Leo Day – so if your club is consideringsponsoring a Leo club, Stop Considering - Do It!

Say G’day to a Leo today – you won’t be disappointed!Youth are our Future – but they are also our Today. Martin Peebles

MD201 Leo & Youth Outreach Committee Chairperson

The world of Lionspin trading

What is a Trading Pin?A Trading Pin is a pin that is: 1. Legally

bearing the Lions emblem, Leo emblem and/ormarks Lions, Lions Clubs, Lioness Club, LeoClub, Lions International or Lions ClubsInternational. 2. Ordered from a Licenseeauthorised to make and sell Trading Pins formanufacture solely for trading or gift purposes atLions conventions or similar functions,

The first pins were “friendship pins” thatemerged in the late 1940s and 50s. Created tobe tossed from parade floats, they were socheap and disposable that most people didn’tsave them.

These early pins were little more than plastictrinkets. Since so few survived, they are some ofthe most prized pins in circulation today.

Within a decade, pins became morepermanent, sophisticated and artistic, and asegment of the Lions community becamedevoted to sharing and collecting them. By the1970s, most countries had begun to follow suit

No one really knows how many pin tradersare out there, since not all are official membersof trading clubs, but many of the active tradersaffiliate with a trading club. The LionsInternational Trading Pin Club (LITPC) was thefirst. It was created in 1973 during theInternational Convention in Miami Beach, Floridawith less than 50 members; club membershiptoday is well over 900.

Trading for most part is one for one. That’sthe challenge – finding something anotherperson will take for what you want.

Swapping is friendly, but there is a strategyinvolved. Every Lion has his or her own methodbut the first rule of trading is not to show upempty-handed. Take your district convention pinsor your club pins.

What can a new trader expect from a swap?Picture a car boot market with only one kind ofmerchandise. Rows of tables are covered withthousands of colourful shiny pins meticulouslyarranged by category or geography. You’ll beexpected to offer some in trade, but newcomersare warmly welcomed and tend to be showeredwith offers.

Enquires: [email protected], or PDGLance Leak ([email protected])

Pin Trading in AustraliaA chance meeting of two Lions in 1990 at

Tamworth’s MD Convention shared their ideas ofa pin trading club starting in Australia.

Then Australia was host to our firstInternational Convention so these two Lionsshared pin trading with many overseas pintraders. Early in 1992 the idea was taken a stepfurther with a foundation meeting at Newcastle’sMD Convention.

The Australian Lions Pin Trading Club beganwith 30 Lions attending the first meeting. Todaymembership is 180. ALTPC publishes an annualcatalogue with over 2,000 Australian pins listed.The three annual pin swaps are MD Convention,Eastern Pin Swap and Western Pin swap.


December - January 2012-201329


Lion

YOUTH OF THE YEAR

Help in running finalsMost clubs are now well advanced with running their finals.However, if you are still planning to run yours later this yearthen please refer to the remarks below, as they may assistyou.

Each year we have new club chairmen, who are relying on theprevious chairmen to assist them – however this does not alwayshappen. These chairmen require assistance from the DistrictChairmen who can show them how to run a successful event.

This year’s figures are looking great with early statistics showingnew clubs wanting to participate. This is a credit to the StateCoordinators and District Chairmen who have visited clubs andspoken at conventions of the benefits of running a club Youth ofthe Year final. CLUB FINALS: If you are unsure of how to run the public speakingsection, download the sample Running Sheet from the web. It willgive you an insight into how to run a final. Also, the Manual foreach level is a rich source of information – please download thelatest version from the website,

Remember that your District Chairman is always available toassist with any issues you have. Please call that person when youare having difficulties or questions arise.JUDGES: These are very important people, so choose themcarefully. Make sure there is a balance of experience andprofessional background. Two points that must be stronglyreinforced and one point that will add youth to your judging panel:

1. Judges can only officiate ONCE in any Lions Quest year2. Judges CANNOT be a Lion, Lioness or Leo. This is important

to ensure the integrity of the panel. A judge cannot be a teacherfrom a school that has entrants in your final.

3. Remember that previous Youth of the Year contestants makegreat judges; they also bring youth into the judging panel.IMPROMPTU QUESTIONS: When you are briefing the judges theywill have brought with them six questions that they consider shouldform the basis of the interview and the two impromptu questions.From these questions the panel will select four questions to ask allcontestants during the interview. These questions should begeneral knowledge items and the other two questions will form thetwo impromptu questions. These two questions should be singlesubject questions, and in the earlier levels, questions that can beanswered with ease. Remember these contestants are nervous andcan freeze if given a question that is ambiguous or too long,requiring multiple answers.ZONE, REGION FINALS - and beyond: Please make sure yourclub members support your representative through all stages of theQuest. If your club winner does not go past the next level, pleasego to the other finals anyway. It is always a good event and you willbe amazed and entertained, whilst showing support for our youth.

Club, Zone and Region Chairmen – please read your Manual.There are lots of good ideas and suggestions there. If you do notyet have your copy, download it from our website by clicking ontothe “YOTY Manual PDF” link.MERCHANDISE: Remember to order your prizes and presentationseither though your District Chairman or the MD Office inNewcastle. We now have an expanded range available with Pins,Pens, Compendium and the YOTY USB Stick.

If you want to learn more about Youth of the Year, please visitout website at http://www.lionsclubs.org.au/yoty

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

30

Santa’s elves on overtime!With Santa so busy at the North Polethis time of year, he needs a fewhelpers.

Each year as many as 120,000 Australianchildren write to Santa at the North Pole,according to Australia Post.

Helping him out with replies is a group ofelves at Queensland’s Forest Lake club.

Being an elf is not easy but it’s not exactlyhard either. Alison Lamb and other Lions getto read the children’s letters. “I always knewthat you were real,” wrote Peter, 9, ofBrisbane. He asked for a scooter because“all my friends have one.” He also requesteda size-14 Melbourne Storm jersey “with thenumber 1 on the back.” But Peter did notpush his luck: “If you want you can get meboth, but you don’t have to.” Peter alsoremembered to ask Santa to bring his sistersome puzzles and Legos. “I love you Santa,”he added.

Last year the elves received letters fromchildren whose homes in Brisbane wereravaged by floods. Thomas told Santa, “Iwant an Xbox 360 because during this year’sfloods my Xbox 360 was taken away fromme. From that moment I was unhappy andhad nothing to play with.”

In the past the Lions gave the children

only letters from Santa but this year decidedto include small gifts as well. “We expect toget many requests from families and childrendue to the decline in the economy,” saysHayley Grady, President. No elf worth hisname could turn a cold eye to that.


An old favouritein a convenient new size

Lions brings you the new mini traditional fruit cake, individually wrapped in a serving for one. Made from a classic recipe with 50% real fruit, it is sure to delight!

Available from January 2013.


dec - jan 2012-13 lions clubs international australia...

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