Originating as an Apple Users Computer Club in 1984, the Apple-MAQ Lions Club from Brisbane’s East has evolved into a dynamic community service organisation over the span of 20 years.
In April 2024, they not only celebrated their anniversary but also a very special milestone for one of their biggest projects.
The Club’s transformation can be largely credited to the innovative thinking of the late founder, David Phillips OAM, who envisioned a platform for aiding the disabled and disadvantaged.
The Club’s journey led to the creation of Computer Aid for Disabled and Disadvantaged (CADD) in 1992, which provided refurbished used computers to those in need.
The concept expanded to include sending these resources, along with school equipment, overseas as well.
In time, the Club formally became the Apple-MAQ Lions Club and grew to a membership of 20.
The Club evolved further with their Lions Aid & Relief Centre (LARC), a non-profit that supplies quality education and health equipment to local and overseas communities in need.
Remarkable efforts include distributing $5.5 million worth of new clothing and bedding during the 2011 QLD Floods and assisting recovery efforts in Tonga following a volcano eruption and tsunami.
They’ve provided crucial support during North QLD cyclones and floods too.
The Club proudly hosts the Work for the Dole program, offering participants a chance to discover their interests and gain experience in areas like computer skills, woodworking, painting, and repairing medical aids.
Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the Club shared their achievement of sending over 220 containers of aid locally and overseas.
The event was attended by a diverse group, including current and past members, Lions and non-Lions volunteers, equipment donors, and long-time supporters.
The Club’s members continue to make extraordinary contributions, with Margaret and Nicole, (Nicole is the daughter of founder David), receiving an OAM in 2023 for their dedicated service.
Congratulations on this brilliant milestone to all members of the Apple-MAQ Lions Club!
Lions Winter Sleepout for Mental Health Awareness
/in OUR STORIES /by JemmaThe Richmond Lions Club have braved the cold to help people struggling with mental health in their community.
On July 27, they held a sleepout to raise funds for suicide prevention in the Hawkesbury, with every dollar donated to local charity, the Jarron Project.
Those in attendance had the opportunity to listen to people with lived experience of mental health issues and suicide as they shared their stories around the campfire.
Members of the Richmond Lions Club expressed their heartfelt gratitude to those who shared their personal experiences at the sleepout, including Hope4U Founder, Diane Russell who spoke about the importance of removing the stigma associated with suicide and mental health.
The Richmond Lions Club exceeded expectations by raising over $8,500, a testament to their dedication.
The donations amassed will offer counseling and assistance to those grappling with mental health issues and suicide.
Well done to all involved in organising and supporting this worthwhile event.
A seat to support mental health
/in OUR STORIES /by JemmaThe Fraser Lions Club has introduced two yellow benches along a Hervey Bay esplanade as part of an initiative to combat mental health stigma.
These benches aim to facilitate meaningful conversations about mental health challenges and vulnerabilities.
Bruce Taylor, a long-standing Fraser Lions Club member, emphasized the importance of these conversations in understanding mental health.
Image captured for the Hervey Bay Advertiser
The benches are located in Otto Merchel Park and near Witt Street, offering a tranquil setting for discussion.
This initiative, known as ‘The Friendship Bench’, has seen similar benches appear worldwide, with Hervey Bay leading the way in Queensland.
Denis Love, a Fraser Lions member who lost a son to mental health issues, understands the lifesaving potential of open conversation.
Fraser Lions Club, established in 1986, has contributed over $25,000 to various causes this year and continues to support mental health initiatives in the region.
Original story in the Hervey Bay Advertiser.
Past International President Brian Sheehan Visits the Sunshine Coast
/in OUR STORIES /by JemmaIn one of his last official acts as Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) Chairperson, Brian Sheehan made a trip to Queensland, where he and his wife Lori spent several days enjoying the hospitality of the Sunshine Coast Lions Clubs.
IPIP Brian Sheehan and wife, Lori in Queensland.
The trip was organised with the goal of displaying the strong bonds among clubs in the region, and the ways they have worked with LCIF to improve their communities.
This special visit (from June 13 to 17) was an excellent opportunity for Lions Immediate Past International President (IPIP) Sheehan to meet Queensland Lions and for clubs to showcase their community projects.
Lions in Queensland showing IPIP Brian Sheehan a great time.
The highlight of his trip was a special dinner at the Twin Waters Golf Club, where more than 90 guests from 17 Lions Clubs came together to honour their members for service and celebrate the long reach of LCIF grants around the world, and across Queensland.
Koala hug with IPIP Brian Sheehan and his wife, Lori.
From here, IPIP Sheehan travelled to Melbourne for the Lions Clubs International Convention, where he passed the LCIF baton to outgoing International President Dr. Patti Hill.
Lions Club celebrates 20 Year Milestone
/in OUR STORIES /by JemmaOriginating as an Apple Users Computer Club in 1984, the Apple-MAQ Lions Club from Brisbane’s East has evolved into a dynamic community service organisation over the span of 20 years.
In April 2024, they not only celebrated their anniversary but also a very special milestone for one of their biggest projects.
The Club’s transformation can be largely credited to the innovative thinking of the late founder, David Phillips OAM, who envisioned a platform for aiding the disabled and disadvantaged.
The Club’s journey led to the creation of Computer Aid for Disabled and Disadvantaged (CADD) in 1992, which provided refurbished used computers to those in need.
The concept expanded to include sending these resources, along with school equipment, overseas as well.
In time, the Club formally became the Apple-MAQ Lions Club and grew to a membership of 20.
The Club evolved further with their Lions Aid & Relief Centre (LARC), a non-profit that supplies quality education and health equipment to local and overseas communities in need.
Remarkable efforts include distributing $5.5 million worth of new clothing and bedding during the 2011 QLD Floods and assisting recovery efforts in Tonga following a volcano eruption and tsunami.
They’ve provided crucial support during North QLD cyclones and floods too.
The Club proudly hosts the Work for the Dole program, offering participants a chance to discover their interests and gain experience in areas like computer skills, woodworking, painting, and repairing medical aids.
Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the Club shared their achievement of sending over 220 containers of aid locally and overseas.
The event was attended by a diverse group, including current and past members, Lions and non-Lions volunteers, equipment donors, and long-time supporters.
The Club’s members continue to make extraordinary contributions, with Margaret and Nicole, (Nicole is the daughter of founder David), receiving an OAM in 2023 for their dedicated service.
Congratulations on this brilliant milestone to all members of the Apple-MAQ Lions Club!
Sydney Welcomes International Runners for Lions Charity Run
/in OUR STORIES /by JemmaEight runners from Australia, Canada, Poland, Germany & Ukraine and support crew are participating in the Lions Charity Run from Sydney to Melbourne this weekend.
The Lions Charity Run will culminate with the opening ceremony of the 2024 Lions International Convention at the Melbourne Convention Centre, 21 June 2024.
The Lions Club of Hornsby is coordinating this special 946KM event that is uniting seven towns – Sydney, Goulburn, Canberra, Gundagai, Holbrook, Shepparton and Melbourne to raise funds for Marri Mittigar – a co-educational special assistance school for children and young people of refugee experience.
“We are excited to start running this Sunday,” said John Lockyer, Past President Hornsby Lions Club and Lions Charity Run Coordinator.
“There are over 100,000,000 forcibly displaced people in the world today. Over 42% of them are children. Our goal is to make a significant difference in our local and international community, and we invite everyone to join us in this important mission.”
Runners include:
Mariusz Szeib, Grzegorz Brodziak, Jacek Tre Becki and Kasia Barudin from Poland. Susanne Hindahl-Reede from Germany, Victoiriya Yashkchuk from Canada, Roman Monastyrskyy from Ukraine and Australia’s own Sari-Elle Kraemer who has just finished the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, placing as 3rd foreign female and 7th overall in the international category.
The run will start at 100 Cumberland Street, The Rocks at 8.00am sharp on Sunday June 16.
For more information on where to meet the runners or donate, please click here.
The Lions Club of Hornsby is committed to serving the local community and addressing global challenges through various charitable activities.
For 65 years, the Club has been a pillar of support, contributing to numerous causes and fostering a spirit of cooperation and compassion.
In 2023, the Lions Club of Hornsby led the establishment of the four modern modular Warsaw Information Centres and Medical Clinics located in 4 cities and 330,000 Ukraine refugees have been processed through them.
Warrandyte Lions Club Wins Top Club Service Project Award
/in OUR STORIES /by JemmaThe Lions Club of Warrandyte’s “In the Drivers Seat” project, awarded the Top Club Service Project during the National Convention in Darwin, breaks down barriers for blind and visually impaired people.
While many of us don’t think twice about hopping in the car and driving off, this freedom isn’t typically accessible to visually impaired individuals.
However, this project turns the tables, allowing them to experience the thrill of driving.
(Image captured by Rosalie O’Neil).
The annual event at Sandown Raceway is a true highlight for participants.
Accompanied by a qualified driving instructor, they get to navigate the track in a “learn to drive” car.
The man behind this exceptional initiative, Peter Watts, a long-serving Lion of over 50 years, knew firsthand the thrill it would bring to the visually impaired community, being blind himself.
Ever since its inception in 1997, the event has become a staple in the club’s calendar.
Each year is marked by an eagerness from past participants as they await the registration opening.
(Image captured by Amanda M Gibbon).
The joy and fulfilment it brings to everyone involved, from participants to Lions members and volunteers, is undeniable.
The Warrandyte Lions Club continues to impact their community through the “In the Drivers Seat” project, truly embodying the saying, “where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.”
Learn more about this transformative project by clicking here.
Lions another step closer to eliminating Childhood Cancer
/in OUR STORIES /by JemmaThe Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation (ALCCRF) is proud to be taking another step closer to its mission of eliminating childhood cancer by contributing significant funding in the latest round of Cancer Australia’s Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme (PdCCRS).
15 grants, supported by $3.61 million from the Australian Government through Cancer Australia and $2.17 million from Cancer Australia’s Funding Partners, including ALCCRF, were made to various cancer researchers.
The University of Newcastle’s Professor Matt Dun is one of these researchers, conducting vital research on paediatric cancers.
Matt’s research is focused on targeting cell-damaging free radicals that can cause cancers in children.
In recent years, ALCCRF has provided Matt $635,000 to further his research into paediatric brain tumours.
Pictured: Matt Dun – Professor of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Research the University of Newcastle.
“We are delighted to receive further support from the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation as part of our Cancer Australia PDCCRS application,” says Professor Matt Dun.
“The funding will enable us to further develop new treatment strategies aimed at increasing response to standard of care treatments for children with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and diffuse midline glioma (DMG), cancer types responsible for about 1/3rd of all childhood cancer deaths annually.”
Over the years, the ALCCRF has raised over $12 million for childhood cancer research.
The Foundation has also funded countless Australian programs, including the recent $4 million Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project at Garvin Institute.
The program is world-leading in treating paediatric cancers. By the end of 2024, every Australian child who has cancer and is aged below 18 will have access to the program.
Fundamentally, the Foundation’s role in distributing funds will enable ground-breaking researchers to continue their invaluable work that may one day lead to ending paediatric cancers.
“We are immensely proud to be funding researchers wanting to tackle paediatric cancers,” said ALCCRF Chairperson, Ron Skeen OAM.
“Our funds will fuel innovative research projects that have the potential to make a real difference in the lives of children and families impacted by cancer.
Every child deserves a chance at a healthy life, and the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation is on a mission to make this happen.”
For more information on the ALCCRF and its research initiatives, click here.
Gloucester’s ‘Shoehorn Man’ a local Lions hero
/in OUR STORIES /by JemmaMeet Lion Doug Clarke, who is fondly known as ‘The Shoehorn Man’ in his community.
A proud member of the Gloucester Lions Club, Doug’s journey with Lions started in 1982 and he has been actively contributing ever since.
Known for crafting shoehorns from Harwell Lifts’ aluminum offcuts, Doug generously distributes these at local events like farmers markets and Lions get-togethers.
Over 1,000 shoehorns, plus an additional 440 mini versions for children, have found their way into homes, thanks to Doug.
A man of many creative skills, he even designed an over-the-shoulder carry bag to easily transport them.
Lion Doug Clarke aka ‘The Shoehorn Man’
A few of Doug’s memorable interactions include a tourist requesting a long shoehorn for his young nephew and 100-year-old father, as well as a two little girls who use the shoehorns to eat their porridge!
One of his shoehorns even accompanied a happy recipient on a three-week trip to New Zealand.
Members from the Police Force, Gloucester Fire Station, Medical Centre, Hospital, and Mirrabooka Nursing Home are all proud owners of Doug’s shoehorns.
When he’s not crafting shoehorns, Doug is seen around town, whipper-snipping small overgrown areas and doing general tidying up.
His love for engaging with people and promoting Lions is evident in his every day actions, with members of his club amazed at his dedication to his community.
If you’re interested in getting your hands on some of Doug’s famous shoehorns, get in touch with the Gloucester Lions Club via Facebook.
Two special ceremonies for Kellyville Lions
/in OUR STORIES /by JemmaIn a vibrant display of our community’s continuity and growth, a newcomer has been welcomed on the same night a long-standing Lion is honoured.
During a gathering for the Kellyville Lions Club on the 19th March 2024, District N5’s 1st Vice District Governor Genevieve Jeny, carried out two significant ceremonies.
L to R: Kellyville Lions President Paul Campbell, 1st VDG Genevieve Jeny, PDG Geoff Cossart, Lion Karen Williams and Lion Anne Famularo, Karen’s sponsor.
One involved honoring Geoff Cossart, a long-time member of Kellyville Lions, with a medal recognizing his 50 years of dedicated service to Lions.
The other marked the induction of Karen Williams as the newest addition to the club.
This unusual occasion recognised Geoff’s extraordinary commitment, while Karen’s arrival was warmly embraced by her new Lions family.
Lion PDG Geoff Cossart and new member Lion Karen Williams.
We congratulate Geoff on his service milestone and welcome Karen to Lions Australia!
To see more from the Kellyville Lions Club, follow them on Facebook here.
Lions rally behind Sari-Elle’s Everest challenge for Australian Lions Foundation
/in OUR STORIES /by JemmaLugarno Lions Club are rallying behind a fellow Lion’s Everest Marathon Challenge and they are encouraging the rest of the community to get behind the important fundraising initiative.
Sari-Elle Kraemer has set herself a goal to not only climb 17,598 ft above sea level to Everest Base Camp in Nepal but also to run 42.195 km crisscrossing the high Sherpa trails of Khumbu Valley!
Photo credit: Bob Walker
In the lead-up to running the World’s Highest Marathon in May, Sari-Elle aims to raise $120,000 for the life-changing work of the Australian Lions Foundation’s compassionate grants, which assist individuals and families in necessitous circumstances.
This assistance may be by the provision of medical aids, equipment, or cash to provide relief from significant hardship.
Photo credit: Bob Walker
The Lugarno Lions Club has proudly been supporting Sari-Elle’s fundraising efforts in recent months, contributing $3000 and assisting with hosting a Trivia Night, which raised over $10,000.
Some members are going the extra mile, lacing up their shoes to join Sari-Elle in some training at Gannons Park.
They are encouraging other Lions Clubs and their communities to get behind the important fundraiser.
Photo credit: Bob Walker
“You just never know when you or someone close to you might need the support of Australian Lions Foundation’s Compassionate Grants.
Lugarno Lions have utilised these grants many times to support people in urgent need of support in our community,” says Lugarno Lions Club member Elvio Munzone OAM.
“We are very pleased to be supporting a young Lion on a mission to raise awareness and funds to help enable more of this life changing work. We encourage other Lions Clubs and their communities across the country to get behind Sari-Elle’s fundraising and help her reach her goal of $120,000 for Australian Lions Foundation,” adds Elvio.
Photo credit: Bob Walker
For more information about Sari-Elle’s Everest Marathon for Lions, click here.
About Lugarno Lions Club
Lugarno Lions Club celebrates its 50th anniversary in May 2024. The club has donated over $3 million back to the local community over the years and has been involved in thousands of community service projects and initiatives. The Club raises funds through a variety of methods including BBQs, raffles, selling Christmas cakes, bucket collections and various events such as a Sports Breakfast.