With another formal season now behind us, many families are reflecting on just how expensive end-of-year celebrations can be – especially when they collide with the pressures of Christmas.
For some young people, the rising cost of clothing and accessories means the excitement of attending a school formal can quickly turn into stress.
This year, the Canberra Lake Tuggeranong Lions Club once again stepped in to ease that burden through Operation Formal Wear, a project that provides free formal outfits to graduating students in Years 6, 10 and 12, as well as teachers.
With the help of volunteers from the Lions Club of Canberra Valley, the initiative has helped hundreds of students feel confident, supported and ready to celebrate their milestone moments.
A Successful 2025 Season
The 2025 shopping weekend was a huge success, with students browsing through donated dresses, suits, shoes, ties, bags and jewellery – selecting the perfect outfit at no cost.
Families shared their appreciation for the relief this brought, especially as it came during one of the most financially challenging times of the year.
The Lions volunteers say it’s moments like these – tears of joy, excited smiles, and heartfelt gratitude – that remind them why Operation Formal Wear is so important.
This year, 1,325 items of formal wear and accessories were donated. In total, 289 students, teachers and community members received what they needed for their special events. With formal outfits often costing around $500 per person, the program helped local families save an estimated $144,500.
Continuing the Mission in 2026
Although this year’s event has wrapped up, the need remains – and the Lake Tuggeranong Lions are committed to continuing Operation Formal Wear in 2026.
To ensure next year’s shopping weekend is just as successful, the club is inviting the community to support the project by donating:
They are also seeking new drop-off points across Canberra, along with volunteers interested in helping set up, pack down and assist students during the 2026 event.
How to Support or Get Involved
Local businesses willing to serve as donation sites, community members wishing to donate quality formalwear, and volunteers eager to support next year’s shopping weekend are encouraged to get in touch.
Lion Yvette Rydman ready for her interview with Valley FM about Operation Formal Wear.
Follow the project at the Operation Formal Wear Facebook group.
For enquiries, interviews or offers of support, contact:
Yvette Rydman – 0490 097 994 | lionyvette@myyahoo.com
As this year has shown, a simple outfit can make a world of difference. With continued community support, Lions will ensure even more students step into their special night feeling proud, confident and included.
Lions Unveil Lifesaving Mobile Skin Check Van in Tasmania
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaLions Australia marked National Skin Cancer Awareness Week (16-22 November) with a growing network of Lions Mobile Skin Cancer Screening Vans operating across Australia, helping ensure regional and remote communities have access to lifesaving early detection.
For decades, Lions volunteers have delivered free or low-cost skin checks through mobile units that travel thousands of kilometres each year. Vans currently operate in Western Australia, South Australia/Northern Territory, and Victoria, with tens of thousands of Australians screened through these volunteer-led programs.
These services are especially critical in rural areas where access to dermatologists is limited and wait times can be long.
Building on this national legacy, Lions Australia recently celebrated the successful launch of the Tasmanian Lions Skin Cancer Screening Van, unveiled at the 2025 Lions District Convention in Port Sorell.
The new van, purchased by the Tasmanian Lions Skin Cancer Foundation, will begin servicing communities early next year, delivering full-body skin checks across the state and improving access to early detection for Tasmanians in rural and remote areas.
To raise awareness for the launch, Lions volunteer and endurance runner Sari-Elle Kraemer completed an extraordinary 160 km run from Smithton to Port Sorell, drawing exceptional community support along the way.
Local Lions Clubs came out in force, and in a uniquely Tasmanian show of spirit and support from the regional areas, a tractor convoy from the Tasmanian Tractor Trekkers travelled alongside sections of her run.
Tasmanian Lions Skin Cancer Screening Foundation Chair Richard Cochrane said the launch exceeded all expectations.
“The response to the launch of the Tasmanian van was truly incredible – Lions Clubs, other community groups and the general public all came out in force. We had so many conversations with families, farmers, retirees and young people, all sharing personal stories and reinforcing why this service matters so much. Funds raised from the launch are going directly towards the operating costs of the new van. The van is almost complete and will be out on the road and in rural and remote communities early 2026, delivering the lifesaving checks people have told us they urgently need,” says Richard Cochrane.
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed in their lifetime. Lions Australia is encouraging communities to take proactive steps this Skin Cancer Awareness Week: book a skin check, protect yourself in the sun, and support the mobile screening vans that bring vital services to local towns, farms and regional centres.
With melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers placing a growing burden on the health system, Lions Australia encourages all Australians to:
Lions hope to eventually have a mobile screening unit in every state of Australia.
For more information on Lions Australia’s latest skin cancer screening van in Tasmania, click here.
For other locations, click on your state below:
VIC
SA/NT
WA
Lions Fund Tomaree Hospital Storage Facility
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by Karen PriceNot long ago, the staff at the Tomaree Community Hospital had to struggle with a small and cluttered storeroom, which often made it challenging to keep track of what supplies they had. But thanks to the Lions Club of Soldiers Point they now have a newly upgraded storage and retrieval facility to keep their supplies organised.
Club President James Enraght-Moony and Club Director Brad Rostron toured the new facility with Health Service Manager/Director of Nursing Hari Nair and Nurse Unit Manager Adrienne Cook.
“This upgrade will make a meaningful difference, enabling our team to manage and maintain our stores and essential supplies more effectively. Your contribution plays a vital role in enhancing our operational efficiency and supporting the care we provide to our community.” said Hari Nair.
The funds for the upgraded facility were made possible through a grant from the Australian Lions Foundation, which was organised by the Soldiers Point Lions Club, in partnership with the Tomaree Community Hospital Auxiliary.
Located in Nelson Bay, New South Wales, the Tomaree Community Hospital serves the Port Stephens area, offering emergency and outpatient services, as well as aged care and specialised medical support.
This isn’t the only project the Lions Club of Soldiers Point has taken on to support the hospital. In August this year, they held a Black and White Night Charity Dinner to raise funds to purchase shower trolleys for non-ambulatory patients.
It’s this kind of public outreach and service that make Lions an integral part of the larger community.
Operation Formal Wear Helps Local Students Through a Costly Season
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaWith another formal season now behind us, many families are reflecting on just how expensive end-of-year celebrations can be – especially when they collide with the pressures of Christmas.
For some young people, the rising cost of clothing and accessories means the excitement of attending a school formal can quickly turn into stress.
This year, the Canberra Lake Tuggeranong Lions Club once again stepped in to ease that burden through Operation Formal Wear, a project that provides free formal outfits to graduating students in Years 6, 10 and 12, as well as teachers.
With the help of volunteers from the Lions Club of Canberra Valley, the initiative has helped hundreds of students feel confident, supported and ready to celebrate their milestone moments.
A Successful 2025 Season
The 2025 shopping weekend was a huge success, with students browsing through donated dresses, suits, shoes, ties, bags and jewellery – selecting the perfect outfit at no cost.
Families shared their appreciation for the relief this brought, especially as it came during one of the most financially challenging times of the year.
The Lions volunteers say it’s moments like these – tears of joy, excited smiles, and heartfelt gratitude – that remind them why Operation Formal Wear is so important.
This year, 1,325 items of formal wear and accessories were donated. In total, 289 students, teachers and community members received what they needed for their special events. With formal outfits often costing around $500 per person, the program helped local families save an estimated $144,500.
Continuing the Mission in 2026
Although this year’s event has wrapped up, the need remains – and the Lake Tuggeranong Lions are committed to continuing Operation Formal Wear in 2026.
To ensure next year’s shopping weekend is just as successful, the club is inviting the community to support the project by donating:
Formal dresses
Suits and jackets
Shoes
Ties and accessories
Bags, clutches and jewellery
They are also seeking new drop-off points across Canberra, along with volunteers interested in helping set up, pack down and assist students during the 2026 event.
How to Support or Get Involved
Local businesses willing to serve as donation sites, community members wishing to donate quality formalwear, and volunteers eager to support next year’s shopping weekend are encouraged to get in touch.
Lion Yvette Rydman ready for her interview with Valley FM about Operation Formal Wear.
Follow the project at the Operation Formal Wear Facebook group.
For enquiries, interviews or offers of support, contact:
Yvette Rydman – 0490 097 994 | lionyvette@myyahoo.com
As this year has shown, a simple outfit can make a world of difference. With continued community support, Lions will ensure even more students step into their special night feeling proud, confident and included.
Lions Deliver Lifesaving Respiratory Support to Wollongong Hospital
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaLions Clubs from across the Illawarra have joined forces to deliver lifesaving respiratory equipment to Wollongong Hospital, strengthening critical care capacity for patients in need.
Members from the Lions Clubs of Woonona, Corrimal, Wollongong, Figtree, Dapto, Oak Flats and Shellharbour gathered with hospital staff and community leaders to mark the arrival of five new SV70 Non-Invasive Ventilators and a Central Monitoring System for the hospital’s Respiratory Ward.
This major contribution – made possible through combined club fundraising efforts and generous grants from both the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and the Australian Lions Foundation (ALF) – is set to enhance the hospital’s ability to treat patients requiring urgent breathing support.
The equipment will help save lives, improve patient outcomes, and ease the pressure on frontline respiratory teams.
Each ventilator cost $35,316, and with the addition of the Central Monitoring System and necessary electrical upgrades, the total project value reached $221,121.62 – a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of the local community.
An official handover event was held on Wednesday the 12th of November 2025, providing an opportunity for Lions, clinical staff, and local leaders to see firsthand the impact of this collaborative effort.
This project is a powerful example of Lions working together to support local health services and make a lasting difference in their community.
Axel’s New Tracker Tricycle!
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by Karen PriceAxel, an energetic and determined 11-year-old from Belrose, is breaking through barriers with his new Tracker adaptive tricycle made possible by the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation!
Diagnosed with Mowat-Wilson syndrome, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy, Axel faces challenges getting around, especially outdoors. While he can move about easily indoors with supervision, navigating his neighbourhood safely has been a struggle.
Balance issues and limited endurance keep Axel from going far without help. Despite these challenges, Axel’s spirit remains unbreakable. And his new tricycle is about to open up a world of possibilities.
The Tracker tricycle will enable Axel to join family and friends for group activities and outings. It will also support his physiotherapy goals. Regular riding will help improve his motor skills and increase his leg strength.
And, more importantly, it will help him build the confidence needed to explore the world around him. This amazing piece of equipment is a game-changer for Axel. It will give him the independence he’s been waiting for!
Fitted for Fun
Axel arrived for his fitting on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the NAPA Centre Sydney. He got his first taste of freedom while surrounded by a heartwarming group of supporters.
Watched by his beaming mum, Lesley, Axel’s physiotherapist and equipment technician performed their mechanical magic to ensure his tricycle fit him perfectly.
The joyful event was attended by Lions Greg English (ALCMF Chairman District 201N5), Mike Warner (President of Lugarno), Ken Packham (Lugarno), M. Veena Etcell (President of St Ives), and Mike Hurwitz (Berowra).
The tricycle was made possible by generous donations to ALCMF, with contributions from Lions Clubs in District 201N5.
Axel had a blast riding his new tricycle around the training room. His face was lit up with an infectious smile as he took it all in. With so many kind-hearted Lions present, it was a day Axel and his family will never forget!
About the ALCMF
The Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation (ALCMF) provides mobility aids for children who cannot walk without assistance. Their work is funded by donations raised by Lions Clubs and corporate sponsors. The ALCMF works closely with each child’s physiotherapist to figure out what kind of device will give them the best support to move around freely.
A range of walkers and cycles are available for children up to 18 years of age. Each one is customised to cover every level of disability. Determining the correct device involves reviewing each child’s unique needs. The goal is to provide balance and support whilst still being able to step or pedal forward.
Mobility Brings a Brighter Future
Axel’s mum couldn’t be more grateful for this life-changing support. This new tricycle represents more than just a mode of transport—it’s a symbol of Axel’s growing independence and the exciting adventures that lie ahead.
The future is looking brighter than ever for Axel! It’s filled with endless opportunities for fun, freedom, and connection, thanks to the ALCMF and Lions!
Newcastle Lions Donate Scalp Cooling Machine for Chemotherapy Patients
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaCancer patients in Newcastle will have greater access to scalp cooling technology, thanks to a major fundraising effort led by the Lions Club of Newcastle and supported by Lions Clubs across the Hunter.
The Lions Club donated a $49,950 Paxman Scalp Cooling System to Calvary Mater Newcastle, helping chemotherapy patients significantly reduce hair loss during treatment. This donation forms part of more than $61,000 raised by Lions, which will also help fund essential accessories for the machine.
“Hair loss is one of the most feared side effects of chemotherapy, and also makes a personal cancer journey a very public one”, said Geoff Boyton, Project Co-ordinator, Lions Club of Newcastle.
“This machine gives patients the dignity of choice and helps support their emotional and physical wellbeing while undergoing cancer treatment.”
L-to-R: Front Row – Dr Ralph Gourlay, Director of Medical Services, Lion Geoff Boyton, Lion John Mulhearn, Lion Kieran Gregory and Lion Stephen Box. Back Row – Marissa Ledlin, Operations Manager – Cancer Services; Catherine Johnson, Medical Oncology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Lion Wayne Kirk; and Megan Kepreotis, Outpatient Services Nurse Unit Manager
Calvary Mater Newcastle is the major cancer care centre in the Hunter, with its Day Treatment Centre providing about 15,000 treatments annually.
The Day Treatment Centre will now have three scalp cooling machines, with each machine being able to treat two patients at any one time.
Funding for the project has been made possible through a collaboration of Lions at every level with Lions Club of Newcastle providing $10,000, other Lions Clubs in the zone pledging $9,950, a $15,000 grant provided by Australian Lions Foundation and $15,000 from NSW-ACT Lions Sight and Health Foundation.
“Community service is at the heart of what Lions do, and this project is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when clubs work together with hospitals and foundations for the good of local families,” said Wayne Kirk, President, Newcastle Lions Club.
Calvary Mater Newcastle Cancer Services Operations Manager, Marissa Ledlin, thanked Lions Australia for the continued support.
“This equipment makes a tangible difference for patients navigating one of the hardest times of their lives. It empowers them to make a choice about their treatment and what is happening to them, helping them feel more in control during what can be an emotional and overwhelming time,” Ms Ledlin said.
“It is wonderful that we will now be able to provide this important treatment to more of our patients. We are deeply grateful to Lions for making this possible.”
L to R: Catherine Johnson, Medical Oncology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Dr Janine Lombard, Director of Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle and Lion Geoff Boyton.
Scalp cooling technology alleviates damage to the hair follicle that is caused by chemotherapy. It works by reducing the temperature of the scalp by a few degrees immediately before, during, and after the administration of chemotherapy. This in turn reduces the blood flow to the hair follicles.
Patients wear a cap that is connected to a mobile machine via which scalp cooling therapy is delivered. The patient is required to wear the cap for approximately one hour prior to treatment, during the administration of chemotherapy (usually 4-6 hours), and for approximately one hour post treatment.
St Johns Anglican College Leos Experience the Power of Kindness
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaOn 13th June 2025, members of the St Johns Anglican College Leos Club visited Kev Hooper Park in Inala – a place where meals are served every Friday to people experiencing homelessness.
The visit was a powerful learning experience for the young Leos, who are proudly supported and sponsored by the Lions Club of Forest Lake. The Forest Lake Lions have been serving their community for over 30 years, and their partnership with the Leos Club continues to inspire the next generation of service-minded young people.
Accompanied by their supervising teacher, Mrs Macarena, and Forest Lake Leos Advisor, Lion April Lindel, the Leos witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by those doing it tough. They were warmly welcomed by Project Coordinator Margarita Aunei-Stowes, who expressed her heartfelt gratitude to both the Lions Clubs of Forest Lake and Kallangur for donating rugs to help provide comfort during the colder months.
Throughout the day, the Leos heard many stories from people whose lives had been disrupted by hardship. One such story came from Liza Aokuso, who shared that she and her two children had recently experienced homelessness but were now settling into a rented room in a share house – a positive step forward on their journey.
For the Leos, the experience was deeply eye-opening. It reinforced the importance of compassion, community, and the simple truth that kindness truly matters.
Project Coordinator Margarita extended her thanks to the Forest Lake and Kallangur Lions Clubs for their generous donation of Love Rugs, and to the Leos Club members for providing food items to support the program.
Their visit served as a meaningful reminder of what it means to live out the Lions motto – We Serve.
Lions Eye Health Program Marks World Sight Day with Milestone: 50,000 Children Screened
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaIt’s World Sight Day on 9th October and the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP) is proud to announce that since launching its Children’s Vision Screening Program in 2018, more than 50,000 children across Australia, and more recently New Zealand, have received free vision screenings.
Of those screenings, over 10,782 children have been referred to an optometrist for further assessment, representing around 1 in 5 children, consistent with national statistics showing that one in five Australian children has an undetected vision problem. Left untreated, these issues can significantly affect learning, development, and wellbeing.
“Good vision is essential to a child’s education and confidence,” said Bryan Hearn, National Chair of LEHP. “Something as simple as a free vision screening can change the course of a child’s life. When vision problems go undetected, children can struggle in the classroom, fall behind in their learning, and even experience challenges with confidence and social interaction. By picking up these issues early we give children the best chance to thrive”
“We are incredibly proud that Lions volunteers, with the support of local clubs nationwide, have been able to help so many families by identifying potential vision issues early,” adds Bryan.
The program’s success has been made possible through the dedication of more than 1,200 volunteer screeners, 235 Facilitators, and 40 Instructors, alongside the generous financial contributions of Lions Clubs across the country.
While LEHP had initially set an annual target of 12,000 screenings in 2025, the program has already far exceeded this goal, completing over 15,563 screenings to date – with numbers growing every day.
As part of World Sight Day commemorations, LEHP is encouraging community participation in walk-up screening events taking place across the country, which will be listed on the Lions Eye Health Program website.
“World Sight Day is a reminder of how critical early detection is,” said Stephanie Field, National Program Manager of LEHP. “We encourage parents and carers to take advantage of upcoming screenings or check our website to find out more.”
About the Lions Eye Health Program
The Lions Eye Health Program is a volunteer-driven initiative focused on increasing awareness of preventable vision loss and blindness, and delivering practical programs such as the Children’s Vision Screening Program. LEHP works with schools, communities, and health professionals to ensure children receive the best possible start in life through early detection and referral.
For more information on the program and upcoming World Sight Day community screenings, or to enquire about booking a children’s vision screening session for your kindergarten, school or group visit: www.lehp.org.au
Lions Road Trip: Supporting the Western QLD Flood Appeal
/in OUR STORIES /by JemmaIn July 2025, Lions Disaster Chair (Q4) John Campbell and his wife Judy set out on a road trip across western Queensland to meet residents affected by devastating floods earlier this year – and to see firsthand how Lions’ support is helping communities rebuild.
Leaving their home in Blackbutt on 12 July, the couple travelled via Westmar and Eulo, arriving in Thargomindah on 14 July. With the generous support of Donna Humphries from FoodWorks Thargomindah, they set up a Lions display outside the store and spent the day connecting with locals – many of the 60 residents who had received assistance through the Lions Western QLD Flood Appeal.
Among them were young families like Bernie Smith, who received a new air conditioner, and Naomi Fleming, who was assisted with a vacuum and clothes dryer. Both expressed their deep gratitude for the help Lions provided during such a challenging time.
John and Judy also met Acting Police Sergeant Lea Macken from Hungerford, who identified additional residents in need, and Bulloo Shire Deputy Mayor Dogga Dare, who expressed his enthusiasm for establishing a Lions Club in the town. Federal MP David Littleproud even stopped by during his visit, offering his support.
Queensland Lions are now working together to coordinate the delivery of goods from Toowoomba to Thargomindah, including ten hot water systems funded by the Lions Club of St George – set to go to residents without council or insurance assistance.
From there, the Campbells continued north to Adavale, where all 27 residents had been evacuated by helicopter as floodwaters engulfed their town. Locals like Christina Zito shared harrowing stories of escape by boat and chopper from her veranda, while Koss Siwers, who owns the local hotel, shop, and post office, spoke about ongoing restoration efforts. Discussions have also resurfaced about relocating the entire town to higher ground, 7km away.
Next stop was Jundah, about 400km northwest, where the 130 residents had also been severely impacted by flooding from the Thomson River. Locals including Mick Bateman and Briony Pitman, who both received essential household appliances through Lions’ support, are still working to restore their homes and routines.
Throughout these towns, Lions’ efforts have been part of a broader collaboration with other organisations such as the CWA, Rotary Clubs, Farm Angels and Lifeline – all working to help residents rebuild their lives and livelihoods. While much of the clean-up has been completed, many families remain in temporary accommodation as rebuilding continues, and more needs are expected to emerge in the months ahead.
The Australian Lions Foundation continues to provide vital funding for this appeal and will remain involved for as long as the need exists.
See original story here.
Nourishing Futures: Melbourne Leos & Lions Rally for Eat Up Australia
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaWritten by Zackery Tung – President, Leo Club of Melbourne Next Gen.
The Leo Club and Lions Club of Melbourne Next Gen proudly partnered with Eat Up Australia to host a vibrant community sandwich-making event, uniting volunteers in a shared mission to ensure no child goes hungry at school.
Eat Up Australia is a remarkable charity that provides free lunches to disadvantaged students nationwide, and it was our privilege to stand behind their vision of nourishing children and empowering learning.
We were especially honoured to welcome Lyndon Galea, founder of Eat Up Australia, who shared his moving story and big-hearted aspirations for the future.
His words fuelled the energy in the room, as more than 130 volunteers, including Lions and Leos, came together to prepare over 3,000 cheese sandwiches in just over an hour, knowing each one would help a child focus and learn.
In addition to this, our Leo Club of Melbourne Next Gen also made a heartfelt monetary contribution.
Earlier this year, our Leos volunteered at the Ironman 70.3 International Triathlon, an opportunity that not only showcased their dedication to community service but also raised AUD $1,000, which we unanimously decided to donate entirely to Eat Up Australia.
This gesture reflected our deep commitment in supporting this cause.
The afternoon was alive with laughter, encouragement, and a powerful spirit of camaraderie – showcasing exactly what happens when compassion meets action.
Looking ahead, our Leo Club of Melbourne Next Gen, in collaboration with District 201V1-4, is gearing up to host the Victoria State Leo Summit on 22 March 2026, where we will lead the State’s Biggest Leo Service Project in partnership with Eat Up Australia.
We will be inviting Leos, Lions, and members of the public from across Victoria to join in making thousands more sandwiches – aiming for an incredible 300-500 volunteers to witness “Leos in Action” and amplify the impact on children’s lives.
Together, we continue to prove that when service-minded people unite, we can tackle hunger, strengthen communities, and give every child a fair chance to succeed.
Check out the club’s Eat Up Service Day video here.