Not all heroes wear capes and for the isolated outback Burketown State School in Queensland, it was volunteers with Lions Clubs shirts that came to the rescue.

Last year when Burketown was devastated by flood waters, Lions Past District Governor Michael MacLaren and his partner Max Tavasci were the first on the scene to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the town’s needs.

PDG Michael MacLaren thanking Hawkins Transport for providing free freight containing donated Lions hampers into Burketown.

Michael and Max quickly mobilised the local Lions network of volunteers to distribute essential items and support.

The volunteers distributed hampers containing essential items to the hardest-hit members of the community, including station owners and the Indigenous communities.

After meeting with the Aboriginal Corporation to address their unique needs, Lions incorporated snake bite kits and first aid kits in the hampers.

Towels, sheets, blankets, and Lions Christmas Cakes and Puddings were also donated to the local health clinic.

Supplying tuck-shop equipment to the local school, including stainless steel shelving, a sandwich maker, slushie machine, barbecue and gas bottles, benefiting not only the students but also families displaced during the floods.

The emergency relief utilised funds raised by hard-working Clubs across the Lions Q2 District in North Queensland.

Lion Max Tavasci packing up essential supplies for the Burketown community.

The impact of these efforts goes beyond immediate relief, contributing to the long-term well-being of the Burketown community.

The local Lions will further demonstrate their commitment by returning to conduct a free eye health screening test for the children on 18th July 2024, during which Michael and Max will be honoured with an award by the school.

“Last year our school was devastated by floods. Local Lions volunteers came to our rescue,” says Burketown State School Principal Chris Ford.

“A special shout out to Lions Past District Governor Michael MacLaren and his partner Max who really took the time to understand what the community needed and mobilised the Lions network to make it happen.”

Burketown State School Principal Chris Ford pictured with his Australia Day Community Champion Award for his own outstanding performance during the 2023 floods.

“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of Lions and it’s wonderful to see them setting such a great example and highlighting the importance of community service for our students, ” said Chris.

Lions’ flood relief continues…

As disasters continue to devastate parts of the country in 2024, Lions are there providing vital support to communities.

Members from the Marlin Coast Lions Club in Cairns preparing food for SES and emergency workers as they help residents affected by Cyclone Jasper.

Whether it’s cooking for emergency service personnel, setting up free laundry and shower vans or simply lending a helping hand to someone who has lost everything.

L: Q2 District Governor Jo Lynes presented Cairns school student with a laptop after her family’s belongings were destroyed in floods. R: Q3 District Governor Andy Fitzgerald shopping for new tools with QLD tradie who lost all in floods.

Lions continue to uplift the spirits of those who have lost so much in disaster-affected communities.

Well done to all our volunteers – where there is a need, there is a Lion!

The Bundaberg Hinkler Lions Club are celebrating the joyful news that Wayne, a regular user of their laundry and shower service for the homeless, has found a place to call home through public housing.

For over four years, Wayne had been living in his car, relying on their service.

His heartwarming transition to a stable home touched the Club so deeply that they also gifted him a bed, fridge, microwave, bed linen, and more to help him rebuild his life.

The Club’s mobile shower and washing machine trailer, a beacon of hope for many, has been functioning for more than eight years, extending its services every Wednesday at Barolin Street United Church and Thursday at Christ Church in Maryborough Street.

The trailer’s annual operation cost of $5,000 is covered by funds raised from Club activities, including their environmentally-conscious can and bottle recycling project.

The Club’s commitment to compassion and care for the homeless community continues to make a significant difference in the lives of people like Wayne.

You can find out more via their Facebook page here.

That was the case for Lions in Queensland, who jumped into action during the recent devastating bushfires in the Western Downs region.

Many local school children lost everything in the fires so Dalby President Julianne purchased backpacks, hats, water bottles, school pads, pencils, towels, socks and underwear and sent three large bags to the Tara Lioness Club Branch.

A young girl who lost her home in the fire was also given a Lions Bear and was ecstatic at receiving it.

Dalby President Julianne says she will continue to work with Tara Lions members to provide support where it is needed.

Tara Shire State College Principal, Lion Belinda Walker and club branch Secretary, Lion Judith Bridge with a few of the items they received for students.

As well as meals and school supplies, an Orange Sky van also arrived at the evacuation centre with washing machines and dryers for Dalby residents.

Dalby Lions Club has partnered with Orange Sky to provide washing and drying services free of charge for disadvantaged people at the Dalby Laundromat.

L to R: Lions Glenn Shipway, Lorraine Freeman and Brett Kruger (Lions Club of Dalby).

And the support doesn’t stop here. When the smoke clears, Lions will still be there doing whatever they can to help those in need and to support communities as they rebuild.

If you would like to help ensure Lions can continue doing their vital work, you can make a donation to our National Disaster Appeal via the Australian Lions Foundation here.

When disaster strikes, Lions volunteers roll up their sleeves and take action – often sticking around long after the disaster to assist those left behind.

That’s exactly what has happened in Western Australia off the back of the devastating 2021 Wooroloo Bushfire.

Volunteers across the Lions’ W1 and W2 districts have now dispersed over $82,000 worth of support back to the community.

Fire fighters combat the Wooroloo Bushfire. Credit: DFES/DFES / Incident Photographer Evan Collis

“In times of disaster Lions are focused on doing whatever we can to support the community and help it rebuild,” says Lions Past District Governor Mick Wainwright.

“It’s been a big couple of years for our members. The Wooroloo Bushfire in 2021 caused extensive damage to residential properties within the City of Swan and Shire of Mundaring. Over the six days it burned an area of more than 10,500 hectares inside a perimeter of 154km, with 86 properties lost and more than 100 damaged.”

“Local Lions Clubs, with the support of their communities and the Australian Lions Foundation, have been busy supporting those impacted and helping the community rebuild.”
“Most of those we have assisted could not applied for help under the normal disaster relief funding or insurance.”

“Support has ranged from replacing water tanks and providing welding equipment for the fence repair team to providing Christmas hampers and funding for 26 year six students to attend school camp.”

“The community has been so grateful for the support and highlights the importance of community service organisations like Lions. We are always there for the community and can get support quickly to those who need it most.”

With volunteers celebrating Lions Awareness Day this month, Mick says it’s a great opportunity for anyone interested in volunteering to get more information on how you can get involved or support Lions.

“If you are interested in making a difference, ask your local Lions how you can get involved. We know there are many people out there looking to make a difference in the community right now, and it’s a great time to join us,” adds Mick.

Since the first club was formed in Australia 75 years ago, Lions has grown dramatically in size and impact with over 1300 clubs and 25,000 members now giving back through an array of community-based programs and initiatives.

Some Lions are on a mission to cure childhood cancer and diabetes, others are committed to assisting those impacted by drought and floods and many are simply working together to help people in need in their local community. One thing all Lions have in common is together they are making an incredible difference.