EMERGENCY RESPONSE - Lions Clubs Australia

Lions go above and beyond to help communities impacted by Wooroloo bushfire

March 16, 2023/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

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.

Lions come together to help Elmore Village

March 16, 2023/in DONATIONS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by Emily Williams

Original story by Lee Walkington

When the floods tore through Rochester late last year, 90% of houses were affected.

In the nearby town of Elmore, temporary housing was set up to shelter the hundreds of displaced families.

Lion Lee from District V6’s Disaster Recovery Support Team and PDG Norm visited the make-shift village in Elmore to find out how the District could help.

Lion Lee said seeing the bare paddocks with rows of caravans and cabins for the first time was confronting.

Elmore Village’s new BBQ area. Image: Supplied.

“The people moving into this accommodation had their immediate needs met – food, shelter and clothing; it was their mental well-being that was our first concern,” she said.

During one visit, Lion Lee and PDG Norm raised concerns about the mental health of the residents. Soon after, a plan was put together which included ideas for a community garden, playground and BBQ area. The Disaster Recovery Support Team then needed to raise funds to bring the ideas to life.

Lions Clubs from across the District stepped up to help. The Cohuna Leo Club donated $500 worth of goods for children, including outdoor games, and library bags, as well as setting up a library area in the village; Echuca Lions Club purchased a large piece of play equipment for children; Elmore Lions Club donated a BBQ lunch; and Yarrawonga Lions Club are building ‘buddy benches’ to be placed by the playground.

Twelve Bunnings Warehouse staff members assembled the play equipment. Image: Supplied

Bunnings has also come to the party, donating and assembling BBQs, outdoor furniture, and equipment for a community garden area. And Cowra Men’s Shed is building two large outdoor BBQ tables and benches to complete the BBQ area.

These areas have been embraced by the residents of the village, with many getting involved in the community garden already.

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” said Lion Lee.

You can donate to the Australian Lions Foundation’s Emergency Disaster Appeal here.

Lions sponsor camp for Victorian flood victims

January 13, 2023/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

In October 2022, Australians living in northern Victoria were some of the worst hit after flood waters tore through their towns and inundated houses like a tidal wave.

Many of these residents from towns like Rochester have been forced to live in caravans, sheds, and other temporary spaces much too small for a family.

As those who have been displaced are still coming to terms with the ferocity of the swollen river, Victorian Lions have come together to provide some much-needed relief by sponsoring a camp for flood victims at their Licola Wildnerness Village.

Flood-affected families arrived at the retreat last Monday the 9th of January for a fabulous 4-night stay, where children and parents could enjoy swimming, kayaking or simply relaxing after having to live in close quarters for the past few months.

Lion Geoff Turnbull (2nd VDG V6) and his wife, Janice who came up with the idea, have helped to give families a very welcome break from the drudgery of their ‘normal’ day lives.

“The families at this camp have lost their homes and had significant material losses,” says Geoff Turnbull.

“Many of them don’t anticipate being able to move back to their houses for another 12 months or so, and some have no idea when.”

Guests were treated to a personal video message from Lions International President Brian Sheehan who welcomed them to the village, along with receiving vouchers from Bunnings and Kmart.

Each family was also given a new sheet set, pillow, pillowcase, blanket, bath and beach towel, bath mat, and toiletry kit to take home. Children aged 5-10 were also provided with a fully-loaded backpack for school.

Geoff says members of the public who would like to help make this possible again can contact a Victorian Lions Club or donate directly via the Australian Lions Foundation.

“Almost 40 people were unable to attend due to work or other commitments on their farms, so we would like to be able to do this again for other families who couldn’t make it this time.”

“A special mention to all the Lions volunteers who were here to assist with activities and provided meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also to Lions Australia’s Council Chairperson Steven Boyce and Australian Lions Foundation Chairperson Tony Benbow for all their support”.

Lions have been providing emergency support to Australian communities for decades. Over $4.6 million was raised and distributed in the recent Australian Lions Foundation National Bushfire Appeal and $1.9 million was raised and distributed to Flood Support last year.

Anyone looking to make a donation and support those affected by the floods can do so through their local Lions Club or through donating directly to Australian Lions Foundation.

Click here to make a donation (all donations over $2 are tax deductible).

Lions International President – Brian Sheehan – Message to Australian Lions about flood disaster.

December 31, 2022/in DONATIONS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE, HUMANITARIAN /by Rob Oerlermans

Narooma Lions upgrade BBQ trailer to assist in disaster relief

November 11, 2022/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

It was a great day for the Narooma & District Lions Club on the 23rd of October 2022 as they saw the culmination of 2 years’ work by their Club President, Ricci Bishop, in bringing to completion their replacement BBQ Trailer and the erection of a new shed in which to garage it.

This was a doubly auspicious day as it was also the Club’s Charter Anniversary (1976).

Narooma & District Lions Club President with the new BBQ Trailer

Ricci was successful in securing two grants following the Black Summer Bushfires – the first being from St Vincent de Paul Conference and the second a Federal Grant, the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund (BCRRF).

From the adverse situation of the Black Summer bush fires at Narooma, it was realized that there was a need to have a completely independent food supply BBQ trailer that had the capability to provide it’s own refrigeration, lighting, hot & cold food and water, as well as be a source of power for other needs.

The trailer can now act as an adjunct to the needs of front line emergency respondents as well as being used at evacuation centres.

The shed is also a great asset with enough space to house all the Club’s Lions gear in one place – for many Clubs, it is the stuff dreams are made of!

Celebration ceremony: Smoking the shed and trailer

The Club’s celebrations included a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by First Nations’ Muladha Gamara, and a ribbon cutting ceremony by the Hon. Dr. Michael Holland MP and St Vincent de Paul Conference representative Mrs. Marea Clark at Easts Caravan Park.

This was followed by a Luncheon at the Narooma Sports & Leisure Centre (Narooma’s designated Evacuation Centre at the time) where a small display of photos were on view.

Image display of the Bush Fire Evacuation Centre from the 1.1.2020

The Club sincerely thanked and acknowledged the contribution from the Australian BCRRF and St Vincent de Paul Conference.

Lions volunteers mobilise to support flood affected communities

November 11, 2022/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

Australia has experienced major flooding for the fifth time in 19 months due to record-breaking wet weather. The wet conditions are expected to last until 2023.

As the effects of climate change induced disasters continue to devastate communities, we need volunteers now more than ever.

When disaster strikes, Lions volunteers are the first to offer support and that’s exactly what is happening as communities across Australia face flooding yet again.

Members of the Lions Club of Seymour Goulburn have been cooking meals for those who have been displaced due to the emergency while other Lions have been assisting with the flood clean up or raising money for the Australian Lions Foundation National Flood Appeal.

“October has been another month of heavy rainfall with flood warnings for communities across QLD, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. The Australian Lions Foundation has launched a national appeal to help support those affected communities,” says Australian Lions Foundation Chairperson Tony Benbow OAM.

“Every dollar raised will be sent directly to Lions Clubs on the ground in affected communities to provide emergency support to those impacted.”

“This is why Lions is so effective in times of need. Every dollar donated goes directly to the cause and through Lions’ large network of clubs we are able to quickly identify those who require assistance and find the best and most efficient ways of supporting those people and communities.”

Lions based in Seymour, Shepparton, and Mooroopna loan high-pressure water blasters, hoses, power leads, brooms, and squeegees to the community to assist in the flood clean-up.

“A key focus for our clubs in recent months has been supporting flood affected communities particularly in Northern NSW. Lismore was actually the birthplace of Lions in Australia with Lismore Lions Club founded in September 1947,” adds Tony.

“We know the road to recovery is a long one after a disaster. Our volunteers are still going above and beyond to help communities rebuild after the devastating bushfires of 2019/2020 and we will see the same with flood affected communities.”

Lions have been providing emergency support to Australian communities for decades. Over $4.6 million was raised and distributed in the recent Australian Lions Foundation National Bushfire Appeal and $1.9 million was raised and distributed to Flood Support last year.

Anyone looking to make a donation and support those affected by the floods can do so through their local Lions Club or through donating directly to Australian Lions Foundation.

To make a donation visit https://www.givenow.com.au/australianlionsfoundation

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

About Australian Lions Foundation

The Australian Lions Foundation has been providing grants for disaster relief, compassionate support and community initiatives since the 1980’s. Every year the Foundation distributes more than $1 million for projects through local Lions Clubs.

The Foundation Directors are all Lion volunteers who do not receive any income for their efforts.

Lions are there every step of the way in Flood Recovery

July 8, 2022/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

Lions Australia is celebrating our 75th Anniversary in September this year and the theme of “always” being there for the community could not be more relevant.

A key focus for Lions’ 1200 plus clubs in recent months has been supporting flood-affected communities in NSW and QLD.

With flood waters still rising in parts of NSW this week, Lions volunteers are assuring communities they will be there every step of the way in coming months and years as they recover and rebuild.

“At Lions we know the road to recovery is a long one after a disaster. Our volunteers are still going above and beyond to help communities rebuild after the devastating bushfires of 2019/2020 and we will see the same with flood affected communities in NSW and QLD,” says Lions Australia CEO Rob Oerlemans.

“Over the past three months, the focus has been on providing emergency support to those who lost everything. During the floods, our volunteers on the ground were doing whatever they could to support their communities whether it was cooking for ADF personnel and volunteers, setting up free laundry and shower vans or simply lending a helping hand to someone in need,” adds Rob.

“The focus now is on helping people get back on their feet and helping the community rebuild. This will take years.”

Members of the Lions Club of Lennox Head providing food and drinks to flood-affected communities earlier this year

Local Lions Clubs on the ground are being supported by many Lions Clubs and Australians who have been fundraising for and supporting the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal.

Over $1.3m has now been raised and is being quickly distributed to clubs on the ground in affected areas. Lions have been assisting with clean ups and purchasing and delivering items such as storage containers and gas cookers for people who have lost everything. Many local clubs are using the grant funds to purchase vouchers at local businesses for people in need to purchase fuel, food, water, cleaning products, bedding and other essential items.

Quotes from Lions Clubs on the ground:

“We will keep going until we’re not needed anymore,” says Lismore Lions Club President Theo Beemster.

“We have been reacting to immediate needs and will continue to do so, but our challenge will be to support our community in the months and years ahead. To do that we have to keep up our normal fundraising efforts, apply for grants and donations and on top of that take on flood recovery effort,” says Chris Stores, Lennox Heads Lions Club.

Every dollar raised in the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal is being sent directly to local Lions Clubs to provide emergency support to those in need and help the community rebuild.

Lions have been providing emergency support to Australian communities for decades. Over $4.6 million was raised and distributed in the recent Australian Lions Foundation National Bushfire Appeal and $1.9 million was raised and distributed to Flood Support last year.

Anyone looking to make a donation and support those affected by the floods can do so through their local Lions Club or through donating directly to Australian Lions Foundation.

To make a donation click here.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Gympie South Lions to the rescue for flood victim facing $7k fine

June 17, 2022/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, HUMANITARIAN, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

The Gympie South Lions Club have come to the rescue of a local flood victim after he was threatened with a $7,000 fine for having flood debris on his footpath.

Tom Atkinson and his partner were overlooked when council were doing their curbside debris pick up following major flooding in Gympie earlier this year, and with only two small cars (without towbars), they were unable to transport the flood debris to the tip themselves.

Gympie South Lions - Flood victim Tom Atkinson

Flood victim Tom Atkinson was threatened with a $7k fine

After seeing the story in the local paper, members of the Lions Club of Gympie South offered to help remove the debris for them. A couple of days later, the band of heroes without capes arrived at Tom’s place, loaded the debris into a large trailer and took it to the tip.

The Gympie Council had agreed to waive the dump fees if the rubbish was dumped within the timeframe and they were true to their word.

Tom and his partner were very relieved and appreciative of the assistance from the Gympie South Lions, Senior Constable Andrew White for the loan of the trailer and some helpful friends (Tom also helped).

Many hands make light work and the job was done it no time – well done to all involved.

Local Lions Clubs continue to be on the ground in flood-affected areas and fundraising for the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal.

Every dollar raised in the Appeal is being sent directly to local Lions Clubs to provide emergency support to those in need and help the community rebuild.

Anyone looking to make a donation and support those affected by the floods can do so through their local Lions Club or through donating directly to Australian Lions Foundation.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Lions and Disaster Relief Australia Unite for Flood Recovery Effort

May 11, 2022/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

The devastating floods that hit Queensland and NSW in March this year had far-reaching consequences for both communities and individuals. The path back to recovery appeared endless, with only shells of damaged homes and shattered lives remaining.

Along with our own volunteers, partner organisations such as Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) were thankfully ready to respond. The first phase of flood recovery efforts began in the Moreton Bay region of Queensland and then Coraki, NSW, just a short drive from hard-hit Lismore.

Over 650 volunteers deployed in response to 500 requests for help over the course of eight weeks. Over a million dollars in community value has been generated by 25K volunteer hours.

Wherever DRA deploys volunteers on the ground to aid communities in need of recovery after disasters, Lions is there to help. Lions’ volunteers pay membership fees to cover admin costs which means 100% of funds donated to Lions clubs go directly towards the cause, such as DRA’s disaster recovery operations.

The people of Coraki, NSW, welcomed DRA volunteers with open arms as they began the community recovery process. Aside from assisting flood victims, the disaster relief teams worked on community projects such as cleaning up the bowling club to bring people together and placing fresh wood chips in playgrounds to provide children a safe area to play once again.

Thousands of safety masks, hundreds of pairs of gumboots, pressure washers, heavy equipment rental, and hundreds of litres of cleaning chemicals were used.

Lions’ contribution to DRA has resulted in tangible and long-term benefits.

Breakdown of funding:

Lions Club of Tathra Operation Kelliher – Flood Recovery $2,500

Lions Club of Batemans Bay Operation Kelliher – Flood Recovery $1,149

Oak Flats Lions Club Operation Kelliher – Flood Recovery $1,000

Lions Clubs of Goulburn City Operation Kelliher – Flood Recovery $10,00

You can still donate to the Australian Lions Foundation’s National Flood Appeal here.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Preschool donates $10,000 to ALF National Flood Appeal

April 6, 2022/in DONATIONS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

The community is rallying behind the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal providing emergency relief to those communities devastated by floods in QLD and NSW.

Local Randwick business Platinum Preschool has donated $10,000 to the appeal.

A special event held at Platinum Preschool last month saw the kids dressing up as Lions Cubs to present the $10,000 cheque to Sari-Elle Kraemer, President of Coogee Lions Club.

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker and Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neil were also in attendance.

Every dollar donated to the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal is being sent directly to Lions Clubs on the ground in flood affected communities.

Platinum Preschool Owner Jo O’Brien says the donation is not only about supporting the flood affected communities but also about setting a good example.

“Platinum Preschool is very proud to be donating a full day of fees to the Australian Lions Foundation Disaster Appeal,” says Jo.

“In addition to helping those impacted by the floods, this donation is also about setting a good example to the kids at Platinum through showing them the importance of helping others in times of need. When devastation occurs, we teach the children to look out for those who are helping and being kind. This reinforces our ethos of BE KIND and the values program we teach daily here in our centre” adds Jo.

Platinum Preschool kids present Lions with a donation to the ALF National Flood Appeal

Coogee Lions President Sari-Elle Kraemer has thanked the community for its support and is encouraging anyone else looking to help support those impacted by the floods to consider making a donation to the Australian Lions Foundation.

“At Coogee Lions, we know many people in our community are looking to help those affected by the catastrophic floods in QLD and NSW. Our volunteers have been out in the community shaking donation buckets and we are seeing such strong support and generosity from the local community. Thank you to all of the local businesses who have offered to have a donation box and to those like Platinum Preschool who are supporting the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal,” says Sari-Elle.

“Every dollar raised is being sent directly to local Lions Clubs on the ground who are providing emergency relief in their community. That’s the benefit of an organisation like Lions – we have over 1200 clubs across Australia so when disaster strikes we can get funds sent quickly to those who need it most.”

Anyone looking to make a donation and support those affected by the floods can do so through their local Lions Club or through donating directly to Australian Lions Foundation.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.