ABC Far North Interview with Lions Australia CEO Rob Oerlemans

Our CEO Rob Oerlemans stopped in to the ABC Far North radio studio during his recent visit to Cairns for the ANZI Pacific Forum 2022.

He spoke to presenters Phil Staley and Raven Cook about the origins and evolution of Lions in Australia as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary this month.

Broadcast: 23 Sep 2022

Original story from ABC Far North Mornings.

 

Kyabram Lions Club Flood Relief

Kyabram Lions Mobilise for Flood Relief – Article in the Riverine Herald

Original article published in the Riverine Herald here.

The Kyabram Lions Club will donate money from its activities account to help those affected by the floods in NSW and Queensland, president Tony Alford said.

While the Kyabram Lions can’t physically help out with the clean-up, they are joining the network of over 1200 Lions clubs across Australia that are mobilising to get help to those impacted by the current floods through the Australian Lions Foundation Disaster Appeal.

“In times of disaster, Australian Lions Foundation is focused on getting emergency support to communities in need as quickly as possible. Right now, Queensland and Northern NSW needs Australia’s help,” Foundation chairperson Tony Benbow said.

“We know many of our Lions volunteers in affected areas are out there doing what they can to help. The National Appeal gives Lions clubs across Australia and members of the public an opportunity to help too.“Every dollar raised will be sent directly to local Lions clubs to provide emergency support to those in need.”

The Lions have been providing emergency support to communities in need 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,” Mr Benbow said.

Australians 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.

Mr Alford said that the pandemic had limited how often the group could get out into the community, but now members would be doing a lot more service and were calling for community support.

“Things like, go to the rodeo, and support the local town, which in turn supports us,” he said.

“Every time you see a Lions person out doing something, support them.”

The Kyabram Lions Club’s average age is 60, and Mr Alford said the Lions would really benefit from younger members.

“We’ve noticed over the last few years that there hasn’t been much interest from younger people to join a service organisation,” he said.

“We appreciate that people are too busy with work and family and stuff like that. They can’t devote as much time to service organisations compared to 15 to 20 years ago when people were a lot more service-oriented.

“So we’re always looking for new members and we’d like some younger service-minded people to maybe look at Lions and join us.”

Every dollar donated will be sent directly to local Lions clubs on the ground in affected areas. Tax deductible donations can be made at https://www.givenow.com.au/australianlionsfoundation

 

Goonellabah Wollonbar & Districts Lions Club

Lions Flood Response in Lismore – ABC Radio Canberra Interview with Lion Wendy Poole

Original audio from ABC Radio Canberra.

This interview is with Wendy Poole, Secretary of the Goonellabah-Wollongbar & Districts Lions Club, in the flood affected areas around Lismore.

She talks to ABC Canberra about how volunteers and community groups like Lions are driving the disaster response.

Duration: 8min 14sec

Broadcast: 

 

Teneriffe Lions Club - 75th Anniversary Commemorative Garden

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of Lions Australia – Radio Interview with CEO Rob Oerlemans

Original story from ABC Radio Newcastle here.

Lions Australia is renowned for its work around communities across NSW, and this year the organisation is celebrating 75 years.

Among the celebrations for the anniversary, Lions has set a goal for local clubs to plant at least 75 commemorative gardens.

The ABC’s Dan and Jenny spoke to Rob Oerlemans, the CEO of Lions Australia, to find out where the gardens will be.

Duration: 5min 38sec

Broadcast: