NEWS - Lions Clubs Australia

Lions Deliver Lifesaving Respiratory Support to Wollongong Hospital

November 14, 2025/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

Lions 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!

November 11, 2025/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by Karen Price

Axel, 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

November 11, 2025/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

Cancer 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

October 8, 2025/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

On 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

October 8, 2025/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

It’s World Sight Day on 9^th 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

Nourishing Futures: Melbourne Leos & Lions Rally for Eat Up Australia

September 2, 2025/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

Written 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.

Helen Keller’s Call to Lions: A Legacy of Service to the Blind

September 2, 2025/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

Written by PDG Clive Reid, this article reflects on the historic moment in 1925 when Helen Keller challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness” – a call that shaped Lions’ century-long commitment to sight and blindness prevention.

A very important date in the history of the International Association of Lions Clubs, besides 1917, was the 30th of June 1925.

On that Tuesday, as an ambassador for the newly formed American Foundation for the Blind, Helen Keller and her teacher and lifelong companion, Mrs Anne Sullivan Macy, were introduced to attendees at the ninth International Association of Lions Clubs Convention, held in the Convention Hall at the Breakers Hotel in Cedar Point, Ohio, USA.

It was here that Helen Keller challenged Lions Club members to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.”

Helen Keller was born on the 27th of June 1880, at a time when blind or deaf people were often ostracized in the United States.

Her ideals, courage, and enthusiasm proved to be a beacon that inspired those members who proudly wore the Lions lapel pin to identify themselves as Lions Club members.

An article in The Lion Magazine in 1927 proclaimed that the greatest assistance that can be given to a blind person was for them to be supported in becoming self-respecting and self-supporting.

The introduction of the White Cane in America was originally a Lions Clubs initiative.

In 1930, George Bonham, President of the Lions Club of Peoria, Illinois, after seeing a blind friend struggling to cross the road using a black cane, introduced the idea of using a white cane with a red band to assist blind individuals with independent mobility.

At the 1931 International Association of Lions Clubs Convention, held in Toronto, Canada, a resolution was passed supporting the Lions Club of Peoria’s White Cane Program.

By 1956, every state in the United States had passed White Cane Safety Laws, granting a blind person using a white cane the right-of-way at crossings. These laws also extended protections to blind individuals who travelled with a guide dog.

As the 30th of June 2025 marked the centenary of Helen Keller and Mrs Anne Sullivan Macy’s introduction at the ninth International Association of Lions Clubs Convention, this date should be acknowledged by Lions as historically significant.

It represents one hundred years of Lions involvement in raising funds for community projects supporting blindness prevention and vision conservation. Looking ahead, the year 2031 will mark the centenary of the Lions Club’s White Cane Project in the USA, which should also be recognised.

PDG Clive Reid

Chairman WALCHAC

(Western Australia Lions Clubs Historical Archival Committee)

You can find more information about Helen Keller here.

Lions Help Deliver Groundbreaking Research Equipment to St Vincent’s Institute

September 2, 2025/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

From April 2023 to May 2024, Lions in Victoria embarked on an ambitious project to help fund the purchase of an IncuCyte Live Cell Imaging Platform for St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research (SVI) in Melbourne.

L to R: PCC David Horne, LADF Trustee Stephen Box (with Lions Hearing Dog Norm), Prof Helen Thomas (dec), PDG Robyn Falloon, PCC Bruce Hudgson (dec), SVI Researcher (and Lion) Martha Blanck, PDG Stan Falloon (dec), SVI Philanthropic Coordinator Josie Verga, Ass.Prof Jon Oakhill.

This cutting-edge equipment will transform medical research by enabling scientists to observe cell behaviour in real-time, providing new insights into how cells respond to treatments for a wide range of diseases including cancer, diabetes, bone disease and many others.

One SVI researcher explained that while traditional methods offered only a “skeleton understanding” of the beginning and end of the story, the IncuCyte would capture the “missing chapters,” allowing for continuous imaging over several days. This means researchers can now gather far more information, more efficiently, to support the discovery of new drugs and treatments.

How Lions Made It Happen

When the cost of the equipment was quoted at $264,000, Lions from District V1-4 launched the project in April 2023, inviting clubs to contribute $1,000 each. Lions clubs rallied strongly – some giving what they could, and others far exceeding the suggested donation. Collectively, the clubs raised $61,000.

L to R: LADF Trustee Stephen Box, PDG Robyn Falloon (Project Coordinator), ALF Victorian Trustee PDG John Houghton, PCC Bruce Hudgson (Project Advisor) and PDG Frankie Tang (LCIF District V1-4 Chairperson).

Additional support came from:

Australian Lions Foundation (ALF): $15,000 matching grant
Tour de Cure and the Bruce Hyans Foundation: $45,000 combined contribution
Lions Australia Diabetes Foundation (LADF): $25,000 partnership donation

To reach the final target, Lions applied to Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) in February 2024. The application was approved in May 2024, with LCIF providing a US$71,948 Matching Grant and a US$5,964 District and Club Community Impact Grant.

This support brought the project to a successful close.

A Shared Achievement

This project showed the power of Lions working together – breaking a lofty quarter-million-dollar goal into achievable steps. Every contribution, large or small, was vital in securing the matching grants that ultimately made the project possible.

A special Thank You Event was hosted by SVI on 26 March 2025, bringing Lions and researchers together to celebrate the installation of the IncuCyte. Lions were also recognised in SVI’s Annual Report and will be acknowledged in future medical publications made possible by this equipment.

Lasting Impact

This achievement reflects Lions’ enduring commitment to advancing medical research and improving outcomes for people living with life-threatening conditions. By supporting projects like this, Lions Australia helps give scientists the tools they need to make groundbreaking discoveries that will benefit countless patients in years to come.

PDG Robyn Falloon and LADF Trustee Stephen Box on the lab tour.

Past District Governor Robyn Falloon (IncuCyte Project Coordinator) and Lions from District V1-4 extend their deepest thanks to all Lions, clubs, foundations, and partners who made this project possible.

With gratitude, we also remember the late Lions Past Council Chair Bruce Hudgson OAM and Past District Governor Stan Falloon, who contributed greatly to this project and whose legacy of dedication continues to inspire us.

Inspiring Young Leader Recognised on International Youth Day

August 13, 2025/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

This International Youth Day on August 12, Lions Australia was proud to celebrate the inspiring young people in our Leo Clubs and youth programs who are making a real difference in their communities and paving the way for future generations.

One such young leader is Leo Molly Gysberts, whose incredible fundraising efforts have made a lasting impact in support of the Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation and its youth projects.

Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation Director and Lion Maddy Crimston-Smith presenting an award to Leo Molly Gysberts.

Molly completed an ocean swim challenge to raise funds for the Foundation’s work, demonstrating determination, community spirit, and a passion for helping others.

At a recent event, Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation Director and Lion Maddy Crimston-Smith had the honour of presenting Molly with a Dr Harry Jenkins Fellow Award.

This prestigious recognition celebrates Molly’s outstanding contribution to the Foundation’s youth projects and her dedication to improving the wellbeing of young people.

Molly’s efforts are a shining example of the leadership, compassion, and commitment that young people bring to Lions’ mission.

With young leaders like Molly paving the way, the future of Lions’ service is brighter than ever.

Learn more about Molly’s ocean swim challenge here: https://youtu.be/2BEm8jV0Xrc

New Chapter for Capalaba Lions Club Under Young President Sophie

August 12, 2025/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

Meet Sophie Cufflin, Capalaba Lions’ newly elected 23-year-old president – a powerful example of youth taking the lead in community engagement.

Sophie’s involvement began in high school as a Leo before she seamlessly transitioned into a Lion upon graduating. She has been a passionate advocate for service, leadership, and youth engagement over the past 8 years.

In addition to her new role as Club President, Sophie also serves as the District’s Public Relations/Social Media Officer, where her digital savvy and fresh perspective have brought a new level of energy to the organisation’s communications.

“I’m incredibly honoured and excited to step into this role,” Sophie said. “Lions have provided me with so many opportunities to grow as a leader, and now I’m proud to give back and support others in the same way.”

Sophie has embraced every opportunity for growth during her time with Lions. Over the past few years, she has taken part in a wide range of Lions training programs and leadership workshops, which has helped her develop the skills she now applies in both her role as president and in her career.

In April, Sophie participated in the Lions Faculty Development Institute (FDI) in Brisbane, joining fellow Lions from across Australia and New Zealand. More recently, she also took part in the Regional Lions Leadership Institute held in Brisbane.

As District Cabinet Social Media Chairperson, Sophie collaborated with Global Leadership Team (GLT) Coordinator Libby Salles to deliver a workshop on social media at the District Convention.

“Sophie embodies what Lions is all about: proactive service, future-focused thinking, and passionately putting her hand up to make a profound difference in our district,” Libby Salles said.

“At just 23, Sophie is a truly remarkable Lion who leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets,” she commented. “She’s not just holding roles but actively seeking opportunities to grow as a Lion – she is unequivocally a Lion to be watched!”

Causes close to Sophie’s heart include the environment and mental health, alongside modernising the club’s image with creative messaging and engaging stories. With her leadership, the club is looking forward to a vibrant year of service and connection.

Sophie is not only breaking new ground, but also showing what the next generation of Lions can do!