The Lions Club of Mareeba is helping shape the next generation of community leaders through its inspiring Young Leaders in Service Program – an initiative built on the belief that leadership begins with opportunity, encouragement, and the confidence to step forward.

Designed to empower local students, the program invites young people to embrace the Lions values of leadership, compassion and service, while making a real and lasting impact in their community.

Recognised for Outstanding Impact

The success of the program was recently celebrated at the Mareeba Shire Australia Day Awards, where the Mareeba Lions Young Leaders in Service group was honoured with the 2026 Junior Community Service Award. This recognition highlights the meaningful contribution these young leaders are already making – not just learning about service, but actively living it.

Real Experience. Real Impact.

What sets this program apart is its hands-on approach. Participants don’t just learn about leadership – they practice it.

Young Leaders work alongside Mareeba Lions members on real projects that benefit the local community. Along the way, they gain valuable experience by:

• Planning and delivering community events
• Supporting local initiatives and service projects
• Building public speaking and communication skills
• Developing problem-solving and teamwork abilities
• Stepping into leadership roles and taking on responsibility

Through these experiences, participants learn that true leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice – it’s about service, collaboration, and showing up when it matters most.

A Year of Growth and Commitment

The program runs over 12 months, from July to June, and is open to motivated students ready to grow both personally and as community contributors.

Participants commit to:

• Attending at least eight Mareeba Lions Club meetings
• Representing the Club at a minimum of six community events
• Completing 30 volunteer hours

This structure ensures students are fully immersed in the Lions experience while building confidence, skills and connections.

Mentorship That Matters

A key strength of the program is the mentorship provided by members of the Lions Club of Mareeba. Drawing on a wealth of professional experience and community knowledge, Lions guide and support participants every step of the way — helping them unlock their potential and gain the most from their journey.

Meaningful (and Fun) Service

Young Leaders take part in a wide range of service activities, including:

• Environmental clean-ups
• Community markets and events
• Fundraising initiatives
• Practical projects that support local needs

And importantly, the program recognises that volunteering should be both meaningful and enjoyable – creating an experience that young people genuinely want to be part of.

Recognition and Opportunities

Participants are acknowledged for their commitment and achievements through a range of benefits, including:

• A Young Leaders in Service shirt and name badge
• A certificate upon completion
• A written reference from the Lions Club of Mareeba
• A small bursary to support further study or trade training

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to students who are eager to make a difference and develop their leadership skills through service.

Eligibility includes:

• Students in Year 10 or Year 11
• Aged 15–16 years
• Open to all academic levels and backgrounds
• An interest in community service, leadership and teamwork

The Mareeba Lions Young Leaders in Service Program is more than just an opportunity – it’s an investment in the future. By empowering young people today, Lions are helping build stronger, more connected communities for tomorrow.

You can find out more about how to apply here.

On a sunny day in February, on a lovely tree-lined residential street in a quiet suburb in Canberra, a four-year-old girl rode her tricycle with her mum following behind.

It’s a typical summer sight played out all over Australia. But this was a special little girl. And the pink tricycle was no ordinary trike. Eva has physical and cognitive disabilities that make riding a standard tricycle difficult. She usually gets around in a specialised pram, pushed by her mum.

Thanks to the generosity of Canberra Region Lions Clubs and the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation, she’s now sitting pretty on her brand new custom pink Terrier Cycle tricycle.

Representatives of the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation as well as various Lions Clubs were present on the day to celebrate with Eva’s family and physiotherapist as she proudly pedaled up and down the street, smiling and waving as she passed her cheering fans.

Among them were Lion Lorraine Barker, Secretary, Lions Club of Canberra Brindabella (and support for ALCMF in Canberra), Lion Dale Wickham, 2nd Vice President, Lions Club of Canberra Brindabella, Lion David Tate, President, Lions Club of Canberra Valley, Lion Bob Brinckley, 2nd Vice President, Lions Club of Canberra Kambah, and Lion Keith Cox, President, Lions Club of Gungahlin.

Eva’s Theraplay Terrier tricycle is customised to her specific needs and will enable her to move around more freely. In addition to giving her more mobility and independence, riding the trike will help build her strength and endurance, and give her a boost in confidence. Plus, it’s her favourite colour: pink!

But most importantly, it will enable Eva to partake in the morning bike commute to school, like many other kids. “Eva attends the pre-school at the local school.” said Lion Lorrain Barker “Eva’s mum and Eva were both looking forward to her being able to ride along the pathway to the school with her brother.”

Eva doesn’t speak, but it was abundantly clear she really loves her new trike. “Eva looked right at me and gave me a wave to say, ‘Thank you!’” says David Tate, who was there with his camera to document the special day. “You can see the joy on her face in many of these photos.”

The Robina Lions Club is celebrating a remarkable community milestone, having collected more than 100,000 pairs of used eyeglasses through its long-running recycling program.

What began as a simple local initiative has grown into a powerful example of grassroots service making a global impact.

For years, local residents have been dropping off unwanted prescription glasses, reading glasses and sunglasses at optometrists across Robina and surrounding suburbs.

Each donated pair represents not just an item recycled, but the possibility of restored sight for someone in need.

The program forms part of the broader Recycle for Sight initiative led by Lions Clubs International.

Around the world, Lions volunteers collect, sort, clean and package donated glasses before they are distributed to developing countries and communities where access to eye care remains limited.

For many recipients, a simple pair of glasses can be life-changing. Clear vision can mean the ability to read, learn, work, or regain independence.

In areas where eye examinations and prescription lenses are financially out of reach, recycled glasses provide an immediate and practical solution.

Robina Lions members say the milestone reflects the generosity of the local community as much as the dedication of volunteers.

Club representatives say reaching 100,000 pairs represents far more than a number. It reflects tens of thousands of people who may now see clearly because someone in Robina chose to donate rather than discard.

The environmental impact is also significant. By recycling eyeglasses, the program helps divert waste from landfill while extending the life of usable materials.

In an era where sustainability matters more than ever, the initiative offers a simple yet meaningful way for residents to make a difference.

Robina Lions Club President said the milestone is motivation to keep growing the program.

“We are incredibly proud of our community. Every donation helps change someone’s life. We’re not stopping at 100,000 – we’re aiming for the next 100,000.”

The Lions motto, We Serve, is clearly reflected in this achievement. From local donations to international distribution, the journey of each pair of glasses is powered by compassion and community spirit.

As Robina Lions celebrates this milestone, the message to the community is simple: check your drawers, find those unused glasses, and give someone the gift of sight.

With continued community support, the next milestone may be closer than we think.

To donate your old glasses, visit Recycle for Sight or contact your local Lions Club.

As devastating bushfires continue to impact communities in Victoria and widespread flooding linked to a recent cyclone causes damage across Queensland, Lions volunteers are mobilising to support communities in crisis.

From assisting emergency services and supporting clean-up efforts to providing meals, supplies and practical assistance, Lions members are once again stepping up where they are needed most.

Lions Australia is calling on the public to support recovery efforts by donating to the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal.

“When disaster strikes, Lions volunteers respond quickly and compassionately to support their communities,” said Lions Australia CEO Rob Oerlemans.

“Our volunteers live in the communities they serve. They know what’s needed, they know who needs help, and through the Australian Lions Foundation, we’re able to get support to people quickly and directly.”

Lions’ response to national disasters is further strengthened through emergency disaster relief grants from Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), which enable local Lions Clubs to deliver immediate, practical assistance on the ground.

These grants support urgent needs such as emergency food and water, blankets, hygiene kits and essential supplies, as well as meals for volunteer firefighters and emergency service personnel.

Most recently Lions in Koolewong, Bulahdelah and Muswellbrook were provided with an emergency grant to support their communities impacted by fires at the end of last year.

By combining global grant support with strong local knowledge, Lions are able to respond swiftly while remaining committed to helping communities through the long recovery process.

Funds raised through the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal are distributed to Lions Clubs on the ground, enabling them to provide both immediate relief such as food and fuel vouchers and essential household items and longer-term recovery support.

“This is why Lions is effective in times of disaster,” said Rob Oerlemans. “We combine a national volunteer network with deep local connections, ensuring donations go exactly where they’re needed most.”

Lions has a long history of supporting communities through disasters, including the Black Summer bushfires and major flooding events across Australia in recent years.

Over $4.6 million was raised and distributed in the 2019/2020 Australian Lions Foundation National Bushfire Appeal.

Importantly, Lions volunteers remain alongside communities long after the immediate emergency has passed, supporting recovery and rebuilding for as long as it takes once the smoke clears or water recedes.

“We know many Australians want to help but aren’t sure how,” said Rob Oerlemans. “The most effective way to make a real difference right now is by donating to the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal. Every dollar helps Lions volunteers support families and communities doing it tough.”

Would you like to help? Click here to make a donation and support communities impacted by fires and floods.