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.

A powerful message of unity and hope from a young Queensland artist is being celebrated nationwide.

Zoey Liu, sponsored by the Lions Club of Rochedale Springwood (QLD), has been named the 2025 Lions International Peace Poster National Winner to compete in the international final, selected from 18 district-winning entries from across Australia.

Inspired by the theme “Together as One”, Zoey’s artwork stood out for its creativity, emotional depth and strong message of compassion.

Her poster reflects the belief that peace is built through understanding, kindness and connection- values that resonate strongly in today’s world.

At a time when communities across Australia are reflecting on the importance of peace and looking out for one another, Zoey’s artwork offers a hopeful reminder of the role young people can play in shaping a more inclusive future.

The Lions International Peace Poster Competition is one of Lions’ longest-running youth initiatives, encouraging children aged 11 to 13 to express their vision of peace through art.

Each year, thousands of students worldwide take part, supported by local Lions Clubs working closely with schools and families to nurture creativity and positive global citizenship.

Lions Australia has proudly supported the Peace Poster Competition for decades as part of its broader commitment to empowering young people, fostering leadership and giving youth a platform to share their voices on issues that matter.

“Programs like the Peace Poster Competition show the incredible insight and empathy young people bring to the conversation about peace,” said Lions Australia Peace Poster Chair Lorraine McKenzie.

“Zoey’s artwork is a wonderful example of how creativity can inspire connection and understanding across generations and communities.”

Zoey’s winning poster has now been sent to Chicago to represent Australia in the international judging stage, where it will compete with entries from around the world.

Lions Australia marked National Skin Cancer Awareness Week (16-22 November) with a growing network of Lions Mobile Skin Cancer Screening Vans operating across Australia, helping ensure regional and remote communities have access to lifesaving early detection.

For decades, Lions volunteers have delivered free or low-cost skin checks through mobile units that travel thousands of kilometres each year. Vans currently operate in Western Australia, South Australia/Northern Territory, and Victoria, with tens of thousands of Australians screened through these volunteer-led programs.

These services are especially critical in rural areas where access to dermatologists is limited and wait times can be long.

Building on this national legacy, Lions Australia recently celebrated the successful launch of the Tasmanian Lions Skin Cancer Screening Van, unveiled at the 2025 Lions District Convention in Port Sorell.

The new van, purchased by the Tasmanian Lions Skin Cancer Foundation, will begin servicing communities early next year, delivering full-body skin checks across the state and improving access to early detection for Tasmanians in rural and remote areas.

To raise awareness for the launch, Lions volunteer and endurance runner Sari-Elle Kraemer completed an extraordinary 160 km run from Smithton to Port Sorell, drawing exceptional community support along the way.

Local Lions Clubs came out in force, and in a uniquely Tasmanian show of spirit and support from the regional areas, a tractor convoy from the Tasmanian Tractor Trekkers travelled alongside sections of her run.

Tasmanian Lions Skin Cancer Screening Foundation Chair Richard Cochrane said the launch exceeded all expectations.

“The response to the launch of the Tasmanian van was truly incredible – Lions Clubs, other community groups and the general public all came out in force. We had so many conversations with families, farmers, retirees and young people, all sharing personal stories and reinforcing why this service matters so much. Funds raised from the launch are going directly towards the operating costs of the new van. The van is almost complete and will be out on the road and in rural and remote communities early 2026, delivering the lifesaving checks people have told us they urgently need,” says Richard Cochrane.

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed in their lifetime. Lions Australia is encouraging communities to take proactive steps this Skin Cancer Awareness Week: book a skin check, protect yourself in the sun, and support the mobile screening vans that bring vital services to local towns, farms and regional centres.

With melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers placing a growing burden on the health system, Lions Australia encourages all Australians to:

• Book a skin check or visit a mobile screening van when it comes to town
• Wear sunscreen and protective clothing
• Learn the warning signs and act early
• Support Lions Clubs’ fundraising efforts to keep these vans operating

Lions hope to eventually have a mobile screening unit in every state of Australia.

For more information on Lions Australia’s latest skin cancer screening van in Tasmania, click here. 

For other locations, click on your state below:

VIC

SA/NT

WA

With another formal season now behind us, many families are reflecting on just how expensive end-of-year celebrations can be – especially when they collide with the pressures of Christmas.

For some young people, the rising cost of clothing and accessories means the excitement of attending a school formal can quickly turn into stress.

This year, the Canberra Lake Tuggeranong Lions Club once again stepped in to ease that burden through Operation Formal Wear, a project that provides free formal outfits to graduating students in Years 6, 10 and 12, as well as teachers.

With the help of volunteers from the Lions Club of Canberra Valley, the initiative has helped hundreds of students feel confident, supported and ready to celebrate their milestone moments.

A Successful 2025 Season

The 2025 shopping weekend was a huge success, with students browsing through donated dresses, suits, shoes, ties, bags and jewellery – selecting the perfect outfit at no cost.

Families shared their appreciation for the relief this brought, especially as it came during one of the most financially challenging times of the year.

The Lions volunteers say it’s moments like these – tears of joy, excited smiles, and heartfelt gratitude – that remind them why Operation Formal Wear is so important.

This year, 1,325 items of formal wear and accessories were donated. In total, 289 students, teachers and community members received what they needed for their special events. With formal outfits often costing around $500 per person, the program helped local families save an estimated $144,500.

Continuing the Mission in 2026

Although this year’s event has wrapped up, the need remains – and the Lake Tuggeranong Lions are committed to continuing Operation Formal Wear in 2026.

To ensure next year’s shopping weekend is just as successful, the club is inviting the community to support the project by donating:

• Formal dresses

• Suits and jackets

• Shoes

• Ties and accessories

• Bags, clutches and jewellery

They are also seeking new drop-off points across Canberra, along with volunteers interested in helping set up, pack down and assist students during the 2026 event.

How to Support or Get Involved

Local businesses willing to serve as donation sites, community members wishing to donate quality formalwear, and volunteers eager to support next year’s shopping weekend are encouraged to get in touch.

Lion Yvette Rydman ready for her interview with Valley FM about Operation Formal Wear.

Follow the project at the Operation Formal Wear Facebook group.

For enquiries, interviews or offers of support, contact:
Yvette Rydman – 0490 097 994 | lionyvette@myyahoo.com

As this year has shown, a simple outfit can make a world of difference. With continued community support, Lions will ensure even more students step into their special night feeling proud, confident and included.