During the festive season, the Lions Club of Canberra Valley raised over $400 for their Hampers for the Homeless project, thanks to a successful partnership with the Canberra Cavalry baseball team.
During home games, the Lions Club sold their popular Christmas cakes and puddings while Cavalry management ran raffles to support the cause, further boosting awareness and funds for the project.
Sarge from the Canberra Calvary Baseball team and Lionel the Lion showing the crowd their moves.
Lionel the Lion made a grand appearance to cheer on the team during their latest game, a resounding success for the Canberra Cavalry as they triumphed over the Melbourne Aces with a score of 7–4.
Fans celebrated the win while also contributing to a great cause.
Lions Club of Canberra Valley fundraising for their Hampers for the Homeless project.
As the not-for-profit partner of the Canberra Cavalry, the Lions Club of Canberra Valley is grateful for the team’s continued support in helping make a difference. Together, they’re offering much-needed relief to those in need.
To find out more, visit the club’s Facebook page here.
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Celebrating a Legacy of Service: David Daniels OAM Honoured for 38 Years of Dedication
Recently, the Drug Education Network (DEN) awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership to Lions Past District Governor David Daniels OAM, acknowledging his remarkable 38 years of service and leadership.
David’s contributions are deeply intertwined with the history of DEN and the Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation (ALWF), where his vision and commitment have left an enduring impact.
In 1985, David played a pivotal role in establishing DEN, presenting a compelling case to the Tasmanian government for a dedicated drug and alcohol awareness center. By 1986, the Lions Drug Education Network was officially launched, marking the beginning of a groundbreaking partnership between Lions and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation of Tasmania.
Under David’s leadership, DEN grew from a small initiative with limited funding into a cornerstone of Tasmania’s health and wellbeing landscape.
David’s passion for community wellbeing extends beyond DEN. As Chair of ALWF, he has continued to champion education and prevention programs that address drug and alcohol issues. His steadfast leadership has fostered collaboration, sustainability, and long-term impact, benefiting communities across Tasmania and beyond.
Throughout his career, David has earned numerous accolades, including the Lions Clubs International President’s Award and an Order of Australia Medal. These honours reflect his unwavering dedication to service, innovation, and the Lions’ mission to build healthier, safer communities.
As David steps back from his leadership role at DEN, his legacy continues through his work with ALWF. We thank David for his extraordinary contributions and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition. His achievements inspire Lions everywhere to dream big and serve boldly.
Original article from the Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation here.
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With suicide being the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44, Lions Clubs in Western Australia are proud to announce the official adoption of the Beacon of Light project as a district initiative.
The project aims to address the urgent need for immediate mental health support to individuals contemplating suicide by providing timely intervention through a mobile volunteer service.
Volunteer Lucas representing Beacon of Light at the Spiers Centre in Heathridge.
The Beacon of Light was formed to provide assistance for those suffering in silence in our local communities.
“We know that people going through mental health struggles sometimes have to wait 4-6 weeks to see a therapist. With the support of community groups, alongside therapists, counsellors, psychologists and carers who volunteer their time , we target hot spots for people that would benefit from a meaningful conversation so we can help them navigate through their challenges,” says Derek Best who is co-founder of Beacon of Light and a member of the Lions Club of Whitford.
Lions member and Beacon of Light co-founder Derek Best with volunteers at their Beacon of Light ‘Discovery Talk’.
Lions Clubs across Western Australia will be assisting with funding a van that will be equipped for counselling sessions.
The Lions Beacon of Light Mind Health Van will operate as a mobile service, staffed by trained volunteers and therapists, to offer immediate support to those in need. The vehicle will be deployed to community shelters, events like ANZAC Day, and other significant gatherings to provide on-the-spot assistance. A brief 10–30-minute conversation can be pivotal in preventing suicides.
“The Beacon of Light project symbolizes our commitment to those who are struggling, and it serves as a rallying point for anyone who wants to make a difference in the fight against suicide.”
WA Lions District Governor Mary-Ann Wolf expressed the Lions Clubs’ commitment to this essential cause, stating: “Lions across WA are very proud to be adopting the Beacon of Light project focused on mental health and suicide prevention. This project speaks to the core of our Lions mission—serving the community. We believe that together, we can make a profound impact, not only by raising awareness but by actively reaching out to those in need and reminding them that they are not alone.”
Through partnerships with mental health organisations and community engagement initiatives, the Beacon of Light project will feature workshops, local events, and accessible resources designed to encourage open conversations and mental health support.
The Beacon of Light team is seeking volunteers, sponsors, and donations to support their efforts. If you’re interested in helping, you can reach out here.
They’ve set a fundraising goal of $20,000 and have already raised over $4,550. Join them in making a difference!
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Raymond Terrace Lions Club members at the Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser.
The Raymond Terrace Lions Club raised a record $10,000 for the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation through their third annual “Biggest High Tea.”
The event featured support from local businesses, a Quilt For A Cure raffle, and a guest speech by Dr. Ryan Dutchetel.
The funds will aid research into improving childhood cancer survival rates, particularly for brain cancer.
Club member Annette Clark highlighted the community’s vital role in achieving this success. For more details, visit the original article.
About the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation
The Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation (ALCCRF) is dedicated to funding cutting-edge research to improve survival rates and outcomes for children diagnosed with cancer. Since its inception, the ALCCRF has supported numerous innovative projects, focusing on types of cancer with the lowest survival rates.
This commitment aligns with Lions Australia’s mission to create a brighter future for children with cancer and their families. Contributions from community events like the Raymond Terrace Lions Club’s “Biggest High Tea” play a crucial role in advancing this lifesaving research.
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2025 ACT Senior Australian of The Year recipients – Marilyn and Peter Ralston OAM (Image: act.gov.au)
Celebrating Lions Peter and Marilyn Ralston OAM: 2025 ACT Senior Australians of the Year
The Lions Club of Canberra Belconnen are celebrating the incredible achievements of their very own Peter and Marilyn Ralston OAM, who have been named the 2025 ACT Senior Australians of the Year.
Peter and Marilyn’s unwavering commitment to supporting people with vision impairment and other disabilities shines through their work with the Achilles Running Club Canberra, which they founded in 2013. As President of the club, Peter has led initiatives that empower individuals to run, walk, and stay active. Achilles Canberra pairs volunteer guides with people with disabilities, enabling participation in fun runs, club training sessions, and the weekly Parkrun events.
Peter’s dedication is exemplified by his personal contribution: in the past three years, he has served as a guide for blind athletes an incredible 120 times at Parkrun. Thanks to their efforts, several blind members have each reached hundreds of Parkruns, a testament to the inclusive and supportive community that Peter and Marilyn have built.
Beyond their work with Achilles Canberra, Peter and Marilyn also contribute significantly to other charitable initiatives, embodying the Lions’ mission of serving the community.
A Proud Moment for Lions Canberra Belconnen
The Lions Club of Canberra Belconnen takes immense pride in the Ralstons, who are active and cherished members of their club. Peter’s enthusiasm for their projects, willingness to roll up his sleeves at BBQs, and ability to uplift spirits at club dinners have made him an integral part of the Lions team.
The ACT Senior Australian of the Year award recognises their outstanding contributions and serves as a reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can have on their community.
Congratulations, Peter and Marilyn!
Join us in congratulating Peter and Marilyn on this well-deserved recognition. Their achievements inspire us all to strive for greater inclusivity and to make a difference in our communities.
From left: Daniel Bartholomaeus (ACT Young Australian of the Year), Hannah Costello and Vanessa Brettell (ACT Local Heroes), Megan Gilmour (ACT Australian of the Year), Marilyn Ralston and Peter Ralston OAM (ACT Senior Australian of the Year). (Image: act.gov.au)
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As the cost of living continues to soar, more Australians are facing the heartbreaking reality of having to choose between basic needs and urgent repairs to their homes.
Free Trade Day helps to ease that burden, giving people doing it tough the gift of dignity, safety, and hope by connecting them with volunteer tradespeople who are offering their services for free.
Free Trade Day is a Lions Club of Terrigal-Wamberal project. Those who are doing it tough and in need of a trade specialty job are nominated by their community and matched with a relevant team of tradespeople who complete the job, free of charge.
On the 25th October 2024, over 200 tradespeople undertook dozens of jobs across the Central Coast region, helping the most vulnerable members of the community.
This year, recipients included a single mother of three, diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer, whose home was in desperate need of repairs.
Without Free Trade Day, this mother would have no way to fix the damage, making it even harder to care for her children as her illness progresses.
Another heart-wrenching story comes from the Wyong Family Care Cottage, which supports families of sick children.
They received critical renovations that will allow them to continue offering respite to families already overwhelmed by the weight of illness.
Free Trade Day founder, Ryan Wilson, is a Central Coast electrician and Lions Club member. He is thrilled to see Free Trade Day grow, with more supporters joining the ranks.
“In 2017, I took a job for an elderly man who had been without water for six months. After fixing the problem, I discovered that he had been suffering in silence for far too long because he was unable to afford basic repairs.”
“Sadly, he passed away shortly after the job was completed, but I couldn’t shake the thought of how many more people like him were out there, and that’s where the idea for Free Trade Day was born. It’s become a Lions project and it’s been great to see it grow each year.”
“The day is just so powerful. Not only are the recipients crying happy tears, but the tradies and Lions volunteers are also often overcome with emotion realising that they have used their skills to change someone’s life.”
CEO of Lions Australia Rob Oerlemans says Free Trade Day is just one example of Lions Australia’s commitment to helping people in need.
“As the cost-of-living crisis continues, we’re seeing more and more people really struggling in our community. Lions Australia is committed to stepping in where help is most needed. Free Trade Day is a perfect example of how our volunteers are working together and bringing the community together to help those in need.”
“A the heart of every community is a Lions Club and in times like these, our volunteers are more committed than ever to help.”
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.
For more information on how to get involved in the next Free Trade Day, visit their official website here.
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This project will support the distribution of frozen and shelf-stable foods to communities across the state, helping alleviate food insecurity for thousands each day.
The partnership with Foodbank Victoria began when Lions Past District Governor Graham Bryant started a volunteer initiative at the Yarraville warehouse. Lions members stepped in to assist with essential order preparation whenever Foodbank’s regular volunteers were unavailable.
It was during one of these volunteer sessions that Lions asked Foodbank Victoria how they could offer additional support. The answer came in the form of a new delivery van, designed to expand Foodbank’s reach and impact.
To make this vision a reality, Lions in Victoria worked together to secure funding. Lions leaders collaborated closely, bringing in grant support from both ALF and LCIF and contributing financially from each district. Through the dedication of the Lions, the necessary funding for a new van was secured.
The delivery van was handed over to Foodbank Victoria in a formal ceremony arranged by LCIF Chair Lee Murray, who served as Project Manager for the Lions Delivery Van initiative. The event was attended by Lions representatives from across Victoria who celebrated the arrival of this much-needed resource for their community.
The new van will allow Foodbank Victoria to reach more people than ever before, a mission that has become more urgent as food insecurity in Victoria continues to rise. In recent years, the number of people experiencing food stress daily has grown significantly, making this addition to Foodbank’s fleet critical to ensuring that nutritious food reaches those who need it most.
Lions’ volunteers continue to support Foodbank Victoria. On the first Wednesday of every month, Lions members gather at the Yarraville warehouse to volunteer.
This project exemplifies the core values of Lions Australia – service, community, and compassion. Together, Lions Clubs across Victoria have made a lasting impact, helping ensure that families and individuals facing hardship receive the support they need.
On days like these, Lions members can take pride in knowing they have made a meaningful difference, one delivery at a time.
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Mackay Host Lions Club recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Rock Pop Mime event for local schools.
Rock Pop Mime began in 1984 as part of the 10-day Lions Sugartime Festival, which ran from 1979 to 2002. The festival featured family carnivals, fishing competitions, a beer festival, BMX carnivals, children’s quests, beach carnivals, and a school Rock Pop Mime show.
Today, Rock Pop Mime is the sole remaining element of that festival.
Lions Rock Pop Mime is an annual youth dance and mime spectacular, cherished by local school students and eagerly anticipated by families and the wider community.
There are separate programs for primary and secondary schools, with attractive cash prizes and trophies awarded, thanks to corporate sponsorship.
In the secondary school category, students typically choreograph their own performances, and all schools dedicate months of preparation leading up to the event.
This year, students from 16 schools spent weeks perfecting their routines before competing against one another.
The competition is fierce, and the students love participating, always delivering performances of a high standard.
Each act is judged on originality and creativity, mime accuracy, movement and coordination, costume, participants’ enjoyment, and overall impression.
This year, St John’s Catholic Primary School in Walkerston won the primary school section, while Mackay North State High School triumphed in the secondary school event.
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It was World Sight Day on the 10th of October and Lions Australia was proud to celebrate our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by vision impairment.
From providing life-changing eye care to supporting groundbreaking research, the Lions NSW-ACT Save Sight Foundation celebrated 50 years of advancing eye health in Australia this year, commemorating the significant milestone with an anniversary dinner that brought together members and supporters from across the region.
This special event celebrated the Foundation’s long-standing dedication to promoting eye health and providing vital services to those in need.
It also reflected on 60 years of the Speciality Clinic Ophthalmology and Eye Health, and 40 years of the Save Sight Institute, both based at the University of Sydney, highlighting 150 years of eye health in Australia.
The Lions NSW-ACT Save Sight Foundation has been a long-standing supporter of the Lions Sydney Eye Bank and the Save Sight Institute at the University of Sydney.
Each year, the Foundation provides $110,000 to both organisations, with additional funding allocated for special equipment, such as a microscope for eye surgery that has significantly advanced patient care.
The Eye Bank also plays a crucial role in preparing donated corneas for transplantation, providing life-changing vision restoration to those in need.
The evening highlighted the incredible impact Lions members have made through programs aimed at early detection, treatment, and research related to vision impairment and other health initiatives.
Attendees reflected on the Foundation’s achievements, the lives touched by its services, and its ongoing commitment to community health.
Lions in Australia also run two key vision-related programs. The Recycle for Sight Australia initiative collects used glasses from optometrists, processes them at a recycling centre in Queensland, and distributes them to developing countries.
Over the past 26 years, more than seven million pairs of glasses have been sent abroad.
Additionally, the Lions Eye Health Program includes the Children’s Vision Screening Program, addressing undetected vision issues in children, which affect one in five.
Lions’ vision screening teams operate nationwide, recognising the significant impact vision problems have on children’s development.
As Lions Australia continues to champion these vital initiatives, we remain committed to enhancing vision health and transforming lives, ensuring a brighter future for individuals and communities both at home and abroad.
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It’s almost that magical time of year again! The smell of tinsel, the sound of carols, and yes, the glorious return of Australia’s favourite Christmas treat— the Lions Christmas Cake!
These aren’t just any cakes; they’re the fruitcake with a purpose, here to make your holiday sweeter and your community stronger.
Packed with over 50% fruit and made from top-notch natural ingredients, Lions Christmas Cakes are here to raise the (cake) bar and some much-needed funds for local causes.
When you grab a Lions Christmas Cake, you’re not just indulging in a seasonal treat, you’re making a real impact. Every delicious bite helps fuel projects that keep our communities thriving. From city streets to the outback, the funds raised go straight into Lions Clubs across Australia to support initiatives that matter.
In recent years, our regional communities have been hit hard, from pandemic struggles to natural disasters. As we brace for yet another bushfire season, the proceeds from these cakes are absolutely crucial.
Lions Christmas Cakes help fund emergency relief, recovery efforts, and a host of other vital community programs. Yep, these cakes do way more than just satisfy your sweet tooth—they’re helping people get back on their feet.
And it doesn’t stop there – Lions Clubs are busy all year round, supporting projects like youth programs, medical research, disability aid, and environmental work.
This cake is a true multitasker, raising millions since 1965, with every crumb contributing to something bigger than just a holiday dessert.
As Lions Australia CEO Rob Oerlemans puts it, “For nearly six decades, our Lions Christmas Cakes have not only been proudly Australian-made, but their impact has been immeasurable.”
You’re not just buying a cake—you’re investing in disaster relief, childhood cancer research, and so many other life-changing initiatives.
The Lions Christmas Cake recipe is made in Victoria by Traditional Foods. And now, for the gluten-free crowd, Lions have got you covered with a limited number of GF options rolling out this year!
Your Lions Christmas Cake is waiting to make a difference—find out how you can get your hands on one (or more) in time for Christmas here.
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