Not all heroes wear capes and for the isolated outback Burketown State School in Queensland, it was volunteers with Lions Clubs shirts that came to the rescue.
Last year when Burketown was devastated by flood waters, Lions Past District Governor Michael MacLaren and his partner Max Tavasci were the first on the scene to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the town’s needs.
PDG Michael MacLaren thanking Hawkins Transport for providing free freight containing donated Lions hampers into Burketown.
Michael and Max quickly mobilised the local Lions network of volunteers to distribute essential items and support.
The volunteers distributed hampers containing essential items to the hardest-hit members of the community, including station owners and the Indigenous communities.
After meeting with the Aboriginal Corporation to address their unique needs, Lions incorporated snake bite kits and first aid kits in the hampers.
Towels, sheets, blankets, and Lions Christmas Cakes and Puddings were also donated to the local health clinic.
Supplying tuck-shop equipment to the local school, including stainless steel shelving, a sandwich maker, slushie machine, barbecue and gas bottles, benefiting not only the students but also families displaced during the floods.
The emergency relief utilised funds raised by hard-working Clubs across the Lions Q2 District in North Queensland.
Lion Max Tavasci packing up essential supplies for the Burketown community.
The impact of these efforts goes beyond immediate relief, contributing to the long-term well-being of the Burketown community.
The local Lions will further demonstrate their commitment by returning to conduct a free eye health screening test for the children on 18th July 2024, during which Michael and Max will be honoured with an award by the school.
“Last year our school was devastated by floods. Local Lions volunteers came to our rescue,” says Burketown State School Principal Chris Ford.
“A special shout out to Lions Past District Governor Michael MacLaren and his partner Max who really took the time to understand what the community needed and mobilised the Lions network to make it happen.”
Burketown State School Principal Chris Ford pictured with his Australia Day Community Champion Award for his own outstanding performance during the 2023 floods.
“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of Lions and it’s wonderful to see them setting such a great example and highlighting the importance of community service for our students, ” said Chris.
Lions’ flood relief continues…
As disasters continue to devastate parts of the country in 2024, Lions are there providing vital support to communities.
Members from the Marlin Coast Lions Club in Cairns preparing food for SES and emergency workers as they help residents affected by Cyclone Jasper.
Whether it’s cooking for emergency service personnel, setting up free laundry and shower vans or simply lending a helping hand to someone who has lost everything.
L: Q2 District Governor Jo Lynes presented Cairns school student with a laptop after her family’s belongings were destroyed in floods. R: Q3 District Governor Andy Fitzgerald shopping for new tools with QLD tradie who lost all in floods.
Lions continue to uplift the spirits of those who have lost so much in disaster-affected communities.
Well done to all our volunteers – where there is a need, there is a Lion!
