OUR STORIES - Lions Clubs Australia

Her Excellency Congratulates Lions Medical Research Foundation Scholarship Recipient

September 14, 2022/in OUR STORIES, RESEARCH & INNOVATION /by Jemma

Lions Medical Research Foundation Scholarships have been offered since year 2000, with $35,000 awarded to recipients.In 2022, the Foundation received 28 scholarship applications, with Emma Cheney the final 2022 recipient. Emma’s area of study under this scholarship will be in Myeloma Research at the University of Adelaide.Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer. Emma is passionate about developing new treatment strategies that improve patient survival and quality of life.

Lions Medical Research Scholarship recipient Emma Cheney with her parents.

A reception was held at Government House to mark the special occasion at the invitation of Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC and Mr Rod Bunten.In welcoming guests, Her Excellency said, ‘South Australia has long had a tradition of world-leading medical research.“We need look no further than the garden outside Government House to see the bust honouring eminent medical scientist Howard Florey who played a vital role in the discovery of penicillin.“His bust stands amongst those of other eminent scientists such as Sir Lawrence and Sir William Bragg, after whom the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy under construction further down North Terrace as part of the Adelaide bio-medical precinct, is named.”“By supporting our best and brightest young medical scientists we are investing in healthy futures not only for our own community, but around the world where needs are pressing.”“Rod and I congratulate the Lions Medical Research Foundation for backing our “home grown” medical researchers through the scholarship program.”Indeed, the work of the Lions Medical Research Foundation, in supporting and assisting the development of ‘home grown’ medical researchers, can not be underestimated.Supporting South Australian academics by offering financial assistance to gain their PhD’s, while remaining in this state, is a large part of the foundations drive to support the health and wellbeing of our community.Emma Cheney completed a Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (majoring in Medical Science) at the University of Adelaide in 2019. Emma’s research work, under the support of this scholarship, will focus on novel immunotherapies targeting a protein called Gremlin1 and tumour supportive macrophages.From Her Excellency, “I am sure I speak for everyone here in wishing you (Emma) the best for your research and your future career. We look forward to hearing of your progress.”

To find our more about the Lions Medical Research Foundation and its scholarship opportunities, click here.

Lions volunteers plant 75 gardens for 75 years

September 13, 2022/in ENVIRONMENT, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

The environment is a key focus for Lions and now there are community gardens popping up all over the country to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Lions Clubs in Australia.

We set a goal this year to plant at least 75 gardens across the country before the official anniversary on 29th September.

CEO Rob Oerlemans has confirmed the goal has already been hit with over 75 gardens now planted nationwide!

The Lions Club of Robina’s 75th Anniversary garden project.

“At Lions we pride ourselves on the work we do to make our communities better places to live, and on doing our bit to nurture our local, national and global environments. Our anniversary gardens are a wonderful way to celebrate this and we’re delighted to confirm that over 75 gardens have already been planted across the country,” says Rob.

“It’s been great to see the different ways Clubs have chosen to celebrate the occasion ranging from flowers and native gardens to vegetable gardens for schools, sensory gardens, plaques, park benches and even time capsules. Many Clubs will be hosting special events this month to celebrate the significant milestone and the incredible impact Lions have made and will continue to make in their communities.”

The Lions Club of Queanbeyan installed a plaque in their commemorative garden.

Since the first club was formed in Lismore in 1947, Lions Australia has grown to be the largest service club organisation in Australia, with over 1200 clubs and 25,000 members giving back through an array of community-based programs and initiatives.

This year Lions have been going above and beyond on the recovery efforts for those Australians affected by the floods and continue to support those recovering from the Black Summer bushfires.

Members of the Mount Gambier Lions Club ready to plant their flowers.

The 75th Anniversary campaign is based on the theme of “Always”. We have always been there for our communities, always stand ready to help, and will always be there in the future when needed.

To see all the club garden projects, visit our Facebook Page or for more information about planning your own 75th anniversary celebration, click here.

Q2’s Marathon Eye Screening Trip

September 13, 2022/in OUR STORIES /by Emily Williams

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

One in every five Australian children have an undetected vision problem, and Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP) is working to change that.

The team in Q2 have recently returned from a trip that saw them visit schools across their District to conduct vision tests for children.

Irene and Martin of Tully Lions Club, Susan and Warwick of Whitsunday Lions Club, and non-Lion Terena hit the road together to travel from Mount Isa to Charters Towers.

Eye Testing Extraordinaires: Irene & Martin (Tully Lions Club), Sue & Warwick (Whitsunday Lions Club) and Terena (Image: Facebook)

The group travelled over 2000 kilometres to screen 668 students from 13 schools, plus a number of teachers. From this, 151 referrals were made following the examinations; validating the need for such a service.

With extensive experience under their belts, the team from Q2 were able to offer screenings for depth perception, colour perception, visual acuity, and general eye health/abnormalities.

Whilst programs such as this regularly operate in the main cities and along the coast, often communities out West miss out on these opportunities.

“It was so rewarding to be able to screen at these schools who often get left off the list as they are so far west,” said Irene Braddick, the program lead.

One in five Aussie kids have undetected vision problems (Image: Facebook)

The campaign is expected to take place every two years, in line with the recommendations laid out by LEHP. Regular eye exams for children are important to avoid long-term vision impairment.

The Lions Eye Health Program was established in 2000 as a pilot program funded by LCIF’s SightFirst Project. Now a Category B Project, over 60% of Australian Lions Clubs have promoted LEHP.

You can learn more about the program here.

Lions Club of Gawler lighting the way for the 75th Anniversary!

August 12, 2022/in OUR STORIES /by Elise Murrell

Congratulations Lions Club of Gawler Inc with SA Infrastructure and Transport for their Lions 75th Anniversary Garden project!

The Lions Club of Gawler have, for more than 20 years, cared for the Gawler Railway Station precinct, including the the station’s gardens & heritage features.

That care, attention and Lions’ own heritage has now been acknowledged and celebrated by the addition of the 75th Anniversary garden. The centrepiece being an illuminated Lions logo! Solar powered of course 🙂

In a much appreciated gesture, Rail Care have also donated 300 plants and other materials to support the project.

How does your 75th Anniversary Garden “glow”?

We are always excited to receive news of gardens being planted by clubs around Australia, and your 75^th Anniversary celebrations, and would love to share on our social media.

Email Jemma at pr@lions.org.au with your stories and pics!

If your club is planning a garden, big or small, we have some great resources available for promotion here

This is how LC Gawler’s 75th Anniversary Garden glows!

Wheelers Hill Lions Club’s Novel Idea

August 11, 2022/in OUR STORIES /by Emily Williams

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

With the exception of 2020, Wheelers Hill Lions Club have been holding second-hand book sale fundraisers for the past 14 years.

Since 2008, the Club has raised over $100,000 to support Lions projects in the local area by selling used books once or twice a year.

Bargain hunters browsing the second-hand book sale.
Image: Supplied

Money raised from the book sales has been a major contributor to many Lions projects in Monash over the years, including enabling over 50 children to attend camps.

In 2019, Wheelers Hill Lions Club put funds raised from the book sale towards purchasing a 12 seater bus for Wavecare, a counselling and community support service based in Monash. The bus collects elderly residents from their homes and takes them to the local community centre for a day of planned activities, before returning the residents home.

Lions L-R : Val Eldridge, Ian Bjorkman, Ralph Wildenberg and Shiraz Mistry Image: Supplied

Books at the sale are donated to the Club and sold for between 50¢ and $3.50. With between 9,000 and 11,000 second-hand fiction and non-fiction books on sale at each event, there is something for everyone.

Lions work together to alphabetise and sort the thousands of books into 25 categories, making it easier for bargain hunters to find what they’re looking for.

The next book sale will be taking place at Caribbean Park in Scoresby on the 20^th and 21^st of August. You can find more about the event here.

Wangi Lions Club’s Festival Celebrates its 45th Year

August 11, 2022/in OUR STORIES /by Emily Williams

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

In the first weekend of June, Wangi Lions Club held their annual Dobell Festival of Art and Craft.

Over its 45-year history, the festival has cemented itself as one of the most prestigious art and craft festivals in New South Wales.

This year’s two-day event raised in excess of $20,000 and included 320 paintings and over 1000 pieces of craft.

2022 Dobell Prize winner: “Still Life with Magnolias” – John Edge

Over the years, funds raised have supported local families experiencing hardships; domestic violence services; women’s refuges; drug and alcohol services; food relief; children’s services; mental health and special needs services; as well as local schools and sporting groups in the District.

Keith McBurney and Warren Jeffers

Jane Smith of Wangi Lions Club credits Keith McBurney, who has been the Dobell Festival Chairperson for the past 7 years, and Warren Jeffers, the primary sponsorship facilitator, as being the “nuts and bolts of the festival”.

Named after esteemed local artist Sir William Dobell, this year’s festival came to life after 8 weeks of hard work by members of Wangi Lions Club and approximately 30 volunteers.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to socialise with the community, as each year many volunteer and become a part of the festival,” said Smith.

Raffle Prize painted by Stephanie Macfarlane

Wangi Lions Dobell Festival of Art and Craft provides a great opportunity for Lake Macquarie residents to come together as a community and celebrate the promising artists of the area.

You can see the full list of winners below.

Keep up to date with Wangi Lions Club here.

2022 Awards for Art Section

The 2022 Dobell Prize

John Edge – “Still Life with Magnolias”

Section 1 – Landscape

Jill Cairns – “Here I Stand”

Section 2 – Figurative

Sue Rosalind Vesely – “Ascension”

Section 3 – Still Life

Rene Berger – “Still Life with Winter Shadows”

Section 4 – ‘After Dobell’

Christine Galvin – “Faithful Companion”

Section 5 – Youth Primary

Louis Poelaert – “Elephant in the Room”

Section 6 – Youth Secondary

Peyton Hardesty – “Peter Spider Morph”

2022 Awards for Craft Section

Dobell Craft Prize

Noelene Farrell

Needlework/Knitting

Karen Murray

Pottery

Sue Stewart

Ceramics

Rebecca Irving

Jewellery

Joanne Wiltshire

Miscellaneous

Janelle Hampton

Torquay Lions are ‘Better Together’

July 29, 2022/in OUR STORIES /by Jemma

Following his installation as the new President of Torquay Lions Club, Lion Colin Bellis claimed his theme of ‘Better Together’ will ensure local Lions will serve their community better, strengthen their Club, and unearth new ways to raise funds to help those in need.

“Our Leadership Team has met already to plan the next 12 months,” President Colin said.

“The idea of ‘Better Together’ will drive us throughout the year.

Outgoing president of Torquay Lions Club, Neil Roche (left) receives his Yearbook from incoming president Colin Bellis. The book consists of text and images of activities managed by the Lions Club during Neil’s year.

“A club which operates ‘Better Together’ will ensure our service to our community retains a very high standard, our fundraising will raise sufficient funds to meet local, national, and international needs, and we will have fun while we work”.

He was speaking after the annual changeover dinner of the Torquay Lions held at the Lions Village recently when his new executive team was installed for the next 12 months.

V2 2nd Vice District Governor, Michelle Challis, formally installed the team at the changeover dinner.

V2 2nd District Governor Elect, Michelle Challis, presents new Torquay Lions Club member, Ross Yapp, with his Lions shirt, cap and name badge, after she inducted him into Lions Clubs International.

Outgoing President, Lion Neil Roche, proudly announced at the dinner that the Torquay Lions had distributed just over $54,300 to local, national and international causes during the past year.

“Under Lion Neil’s guidance, Lions worked hard to raise those funds for distribution,” declared the Incoming President, Lion Colin.

“As well, local Lions worked voluntarily doing deliveries for Feed Me Surf Coast.

Torquay’s Lion of the Year was presented this month to Lion Tony Smith (left) for the amount of community service he did on top of his regular voluntary contribution to club activities. Outgoing President Neil Roche presented the award on behalf of the Club.

“Averaging six Lions delivering or loading each week, we supported Feed Me Surf Coast for 700 hours equating to $21,000 for the past 12 months”.

Lions in the executive team supporting the President this year are Brian Keane, Leadership Chair; Neil Roche, Service Chair; Ken Farrow, Secretary; Deb Law, Treasurer; and Bill Ferguson, Membership Chair.

Following his year of service as President of Torquay Lions Club, Lion Neil Roche, as his last official act, unfurls the club’s honour roll of Past Presidents with his name added to the banner.

“Like many other service organisations, Torquay Lions are keen to develop our membership base. We would love to see anyone looking for local involvement with a purpose to try their hand serving the community with us,” Lion Colin pointed out.

“Most people who try out working with Lions, join us for the satisfaction they receive serving others,” he concluded.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Torquay Lions can visit their website here.

Skin Cancer Van at Bunnings, South Vermont

Lions Mobile Skin Cancer Van Stops in at Vermont South Bunnings

July 29, 2022/in HEALTH, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

The Lions V Districts Cancer Foundation makes a real and lasting difference in people’s lives with their mobile skin cancer check vans.

On July 22^nd and 23^rd their mobile van was in Bunnings carpark at Vermont South, Victoria. Lions Club of Waverley President Eamonn Cooke writes:

This project had Lions Club of Waverley as the main club organiser, and we were assisted by Lions Club of South Vermont. People attended on Friday 22^nd and Saturday 23^rd July to be screened for skin cancer. Around 110 people attended, many of whom – including myself – were being screened for the first time. Both Lions groups donated the net proceeds from their BBQs on Friday and Saturday to this project. Our club’s donation was $1 500. We also funded most of the skin cancer team’s meals and their hotel accommodation.

Back in January 2022, the idea for this project was communicated to our club. Over the next few months, we established a team from both Waverley and South Vermont to drive the event. We are appreciative of the assistance we received from Bunnings Activity Officer, Marie. She was an important cog in this project; donating her time to attend meetings, and answering my phone calls and many emails.

During the lead up to the event, I was constantly in contact with Wendy Hellebrand (OAM) Skin Check Roster/Volunteer Screeners Coordinator. Her knowledge and support were amazing and it meant so much to have her help.

Lion Bob set up an electronic spreadsheet with a dedicated email address to record the bookings. He also produced the event running sheet, which was a key document that scheduled action items for the team to be aware of. As the time got closer, I met up with Lions Dave Underhay and John Watson. These two Lions were key to the unit getting to the Vermont South location and kept safely stored overnight. Thank you both for your contribution and effort in making it all look so easy!

When I saw the unit and the length of it, I was awe struck. It’s amazing. Vermont Bunnings were generous by facilitating the unit to be located on their ‘prime real-estate’ at the front of the store beside the BBQ setup.

Show time was 6am Friday 22^nd and it was zero degrees. Shivering Lions Bill, Tony, Bob and driver John were assembling the unit for the day. My left foot had frost bite. This was fabulous teamwork setting everything up. Again, on Saturday 23^rd DG Graham and Lions David, Bob and driver John were hard at work. I managed to drop a heavy witches hat on the DG’s foot!

On Friday morning, Wendy and her team Susan, Bob, Iggy, and Anthony arrived and got down to business. Their whole approach to examining people was so professional and non-intrusive, although standing there in my undies was interesting! A massive thanks must go out to the team.

On each day we had our ‘triage team’ from both clubs booking in the clients. Bob had electronically recorded each person and the attendance was fine.

Meanwhile, our Lions BBQ mob were hard at work drumming up business. Both Waverley and South Vermont teams helped the day earning funds to assist the Skin Cancer Unit.

Lastly, a great big thank you to Lion Monica from the Lions Club of Waverley for baking a fabulous fruit cake for the skin cancer team, delicious was the consensus!

Click here to find out more about how the Lions V Districts Cancer Foundation is saving lives.

International Peace Poster Contest Winner Presented with Award

July 12, 2022/in NEWS, OUR STORIES, PEACE CONTEST /by Jemma

The Booragoon Lions Club have presented National Lions Peace Poster Contest winner, Hannah Roberts, with her trophy and Lions International certificate of merit.

(L to R) Lion John Garrett (Peace Poster Chairman, Lions Club of Booragoon), Hannah Roberts and Fleur Cason from Applecross Senior High School.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, it was only this week when Hannah and her family could visit the Club meeting to receive her international awards, certificates and other documents relating to her achievement.

Lion John Garrett, Booragoon Lions’ Peace Poster Chairman, also presented a Lions Community Service Award to the Arts Department of Applecross Senior High School in recognition of the School’s ongoing support for the Lions Peace Poster contest and the dedication and enthusiasm of art teachers Fleur Cason and Jo Sweetman.

This is the second consecutive year an art student from Applecross Senior High School and winner of the Booragoon Lions Club’s contest has been named Australia’s Peace Poster winner.

Hannah’s proud family – Gillian and Paul (mum and dad) and brother Liam.

In 2020-21, student Sora Hamamura was the national winner followed by Hannah in 2021-22, aged 13 years at the time.

Based on creativity, originality and portrayal of the theme “We Are All Connected”, Hannah’s entry was chosen as one of 23 merit award winners at the Chicago international judging from over 600,000 entries.

She received US$500 as an International certificate of merit winner and AUD$200 as the National Lions Australia winner.

The Peace Poster entry created by Hannah Roberts has been hailed as “amazing” by those who have seen it.

To be chosen as one of just 23 merit award winners from across the world is indeed a superb honour.

Congratulations Hannah!

Click here to see Hannah’s Peace Poster.

Lions Free Skin Checks Make a Difference

July 8, 2022/in HEALTH, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

The Lions V Districts Cancer Foundation mobile skin check van stopped in at the seaside town of Torquay, southwest of Melbourne, offering free skin check services to those with limited access to specialist skin care professionals.

Torquay Lions Club President, Colin Bellis, is delighted that many local residents took up the opportunity for a free skin check over two days.

“When I visited the Lions Skin Check and Awareness Mobile Unit on its first day of operation in Torquay, a number of people had already been advised to make a potentially life-saving appointment with their GP by having a thorough follow up,” he stated.

Since the Unit has been in operation in various towns in regional Victoria, 3,489 checks have been done and from those checks 1,483 referrals to GPs have been necessary.

Torquay Lions Club President Colin Bellis, Friend of Lions Gail Roche, check in Rod Joyce from Anglesea, and Lorraine Large from Jan Juc for free skin checks at the Lions Skin Check and Awareness Mobile Unit.

“We all need to be concerned about skin cancer, and anyone showing signs of skin changes should have them checked by health professionals.

“Our Lions Mobile Unit is hard-pressed to meet the need in regional Victoria, but we are aiming to bring the mobile unit back to Torquay as soon as we are able,” Lion Colin said.

The van was at Wurdi Baierr Stadium, Torquay on Friday, July 1st and Saturday, July 2nd.

Locals who had made appointments were checked by trained and certificated volunteers.

The Lions team pointed out that many people told them it was a wonderful initiative of Lions.

Colin Large from Jan Juc chats with Torquay Lions Club President Colin Bellis, while waiting for his free skin check.

“It’s been great to provide people with valuable and timely data about skin care and self-checking techniques. Just having the Unit here in Torquay has helped raise the community’s awareness,” Lion Colin said.

“It is well-known Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

“Lions Clubs in Victoria and Southern NSW are working hard to reduce that level and its impact on families, but every one of the Surf Coast needs to take action”, Lion Colin concluded.

Interested in getting involved where it matters?

Click here to find out how you can help the Lions V Districts Cancer Foundation make a real and lasting difference in people’s lives.