You are starting on a journey that will give you extraordinary satisfaction, help you build networks and contacts in your business and personal life, create wonderful stories and experiences and enable you to build lifelong friendships.
Lions Clubs International is an Association of community-spirited people in over 200 countries, from myriads of diverse cultures, of women and men of all ages, who subscribe to a simple code of ethics. We all want to make our community a better place to live, work and grow.
Lions Australia has a proud history of achievement and helping the most needy in the community. Think about disasters like Cyclone Tracy, the Black Saturday bushfires and the Queensland floods – Lions were there helping in practical ways. Think about the Bionic ear, the Cervical Cancer vaccine – Gardisil, Fred Hollows – Lions were there in the early days funding research and health strategies long before they became household names. Think too, about the local parks, monuments, sporting centres and facilities built by your Lions Clubs; built by people who saw a need and got down to the job of meeting that need, with their ideas, skills and labour.
You have some questions?
One of the first things you will notice when you meet many Lions is that they are often humble and quiet about their achievements – this is why we are such a well-kept secret. It also means you might be wondering about what it means to be a Lion. Of course you can ask your local club members, but we know that sometimes you want to quietly review things before taking that first step. This blog can be your first port of call. Read through these materials and follow the links, and feel free to ask some questions that aren’t answered here.
1. How much time is involved?
Lions is a “Community Service” organisation. One of our motto’s is that we “make things happen”. Local achievements are always satisfying and that’s why we volunteer.
This means that we DO want our members to participate in meetings and their fair share of community service activities. Lions say that family comes first, then work, and then the Lions Club. Of course you need to think about your capacity to participate, but for most of us, a couple of hours of television time traded for community service is a worthwhile experience.
2. Aren’t I too young for Lions?
Like many volunteer organisations, we rely on a core group of retired people who have time, skills and networks to helps us achieve our goals, but that’s changing. Lions needs younger working people to help us do all those humanitarian projects that government can’t do.
It’s worth remembering that so many of our grey-haired, active volunteers started with Lions in their thirties, and have managed their family and working life along with a healthy dose of community service. Think about why they are still Lions and still active.
It’s because a Lions Club can be fun, friendly and incredibly satisfying.
3. Paying to volunteer! What’s that about?
Any volunteer organisation needs to provide services and support to its volunteers – training, insurance, promotional materials and the like. As a democratic organisation, we also have some costs associated with our decision-making processes at International, National and local levels.
Did you know that when a member of the public donates money to their local Lions Club, every cent goes to where it was promised? The club doesn’t take even 1%. Compare that with other organisations.
Lions are immensely proud of the fact that we don’t take public donations to cover our operating costs – and its one of the reasons for our reputation in the community.
That’s why members pay a small amount in dues.
4. I’m a little bothered by the formality at the Lions Club meeting.
Some of the things about the way a meeting is run are to meet the rules of the Association, or the legal requirements of the organisation. Others are part of the “rituals” of the organisation and its history, and the existing members are used to this way of operating.
Lions Clubs are democratic organisations though, and other than meeting our legal and procedural requirements, there is no reason why other things can’t change if the members wish them to. Lions Clubs are apolitical and not religious.
5. What does the Club actually do?
All Lions Clubs subscribe to our Code of Ethics, and are part of an International Organisation, but set their own program independently. They can support projects that are operated at an international, national and district level – and can create and operate their own projects. You can browse the national website to find out some information about these projects. We all know that we work best at the things we love to do, so an important question to ask the club members is “what projects do you do?” and “who do you help”
If you have a passion for a project, there is no reason why you can’t try to persuade your Lions Club to support it.
6. Are Lions Clubs for women too?
Lions Clubs are for everyone – men and women, people from different cultures, and anyone over 18 years of age. Lions Clubs recruit for skills, ideas, interests and labour.
We are working to make all of our clubs inclusive of gender, race, culture and linguistic background, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity and more. With more than 1200 clubs in Australia, there is every chance that we can find a club for you.
We value the contribution of women in our organisation – great leaders, skilled business people and consummate networkers.
7. I applied to join a club, but wasn’t accepted?
Lions Club membership is by invitation. Your club has a long history of working together, has particular projects they deliver, and a unique style. Like any close group – a family, a work team or a bunch of school friends – perhaps there wasn’t that “meeting of the minds”. In many communities there is more than one club, so if you have skills to offer and subscribe to our ethics, visit another club.
8. How do I join a club?
The first thing to do is to contact your local club, or if you don’t know who they are you can find out on the National Lions website. The next thing is to take your time. Attend a few club meetings, find out about the work of the club and meet the members. Hopefully you will have a long and happy association with Lions, so you need to make sure that the club will work for you. If things work out, you will receive an invitation to join.
9. Can I bring my kids to Lions events?
Lions encourages family involvement, and this is something you should discuss with your club when you are thinking about joining. Many Lions members have brought their children to club meetings, fundraisers and other activities – it’s a great way of teaching them about their community.
Lions also has many programs for older children like our Leo Program and Youth of the Year .
9. Tell me more!
The best source of information will be your local Lions Club, but if you want to read more, or discuss your thoughts with the Lions online community, here are some places to start.
Keep an eye out for a pride of Lions in your community in coming weeks
/in OUR STORIES /by JemmaMembers of the Coogee Lions Club will be out in their community on Lions Awareness Day.
Many of Lions Australia’s hardworking volunteers will be getting out in the community in coming weeks to celebrate the importance of community service in the lead up to Lions Awareness Day.
Held on the 4th of March, Lions Awareness Day is particularly important this year as Australia continues to face some of the worst flooding in history.
“As natural disasters continue to devastate communities, we need volunteers now more than ever,” says Lions Australia’s CEO Rob Oerlemans.
“Lions Australia’s 25,000 plus hardworking volunteers often serve their communities silently behind the scenes. Lions Awareness Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the incredible difference our volunteers make and give people an opportunity to learn more about our organisation.”
“When disaster strikes Lions volunteers are the first to offer support. It’s been a big couple of years for our members with many communities impacted by flooding.”
Stop by and say hello to your local Lions Club on the 4th of March (Terrigal-Wamberal Lions Club pictured).
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 25,000 volunteers. Now, Lions Australia has set a goal of 30,000 members by 2030 and 50,000 members by 2050.
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.
“If you see any Lions out in your community in coming weeks, we encourage you to say hello and get some information on what your local club is up to. If you are interested in making a difference, ask your local Lions how you can get involved. We know there are many people out there looking to make a difference in the community right now, and it’s a great time to join us,” says Rob Oerlemans.
Lions volunteers pay annual membership fees to cover admin costs which means 100% of funds donated to your local Lions Club goes directly towards the cause.
Over $50 million is donated to Lions Australia each year with all funds going directly to important causes and people in need. Over $5 million is invested in youth programs each year, over $20 million is invested in medical research, $5 million in drug awareness, $20 million in hearing services and over 3000 environmental projects are carried out by Lions Australia every year.
For more information about Lions Awareness Day and how to get involved, click here.
Sydney Lions are supporting Ukrainian refugees and they need your help
/in HUMANITARIAN, OUR STORIES /by JemmaIn times of crisis, Lions Clubs do what they can to make a difference and that’s exactly what local volunteers are doing right now to support the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Funds raised by Lions across Sydney have helped establish the new modern modular Warsaw Information Centre and Medical Clinic in front of the Ukraine Consulate in Warsaw.
The project is being led by Hornsby Lions Club with director John Lockyer gearing up for his next visit to Poland and encouraging anyone looking to support Ukrainian refugees to make a donation.
“The conflict in the Ukraine has devastated so many lives. Many Lions volunteers are doing whatever they can to support those impacted and we need your help,” says John.
Lions Clubs across Sydney set a goal of raising $10,000 for Lions Warsaw to set up a Warsaw Information Centre modular in front of the consulate.
Lion John Lockyer in Warsaw with Ukrainian refugees.
“As a result of exceeding our $10,000 by raising $5000 more, Lions Warsaw also secured an additional modular office that is being used as a medical clinic. The central purpose of this medical clinic is to provide health support to Ukrainian children/families at the Lions Information Centre.”
“Now thousands of Ukrainian refugees that are seeking assistance at the consulate can be interviewed by Lions Warsaw Volunteers without any concern of the extreme bitter cold and wet conditions.
The harsh Polish winter will return and we are pleased to support Warsaw Lions volunteers with the provision of secure, warm modern offices so that refugees can be adequately interviewed,” says John.
John Lockyer from the Hornsby Lions Club on site for the build of the new Information Centre and Medical Clinic in Warsaw.
“I am returning to Poland to review progress at the Ukrainian Consulate in Warsaw and then plan to review progress on the plan by Lions Warsaw to establish similar facilities in the Gdansk, Wroclaw, Krakow and Lublin.”
“We’re encouraging anyone who would like to make a difference to consider making a donation. Every dollar counts,” adds John.
Donations can be made to: DG Vin Pang Endorsed Warsaw/Ukraine Lions Appeal
BSB : 032055 A/c: 163233
In addition to local Lions projects and initiatives in Australia, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has now provided over US$1,735,000 in grants to support Ukrainian refugees who have crossed their borders.
Lions in Ukraine have also received LCIF grants to address the critical needs of people who remain in the country.
Lions Club of Whitford Donates to Mobile Laundry Van
/in DONATIONS, OUR STORIES /by adminBY EMILY WILLIAMS
For many Australians, clean clothes are an unattainable luxury. The team at Perth-based Fortuna Foundation are trying to change that.
Launched in August of 2021, their Positive Spin Van operates as a laundromat-on-wheels providing free laundry services to those in need.
Currently, there are over 9,000 people experiencing homelessness in Perth. Of these, it is estimated that 1,100 are sleeping rough.
Recognising the importance of such a service, the Lions Club of Whitford recently donated $1,000 to the initiative.
“(Project Spin) is such a good and generous project to help those not as fortunate and their work should be recognised, I believe,” said Derek Best, President of the Lions Club of Whitford.
The Van, with its two washing machines and two clothes dryers, parks alongside partnering community centres and churches according to a roster that is distributed by flyers and community groups.
During the wash and dry cycle, those utilising the service will be provided with food and a safe space to share stories and conversations with Positive Spin’s volunteers.
Through bridging the welfare gap, Fortuna Foundation hope to restore dignity in its users and inspire confidence to seek out employment.
“The Positive Spin Van was birthed with a vision to better address the needs of our community. We hope that by providing this free service we will alleviate some of the common stresses our homeless friends face every day; that they won’t have to worry about something as simple as clean clothes and hygiene which we often take for granted,” said Fortuna Foundation Board Member, Dinesh Aggarwal.
Although the Positive Spin Van is not a permanent solution to eradicating homelessness, it is an important and necessary step in restoring the dignity and humanity of those experiencing homelessness in Perth.
To make a donation or to learn more about this initiative, click here.
Hero Lion – George Kinealy
/in Lion Hero /by JemmaLion PDG George Kinealy OAM is a member of the Lions Club of Wyong, NSW. George has been a hard working Lion for over 40 years. He has worked at club level, district level and on Multiple District Committees.
Thinking about joining Lions?
/in NEWS /by Rob OerlermansCongratulations
You are starting on a journey that will give you extraordinary satisfaction, help you build networks and contacts in your business and personal life, create wonderful stories and experiences and enable you to build lifelong friendships.
You have some questions?
One of the first things you will notice when you meet many Lions is that they are often humble and quiet about their achievements – this is why we are such a well-kept secret. It also means you might be wondering about what it means to be a Lion. Of course you can ask your local club members, but we know that sometimes you want to quietly review things before taking that first step. This blog can be your first port of call. Read through these materials and follow the links, and feel free to ask some questions that aren’t answered here.
1. How much time is involved?
Lions is a “Community Service” organisation. One of our motto’s is that we “make things happen”. Local achievements are always satisfying and that’s why we volunteer.
This means that we DO want our members to participate in meetings and their fair share of community service activities. Lions say that family comes first, then work, and then the Lions Club. Of course you need to think about your capacity to participate, but for most of us, a couple of hours of television time traded for community service is a worthwhile experience.
2. Aren’t I too young for Lions?
Like many volunteer organisations, we rely on a core group of retired people who have time, skills and networks to helps us achieve our goals, but that’s changing. Lions needs younger working people to help us do all those humanitarian projects that government can’t do.
It’s worth remembering that so many of our grey-haired, active volunteers started with Lions in their thirties, and have managed their family and working life along with a healthy dose of community service. Think about why they are still Lions and still active.
It’s because a Lions Club can be fun, friendly and incredibly satisfying.
3. Paying to volunteer! What’s that about?
Any volunteer organisation needs to provide services and support to its volunteers – training, insurance, promotional materials and the like. As a democratic organisation, we also have some costs associated with our decision-making processes at International, National and local levels.
Did you know that when a member of the public donates money to their local Lions Club, every cent goes to where it was promised? The club doesn’t take even 1%. Compare that with other organisations.
Lions are immensely proud of the fact that we don’t take public donations to cover our operating costs – and its one of the reasons for our reputation in the community.
That’s why members pay a small amount in dues.
4. I’m a little bothered by the formality at the Lions Club meeting.
Some of the things about the way a meeting is run are to meet the rules of the Association, or the legal requirements of the organisation. Others are part of the “rituals” of the organisation and its history, and the existing members are used to this way of operating.
Lions Clubs are democratic organisations though, and other than meeting our legal and procedural requirements, there is no reason why other things can’t change if the members wish them to. Lions Clubs are apolitical and not religious.
All Lions Clubs subscribe to our Code of Ethics, and are part of an International Organisation, but set their own program independently. They can support projects that are operated at an international, national and district level – and can create and operate their own projects. You can browse the national website to find out some information about these projects. We all know that we work best at the things we love to do, so an important question to ask the club members is “what projects do you do?” and “who do you help”
If you have a passion for a project, there is no reason why you can’t try to persuade your Lions Club to support it.
6. Are Lions Clubs for women too?
Lions Clubs are for everyone – men and women, people from different cultures, and anyone over 18 years of age. Lions Clubs recruit for skills, ideas, interests and labour.
We are working to make all of our clubs inclusive of gender, race, culture and linguistic background, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity and more. With more than 1200 clubs in Australia, there is every chance that we can find a club for you.
We value the contribution of women in our organisation – great leaders, skilled business people and consummate networkers.
7. I applied to join a club, but wasn’t accepted?
Lions Club membership is by invitation. Your club has a long history of working together, has particular projects they deliver, and a unique style. Like any close group – a family, a work team or a bunch of school friends – perhaps there wasn’t that “meeting of the minds”. In many communities there is more than one club, so if you have skills to offer and subscribe to our ethics, visit another club.
8. How do I join a club?
The first thing to do is to contact your local club, or if you don’t know who they are you can find out on the National Lions website. The next thing is to take your time. Attend a few club meetings, find out about the work of the club and meet the members. Hopefully you will have a long and happy association with Lions, so you need to make sure that the club will work for you. If things work out, you will receive an invitation to join.
9. Can I bring my kids to Lions events?
Lions encourages family involvement, and this is something you should discuss with your club when you are thinking about joining. Many Lions members have brought their children to club meetings, fundraisers and other activities – it’s a great way of teaching them about their community.
Lions also has many programs for older children like our Leo Program and Youth of the Year .
9. Tell me more!
The best source of information will be your local Lions Club, but if you want to read more, or discuss your thoughts with the Lions online community, here are some places to start.
Read more
Lion Hero – Paul McInnes
/in Lion Hero /by Rob OerlermansPaul McInnes is a tireless worker across a range of local and international community and charitable projects. He is proud to have chartered the Blacktown Ponds Lions Club Inc. and was the Charter President. The Club would not be where it is today without his knowledge, tenacity, support, intelligence and hard work.
Lion Hero – Peter Garnham
/in Lion Hero /by Rob OerlermansLion Peter Garnham has been a member of the Lions Club of East Maitland for 26 years and is a founding member of the Maitland Men’s Shed and a former Deputy Mayor of Maitland City Council.
Passionate about service, and dedicated to the community, Peter lends a hand to many diverse community groups and causes, as well as Lions.
Thank you to our Lions Hero.
Brisbane teenager recognised on global stage as winner of Lions Clubs International Peace Essay Contest
/in PEACE CONTEST, YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES /by adminThe theme of the 2019-20 Peace Essay contest was “Peace Through Service” and Year 8 Brisbane student, Joshua Wood has taken home the grand prize. The announcement was made as part of Lions Day with the United Nations.
The Brisbane Camp Hill Carindale Lions Club sponsored the local contest that gave Joshua the opportunity to participate in this global event and share his words of peace with the world.
Watch Joshua read his 2019-20 winning essay here.
Hero Lion – Jan Foreman
/in Lion Hero /by adminLion Jan Foreman is a member of the Lions Club of the Young in NSW. Jan’s colleagues in the Young Lions Club think that Jan is the quintessential allrounder!
Hero Lion – Alan Turner
/in Lion Hero /by adminLion Alan Turner is a member of the Lions Club of the Entrance in NSW. A Lion since 1969, he is known in the club as “Mr Lion”, the ‘go to’ person for all of those curly questions that need his encyclopaedic knowledge.