As Northern NSW braced for even more rain this week, the resilience and determination of volunteers is shining through.
Lions Australia is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year and the theme of “always” being there for the community could not be more relevant.
Lismore was the birthplace of Lions in Australia with Lismore Lions Club founded in 1947.
75 years on, there are several Lions clubs in the area and over 1300 across Australia who have been able to mobilise quickly to provide support to those in need.
Lismore Lions Club President Theo Beemster says it is going to take years for the community to recover and local Lions volunteers will be there every step of the way.
“We will keep going until we’re not needed anymore,” says Theo.
Lismore Lions Club members have their barbecue trailer set up outside Lincraft in Keen Street each day. They have been supporting the clean-up providing food, water and a listening ear to the community and visiting ADF personnel, Fire Brigade, SES crews and volunteers.
Lismore Lions with members of the Australian Defence Force
“We are managing quite well, just a little exhausted. Even though many of our members are in their 80s, they are so sufficient at what they do. We have many business donating sausages and bacon to our cook up which is a huge help. We also have the Goonellabah-Wollongbar & Districts Lions Club helping out and providing food nearby as well and Lismore City Lions Club providing food in South Lismore,” adds Theo.
The Lismore City Lions have also set up a free laundry and shower van at 25 Casino St, South Lismore outside Sheaffe Motors that is operating between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. The van was kindly supplied by the Lions Club of Belmont and District from the Newcastle region.
Local Lions Clubs on the ground are being supported by many volunteers and their communities with hundreds of Lions volunteers across the country shaking donation buckets and hosting fundraisers for the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal.
Every dollar raised in the Appeal is being sent directly to local Lions Clubs to provide emergency support to those in need and help the community rebuild.
Anyone looking to make a donation and support those affected by the floods can do so through their local Lions Club or through donating directly to Australian Lions Foundation.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
The Countdown is on – Lions Mini-Convention starts soon!
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaHundreds of Lions volunteers and community leaders are travelling to Melbourne this week for Lions Australia’s 2022 National Convention which will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Lions in Australia.
CEO Rob Oerlemans says the Convention is the perfect opportunity for volunteers from across the country to reconnect, reflect and be inspired.
“Lions Australia is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year and the theme of “always” being there for the community could not be more relevant.”
“75 years ago, the first Lions Club was formed in Lismore NSW. Today our Lismore Lions and their colleagues and friends from over 1100 Lions Clubs from throughout Australia are working on the recovery efforts for those Australians affected by the floods, while we continue to support those recovering from the Black Summer bushfires.”
“Our national convention is a great opportunity for our members and leaders to come together to celebrate, reflect and plan ahead for the future,” says Lions Australia CEO Rob Oerlemans.
Attendees will enjoy a panel discussion about inspiring community projects featuring great speakers including Mr. Jaswinder Singh of Sikh Volunteers Australia, Mr. Andrew Kelly – CEO of The Antarctic Science Foundation and Ms Cinnamon Evans, CEO of CERES, a world class social enterprise incorporating urban farming and sustainability education in Melbourne.
The National finals of the Lions Youth of the Year and Leo of the Year will be held and updates and presentations will be shared from other Lions foundations and major projects.
Interested in joining the convention but can’t attend this year? Click here to find out how you can join the Live Stream!
For more information on the Lions Australia National Convention visit https://lionsclubs.org.au/event/lions-australia-mini-convention-melbourne/
Lions and Disaster Relief Australia Unite for Flood Recovery Effort
/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by JemmaThe devastating floods that hit Queensland and NSW in March this year had far-reaching consequences for both communities and individuals. The path back to recovery appeared endless, with only shells of damaged homes and shattered lives remaining.
Along with our own volunteers, partner organisations such as Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) were thankfully ready to respond. The first phase of flood recovery efforts began in the Moreton Bay region of Queensland and then Coraki, NSW, just a short drive from hard-hit Lismore.
Over 650 volunteers deployed in response to 500 requests for help over the course of eight weeks. Over a million dollars in community value has been generated by 25K volunteer hours.
Wherever DRA deploys volunteers on the ground to aid communities in need of recovery after disasters, Lions is there to help. Lions’ volunteers pay membership fees to cover admin costs which means 100% of funds donated to Lions clubs go directly towards the cause, such as DRA’s disaster recovery operations.
The people of Coraki, NSW, welcomed DRA volunteers with open arms as they began the community recovery process. Aside from assisting flood victims, the disaster relief teams worked on community projects such as cleaning up the bowling club to bring people together and placing fresh wood chips in playgrounds to provide children a safe area to play once again.
Thousands of safety masks, hundreds of pairs of gumboots, pressure washers, heavy equipment rental, and hundreds of litres of cleaning chemicals were used.
Lions’ contribution to DRA has resulted in tangible and long-term benefits.
Breakdown of funding:
Lions Club of Tathra Operation Kelliher – Flood Recovery $2,500
Lions Club of Batemans Bay Operation Kelliher – Flood Recovery $1,149
Oak Flats Lions Club Operation Kelliher – Flood Recovery $1,000
Lions Clubs of Goulburn City Operation Kelliher – Flood Recovery $10,00
You can still donate to the Australian Lions Foundation’s National Flood Appeal here.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Tewantin Noosa Lions Club Celebrates Milestone By Helping Those In Need
/in HUMANITARIAN, OUR STORIES /by Emily WilliamsBY EMILY WILLIAMS
To celebrate Tewantin Noosa Lions Club’s 55th anniversary, the Club has partnered with LiveLife Pharmacies throughout Queensland to provide personal care packs to those in need.
Over the next two months, with the support of Queensland Police Domestic Violence Officers, a range of these care packs will be packed by Lions and distributed through various Lions Clubs, community groups, and Councils.
The Tewantin Noosa Lions Club Co-ordinator for the project, Michael Roach, is excited to work with LiveLife Pharmacies again.
“Our Tewantin Noosa Lions Club is excited about this partnership with LiveLife Pharmacy and the involvement of their many Pharmacies throughout Queensland. From our earlier partnership some years back, our Club received many emotional emails from recipients expressing gratitude for the items received when funds and crisis had impacted daily living for them and their children. We are also seeking other community-minded people to come and join us with these rewarding Lions Projects,” said Roach.
The CEO of LiveLife Pharmacies, Clint Coker is also looking forward to reigniting the partnership.
“I welcome this partnership with Lions, given the fantastic work they do in the many communities they serve throughout Queensland. This is LiveLife Pharmacy’s second joint venture with Lions and we are very happy to again contribute to their worthy humanitarian assistance program on behalf of not just the communities we serve directly, but those most in need.
It’s a comfort knowing that, in turn, if our immediate community was in need, Lions Clubs across Queensland would reciprocate. We would like to thank our suppliers, and participating LiveLife Pharmacy stores throughout Queensland, who together donated over $30,000 worth of products to this worthy cause. LiveLife Pharmacy is proud to support various community organisations and initiatives as a part of its Community Support Program,” said Croker.
To learn more about this project, you can visit Tewantin Noosa Lions Club’s Facebook page here.
You can find more information on LiveLife Pharmacies and locate your nearest store here.
Rosewood Lions Club Give Back to the Elderly
/in HUMANITARIAN, OUR STORIES /by Emily WilliamsBY EMILY WILLIAMS
Rosewood Lions Club have worked with Cabanda Care to introduce Emergency Medical Information Booklets to the homes of more than 60 residents.
Lion Tanya Johnson, a resident of Cabanda Care’s Independent Units herself, co-ordinated the project.
“I was thrilled to find out that more than 60 residents now have the Emergency Medical Information Booklets filled out, on display in their homes and ready, just in case of an emergency,” said Johnson.
Project Co-Ordintator, Lion Tanya Johnson with Rosewood Ambulance Officer, Monica
These booklets act as a one-stop-shop for an individual’s medical records and personal information, including current medication and emergency contacts. In the instance of an emergency, the Emergency Medical Information Booklet provides paramedics access to all of the information that they require quickly, in order to best treat the patient.
Over 20 years ago, Lions Australia, Rotary and South Australia Ambulance Service combined to launch the Emergency Medical Information Booklet. Since then, over 1.4 million books have been distributed across Australia and they have saved many lives.
Members of the Rosewood Lions Club will visit the residents bi-annually to ensure that all medical information within the booklets is kept up to date.
You can find out more about Rosewood Lions Club here.
Lions Hero – Frankie Tang
/in Lion Hero /by JemmaLion Frankie Tang’s trademark is his smiling face. His strength lies in his leadership abilities and his cheerful disposition. He actively encourages the members of the Lions Club of Melbourne Chinese to further their own management skill by attending Lions leadership training programmes.
Lions Hero – Lyle Constable
/in Lion Hero /by JemmaLyle Constable is an active example of what founder, Melvin Jones, envisaged the benefits from being a Lions member. He has remained an active and enthusiastic member of the Toronto Lions club since joining. He can be relied upon to attend events and projects.
Gilbert Valley Lions Club Supports Local School
/in HUMANITARIAN, OUR STORIES /by Emily WilliamsAfter three years of hard work, 20 refurbished mountain bikes and new helmets are now available for the the students of Riverton & District High School in South Australia. This has been made possible by a joint effort between the school, Gilbert Valley Lions Club and Bike SA, with funding support from the Australian Lions Foundation (ALF).
Fitness, low muscle-tone and opportunity for personal risk taking continue to be identified challenges that underpin the school’s HPE program. Short mountain bike programs have been undertaken in the past with excellent outcomes for fitness, balance, and enjoyment for the outdoors through the use of the bike trails adjacent to the school. With the arrival of these bikes, students will take part in a basic bike maintenance course to understand how to maintain and use the mountain bikes.
Students testing out the school’s new mountain bikes. Image: RDHS
This project touches many aspects of the Lions Ethos; supporting local community groups, supporting the youth, and continuing to create a circular economy, as suggested through the Lions Environment Portfolio. The funding assistance offered by the ALF also embraces the funds donated by Lions Members Australia-wide.
The school can’t wait to see their students use these bikes over the coming years, exploring some of the local bike trails right on their doorstep.
Preschool donates $10,000 to ALF National Flood Appeal
/in DONATIONS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by JemmaThe community is rallying behind the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal providing emergency relief to those communities devastated by floods in QLD and NSW.
Local Randwick business Platinum Preschool has donated $10,000 to the appeal.
A special event held at Platinum Preschool last month saw the kids dressing up as Lions Cubs to present the $10,000 cheque to Sari-Elle Kraemer, President of Coogee Lions Club.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker and Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neil were also in attendance.
Every dollar donated to the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal is being sent directly to Lions Clubs on the ground in flood affected communities.
Platinum Preschool Owner Jo O’Brien says the donation is not only about supporting the flood affected communities but also about setting a good example.
“Platinum Preschool is very proud to be donating a full day of fees to the Australian Lions Foundation Disaster Appeal,” says Jo.
“In addition to helping those impacted by the floods, this donation is also about setting a good example to the kids at Platinum through showing them the importance of helping others in times of need. When devastation occurs, we teach the children to look out for those who are helping and being kind. This reinforces our ethos of BE KIND and the values program we teach daily here in our centre” adds Jo.
Platinum Preschool kids present Lions with a donation to the ALF National Flood Appeal
Coogee Lions President Sari-Elle Kraemer has thanked the community for its support and is encouraging anyone else looking to help support those impacted by the floods to consider making a donation to the Australian Lions Foundation.
“At Coogee Lions, we know many people in our community are looking to help those affected by the catastrophic floods in QLD and NSW. Our volunteers have been out in the community shaking donation buckets and we are seeing such strong support and generosity from the local community. Thank you to all of the local businesses who have offered to have a donation box and to those like Platinum Preschool who are supporting the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal,” says Sari-Elle.
“Every dollar raised is being sent directly to local Lions Clubs on the ground who are providing emergency relief in their community. That’s the benefit of an organisation like Lions – we have over 1200 clubs across Australia so when disaster strikes we can get funds sent quickly to those who need it most.”
Anyone looking to make a donation and support those affected by the floods can do so through their local Lions Club or through donating directly to Australian Lions Foundation.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
A message of hope for Northern NSW as it sees more rain
/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by JemmaAs Northern NSW braced for even more rain this week, the resilience and determination of volunteers is shining through.
Lions Australia is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year and the theme of “always” being there for the community could not be more relevant.
Lismore was the birthplace of Lions in Australia with Lismore Lions Club founded in 1947.
75 years on, there are several Lions clubs in the area and over 1300 across Australia who have been able to mobilise quickly to provide support to those in need.
Lismore Lions Club President Theo Beemster says it is going to take years for the community to recover and local Lions volunteers will be there every step of the way.
“We will keep going until we’re not needed anymore,” says Theo.
Lismore Lions Club members have their barbecue trailer set up outside Lincraft in Keen Street each day. They have been supporting the clean-up providing food, water and a listening ear to the community and visiting ADF personnel, Fire Brigade, SES crews and volunteers.
Lismore Lions with members of the Australian Defence Force
“We are managing quite well, just a little exhausted. Even though many of our members are in their 80s, they are so sufficient at what they do. We have many business donating sausages and bacon to our cook up which is a huge help. We also have the Goonellabah-Wollongbar & Districts Lions Club helping out and providing food nearby as well and Lismore City Lions Club providing food in South Lismore,” adds Theo.
The Lismore City Lions have also set up a free laundry and shower van at 25 Casino St, South Lismore outside Sheaffe Motors that is operating between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. The van was kindly supplied by the Lions Club of Belmont and District from the Newcastle region.
Local Lions Clubs on the ground are being supported by many volunteers and their communities with hundreds of Lions volunteers across the country shaking donation buckets and hosting fundraisers for the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal.
Every dollar raised in the Appeal is being sent directly to local Lions Clubs to provide emergency support to those in need and help the community rebuild.
Anyone looking to make a donation and support those affected by the floods can do so through their local Lions Club or through donating directly to Australian Lions Foundation.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Local Lions volunteers supporting Diabetic Ukrainian refugees
/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, HUMANITARIAN, OUR STORIES /by JemmaDiabetes is a key global focus for Lions Clubs and volunteers in Australia are coming together to support people all over the world including Ukrainian refugees with Diabetes.
An initiative led by the Lions Australia Diabetes Foundation and Type 1 Diabetes Foundation is packaging up medical supplies to send to Ukrainian refugees with Diabetes.
Backpacks containing self-care supplies ready to send to Ukrainian refugees with Diabetes
Lions Australia’s National Diabetes Coordinator Pat Mills says the packs with vital supplies are being sent to refugees in Poland.
“At Lions, we are dedicated to doing what we can to help those in need both in our local communities and globally. Medical supplies are vital for Diabetics and we know there are many displaced Ukrainians that are in desperate need of supplies so our volunteers here in Australia are packaging up little medical kits to send to refugees. To date, we have sent over 200 packs to Poland.”
“Many of us have been watching the devastation in the Ukraine and want to do something to help. It’s a simple project for us but we are providing vital medical support,” says Pat.
67 care-packs ready to send to Poland for Ukrainian refugees
Members of the Lions Club of Shepparton have been assisting on the project, collecting supplies and packing bags to ship to Poland.
In a symbolic gesture, Club President Patsy Lansdown has organised for 2000 paper cranes to be made; inspired by the story of Japanese girl Sadako Sasaki, who developed leukemia after an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima during World War II.
Along with the care packs, the folded creations will be taken to Poland as a symbol of peace, hope and courage.
Anyone wishing to help support the project can contact and donate to the Lions Australia Diabetes Foundation.