It is our great pleasure to announce that Western Australia student Hannah Roberts has been chosen as a merit award winner in the 34th Annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest, while two Australian Lions/Leo clubs have both been presented with Kindness Matters Service Awards.
Lions International Peace Poster Contest
The Booragoon Lions Club’s sponsored International Peace Poster entry created by Hannah Roberts has been hailed as “amazing” by those who have seen it.
Hannah Roberts with her amazing Peace Poster entry.
Approximately 600,000 children from 55 countries participated in this year’s Peace Poster Contest. The posters were judged at the club, district and multiple district levels before reaching the international level, at which point they had been narrowed down to 109 posters.
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. As such, Hannah will receive US$500 and a Certificate of Merit.
To be chosen as one of just 23 merit award winners from across the world is indeed a superb honour. Congratulations Hannah!
Kindness Matters Service Awards
Meanwhile this month, Lions Clubs International presented The City of Adelaide Lions Club and The Leo Club of Melbourne Next Gen with their Kindness Matters Service Awards.
This year, only 30 out of 48,000 Lions clubs received this prestigious award, which is given annually to Lions and Leo clubs for performing an outstanding service project in one of Lions Clubs International’s global cause areas: diabetes, hunger, vision, environment, childhood cancer, humanitarian, disaster relief or youth.
The City of Adelaide Lions Club was presented with the award for their Hear Me Roar! Project founded by the club in 2016. It started by creating care packs and making multi-purpose heart shaped cushions for both adult and child patients in hospitals. It quickly grew to include making port pillows to provide cushioning to the chest and/or abdominal area for people with port/incision/surgical/trauma sites.
They added cushions for children in hospital going through cancer treatment or craniofacial surgeries, disadvantaged and vulnerable youth in various organisations and foster care. In 2018, the project started another initiative, sorting and labeling children’s books, and packing them into age appropriate book bags to be distributed to disadvantaged and vulnerable youth across South Australia. The project has supported over 7,700 individuals across SA so far.
The Leo Club of Melbourne Next Gen was also presented with the award for holding a fundraiser in August, 2021.
Aside from pledging AUD$1000 to support the Lions and Leos from Sri Lanka (in collaboration with Lions Club of Melbourne Next Gen) and the Lions Clubs International Foundation for the purchase of medical and laboratory equipment to fight Covid-19, the Leo Club organised a Virtual Telethon to raise further funds for the ‘Thousand Hopes’ campaign!
Well done to all!
Celebrating the 75th anniversary of Lions Australia – Radio Interview with CEO Rob Oerlemans
/in In the Media /by JemmaLions Australia is renowned for its work around communities across NSW, and this year the organisation is celebrating 75 years.
Among the celebrations for the anniversary, Lions has set a goal for local clubs to plant at least 75 commemorative gardens.
The ABC’s Dan and Jenny spoke to Rob Oerlemans, the CEO of Lions Australia, to find out where the gardens will be.
Duration: 5min 38sec
MD 201 “Mini” Convention to go ahead in Melbourne 14-15 May
/in NEWS /by Elise MurrellIt is with considerable pleasure that the Lions Australia National Council has endorsed a proposal to hold a Mini-Convention in Melbourne on the weekend of 14-15 May 2022. We are so excited to be able to get together!
We were all disappointed that we needed to cancel the Perth Convention due to uncertainty about interstate travel. Although it is not possible to convene a full Convention at short notice, the Council was keen to bring together Lions from around Australia for fun, fellowship and inspiration at a short weekend Convention.
This Convention will be about great keynote speakers, hospitality and experiencing some exciting and entertaining presentations including…
More details of the program will be released in the coming weeks including our keynote speakers and officials.
This year, our Notices of Motion and the election of International Director candidates will be conducted remotely by online voting to ensure that travel restrictions do not affect our Lions ability to participate. Further details will be advised in the coming weeks.
The Venue
The Convention will be held in the Crown Conference Centre adjacent to the Crown Promenade Hotel, in the heart of the beautiful city of Melbourne. The venue is only a short ride from Melbourne Airport using the airport bus or by taxi, and for those drivers, the adjacent multi-level car park is very affordable at less than $20 per day.
For simplicity, when you register you can purchase vouchers for coffee and tea during the Convention, and there is a myriad of restaurants and cafés within a short walking distance for lunches.
Please note that Crown requires all attendees over the age of 16 years old who visit any Crown Premises in Australia are Fully Vaccinated.
It’s been a long year for all of us and it will be wonderful to catch up with all our Lions friends and celebrate our 75th Anniversary!
Stay tuned to our Newsletter, website and Facebook page for more information.
Looking forward to seeing you in Melbourne!
Male Volunteers Required For New Alzheimer’s Trial
/in NEWS, RESEARCH & INNOVATION /by JemmaProfessor Ralph Martins and his research team from the Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation (AARF) are currently conducting a major study and require Male Volunteers for an Alzheimer’s Trial in Perth or Sydney.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s. In fact, the only available drugs treat the symptoms of the disease rather than the brain changes themselves. This is a startling consideration given that Alzheimer’s accounts for up to 70% of dementia cases and dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia. The disease also places an immense strain on health services and families as sufferers become less and less capable of independent living over time.
Further, a global ageing population means that these impacts will only get worse unless research strides are made. Experts believe that prevention is the best intervention given that current knowledge suggests that the brain changes are irreversible.
Last year, the AARF together with researchers from Edith Cowan University commenced the largest clinical trial to date to investigate the influence of testosterone on a key marker of Alzheimer’s disease risk called amyloid beta. The dominant theory of the disease’s cause is that amyloid beta, a sticky protein, accumulates irregularly in the brain of patients and clumps together to form plaques. These plaques disrupt the communication between brain cells and trigger inflammation, ultimately causing the cells to die. This process continues while memory and other brain functions gradually deteriorate over time until the loss of basic functions or disease-related complications lead to death.
The trial, called the TotAL Study (Testosterone and Omega Three – Amyloid Lowering), is currently seeking volunteers. Specifically participants must be:
Other criteria will follow assessments at the AARF’s Nedlands research centre. Most crucial of these is the individual’s current testosterone level – which is required to be on the low side of normal.
Finding participants within the required range for testosterone presents a challenge. A blood sample will be collected for this purpose for all interested participants, but if you have had a previous test and know (or suspect) that your testosterone is on the low side of normal, the Foundation would especially love to hear from you.
Participation requires initial screening to identify volunteers who are safe and suitable to take part. This is first done by a phone questionnaire, followed by two clinic visits to discuss the trial and your medical history with a study doctor, blood tests, and memory assessments. If eligible, you will be asked to undergo more memory testing, brain scans, and other assessments before and after being treated with testosterone and fish oil (or a placebo version of one or both) for a 56 week period. All study procedures are conducted in Nedlands and participation is expected to last approximately 18 months.
If you would like to take part or would like further information, please contact the study team on (08) 6304 3966 / trial@alzheimers.com.au (Perth) or 0493 152 142 / combat.ad@mq.edu.au (Sydney).
(Original advertorial here.)
Disaster Relief Australia wins Australian Charity Award
/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by JemmaDisaster Relief Australia, whom we support through the Lions Disaster Relief Australia Project recently won the Outstanding Achievement category at the 2021 Australian Charity Awards. The Australian Charity awards recognise charitable organisations achieving outstanding results through initiatives significantly benefiting communities.
DRA’s nomination highlighted the impact of their spontaneous volunteer program, specifically during their time assisting the Adelaide Hills community after the devastating Cudlee Creek bushfires during the 2019/20 Black Summer. During their 8 weeklong recovery operation, the team at DRA coordinated more than 250 spontaneous volunteers, all keen to help out their community, neighbors, family and friends.
Spontaneous Volunteer is a term used to describe people exhibiting incredibly old and typical prosocial behaviours. People with no formal association with the emergency management system who put their hands up to help when a disaster happens. It encapsulates the Australian spirit of helping others, and mateship – one of DRA’s core values.
DRA can be called upon to manage and lead those wanting to volunteer to assist within their community in the wake of a natural disaster. By onboarding, inducting, leading and supporting SponVols, DRA is able to significantly increase the assistance provided to disaster-affected communities. The SponVols are employed in a structured, gainful and safe manner. The well-considered approach empowers the communities we serve.
DRA CEO Geoff Evans is immensely proud of his veteran-led organisations’ award. “Volunteerism is an Australian way of life and deeply rewarding to those who take up the challenge. There have previously been few avenues for the community to spontaneously volunteer after a disaster. By providing communities with a way in which to do this, we can help them cope better with the impact of disasters and bounce back faster. With almost half of the Australian population living in communities that have a low-to-moderate level of disaster resilience, there is much work to be done. DRA is proud to be part of this leading effort.”
Lions will continue to support Disaster Relief Australia in their efforts to provide Australian communities help where it’s needed most!
If you’re interested in assisting with this initiative, or their disaster relief efforts, you can find more information here.
3 International Awards for Lions Australia – Peace Poster Contest and Kindness Matters Service Award
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES, PEACE CONTEST /by JemmaIt is our great pleasure to announce that Western Australia student Hannah Roberts has been chosen as a merit award winner in the 34th Annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest, while two Australian Lions/Leo clubs have both been presented with Kindness Matters Service Awards.
Lions International Peace Poster Contest
The Booragoon Lions Club’s sponsored International Peace Poster entry created by Hannah Roberts has been hailed as “amazing” by those who have seen it.
Hannah Roberts with her amazing Peace Poster entry.
Approximately 600,000 children from 55 countries participated in this year’s Peace Poster Contest. The posters were judged at the club, district and multiple district levels before reaching the international level, at which point they had been narrowed down to 109 posters.
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. As such, Hannah will receive US$500 and a Certificate of Merit.
To be chosen as one of just 23 merit award winners from across the world is indeed a superb honour. Congratulations Hannah!
Kindness Matters Service Awards
Meanwhile this month, Lions Clubs International presented The City of Adelaide Lions Club and The Leo Club of Melbourne Next Gen with their Kindness Matters Service Awards.
This year, only 30 out of 48,000 Lions clubs received this prestigious award, which is given annually to Lions and Leo clubs for performing an outstanding service project in one of Lions Clubs International’s global cause areas: diabetes, hunger, vision, environment, childhood cancer, humanitarian, disaster relief or youth.
The City of Adelaide Lions Club was presented with the award for their Hear Me Roar! Project founded by the club in 2016. It started by creating care packs and making multi-purpose heart shaped cushions for both adult and child patients in hospitals. It quickly grew to include making port pillows to provide cushioning to the chest and/or abdominal area for people with port/incision/surgical/trauma sites.
They added cushions for children in hospital going through cancer treatment or craniofacial surgeries, disadvantaged and vulnerable youth in various organisations and foster care. In 2018, the project started another initiative, sorting and labeling children’s books, and packing them into age appropriate book bags to be distributed to disadvantaged and vulnerable youth across South Australia. The project has supported over 7,700 individuals across SA so far.
The Leo Club of Melbourne Next Gen was also presented with the award for holding a fundraiser in August, 2021.
Aside from pledging AUD$1000 to support the Lions and Leos from Sri Lanka (in collaboration with Lions Club of Melbourne Next Gen) and the Lions Clubs International Foundation for the purchase of medical and laboratory equipment to fight Covid-19, the Leo Club organised a Virtual Telethon to raise further funds for the ‘Thousand Hopes’ campaign!
Well done to all!
Lions volunteers give the gift of education to young non-verbal autistic boy
/in DONATIONS, HEALTH, NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaAs the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child and this is especially true for young children with autism.
Early intervention is key for the learning and development of children with autism and with the support of Lions volunteers a young non-verbal autistic 4-year-old is kickstarting 2022 with the education he needs to reach his full potential.
Thomas’ parents are from Columbia. They are not permanent residents in Australia and therefore cannot access the NDIS. Navigating the system is particularly difficult and expensive. Despite both working Thomas’ parents couldn’t afford the early intervention their 4-year-old son needs.
Lions volunteer Elvio Munzone with Thomas and his Dad Daniel.
When he came across the Martinez family last year, Sydney based Lion volunteer Elvio Munzone was on a mission to do what he could to help.
He quickly rallied within the Lions network and was able to secure $22,000 funding which will give Thomas access to 48 weeks of early intervention education.
“At Lions we’re passionate about helping those in need in the community. When Thomas’ parents reached out to me and explained their situation I was very keen to do what I could to assist. Early intervention is so important particularly for children with autism. This is not the first time Lions has supported young children with autism. A few years ago, we supported a young non-verbal boy with autism who benefited greatly and is now speaking and attending school.”
Thanks to Lions Clubs of Bondi, Manly, Lugarno, Coogee, Hunter Business Lions Club, Blacktown Ponds, Parramatta, Epping Eastwood, Sydney Seaside, Sydney Champions Inner West, Follow Your Dream Foundation-Australia and a grant from the Australian Lions Foundation, Thomas will now have the opportunity to benefit from early intervention too.
Thomas’ parents say they are very grateful for the support.
“As a young family and not permanent residents in Australia, navigating the health and education system can be hard and it’s very expensive. Thomas is everything to us and we are just so grateful that he is now able to access the early intervention that he needs, “says Daniel Martinez.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you to Lions for your support. It’s hard to find more words to express just how grateful we are. It is such an important time in our son’s life and we are sure that he will benefit greatly from this early intervention education. Thank you.”
Lions Club of Whitford Donates to Mobile Laundry Van
/in DONATIONS, OUR STORIES /by Emily WilliamsBY 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.
Lions Clubs Join to Sponsor Hearing Assistance Dog
/in DONATIONS, OUR STORIES /by Emily WilliamsBY EMILY WILLIAMS
In November of 2021, Deborah Mayfield was presented with a Hearing Assistance Dog by the Australian Lions Hearing Dogs, as supported by two local Lions Clubs.
The Lions Clubs of Bundaberg and Bundaberg North teamed up to sponsor the dog, who is expected to provide more than a decade of service.
Currently, one in six Australians experience some form of hearing loss; however, this is expected to rise to one in four by 2050.
Hearing Assistance Dogs offer their owners confidence, companionship and an improved sense of emotional and physical wellbeing.
Bundaberg Lions Club president Grant MacDonald, member Gail McKewen, Deborah Mayfield, trainer Nick Liemandt from Australian Lions Hearing Dogs and Lions secretary Allan Williams with hearing dog Dudley.
Deborah’s dog, Dudley, was accompanied by Australian Lions Hearing Dogs trainer Nick Liemandt to Bundaberg from the Training Centre in South Australia. He spent a week in Bundaberg settling him in and training her on how Dudley operates.
Complementing this, trained Lions members have spent the following 12 weeks supporting Deborah in Dudley’s training.
Although the training and care costs of each Hearing Assistance Dog total more than $37,000, the Australian Lions Hearing Dogs, supported by Lions Clubs and corporate sponsors, gift the dogs to deaf or hard of hearing people.
Since their founding in 1980, Australian Lions Hearing Dogs have delivered more than 600 dogs to deaf or hard of hearing Australians. ALHD continue to train, on average, 25 dogs per year.
If you wish to donate to Australian Lions Hearing Dogs or learn more, click here.
Lions Healthcare Heroes
/in DONATIONS, HEALTH, NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaFor the past two years, our nurses and frontline healthcare workers have been under the pump.
Soaring COVID-19 cases as a result of the spread of the Omicron variant has put immense pressure on the healthcare system.
An online fundraiser launched by Lions volunteers is giving the community an opportunity to say thank you to their COVID Healthcare Heroes.
The Coogee Lions Club’s Healthcare Heroes GoFundme page has now raised over $5,000 to help recognise the hard work of frontline staff working tirelessly in COVID-19 Red Zones.
Recognised nurses are presented with a Lions Healthcare Heroes certificate of thanks and a $50 shopping voucher.
Coogee Lions Club Co-President Sari-Elle Kraemer says the project is encouraging the community to get behind the fundraiser and show healthcare workers how much they are appreciated at this difficult time.
“Healthcare staff have been working under extreme conditions now for many months.”
“Many are working under extreme conditions right now with longer and more frequent shifts in physically challenging environments, having to perform their role in double layered personal protective equipment and not to mention endure the stress and trauma of increasing case numbers. We wanted to show them how much they are appreciated.”
“We encourage the community to help us through making a donation or helping spread the word. The more funds raised the more hardworking Healthcare Heroes we can recognise.”
For more information on how you can help thank our COVID-19 Healthcare Heroes, click here.
Every dollar raised will go to the Healthcare Heroes.