The Fraser Lions Club has introduced two yellow benches along a Hervey Bay esplanade as part of an initiative to combat mental health stigma.

These benches aim to facilitate meaningful conversations about mental health challenges and vulnerabilities.

Bruce Taylor, a long-standing Fraser Lions Club member, emphasized the importance of these conversations in understanding mental health.

The benches are located in Otto Merchel Park and near Witt Street, offering a tranquil setting for discussion.

This initiative, known as ‘The Friendship Bench’, has seen similar benches appear worldwide, with Hervey Bay leading the way in Queensland.

Denis Love, a Fraser Lions member who lost a son to mental health issues, understands the lifesaving potential of open conversation.

Fraser Lions Club, established in 1986, has contributed over $25,000 to various causes this year and continues to support mental health initiatives in the region.

Original story in the Hervey Bay Advertiser.

Originating as an Apple Users Computer Club in 1984, the Apple-MAQ Lions Club from Brisbane’s East has evolved into a dynamic community service organisation over the span of 20 years.

In April 2024, they not only celebrated their anniversary but also a very special milestone for one of their biggest projects.

The Club’s transformation can be largely credited to the innovative thinking of the late founder, David Phillips OAM, who envisioned a platform for aiding the disabled and disadvantaged.

The Club’s journey led to the creation of Computer Aid for Disabled and Disadvantaged (CADD) in 1992, which provided refurbished used computers to those in need.

The concept expanded to include sending these resources, along with school equipment, overseas as well.

In time, the Club formally became the Apple-MAQ Lions Club and grew to a membership of 20.

The Club evolved further with their Lions Aid & Relief Centre (LARC), a non-profit that supplies quality education and health equipment to local and overseas communities in need.

Remarkable efforts include distributing $5.5 million worth of new clothing and bedding during the 2011 QLD Floods and assisting recovery efforts in Tonga following a volcano eruption and tsunami.

They’ve provided crucial support during North QLD cyclones and floods too.

The Club proudly hosts the Work for the Dole program, offering participants a chance to discover their interests and gain experience in areas like computer skills, woodworking, painting, and repairing medical aids.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the Club shared their achievement of sending over 220 containers of aid locally and overseas.

The event was attended by a diverse group, including current and past members, Lions and non-Lions volunteers, equipment donors, and long-time supporters.

The Club’s members continue to make extraordinary contributions, with Margaret and Nicole, (Nicole is the daughter of founder David), receiving an OAM in 2023 for their dedicated service.

Congratulations on this brilliant milestone to all members of the Apple-MAQ Lions Club!

The Lions Club of Warrandyte’s “In the Drivers Seat” project, awarded the Top Club Service Project during the National Convention in Darwin, breaks down barriers for blind and visually impaired people.

While many of us don’t think twice about hopping in the car and driving off, this freedom isn’t typically accessible to visually impaired individuals.

However, this project turns the tables, allowing them to experience the thrill of driving.

The annual event at Sandown Raceway is a true highlight for participants.

Accompanied by a qualified driving instructor, they get to navigate the track in a “learn to drive” car.

The man behind this exceptional initiative, Peter Watts, a long-serving Lion of over 50 years, knew firsthand the thrill it would bring to the visually impaired community, being blind himself.

Ever since its inception in 1997, the event has become a staple in the club’s calendar.

Each year is marked by an eagerness from past participants as they await the registration opening.

The joy and fulfilment it brings to everyone involved, from participants to Lions members and volunteers, is undeniable.

The Warrandyte Lions Club continues to impact their community through the “In the Drivers Seat” project, truly embodying the saying, “where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.”

Learn more about this transformative project by clicking here.

Meet Lion Doug Clarke, who is fondly known as ‘The Shoehorn Man’ in his community. 

A proud member of the Gloucester Lions Club, Doug’s journey with Lions started in 1982 and he has been actively contributing ever since. 

Known for crafting shoehorns from Harwell Lifts’ aluminum offcuts, Doug generously distributes these at local events like farmers markets and Lions get-togethers.

Over 1,000 shoehorns, plus an additional 440 mini versions for children, have found their way into homes, thanks to Doug. 

A man of many creative skills, he even designed an over-the-shoulder carry bag to easily transport them.

A few of Doug’s memorable interactions include a tourist requesting a long shoehorn for his young nephew and 100-year-old father, as well as a two little girls who use the shoehorns to eat their porridge!

One of his shoehorns even accompanied a happy recipient on a three-week trip to New Zealand.

Members from the Police Force, Gloucester Fire Station, Medical Centre, Hospital, and Mirrabooka Nursing Home are all proud owners of Doug’s shoehorns.

When he’s not crafting shoehorns, Doug is seen around town, whipper-snipping small overgrown areas and doing general tidying up.

His love for engaging with people and promoting Lions is evident in his every day actions, with members of his club amazed at his dedication to his community. 

If you’re interested in getting your hands on some of Doug’s famous shoehorns, get in touch with the Gloucester Lions Club via Facebook. 

Lugarno Lions Club are rallying behind a fellow Lion’s Everest Marathon Challenge and they are encouraging the rest of the community to get behind the important fundraising initiative.

Sari-Elle Kraemer has set herself a goal to not only climb 17,598 ft above sea level to Everest Base Camp in Nepal but also to run 42.195 km crisscrossing the high Sherpa trails of Khumbu Valley!

In the lead-up to running the World’s Highest Marathon in May, Sari-Elle aims to raise $120,000 for the life-changing work of the Australian Lions Foundation’s compassionate grants, which assist individuals and families in necessitous circumstances.

This assistance may be by the provision of medical aids, equipment, or cash to provide relief from significant hardship.

The Lugarno Lions Club has proudly been supporting Sari-Elle’s fundraising efforts in recent months, contributing $3000 and assisting with hosting a Trivia Night, which raised over $10,000.

Some members are going the extra mile, lacing up their shoes to join Sari-Elle in some training at Gannons Park.

They are encouraging other Lions Clubs and their communities to get behind the important fundraiser.

“You just never know when you or someone close to you might need the support of Australian Lions Foundation’s Compassionate Grants.

Lugarno Lions have utilised these grants many times to support people in urgent need of support in our community,” says Lugarno Lions Club member Elvio Munzone OAM.

“We are very pleased to be supporting a young Lion on a mission to raise awareness and funds to help enable more of this life changing work. We encourage other Lions Clubs and their communities across the country to get behind Sari-Elle’s fundraising and help her reach her goal of $120,000 for Australian Lions Foundation,” adds Elvio.

For more information about Sari-Elle’s Everest Marathon for Lions, click here.

About Lugarno Lions Club
Lugarno Lions Club celebrates its 50th anniversary in May 2024. The club has donated over $3 million back to the local community over the years and has been involved in thousands of community service projects and initiatives. The Club raises funds through a variety of methods including BBQs, raffles, selling Christmas cakes, bucket collections and various events such as a Sports Breakfast.