For 24 years, the Lions Australia Diabetes Foundation has been making a massive impact in the Hunter New England region’s fight against diabetes.
To date, the foundation has donated around $680,000 to Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), helping tackle a disease that affects one in eight people in the region.
The foundation is made up of Lions volunteers who donate their time, money and effort to make a difference.
Foundation trustee Geoff Boyton knows firsthand why this work matters. Back in 2004, he faced his own health battle with prostate cancer.
“Medical research is certainly important to me as a cancer survivor,” Geoff explains.
“Without the research that’s gone into prostate cancer treatment, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”
For Secretary Stephen Box, the fight against diabetes hits even closer to home.
He carries the memory of losing his cousin who died on his 12th birthday from diabetes back in the early 1950s, when treatment options were virtually non-existent.
“There just wasn’t anything they could really do back then,” Stephen recalls.
“Hopefully one day we’ll be able to work out a way to stop people getting diabetes in the first place.”
So why did the Lions Australia Diabetes Foundation decide to support HMRI? For Stephen, the reason was simple:
“We wanted to support a local research organisation because without research diabetes wouldn’t be able to be cured.”
The foundation itself has an interesting origin story. It was born in 1992 from leftover funds from the 1989 Newcastle Earthquake Appeal – a perfect example of how communities can turn tragedy into hope.
Over three decades, they’ve donated more than $1 million to programmes focused on diabetes research, education, and awareness.
“Research is the main thing we focus on because research helps everybody,” says foundation chairman Jim Cowburn, who’s been with the organisation since day one.
Jim has diabetes himself and has witnessed incredible changes in treatment over the years. “I’ve got a little sensor that tells me whether my levels are high or low,” he says.
“That sort of thing wasn’t heard of 30 years ago.”
The foundation’s focus over the last few years has been supporting the Diabetes Alliance Plus Programme (DAP+), receiving over $100,000 in grants.
The programme brings diabetes specialists directly to rural and remote communities throughout the Hunter New England region.
Instead of expecting country patients to travel hours for specialist care, the experts come to them.
The Lions’ funding has been crucial in making this happen, with their grants helping to fund a PhD scholarship that delivers nutrition and exercise components of the programme.
The foundation recently awarded a new grant to expand the DAP+ team’s work, enabling them to address kidney disease associated with diabetes throughout the Hunter New England region.
This isn’t just about money – it’s about bridging the gap between city and country healthcare, giving people living in remote areas access to the same quality of diabetes care as those in metropolitan areas, which means better health outcomes and improved quality of life.
What started as earthquake relief funds has evolved into a powerful force for change, proving that when ordinary people come together with a shared purpose, extraordinary things can happen.
Lions Eye Health Program Marks World Sight Day with Milestone: 50,000 Children Screened
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaIt’s World Sight Day on 9th October and the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP) is proud to announce that since launching its Children’s Vision Screening Program in 2018, more than 50,000 children across Australia, and more recently New Zealand, have received free vision screenings.
Of those screenings, over 10,782 children have been referred to an optometrist for further assessment, representing around 1 in 5 children, consistent with national statistics showing that one in five Australian children has an undetected vision problem. Left untreated, these issues can significantly affect learning, development, and wellbeing.
“Good vision is essential to a child’s education and confidence,” said Bryan Hearn, National Chair of LEHP. “Something as simple as a free vision screening can change the course of a child’s life. When vision problems go undetected, children can struggle in the classroom, fall behind in their learning, and even experience challenges with confidence and social interaction. By picking up these issues early we give children the best chance to thrive”
“We are incredibly proud that Lions volunteers, with the support of local clubs nationwide, have been able to help so many families by identifying potential vision issues early,” adds Bryan.
The program’s success has been made possible through the dedication of more than 1,200 volunteer screeners, 235 Facilitators, and 40 Instructors, alongside the generous financial contributions of Lions Clubs across the country.
While LEHP had initially set an annual target of 12,000 screenings in 2025, the program has already far exceeded this goal, completing over 15,563 screenings to date – with numbers growing every day.
As part of World Sight Day commemorations, LEHP is encouraging community participation in walk-up screening events taking place across the country, which will be listed on the Lions Eye Health Program website.
“World Sight Day is a reminder of how critical early detection is,” said Stephanie Field, National Program Manager of LEHP. “We encourage parents and carers to take advantage of upcoming screenings or check our website to find out more.”
About the Lions Eye Health Program
The Lions Eye Health Program is a volunteer-driven initiative focused on increasing awareness of preventable vision loss and blindness, and delivering practical programs such as the Children’s Vision Screening Program. LEHP works with schools, communities, and health professionals to ensure children receive the best possible start in life through early detection and referral.
For more information on the program and upcoming World Sight Day community screenings, or to enquire about booking a children’s vision screening session for your kindergarten, school or group visit: www.lehp.org.au
Lions Road Trip: Supporting the Western QLD Flood Appeal
/in OUR STORIES /by JemmaIn July 2025, Lions Disaster Chair (Q4) John Campbell and his wife Judy set out on a road trip across western Queensland to meet residents affected by devastating floods earlier this year – and to see firsthand how Lions’ support is helping communities rebuild.
Leaving their home in Blackbutt on 12 July, the couple travelled via Westmar and Eulo, arriving in Thargomindah on 14 July. With the generous support of Donna Humphries from FoodWorks Thargomindah, they set up a Lions display outside the store and spent the day connecting with locals – many of the 60 residents who had received assistance through the Lions Western QLD Flood Appeal.
Among them were young families like Bernie Smith, who received a new air conditioner, and Naomi Fleming, who was assisted with a vacuum and clothes dryer. Both expressed their deep gratitude for the help Lions provided during such a challenging time.
John and Judy also met Acting Police Sergeant Lea Macken from Hungerford, who identified additional residents in need, and Bulloo Shire Deputy Mayor Dogga Dare, who expressed his enthusiasm for establishing a Lions Club in the town. Federal MP David Littleproud even stopped by during his visit, offering his support.
Queensland Lions are now working together to coordinate the delivery of goods from Toowoomba to Thargomindah, including ten hot water systems funded by the Lions Club of St George – set to go to residents without council or insurance assistance.
From there, the Campbells continued north to Adavale, where all 27 residents had been evacuated by helicopter as floodwaters engulfed their town. Locals like Christina Zito shared harrowing stories of escape by boat and chopper from her veranda, while Koss Siwers, who owns the local hotel, shop, and post office, spoke about ongoing restoration efforts. Discussions have also resurfaced about relocating the entire town to higher ground, 7km away.
Next stop was Jundah, about 400km northwest, where the 130 residents had also been severely impacted by flooding from the Thomson River. Locals including Mick Bateman and Briony Pitman, who both received essential household appliances through Lions’ support, are still working to restore their homes and routines.
Throughout these towns, Lions’ efforts have been part of a broader collaboration with other organisations such as the CWA, Rotary Clubs, Farm Angels and Lifeline – all working to help residents rebuild their lives and livelihoods. While much of the clean-up has been completed, many families remain in temporary accommodation as rebuilding continues, and more needs are expected to emerge in the months ahead.
The Australian Lions Foundation continues to provide vital funding for this appeal and will remain involved for as long as the need exists.
See original story here.
Nourishing Futures: Melbourne Leos & Lions Rally for Eat Up Australia
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaWritten by Zackery Tung – President, Leo Club of Melbourne Next Gen.
The Leo Club and Lions Club of Melbourne Next Gen proudly partnered with Eat Up Australia to host a vibrant community sandwich-making event, uniting volunteers in a shared mission to ensure no child goes hungry at school.
Eat Up Australia is a remarkable charity that provides free lunches to disadvantaged students nationwide, and it was our privilege to stand behind their vision of nourishing children and empowering learning.
We were especially honoured to welcome Lyndon Galea, founder of Eat Up Australia, who shared his moving story and big-hearted aspirations for the future.
His words fuelled the energy in the room, as more than 130 volunteers, including Lions and Leos, came together to prepare over 3,000 cheese sandwiches in just over an hour, knowing each one would help a child focus and learn.
In addition to this, our Leo Club of Melbourne Next Gen also made a heartfelt monetary contribution.
Earlier this year, our Leos volunteered at the Ironman 70.3 International Triathlon, an opportunity that not only showcased their dedication to community service but also raised AUD $1,000, which we unanimously decided to donate entirely to Eat Up Australia.
This gesture reflected our deep commitment in supporting this cause.
The afternoon was alive with laughter, encouragement, and a powerful spirit of camaraderie – showcasing exactly what happens when compassion meets action.
Looking ahead, our Leo Club of Melbourne Next Gen, in collaboration with District 201V1-4, is gearing up to host the Victoria State Leo Summit on 22 March 2026, where we will lead the State’s Biggest Leo Service Project in partnership with Eat Up Australia.
We will be inviting Leos, Lions, and members of the public from across Victoria to join in making thousands more sandwiches – aiming for an incredible 300-500 volunteers to witness “Leos in Action” and amplify the impact on children’s lives.
Together, we continue to prove that when service-minded people unite, we can tackle hunger, strengthen communities, and give every child a fair chance to succeed.
Check out the club’s Eat Up Service Day video here.
Helen Keller’s Call to Lions: A Legacy of Service to the Blind
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaWritten by PDG Clive Reid, this article reflects on the historic moment in 1925 when Helen Keller challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness” – a call that shaped Lions’ century-long commitment to sight and blindness prevention.
A very important date in the history of the International Association of Lions Clubs, besides 1917, was the 30th of June 1925.
On that Tuesday, as an ambassador for the newly formed American Foundation for the Blind, Helen Keller and her teacher and lifelong companion, Mrs Anne Sullivan Macy, were introduced to attendees at the ninth International Association of Lions Clubs Convention, held in the Convention Hall at the Breakers Hotel in Cedar Point, Ohio, USA.
It was here that Helen Keller challenged Lions Club members to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.”
Helen Keller was born on the 27th of June 1880, at a time when blind or deaf people were often ostracized in the United States.
Her ideals, courage, and enthusiasm proved to be a beacon that inspired those members who proudly wore the Lions lapel pin to identify themselves as Lions Club members.
An article in The Lion Magazine in 1927 proclaimed that the greatest assistance that can be given to a blind person was for them to be supported in becoming self-respecting and self-supporting.
The introduction of the White Cane in America was originally a Lions Clubs initiative.
In 1930, George Bonham, President of the Lions Club of Peoria, Illinois, after seeing a blind friend struggling to cross the road using a black cane, introduced the idea of using a white cane with a red band to assist blind individuals with independent mobility.
At the 1931 International Association of Lions Clubs Convention, held in Toronto, Canada, a resolution was passed supporting the Lions Club of Peoria’s White Cane Program.
By 1956, every state in the United States had passed White Cane Safety Laws, granting a blind person using a white cane the right-of-way at crossings. These laws also extended protections to blind individuals who travelled with a guide dog.
As the 30th of June 2025 marked the centenary of Helen Keller and Mrs Anne Sullivan Macy’s introduction at the ninth International Association of Lions Clubs Convention, this date should be acknowledged by Lions as historically significant.
It represents one hundred years of Lions involvement in raising funds for community projects supporting blindness prevention and vision conservation. Looking ahead, the year 2031 will mark the centenary of the Lions Club’s White Cane Project in the USA, which should also be recognised.
PDG Clive Reid
Chairman WALCHAC
(Western Australia Lions Clubs Historical Archival Committee)
You can find more information about Helen Keller here.
Lions Help Deliver Groundbreaking Research Equipment to St Vincent’s Institute
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaFrom April 2023 to May 2024, Lions in Victoria embarked on an ambitious project to help fund the purchase of an IncuCyte Live Cell Imaging Platform for St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research (SVI) in Melbourne.
L to R: PCC David Horne, LADF Trustee Stephen Box (with Lions Hearing Dog Norm), Prof Helen Thomas (dec), PDG Robyn Falloon, PCC Bruce Hudgson (dec), SVI Researcher (and Lion) Martha Blanck, PDG Stan Falloon (dec), SVI Philanthropic Coordinator Josie Verga, Ass.Prof Jon Oakhill.
This cutting-edge equipment will transform medical research by enabling scientists to observe cell behaviour in real-time, providing new insights into how cells respond to treatments for a wide range of diseases including cancer, diabetes, bone disease and many others.
One SVI researcher explained that while traditional methods offered only a “skeleton understanding” of the beginning and end of the story, the IncuCyte would capture the “missing chapters,” allowing for continuous imaging over several days. This means researchers can now gather far more information, more efficiently, to support the discovery of new drugs and treatments.
How Lions Made It Happen
When the cost of the equipment was quoted at $264,000, Lions from District V1-4 launched the project in April 2023, inviting clubs to contribute $1,000 each. Lions clubs rallied strongly – some giving what they could, and others far exceeding the suggested donation. Collectively, the clubs raised $61,000.
L to R: LADF Trustee Stephen Box, PDG Robyn Falloon (Project Coordinator), ALF Victorian Trustee PDG John Houghton, PCC Bruce Hudgson (Project Advisor) and PDG Frankie Tang (LCIF District V1-4 Chairperson).
Additional support came from:
Australian Lions Foundation (ALF): $15,000 matching grant
Tour de Cure and the Bruce Hyans Foundation: $45,000 combined contribution
Lions Australia Diabetes Foundation (LADF): $25,000 partnership donation
To reach the final target, Lions applied to Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) in February 2024. The application was approved in May 2024, with LCIF providing a US$71,948 Matching Grant and a US$5,964 District and Club Community Impact Grant.
This support brought the project to a successful close.
A Shared Achievement
This project showed the power of Lions working together – breaking a lofty quarter-million-dollar goal into achievable steps. Every contribution, large or small, was vital in securing the matching grants that ultimately made the project possible.
A special Thank You Event was hosted by SVI on 26 March 2025, bringing Lions and researchers together to celebrate the installation of the IncuCyte. Lions were also recognised in SVI’s Annual Report and will be acknowledged in future medical publications made possible by this equipment.
Lasting Impact
This achievement reflects Lions’ enduring commitment to advancing medical research and improving outcomes for people living with life-threatening conditions. By supporting projects like this, Lions Australia helps give scientists the tools they need to make groundbreaking discoveries that will benefit countless patients in years to come.
PDG Robyn Falloon and LADF Trustee Stephen Box on the lab tour.
Past District Governor Robyn Falloon (IncuCyte Project Coordinator) and Lions from District V1-4 extend their deepest thanks to all Lions, clubs, foundations, and partners who made this project possible.
With gratitude, we also remember the late Lions Past Council Chair Bruce Hudgson OAM and Past District Governor Stan Falloon, who contributed greatly to this project and whose legacy of dedication continues to inspire us.
Inspiring Young Leader Recognised on International Youth Day
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaThis International Youth Day on August 12, Lions Australia was proud to celebrate the inspiring young people in our Leo Clubs and youth programs who are making a real difference in their communities and paving the way for future generations.
One such young leader is Leo Molly Gysberts, whose incredible fundraising efforts have made a lasting impact in support of the Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation and its youth projects.
Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation Director and Lion Maddy Crimston-Smith presenting an award to Leo Molly Gysberts.
Molly completed an ocean swim challenge to raise funds for the Foundation’s work, demonstrating determination, community spirit, and a passion for helping others.
At a recent event, Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation Director and Lion Maddy Crimston-Smith had the honour of presenting Molly with a Dr Harry Jenkins Fellow Award.
This prestigious recognition celebrates Molly’s outstanding contribution to the Foundation’s youth projects and her dedication to improving the wellbeing of young people.
Molly’s efforts are a shining example of the leadership, compassion, and commitment that young people bring to Lions’ mission.
With young leaders like Molly paving the way, the future of Lions’ service is brighter than ever.
Learn more about Molly’s ocean swim challenge here: https://youtu.be/2BEm8jV0Xrc
New Chapter for Capalaba Lions Club Under Young President Sophie
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaMeet Sophie Cufflin, Capalaba Lions’ newly elected 23-year-old president – a powerful example of youth taking the lead in community engagement.
Sophie’s involvement began in high school as a Leo before she seamlessly transitioned into a Lion upon graduating. She has been a passionate advocate for service, leadership, and youth engagement over the past 8 years.
In addition to her new role as Club President, Sophie also serves as the District’s Public Relations/Social Media Officer, where her digital savvy and fresh perspective have brought a new level of energy to the organisation’s communications.
“I’m incredibly honoured and excited to step into this role,” Sophie said. “Lions have provided me with so many opportunities to grow as a leader, and now I’m proud to give back and support others in the same way.”
Sophie has embraced every opportunity for growth during her time with Lions. Over the past few years, she has taken part in a wide range of Lions training programs and leadership workshops, which has helped her develop the skills she now applies in both her role as president and in her career.
In April, Sophie participated in the Lions Faculty Development Institute (FDI) in Brisbane, joining fellow Lions from across Australia and New Zealand. More recently, she also took part in the Regional Lions Leadership Institute held in Brisbane.
As District Cabinet Social Media Chairperson, Sophie collaborated with Global Leadership Team (GLT) Coordinator Libby Salles to deliver a workshop on social media at the District Convention.
“Sophie embodies what Lions is all about: proactive service, future-focused thinking, and passionately putting her hand up to make a profound difference in our district,” Libby Salles said.
“At just 23, Sophie is a truly remarkable Lion who leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets,” she commented. “She’s not just holding roles but actively seeking opportunities to grow as a Lion – she is unequivocally a Lion to be watched!”
Causes close to Sophie’s heart include the environment and mental health, alongside modernising the club’s image with creative messaging and engaging stories. With her leadership, the club is looking forward to a vibrant year of service and connection.
Sophie is not only breaking new ground, but also showing what the next generation of Lions can do!
Lions Australia Diabetes Foundation Making a Real Difference
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaFor 24 years, the Lions Australia Diabetes Foundation has been making a massive impact in the Hunter New England region’s fight against diabetes.
To date, the foundation has donated around $680,000 to Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), helping tackle a disease that affects one in eight people in the region.
The foundation is made up of Lions volunteers who donate their time, money and effort to make a difference.
Foundation trustee Geoff Boyton knows firsthand why this work matters. Back in 2004, he faced his own health battle with prostate cancer.
“Medical research is certainly important to me as a cancer survivor,” Geoff explains.
“Without the research that’s gone into prostate cancer treatment, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”
For Secretary Stephen Box, the fight against diabetes hits even closer to home.
He carries the memory of losing his cousin who died on his 12th birthday from diabetes back in the early 1950s, when treatment options were virtually non-existent.
“There just wasn’t anything they could really do back then,” Stephen recalls.
“Hopefully one day we’ll be able to work out a way to stop people getting diabetes in the first place.”
So why did the Lions Australia Diabetes Foundation decide to support HMRI? For Stephen, the reason was simple:
“We wanted to support a local research organisation because without research diabetes wouldn’t be able to be cured.”
The foundation itself has an interesting origin story. It was born in 1992 from leftover funds from the 1989 Newcastle Earthquake Appeal – a perfect example of how communities can turn tragedy into hope.
Over three decades, they’ve donated more than $1 million to programmes focused on diabetes research, education, and awareness.
“Research is the main thing we focus on because research helps everybody,” says foundation chairman Jim Cowburn, who’s been with the organisation since day one.
Jim has diabetes himself and has witnessed incredible changes in treatment over the years. “I’ve got a little sensor that tells me whether my levels are high or low,” he says.
“That sort of thing wasn’t heard of 30 years ago.”
The foundation’s focus over the last few years has been supporting the Diabetes Alliance Plus Programme (DAP+), receiving over $100,000 in grants.
The programme brings diabetes specialists directly to rural and remote communities throughout the Hunter New England region.
Instead of expecting country patients to travel hours for specialist care, the experts come to them.
The Lions’ funding has been crucial in making this happen, with their grants helping to fund a PhD scholarship that delivers nutrition and exercise components of the programme.
The foundation recently awarded a new grant to expand the DAP+ team’s work, enabling them to address kidney disease associated with diabetes throughout the Hunter New England region.
This isn’t just about money – it’s about bridging the gap between city and country healthcare, giving people living in remote areas access to the same quality of diabetes care as those in metropolitan areas, which means better health outcomes and improved quality of life.
What started as earthquake relief funds has evolved into a powerful force for change, proving that when ordinary people come together with a shared purpose, extraordinary things can happen.
Lions make vital donation for young Lawson
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaA young Tasmanian family has had their lives transformed thanks to the Lions Club of Penguin.
Six-year-old Lawson was born with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy and is wheelchair-bound, making everyday errands a challenge for both him and his parents.
With the support of the Penguin Lions Club and the local community, the family raised around $70,000 to purchase a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, officially handed over to them on 24 July 2025.
Penguin Lions President Dee Dawkins said the club takes great pride in supporting the community through initiatives like this.
Congratulations to everyone involved – and our best wishes to Lawson and his family as they enjoy this life-changing gift.
Lions provide vital support to Queensland families recovering from floods
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaLions Clubs in Queensland are delivering critical support to families and farmers still reeling from the recent devastating floods, with over $100,000 in funding mobilised through the Australian Lions Foundation’s National Disaster Appeal.
Soon after the floods, St George Lions ran a successful campaign called Fridge for a Friend to supply whitegoods to needy families, and Charleville Lions have been actively supporting families in Adavale.
‘We love our new fridge. It has made living in our shed bearable.’ – Donna, flood-affected community member supported by Lions.
Since then, thanks to the generous donations from Lions Clubs throughout QLD and NSW, and funding from the Foundation, families in flood-affected regions have already received more than $135,000 in direct support, with up to $2,000 paid to suppliers to assist with essentials such as white goods, furniture, clothing and school supplies.
“This support is helping families get back on their feet after weeks of damage and devastation,” said John Campbell, Lions Q4 District Disaster Chair. “For many, it’s the difference between getting through the week and falling further behind.”
‘With the stove and new saw I can now start on repairing my house and helping my friends and neighbours.’ – Deb, flood-affected community member supported by Lions.
Additional funding will continue to be rolled out to support urgent recovery needs, particularly for farmers and rural families who have suffered extensive losses.
These recovery efforts are made possible through donations to the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal, which enables local Lions Clubs to act quickly and directly where support is needed most.
“Queensland communities are still hurting, and Lions are committed to being there for the long haul,” says Lions Australia CEO Rob Oerlemans. “The best way the public can help is by donating to the National Disaster Appeal. 100% of funds go straight to people who need it, via volunteers who know the community inside out.”
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.