Following his installation as the new President of Torquay Lions Club, Lion Colin Bellis claimed his theme of ‘Better Together’ will ensure local Lions will serve their community better, strengthen their Club, and unearth new ways to raise funds to help those in need.
“Our Leadership Team has met already to plan the next 12 months,” President Colin said.
“The idea of ‘Better Together’ will drive us throughout the year.
Outgoing president of Torquay Lions Club, Neil Roche (left) receives his Yearbook from incoming president Colin Bellis. The book consists of text and images of activities managed by the Lions Club during Neil’s year.
“A club which operates ‘Better Together’ will ensure our service to our community retains a very high standard, our fundraising will raise sufficient funds to meet local, national, and international needs, and we will have fun while we work”.
He was speaking after the annual changeover dinner of the Torquay Lions held at the Lions Village recently when his new executive team was installed for the next 12 months.
V2 2nd Vice District Governor, Michelle Challis, formally installed the team at the changeover dinner.
V2 2nd District Governor Elect, Michelle Challis, presents new Torquay Lions Club member, Ross Yapp, with his Lions shirt, cap and name badge, after she inducted him into Lions Clubs International.
Outgoing President, Lion Neil Roche, proudly announced at the dinner that the Torquay Lions had distributed just over $54,300 to local, national and international causes during the past year.
“Under Lion Neil’s guidance, Lions worked hard to raise those funds for distribution,” declared the Incoming President, Lion Colin.
“As well, local Lions worked voluntarily doing deliveries for Feed Me Surf Coast.
Torquay’s Lion of the Year was presented this month to Lion Tony Smith (left) for the amount of community service he did on top of his regular voluntary contribution to club activities. Outgoing President Neil Roche presented the award on behalf of the Club.
“Averaging six Lions delivering or loading each week, we supported Feed Me Surf Coast for 700 hours equating to $21,000 for the past 12 months”.
Lions in the executive team supporting the President this year are Brian Keane, Leadership Chair; Neil Roche, Service Chair; Ken Farrow, Secretary; Deb Law, Treasurer; and Bill Ferguson, Membership Chair.
Following his year of service as President of Torquay Lions Club, Lion Neil Roche, as his last official act, unfurls the club’s honour roll of Past Presidents with his name added to the banner.
“Like many other service organisations, Torquay Lions are keen to develop our membership base. We would love to see anyone looking for local involvement with a purpose to try their hand serving the community with us,” Lion Colin pointed out.
“Most people who try out working with Lions, join us for the satisfaction they receive serving others,” he concluded.
Anyone interested in finding out more about Torquay Lions can visit their website here.
Wheelers Hill Lions Club’s Novel Idea
/in OUR STORIES /by Emily WilliamsBY EMILY WILLIAMS
With the exception of 2020, Wheelers Hill Lions Club have been holding second-hand book sale fundraisers for the past 14 years.
Since 2008, the Club has raised over $100,000 to support Lions projects in the local area by selling used books once or twice a year.
Bargain hunters browsing the second-hand book sale.
Image: Supplied
Money raised from the book sales has been a major contributor to many Lions projects in Monash over the years, including enabling over 50 children to attend camps.
In 2019, Wheelers Hill Lions Club put funds raised from the book sale towards purchasing a 12 seater bus for Wavecare, a counselling and community support service based in Monash. The bus collects elderly residents from their homes and takes them to the local community centre for a day of planned activities, before returning the residents home.
Lions L-R : Val Eldridge, Ian Bjorkman, Ralph Wildenberg and Shiraz Mistry Image: Supplied
Books at the sale are donated to the Club and sold for between 50¢ and $3.50. With between 9,000 and 11,000 second-hand fiction and non-fiction books on sale at each event, there is something for everyone.
Lions work together to alphabetise and sort the thousands of books into 25 categories, making it easier for bargain hunters to find what they’re looking for.
The next book sale will be taking place at Caribbean Park in Scoresby on the 20th and 21st of August. You can find more about the event here.
Wangi Lions Club’s Festival Celebrates its 45th Year
/in OUR STORIES /by Emily WilliamsBY EMILY WILLIAMS
In the first weekend of June, Wangi Lions Club held their annual Dobell Festival of Art and Craft.
Over its 45-year history, the festival has cemented itself as one of the most prestigious art and craft festivals in New South Wales.
This year’s two-day event raised in excess of $20,000 and included 320 paintings and over 1000 pieces of craft.
2022 Dobell Prize winner: “Still Life with Magnolias” – John Edge
Over the years, funds raised have supported local families experiencing hardships; domestic violence services; women’s refuges; drug and alcohol services; food relief; children’s services; mental health and special needs services; as well as local schools and sporting groups in the District.
Keith McBurney and Warren Jeffers
Jane Smith of Wangi Lions Club credits Keith McBurney, who has been the Dobell Festival Chairperson for the past 7 years, and Warren Jeffers, the primary sponsorship facilitator, as being the “nuts and bolts of the festival”.
Named after esteemed local artist Sir William Dobell, this year’s festival came to life after 8 weeks of hard work by members of Wangi Lions Club and approximately 30 volunteers.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to socialise with the community, as each year many volunteer and become a part of the festival,” said Smith.
Raffle Prize painted by Stephanie Macfarlane
Wangi Lions Dobell Festival of Art and Craft provides a great opportunity for Lake Macquarie residents to come together as a community and celebrate the promising artists of the area.
You can see the full list of winners below.
Keep up to date with Wangi Lions Club here.
2022 Awards for Art Section
The 2022 Dobell Prize
John Edge – “Still Life with Magnolias”
Section 1 – Landscape
Jill Cairns – “Here I Stand”
Section 2 – Figurative
Sue Rosalind Vesely – “Ascension”
Section 3 – Still Life
Rene Berger – “Still Life with Winter Shadows”
Section 4 – ‘After Dobell’
Christine Galvin – “Faithful Companion”
Section 5 – Youth Primary
Louis Poelaert – “Elephant in the Room”
Section 6 – Youth Secondary
Peyton Hardesty – “Peter Spider Morph”
2022 Awards for Craft Section
Dobell Craft Prize
Noelene Farrell
Needlework/Knitting
Karen Murray
Pottery
Sue Stewart
Ceramics
Rebecca Irving
Jewellery
Joanne Wiltshire
Miscellaneous
Janelle Hampton
Lions Hero – Margaret Condon
/in Lion Hero /by Emily WilliamsDeidre is a tireless worker for the Club and community. She is a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, Bulletin Editor, Publicity Officer, Tail Twister, District Cabinet – Nurses Scholarship, Public Relations, and Children’s Health and Mobility Foundation. She organises 3 street stalls per year which raise, on average, $1300 per stall. Deidre has a weekly column in the local paper and a weekly radio program in which she promotes Lions and the community.
Lions Hero – David Horne
/in Lion Hero /by Emily WilliamsLion David has served with dedication as Club President, Secretary, Zone Chairperson and Vice District Governor; and has been instrumental in establishing the Lions Club of Australian Hearing Dogs. He was Charter President and now serves as Club Secretary.
Lions Hero – Beccy Field
/in Lion Hero /by Emily WilliamsLion Beccy has been a longstanding committed volunteer as a Lioness and Lion since 2010. Her contribution at Club, District and Multiple District has been outstanding.
Lions Hero – Terry Mullan
/in Lion Hero /by Emily WilliamsDeidre is a tireless worker for the Club and community. She is a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, Bulletin Editor, Publicity Officer, Tail Twister, District Cabinet – Nurses Scholarship, Public Relations, and Children’s Health and Mobility Foundation. She organises 3 street stalls per year which raise, on average, $1300 per stall. Deidre has a weekly column in the local paper and a weekly radio program in which she promotes Lions and the community.
Kai Spence awarded Leo of the Year 2021
/in Uncategorized /by Malcolm QualtroughKai Spence of the Central Queensland Leo Club in Lions District Q4 (Rockhampton) has been awarded the title of 2021 Leo of the Year.
Competing on-stage at the Lions National Convention in Canberra in May 2021, Kai impressed the judges and audience with a heartwarming presentation about his experience of becoming a father.
Kai has been actively involved in his Leo club since joining, holding a variety of roles including President, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Chairperson.
The Leo of the Year program offers young people the opportunity to share and celebrate their passion and commitment to community service, and a platform to voice their opinions on topics close to their heart.
Over the next 12 months, Kai will travel around Australia visiting Lions Clubs with the goal of inspiring members to open more Leo Clubs.
Leo members compete at a local and state level before each state nominates a finalist to compete on stage at the Lions National Convention.
Participants are awarded points based on the following:
Find out more about the Leo Club program.
Leada Blackie awarded Leo of the Year 2022
/in LEOS WINNER, YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES /by Malcolm QualtroughLeada Blackie of the King Island Leo Club in Lions District T1 has been awarded the title of 2022 Leo of the Year.
Competing on-stage at the Lions National Mini Convention in Melbourne in May 2022, Leada impressed the judges and audience with a presentation based on the words of Eleanor Roosevelt,
Leada has been actively involved in her Leo club since joining, holding a variety of roles including President, Secretary and Membership Chairperson.
The Leo of the Year program offers young people the opportunity to share and celebrate their passion and commitment to community service, and a platform to voice their opinions on topics close to their heart.
Over the next 12 months, Leada will travel around Australia visiting Lions Clubs with the goal of inspiring members to open more Leo Clubs.
Leo members compete at a local and state level before each state nominates a finalist to compete on stage at the Lions National Convention.
Participants are awarded points based on the following:
Find out more about the Leo Club program.
Torquay Lions are ‘Better Together’
/in OUR STORIES /by JemmaFollowing his installation as the new President of Torquay Lions Club, Lion Colin Bellis claimed his theme of ‘Better Together’ will ensure local Lions will serve their community better, strengthen their Club, and unearth new ways to raise funds to help those in need.
“Our Leadership Team has met already to plan the next 12 months,” President Colin said.
“The idea of ‘Better Together’ will drive us throughout the year.
Outgoing president of Torquay Lions Club, Neil Roche (left) receives his Yearbook from incoming president Colin Bellis. The book consists of text and images of activities managed by the Lions Club during Neil’s year.
“A club which operates ‘Better Together’ will ensure our service to our community retains a very high standard, our fundraising will raise sufficient funds to meet local, national, and international needs, and we will have fun while we work”.
He was speaking after the annual changeover dinner of the Torquay Lions held at the Lions Village recently when his new executive team was installed for the next 12 months.
V2 2nd Vice District Governor, Michelle Challis, formally installed the team at the changeover dinner.
V2 2nd District Governor Elect, Michelle Challis, presents new Torquay Lions Club member, Ross Yapp, with his Lions shirt, cap and name badge, after she inducted him into Lions Clubs International.
Outgoing President, Lion Neil Roche, proudly announced at the dinner that the Torquay Lions had distributed just over $54,300 to local, national and international causes during the past year.
“Under Lion Neil’s guidance, Lions worked hard to raise those funds for distribution,” declared the Incoming President, Lion Colin.
“As well, local Lions worked voluntarily doing deliveries for Feed Me Surf Coast.
Torquay’s Lion of the Year was presented this month to Lion Tony Smith (left) for the amount of community service he did on top of his regular voluntary contribution to club activities. Outgoing President Neil Roche presented the award on behalf of the Club.
“Averaging six Lions delivering or loading each week, we supported Feed Me Surf Coast for 700 hours equating to $21,000 for the past 12 months”.
Lions in the executive team supporting the President this year are Brian Keane, Leadership Chair; Neil Roche, Service Chair; Ken Farrow, Secretary; Deb Law, Treasurer; and Bill Ferguson, Membership Chair.
Following his year of service as President of Torquay Lions Club, Lion Neil Roche, as his last official act, unfurls the club’s honour roll of Past Presidents with his name added to the banner.
“Like many other service organisations, Torquay Lions are keen to develop our membership base. We would love to see anyone looking for local involvement with a purpose to try their hand serving the community with us,” Lion Colin pointed out.
“Most people who try out working with Lions, join us for the satisfaction they receive serving others,” he concluded.
Anyone interested in finding out more about Torquay Lions can visit their website here.
Lions Mobile Skin Cancer Van Stops in at Vermont South Bunnings
/in HEALTH, OUR STORIES /by JemmaThe Lions V Districts Cancer Foundation makes a real and lasting difference in people’s lives with their mobile skin cancer check vans.
On July 22nd and 23rd their mobile van was in Bunnings carpark at Vermont South, Victoria. Lions Club of Waverley President Eamonn Cooke writes:
This project had Lions Club of Waverley as the main club organiser, and we were assisted by Lions Club of South Vermont. People attended on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd July to be screened for skin cancer. Around 110 people attended, many of whom – including myself – were being screened for the first time. Both Lions groups donated the net proceeds from their BBQs on Friday and Saturday to this project. Our club’s donation was $1 500. We also funded most of the skin cancer team’s meals and their hotel accommodation.
Back in January 2022, the idea for this project was communicated to our club. Over the next few months, we established a team from both Waverley and South Vermont to drive the event. We are appreciative of the assistance we received from Bunnings Activity Officer, Marie. She was an important cog in this project; donating her time to attend meetings, and answering my phone calls and many emails.
During the lead up to the event, I was constantly in contact with Wendy Hellebrand (OAM) Skin Check Roster/Volunteer Screeners Coordinator. Her knowledge and support were amazing and it meant so much to have her help.
Lion Bob set up an electronic spreadsheet with a dedicated email address to record the bookings. He also produced the event running sheet, which was a key document that scheduled action items for the team to be aware of. As the time got closer, I met up with Lions Dave Underhay and John Watson. These two Lions were key to the unit getting to the Vermont South location and kept safely stored overnight. Thank you both for your contribution and effort in making it all look so easy!
When I saw the unit and the length of it, I was awe struck. It’s amazing. Vermont Bunnings were generous by facilitating the unit to be located on their ‘prime real-estate’ at the front of the store beside the BBQ setup.
Show time was 6am Friday 22nd and it was zero degrees. Shivering Lions Bill, Tony, Bob and driver John were assembling the unit for the day. My left foot had frost bite. This was fabulous teamwork setting everything up. Again, on Saturday 23rd DG Graham and Lions David, Bob and driver John were hard at work. I managed to drop a heavy witches hat on the DG’s foot!
On Friday morning, Wendy and her team Susan, Bob, Iggy, and Anthony arrived and got down to business. Their whole approach to examining people was so professional and non-intrusive, although standing there in my undies was interesting! A massive thanks must go out to the team.
On each day we had our ‘triage team’ from both clubs booking in the clients. Bob had electronically recorded each person and the attendance was fine.
Meanwhile, our Lions BBQ mob were hard at work drumming up business. Both Waverley and South Vermont teams helped the day earning funds to assist the Skin Cancer Unit.
Lastly, a great big thank you to Lion Monica from the Lions Club of Waverley for baking a fabulous fruit cake for the skin cancer team, delicious was the consensus!
Click here to find out more about how the Lions V Districts Cancer Foundation is saving lives.