Lions Recycle for Sight Australia Inc manned a large exhibition at the Sydney Convention as part of the International setup. In that exhibit, we demonstrated new lensometer machines, videos of the programme and missions, answered thousands of questions from around the world and, in particular, enabled every visitor to use our machines to grade glasses or look at our (universal) E charts. A great opportunity to show this $125 million annual humanitarian aid programme; a programme whose success is provided by over a thousand Lions Club in Australia who collect those individual pair of used spectacles and forward to us. Every pair adds to 500,000 people, annually, in the world seeing properly and living a better life. Please thank your members for their success.

At the same Convention, LCI invited our chairman to speak at a seminar on Community Projects generates membership, a simple progression from the club becoming an integral member of its community, to being successful in membership growth and retention; a successful hands-on approach. (Click on ChairmanR4S@lions.org.au for speech).

Our proposal to make Timor Leste self sustainable within 5 years in eye care was forwarded to LCIF at the end of February after obtaining the necessary endorsement to forward the submission, by 2 districts. Two fruitful meetings were held in Sydney with the LCIF visiting executive PDG Derek Challis, Retired Brigadier Ken Phillips and myself. Further communications have occurred and the next step is a final revision of the proposal following LCIF meetings with its Committee of Experts and WHO about the end of August. A trip to Chicago may be appropriate to finalise detail. Current expectation is that once accepted by LCIF, the programme will commence in earnest as soon as the monsoonal season passes.

We have entered an agreement with an on-line prescription glasses supplier to provide us with a free pair of readers for every pair they sell on line. (Obviously we obtained the Executive Officer and Legal Officers views). Similarly we have a very successful relationship with a major national funeral parlour chain and several corporate groups seeking internal involvement. To help with our relationships with schools, corporate and clubs we have added PDG Bede Long, PDG Derek Challis, PDG Nigel Jeny, & PDG Rob Johnston to our directorships in relation to New South Wales, Southern Queensland and Victoria/Tasmania. Similarly we regularly receive help from District Officers and PDGs to help meet corporate, school or parent information requests, on our behalf, in their own area of influence.

Recently, we forwarded 96 boxes (24,000 pair) of glasses to PNG, Solomon Islands and Fiji, 5,000 pair to a Yacht in the Indian Ocean to further service the needs of remote Indonesian Islands, agreed to 10,000 to Zambia for the Belgium Congo (plus 1,000 books and hospital equipments), 5,000 pair for children in Tanzania, 9,000 pair to PNG through the WHAM organisation in Townsville and 200,000 frames to Africa through Operation Lift and African Equity. That African shipment also included 20 cubic metres (half a full 20 foot container) of uniforms provided by the Minister for Corrections. Sri Lanka is a regular bi monthly area receiving 10,000 pair each time. Many other smaller requests are accommodated.

In relation to our centres currently 4 two manned by Lions supervisors and two self supervised in female correctional institutions, we have approval to include Woodford Male High Security Prison and its counterpart Brisbane Women's High Security. The Queensland Gambling Community Fund has granted us $30,000 to purchase a new lens making machine (for Woodford) plus several additional lensometer machines for these two prisons (and an initial start on phasing out the earliest machines in use early 2000's). The Federal Government has granted $2,600 for the purchase of a computer and complex printer scanner etc for our project. (For security reasons, we will use this equipment for management and relocate equipment currently with management to the coal face).

We reached our target of 500,000 pair annually by June 2010. With the ever growing need for this service, by ordinary Lions of our country, and the potential for Timor Leste, clearly our target needs to continue rising. Logistical consequences can be overcome with the active support of the government of our State and Country and financial support by LCIF for the Timor project.

This project is now reaching towards $500 million dollars of humanitarian aid by the Lions of Australia and Japan for the people of the third world, in less than 10 years. The project financially supports its own operation but welcomes the number of gifts from Lions and Lioness clubs towards those costs. Once more, I thank the support of the 19 Districts in our country and those in Japan but, more importantly, thank the individual Lions and Lionesses and families who support the programme through their regular collection of a few pair of glasses in their community.

It is that support that enables the child in the darkest part of no-where to see the blackboard and be educated; similarly his father and mother and grand-parent. The look in the child's eyes- the incredibility- says it all.

Thank you

PDG Kenneth G Leonard OAM BA (ANU) Chairman & CEO Lions Recycle for Sight Australia Inc.

Charter Night
Lions Club of Balmoral District
Come along and join in the celebrations of a new Lions Club at their Charter Night.
Time:     18:00 for 18:30
Date:     Sat 20 Nov 10
Venue:   Mechanics Hall
Glendinning Street
BALMORAL
Meal:      2 Course
Cost:      $35.00 ph
RSVP:     Wed 20 Oct 10 Limited seating, so please book early.
Booking and payment to:
Lions Club of Balmoral District
C/- Post Office
BALMORAL 3407 Inquiries:
(03) 5570-1448 James Parker, President
(03) 5570-1302 Jo Smith, Secretary
balmoraldistrictlionsclub@gmail.com

Lions Club Fundraiser McManus Charity Golf day

Keep em Safe – a locally based project dedicated to the prevention of alcohol related harm in young people, is proud to be the recipient of funds raised by the Lions Club of Lara. A cheque for $7,000 was presented to Keep em Safe on Mon 28 June, which were the proceeds from the Annual McManus Charity Golf Day and a Trivia night. A big thank you to all the Lara Lions members, friends, families, golfers and sponsors for your efforts in supporting us to address youth and alcohol issues.

www.keepemsafe.com.au ‘keeping our young people safe from alcohol related harm’

Club Twin Visit from Yorkshire

MD105C PDGs Janet & Peter Weatherill, both members of the Lions Club of Holderness, visited Twin Club the Lions Club of Lara on Mon 12 Jul 10 business meeting held at the St John Ambulance Facility, Lara.

Pictured are Sue Eyton, President Lions Club of Lara and MD105C PDGs Janet & Peter weatherill form the Lions Club of Holderness.

Changeover Dinner
 

The Lions Club of Geelong Breakfast held its 9th Annual Charter Anniversary & Changeover Dinner on Saturday 19 Jun 10 at the Deakin Lakehouse Restaurant. Twenty five members and partners made the evening a very enjoyable one.

PDG Allan Price & new President Paul Austin

Under the guidance of Master of Ceremonies Lion Mark Crane, outgoing President Jan Cadwell thanked her Committee for the past year's work, in particular Secretary Judy McDonald and Treasurer Helen Nolan. Jan also presented Certificates of Appreciation to Lions Howard and Cheryl Timbury for their work with the children's books through the 'new' Lions Children's Charity Network, as well as to Lion Lorna Martin for her volunteer work in Gippsland after the Black Saturday fires, as well as backyard blitz's for needy families.

Cheryl & Howard Timbury

Past District Governor Allan Price had the pleasure of inducting the incoming Committee. Allan was involved in the formation of the club in 2001 and had fond memories of the challenges faced by a new club and the way in which the club has grown with 9 Charter Members still involved today. Allan inducted the following members onto the 2010-11 Committee: President: Paul Austin Secretary: Judy McDonald Treasurer: Mark Crane 1st Vice President: Heather Chappell 2nd Vice President: Chris Miles 3rd Vice President: Peter Johnston Membership Officer: Lorna Martin 2 Year Directors: Cheryl Timbury, Jan Cadwell 1 Year Directors: Helen Nolan and Pearl Webster Tail Twister: Adrian Miles Lion Tamer: Howard Timbury Immediate Past President: Jan Cadwell Incoming President Paul Austin thanked members for their support in what will be his second term as President having taken over from the inaugural President Adrian Miles in 2002. He encouraged all members to focus on what they wish to get out of the Lions movement and bring forward ideas that will give them personal reward as well as reward to others.

Lorna Martin & Jan Cadwell

The aim is to enjoy our involvement in Lions, and to draw satisfaction and a feeling of worth out of our individual efforts. Paul also promoted the idea of visitations to other clubs as a regular event for the next 12 months.

Geelong Breakfast Members

In his capacity as Tail Twister, Lion Mark Crane also managed to extract some coinage from just about every Lion in the room, with Lion Geoff Thompson buying the Lion on a couple of occasions to embarrass a few members even further. An excellent evening was had by all.

Kids Plus Foundation

The Lions Club of Geelong in association with the Kids Plus Foundation invites you to a very special event to support babies and children across the Barwon region with special needs as a result of brain injury, cerebral palsy or stroke.

Kids Plus Foundation is a Geelong based registered charity providing a ‘no cost to families’ intensive therapy program for babies, children and teenagers with neuro physical disabilities, i.e. Cerebral palsy, brain injury or stroke. The Therapy Programme of Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy and Speech pathology helps children achieve the daily functional activities the rest of us take for granted: communication, mobility, eating, self care, and play. The foundation receives no government funding and depends on the generosity and commitment of individuals, foundations and businesses, to exist.

19:00 for 19:30 Sat 10 Jul start.
Hosted by Paula Kontelj.
White Eagle House, Fellmongers Road, Breakwater.
Tickets $35.00 or table of 10 for $350.00.
3 course meal & live music Drinks at bar prices Special Auction and Raffle with great prizes.
Bookings essential.
Tickets from Kids Plus: 5223-1475
163 Myers St, Geelong (Mon-Thurs)
or www.kidsplus.org.au

Mildura MD Convention
 

To commemorate the lives of those Lions who have passed on each DG and Partner was given a number of fingerling fish to release into the river, as a symbol of new birth and hope, it was a moving moment for Barbara and I and indeed all the DG's as we saw the fish join the waters of this great river. A total of 8,000 fish were released that morning commemorating the lives of the 384 Lions lost from our ranks during the past year. (more......)

Outstanding Record of Community Service Recognised:

Left to Right: Lions District V2 Governor Bob Gilchrist and Alan Joyce.

During his official visit to the Lions Club of Queenscliff–Point Lonsdale, V2 District Governor Bob Gilchrist presented the highly coveted Lions District Award The Alan J Holding Memorial Award for community service to Alan Joyce of Point Lonsdale, District Governor Bob Gilchrist said, “The Alan J Holding Memorial Award is provided by District V2 of Lions Club International. It is made available to Lions Clubs in the District to award to citizens that club members believe have truly served their community. One of these people is with us tonight.

This recipient has an extensive history of service to the community over many years and in many fields. As will be seen as I read this citation, he has given freely of his time labour and means and excelled in his service to others.

He joined the Point Lonsdale Surf Lifesaving Club in December 1966. He is:

• Life member
• Past Committee Member
• Holds instructor and examiner certificates in several disciplines
• Assists with presentation nights

• Is a keen supporter of the PointLonsdale Primary School:

• Assisting with the annual White Elephant Stall
• Assistant at the annual school fete

Is a distinguished member of the Rotary Club of Queenscliffe, being:

• Charter Member
• Paul Harris Fellow
• Very active in the Club’s community service programme

• Chaired the committee
• Sourced the materials and labour to decorate
• Co-ordinated the raising, lowering and maintenance of the lights

Local Lion Confirmed With Life Membership

On an official visit to the Lions Club of Queenscliff–Point Lonsdale the V2 District Governor, Bob Gilchrist conferred Life Membership on one of the oldest members of the club.

Photo Caption: From Left to Right: Barbara Gilchrist, Fred Williams, District Governor, Bob Gilchrist, Noreen Williams. District Governor Bob Gilchrist said, “Lions, it is my great pleasure tonight to make a rare presentation to an honoured Lion.

I would invite Lion Fred Williams to come forward.

This Lion is one of the longest serving members of the Lions Club of Queenscliff-Point Lonsdale, having joined in January 1988.

When he has seen a need, Fred has consistently stepped forward and offered his services regardless of the work load he was carrying. This has been the case for his Club, his District and the Multiple District. I know that he has accepted positions on Cabinet and Multiple District roles when a lesser person would have found a convenient excuse to refuse the offer. He has always given his all to these tasks as a true Lion. He has always worked closely with youth, and as such has been District and Multiple District chairman for Leos.

More locally, he has held every office at Club level, many more than once. He has been instrumental in maintaining this Lions Club, by running membership drives which have resulted in significant increases in Club membership. He has been the sponsoring Lion for at least 6 new members. He has introduced many activities and programmes to the Club. One of these was the formation of the Bellarine Leo Club. Another was a 'Hole in One' competition over Easter weekend, which resulted in much mirth for Lions and much frustration for the competitors.

In years past Lion Fred, together with Lions Lady Noreen have been very regular attendees at District and Multiple District Conventions. They have also attended International Conventions. At these conventions, they have represented their Club and District admirably.

Lion Fred’s wicked sense of humour has never been far away in all his Lion activities, as can be recalled by some memorable dinner meetings both at Club and District level, or those who had the pleasure (or misfortune depending on your point of view) to travel to Conventions with him.

Unfortunately Fred’s health has kept him from some activities in recent times, but he has remained a staunch supporter of the Club and assisted whenever possible.

For truly dedicated and inspirational service to the Lions Club of Queenscliff-Point Lonsdale, and Lions Clubs International, it gives me great pleasure to announce that Lions Club International has seen fit to award you with Life Membership."

Australia's candidate PID Barry Palmer has just been appointed 2nd International Vice President. This is a great result for Australia and our Constitutional Area (Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia).

This is the first time this area has had an International President and it brings with it worldwide recognition and prestige. I have forwarded my congratulations on behalf of Australian Lions.

Bob Gilchrist
MD201C Chairman

ABC Radio
Mon 16 Aug 10

Just wondering if any of you heard Trevor Chappell interview the Chap from Lions International this morning about the activities and history of Lions International in Australia.

Probably most of us were in dreamland or another way of saying that we were probably making ‘ZZZZZZZ’. The interview was really great, and at the end Trevor had a few text messages from the General Public wanting to know how they could join a Lions Club.

Mention was made of Programmes such as:
Licola;
Black Saturday Fires: Lions utilise $3.6m of Australian Funds and were first on the ground. One local rang in and could not have been happier with what Lions did, made one proud to be a Lion; Diabetes;
A young Fred Hollows;
Youth of Year;
Aged Care;
And many others.

The history of Lions in Australia was well described, what LIONS stands for and many other topics.

The public was asked to ring in, I was too lazy to get out of a nice warm bed to do so, but it was a terrific interview and only positive feedback was received.

Mick Harris
Region 2 Chairman

Expressions of Interest to Host District Youth of the Year Final

The District Final for this year's Youth of the Year is to be held Sat, 12 Mar 11.

Should your Club be willing to host the final, please contact me as soon as possible in writing on Club Letter Head, so District Governor Max and I may confirm the Venue and Host club to all District Clubs and the State and National Youth of the Year Chairman. These details will also be published on the National and District web sites.

My Postal details are as follows:
PO Box 4217
Hoppers Crossing DC
HOPPERS CROSSING 3029

Clubs participating in this year’s Youth of the Year please note the following closing dates. It is imperative these dates are adhered to please.

A reminder to all clubs, due to the early Multiple District Convention in Tasmania, the official cut off dates for 2010-11 has been amended as follows:

Club Final: 13 Feb 11
Zone Final: 20 Feb 11
Region Final: 27 Feb 11
District Final: 13 Mar 11 to be held on 12 Mar)
State Final: 27 Mar 11 (Now confirmed for 26 Mar - to be hosted by V3)
National Final: 15 Apr 11 (MD Convention – Launceston)

As previously suggested, it would be good if Clubs plan and complete their YOTY programme prior to official cut off dates enabling deadlines to be met and run smoothly especially for the District and State Level.

I hope that by now All Chairman have received their stationary, I still have some left should you require any more, or you can Download from the MD website, or even photocopy some of the forms (please remember all ongoing forms of winners have to be the Originals).

Thank you to those Clubs who have advised me of their YOTY Chairman for the coming year and also sent in the ‘Registration Form’, if you are one of those clubs that have not, please could you do so as soon as possible so that I may have an accurate database of participating clubs, also please disregard the cost mentioned at the bottom of the form as clubs within V2 are levied by the district - thank you.

I take this opportunity to wish all Clubs the best for the coming year in the quest.


Malcolm Harlow
District Chairman Youth of the Year

Ararat Lions had a fun time at their annual changeover dinner in July, with Lion Steve Shannon from Willaura Lions conducting the proceedings. As the picture shows he dressed the Incoming Officers appropriately for the occasion. Steve had everyone enjoying themselves, visitors and all with his apt description of the lions concerned.

Pictured: L to R. 1st VP Tony Reynolds, Lion Tamer (part hidden) Ross McCracken, President Michael Thornbury, IPP Michael Hevey, Treasurer Gerard Kelly with assistant ‘Ethel’ in the shades, Tail Twister Colin Edwards, Membership Mandy Baird, Secretary Allan Wall and 3rd VP Kevin Hull. Unfortunately absent was 2nd VP Norm Tosch.

Michael Hevey
Publicity Officer
Lions Club of Ararat

The Lions Club of Lara in partnership with St Laurence Services and the St Laurence Residents have produced a new Dry Riverbed Garden for the residents and the community of Lara.

This joint project is in keeping with one of our incoming President Sue Eyton's goals being 'Developing community projects that bring a sense of pride and achievement to members'.  

An area of parkland next to the St Laurence White Elephant was selected for the makeover and work began with St Laurence marking out the area concerned and moving the bridge into place. Lions and residents then joined forces to lay carpet over the area and plant shrubs on the Thursday morning. The following Monday, stones and large pebbles were dropped off and were laid around the garden covering every aspect.

Wheelie Bins 'Assist' Alliance
 

The Shire of Moyne recently replaced householder wheelie bins – there were three for every household, two large and one smaller – and many householders, particularly the elderly and those without their own transport, were at a loss as to how to dispose of their old bins. As a community service the Lions Club of Port Fairy - Belfast and the Port Fairy Rotary Club combined forces to collect the old bins over two days. The exercise was widely promoted with householders who wanted to dispose of their former bins asked to leave them on the kerb on particular days. The result was outstanding. A collection of utility and trailers manned by Lions, Rotarians and friends – and very wet people on the second day – collected over 1,200 bins.  

Relatively few were damaged and consigned to the local tip. The remainder were stored at the showgrounds. While a few bins 'walked' the demand for them was overwhelming and within a few days all bins had been sold or donated to community organisations. They were particularly sought by horse and poultry farmers for the storage of feed with one large farming company asking for 350 bins. Unfortunately when their request was received only 100 remained. Bins were sold for from $5 to $10 each, or a donation, and monies received will be shared by the two service organisations and will probably be used to purchase equipment for Moyne health Services. Lion President Vic Gillatt said "it was an exercise that proved that two community service organisations could join forces to provide a service that either might find difficult to complete individually".

Sydney Convention
 

Looking the Goods are District Governor Max Oberlander with Chris and new Council Chairman Bob Gilchrist and Barbara.

"Our Children are on loan to us. If we teach them the importance of love and responsibility...... We have done our job well."

Helen Torpy

At their recent changeover dinner, the Lions Club of Lara presented Helen Torpy, the Director of Keepemsafe with a cheque for $7,000 to assist with the dedication to the prevention of alcohol related harm in young people and aims to provide insight, education and a medium for engaging and connecting parents, community and government to target our current epidemic of underage drinking.

(Outgoing President Jeff Cahn, presenting 'Keepemsafe' Director Helen Torpy, with a cheque for $7,000 raised from a Trivia Night and Annual Golf Day proceeds)

Marian Leo Club 
 
The Blue Charity Ball
A night that promises to be memorable as you dine and dance the night away. All proceeds from the evening will go to ‘Beyondblue’ to raise awareness of depression and anxiety. Time: 18:30 to Midnight Date: Sat 17 Jul 10 Venue: Lake Side Receptions 65 Melton Highway Taylors Lakes UBD 189L5 Melway 13J1 Cost: $85.00 per ticket $75.00 per ticket if you organise a table of 8 to 12 Meal: hors d'oeuvres, 3 Course Meal Drinks: Beer, Wine & Soft Drinks Dress: Jacket & Tie Bookings & Further Information: 0407 951-025 Natasha 0401 781-480 Laura 0413 245-818 Cadao For further information, click here.

Region 2 Enviroment Project
McKellar Centre North Geelong

Thank you to members of the clubs in Region 2 for assisting with this project. At this stage 2,300 plants have been put in and 50 metres of mulch spread. This was a great effort by all that attended and Barwon Health are very pleased with the assistance given by Lions.

Zone 3 Chairman (Lara) Dennis Grant in Safety Jacket

All plants have survived and are looking very healthy, it is a pleasure to see the gardens from the wards and café. There will be a recognition plaque installed in one of the garden beds, Region Chairman Vicki Wallis and I have chosen a suitable position along one of the pathways. There will also be an Honour Board installed in the café with all participating clubs named.

Don Knowles (Hamlyn Heights) and Bert Higginson (Grovedale Waurn Ponds)

Final working bee will be held from 09:00 to Noon on Saturday 17 Jul 10.

Lions Working Group

Region 2 Chairman Vicki Wallis and I would like to wish the incoming Region Chairman and Environment Chairman all the best for the coming year. Carol Pritchard District Environment Chairman 2009-10

Safety in the Club and Fundraising
PCC Bruce Hudgson Constitution & By Laws Chairman  

There are two issues that I suggest Clubs follow up. A Number of our Clubs already are registered Fundraisers (Well done) for the others I recommend you consider the two matters below:

1. Insurance and the Need for a Club Safety/Security Officer.

2. Registration for Fundraising.

A Brief on each item follows along with relevant Website for full details – I commend both matters for full Club attention.

Insurance and Need For A Safety/Security Officer:

Does your Club Have One? – If not in these days of liability claims being contested it is recommended that one be appointed.

Why should we have one? - We spend a lot of time discussing projects and who will do what etc, but little time is devoted to simple safety checks prior to and during the project.

Doing this can save a lot of pain for the Club and Member/s down the road - we have a responsibility to look after our members.

What are the consequences if the Club does not have a Safety/Security Officer should there be an accident? - Whilst it is not compulsory for a Club to appoint one it is strongly recommended that one be appointed – a recent case resulted in an injured Member taking action against a Club for not appointing a Safety Officer. Common sense dictates that we should look after our members.

If the Club does not have one are we covered? - Yes

What Qualifications are needed? - No formal qualifications are needed. Common Sense and simple check list are all that’s needed. Importantly the appointed Officer should not be allocated any other task at the Project/Event and be free to roam.

What are the Duties? - The Safety/Security Officer should be allocated no other duty at the Project/Event.

* Safety/Security checks at sites where projects are to take place (prior to and during the event) * Making sure the Members working on the Project/Event is aware of any safety/security matters or issues * Reporting and Recording any actions taken to ensure Safety/Security * Preparing clear details of accidents that may occur * Following the requirements of Lions Insurances should an accident occur?

What if the Safety/Security Officer makes a mistake? - If the appointed Officer makes a mistake or overlooks a blatant hazard or defect that Officer or appointed representative is covered by Lions Insurances as he/she was acting in the capacity of a Lion.

As stated it is not compulsory but I strongly recommend Clubs make this appointment and use the simple check list available from the Lions Insurance Website www.lionsinsurance.com.au/safety.html

Common sense says we should look after our members.

Registration for Fundraising

Under Consumer Affairs Victoria, Clubs should be registered as Fundraisers unless they are an organisation or activity that is exempt.

It would be my view that no Clubs would be exempt unless they, as not for profit organisations are raising less that $10,000.00 gross and are not paid for the fundraising and are using unpaid volunteers

* There are exempt activities such as raffles (subject of separate permits) * Soliciting and receiving Government Grants * Sponsorships from corporations or parties that are permitted to make donations or benefits to a charity * Internal fundraising that is targeted at past and present Members and families, relatives and personal; acquaintances

It is a simple matter to apply, go to the Consumer Affairs Victoria Website -

www.consumer.vic.gov.au

Access Associations, Clubs and Fundraising and you can download Forms etc – it is very simple and many of our Lions Clubs are already registered.

Urgent applications can be processed within one day but normal process is 28 days before the prescribed event – I recommend this to all clubs.