The Lion - Lions Australia

Lion-Dec-Jan _template Lion 17/11/2017 4:37 pm Page 1

LION Registered by Australia Post Publication No. pp100002889

December - January 2017/18 Australia / Papua New Guinea edition – $1

ATIVE

INITI H T U O Y S

he t o t yes e g n ou y g n i Open LION

T N E M N O R I V EN

INSIDE: REGISTRATION FOR TOWNSVILLE NATIONAL CONVENTION



‘We serve’ “To create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation”

LION December - January 2017/18 Volume 134 No. 6

Lion – Australia and PNG

Connections, influence, friendship, philanthropy

OUR COVER In the Clare region of South Australia, an exciting environmental project is taking shape in which young Australians are being introduced to the beauty of a wetlands area. Learn of the project and the Clare Green Team that has masterminded it, on page 6.

Our cover

Lion - Australia and Papua New Guinea edition is published bi-monthly for the Multiple District 201 Council of Lions Clubs International and circulated to all members. Published by MD201 Council of Governors and printed by PMP Print, 37-49 Browns Road, Clayton Victoria 3168. An official publication of Lions Clubs International, the Lion magazine is published by authority of Board of Directors in 21 languages: English, Spanish, Japanese, French, Swedish, Italian, German, Finnish, Korean, Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, Chinese, Norwegian, Icelandic, Turkish, Greek, Hindi, Polish, Indonesian and Thai. Editor: Tony Fawcett, Fawcett Media 20 Millett Road Gisborne South VIC 3437 Phone: (03) 9744 1368 Email: [email protected] Advertising Enquiries: Lions National Office 31-33 Denison St, Newcastle West, NSW 2302 Phone: (02) 4940-8033 Lions Australia website: www.lionsclubs.org.au Deadlines: 1st day of month before cover date. MD201 Council of Governors: C1 Megan Butler, C2 Judy Glastonbury, N1 Michael (John) Davis, N2 Chris Howard, N3 Glenn Byrnes, N4 Annemarie Jones OAM, N5 Ron Gattone, Q1 Ann Reed, Q2 Robert (Bob) Roberson, Q3 Engelbert Krampl, Q4 Rod Somerville, T1 Hester van Niekerk, V1-4 Malcolm Qualtrough, V2 Trevor Hirth, V3 Andrew McMahon, V5 Pat Mills, V6 Norm Walkington, W1 Sue Lowe, W2 Grant Hewett. Council Chairman: Malcolm Peters Distribution of Magazine: Clubs and Members Additions to distribution list, deletions, changes of address and of club will be made only when advised through the Club Membership and Activities report. Non-Lions, libraries and other organisations who wish to advise changes should contact Lions National Office, Locked Bag 2000 NEWCASTLE NSW 2300, Tel: 02 4940 8033 email: [email protected] USA Editor-In-Chief - Sanjeev Ahuja Managing Editor - Christopher Brunch, Lions Clubs International 300 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois 605238842 USA Executive Officers: President Naresh Aggarwal, Delhi, India; Immediate Past President Chancellor Robert E. “Bob” Corlew, Milton, Tennessee, United States; First Vice President Gudrun Yngvadottir, Gardabaer, Iceland; Second Vice President Jung-Yul Choi, Busan City, Korea; Third Vice President Judge Haynes H. Townsend, Dalton, Georgia, United States. Directors First year: Doo-Hoon Ahn, Seoul, South Korea; Sandro Castellana, Padova, Italy; Hastings E. Chiti, Lusaka, Zambia; William Galligani, Nimes, France; Thomas Gordon, Ontario, Canada; Nicolás Jara Orellana, Quito, Ecuador; Ardie Klemish, Iowa, United States; Alice Chitning Lau, Guangzhou ,China; Connie Lecleir-Meyer, Wisconsin, United States; Virinder Kumar Luthra, Patna, Bihar, India; Dr. Datuk K. Nagaratnam, Malacca, Malaysia; Don Noland, Missouri, United States; Regina Risken, Giessen, Germany; Yoshio Satoh, Chikuma City, Japan; Patricia Vannett, North Dakota, United States; Gwen White, North Carolina, United States; Nicolas Xinopoulos, Indiana, United States. Directors Second Year: Bruce Beck, Minnesota, United States; Tony Benbow, Vermont South, Australia; K. Dhanabalan, Erode, India; Luiz Geraldo Matheus Figueira, Brasílía, Brazil; Markus Flaaming, Espoo, Finland; Elisabeth Haderer, Overeen, The Netherlands; Magnet Lin, Taipei, Taiwan; Sam H. Lindsey Jr., Texas, United States; N. Alan Lundgren, Arizona, United States; Joyce Middleton, Massachusetts, United States; Nicolin Carol Moore, Arima, Trinidad and Tobago; Yasuhisa Nakamura, Saitama, Japan; Aruna Abhay Oswal, Gujrat, India; Vijay Kumar Raju Vegesna, Visakhapatnam, India; Elien van Dille, Ronse, Belgium; Jennifer Ware, Michigan, United States; Jaepung Yoo, Cheongju, Korea.

Page 6 - Hide & seek

Page 7 - Dance fever

Page 18 - Convention registration

CONTENTS 4 4 8 9 10 11

International President’s report A decade-long hayride Lions in China Go for gold Unclaimed Lions money Dance fever

12 14 18 24 26 28

Rural haven for youth at risk Council Chairman’s report Convention registration forms Lions out & about Committee vacancies International executive summary

LION magazine deadline Contributions for the Feb-April 2018 issue should be submitted by January 1 to The Editor, Lion magazine, Fawcett Media, 20 Millett Rd, Gisborne South, Victoria 3437 or emailed to [email protected]. 3


By Naresh Aggarwal, Lions Clubs International President

REDUCING HUNGER IS ONE OF OUR PRIORITIES For Americans, Thanksgiving is a celebration of their blessings. Yet, in most nations, giving thanks also is a part of the culture. In India, Hindus begin their day in their home shrine venerating the divine with fresh flowers and prasadam (a food offering). Every Hindu festival involves counting one’s blessings and thanking God. Giving back out of gratitude also is part of the culture of Lions. We serve because we are thankful. We recognise our advantages and deeply desire to give others what they lack. Sadly, many people worldwide lack enough food. Nearly 800 million people go to bed hungry each night, and a person starves to death every 15 seconds. Hunger is a problem both in developing and developed nations. Shockingly, 16 million U.S. households are undernourished, while 180 million people in my home country of India lack food. In Africa, the situation is even worse. Millions experience chronic hunger because of drought, conflict and high food prices. Thanks to the “green revolution” that increased crop production, hunger can be conquered. It’s largely a matter of getting food we have to people in need. Well, with Lions, we’ve eliminated the middleman. We have an army of volunteers, foot soldiers willing and able to defeat hunger. Understanding how vital food obviously is and how well positioned Lions are to lessen it, Lions Clubs International has prioritised hunger as one of Lions’ five core concerns. So, Lions, support your local food pantry and bank. Help feed low-income children at schools. Donate to LCIF, which routinely supports highly effective Lions’ projects to lessen hunger. Do what you can. As Mother Teresa said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” So with your club or district feed the hungry. Lions will not fail those in such desperate need. This Thanksgiving, indeed each and every month, I give thanks to all 1.4 million Lions and an estimated 175,000 Leos, men and women and youths grateful for their blessings and determined to save and enrich lives by stamping out hunger.

4

NEED FOR FEED

A decade-long

HAYRIDE Ten years ago the “millennium drought”, the driest years on record for most of Australia, brought rural heartbreak. So grim was the situation that nationally three farmers per week reportedly were taking their own lives through frustration and many others were walking off the land. When devastating bushfires in Victoria’s East Gippsland compounded the disaster, Upper Beaconsfield Lion and hobby farmer Graham Cockerell decided in 2006 that something had to be done. On the spur of the moment, he filled his tilt-tray tow truck with hay and with the help of some fellow Lions delivered it to disaster areas. So was born Need for Feed. It was established as a District Project at the 2009 V3 District Convention and was extended for a further three years last year. Today, after a decade of action, it’s busier than ever, helping more rural Australians than ever. Looking back, Graham Cockerell says one of its proudest moments was helping Marysville Lions with the first convoy into the Victorian town after the horrendous Black Saturday fires. Need for Feed has been there after fires and floods and has become the major supplier of emergency fodder and funding for transport in Victoria, outstripping even the Victorian state government and other agencies combined. Millions of dollars’ worth of fodder has been provided, around $750,000 in cash has been raised and a network of more than 100 volunteers established. “Our oldest volunteer is 82,” says Graham. “He’s been with us since we started and just recently we’ve had to stop him climbing up on top of the trucks.” In May last year when the dairy price crisis hit, Need for Feed networked with others,


including clubs, schools and businesses, and quickly had money and support rolling in.To date, $500,000 has been raised to support desperate farmers right across Victoria, and into southern NSW, northern Tasmania and the eastern side of South Australia. Non-money donations have also made a difference. “Sometimes it was the simple things, like fuel cards to the family whose daughter missed the school bus one day, only to have mum covered in petrol trying to syphon some out of the quad bike, because the car had no fuel to run the daughter to school,” says Graham Cockerell.

“Or the other family who had a broken $400 part on the tractor they couldn’t afford to fix. A young teenager was driving the tractor while dad operated the fork controls with a screwdriver. Just so they could feed out the hay we had delivered. It was a disaster waiting to happen.” Then there were the 1,000-plus hampers part funded by Need for Feed and distributed by Lions at Christmas. “If it wasn’t for the support from our volunteers, our Lions clubs, and other generous businesses and organisations, we would not have been able to achieve the enormous benefit we have,” says Graham.


BOOK RAMBLE: Lions International First Vice President Gudrun Yngvadottir and her husband, Dr Jon Bjarni Thorsteinsson, are welcomed to the bookshop by Maryborough President Lorraine Parker.

LIONS & THE ENVIRONMENT

The day the 1st Vice Pres dropped by for a read and a cuppa

South Australia’s Clare Lions

Staff of Victoria’s Maryborough Lions Club bookshop got a pleasant surprise when Lions International First Vice President Gudrun Yngvadottir dropped by for afternoon tea. She and her husband, Dr Jon Bjarni Thorsteinsson, both from Iceland, had been in the area attending the ANZI Pacific Forum in Ballarat. She praised the bookshop as a prime example of what Lions around the world can achieve in their local communities.“It just has all the elements: it’s about literacy, connections with local people, and all the proceeds go back into community projects,” she said. When a club member noted that the couple would likely not find any books about Iceland, Ms Yngvadottir promptly found three relating to Icelandic culture, including volcanoes and Vikings.

Young Australians are getting an exciting new appreciation of nature thanks to a passionate group of South Australians called the Clare Lions Green Team. The Green Team is introducing groups of school children and others to the marvels of the bush at the Gleeson Wetlands of Clare, about 140km north of Adelaide. Over spring this year, children were encouraged to observe wildlife from a new bird hide and to explore the wetlands.

LISTEN TO THE LION Apart from reading this hard-copy version of the magazine, Australians can read the digital LION online. Now it’s also possible to listen to the Australian LION magazine online. A new text-to-speech feature in your digital magazine has recently breen activated to allow this. It’s called Amazon Polly and it provides visually impaired readers with a great way to get access to LION magazine stories by having them “read” back to them. It is also a great tool for Lions who want to listen to the magazine on the go. Give it a try. Simply pick any story in your digital magazine, and click on the “speaker” icon under the title (see image below). The link to access your digital magazine is:

mydigimag.rrd.com/publication/?i=425343 This is yet another way we deliver a great digital magazine experience to readers!

f 6

Lion


HIDE & SEEK

Green Team is opening up young Australian eyes to a world of natural beauty The Green Team, made up of Lions Club of Clare members, has been working on the project since 2014 in conjunction with the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council and local contractors. The team, along with volunteers, has been responsible for planting more than 4,000 native seedlings, spot spraying and spreading mulch for weed control. Regular working bees are held and community volunteers are encouraged to join in. In one week alone, Clare Lions along with teachers supervised well over 60 students on visits.

While the club sees nothing wrong with the sausage sizzle image of Lions, it believes this project shows to the public that Lions can be involved in so much more. The Lions Green Team is well on its way to achieving its aim of making the Gleeson Wetlands one of Clare’s most popular places for walkers and bird watchers. The wide variety of native flora and year-round water provides a safe haven for numerous birds. Plant species have been selected to meet the

different feeding habits of birds, such as nectar feeders and insect eaters, while the structure of the large number of plants provides a variety of safe habitats. Many bird species have already established themselves and it is anticipated these numbers will grow as plants mature.

For more details on the wetlands, visit ramblingsdc.net/LionsGW

WET ’N WILD: Clare Green Team’s Pat Williams guides a group of schoolchildren through the wetlands.


Lions in CHINA

Lions Australia Global Leadership Team Area Leader, PDG TIM IRVINE, takes a look-see visit to a Chinese Lions club and returns filled with goodwill My wife and I recently had a holiday visiting family in Qingdao in China. During our time we took the opportunity to attend a changeover celebration, to take part in a club project of the Qing Dao Lions Club and spend some time with the District Governor of District 383. Seeing a little of how Lions operates in China was an eye-opening experience. Lions in China is very formal and they love ceremony and grandeur. We arrived at the changeover ceremony and were greeted by all the club in their bright red Chinese Lions blazers and a red carpet for us to parade down. During the changeover ceremony there were a

8

number of presentations, and, although the whole event was in Chinese, the District Governor, Richard, provided some translation and kept us informed during the proceedings. Some of the highlights included the presentation of Centennial Membership Certificates for new members inducted in that year, and the outgoing President’s address in which he highlighted the growth of the club from 28 to 54 members and a number of successful projects. During the celebration the club also signed an agreement with the local university to provide opportunities for students to work with it on volunteer projects. I was also given the opportunity to address the club with my daughter-in-law as interpreter, so I told them of some Australian Lions projects, including our health projects, Youth of the Year and Leos. The District Governor was very interested in

finding out more about Leos because they currently do not have Leos and know little about them. A few days later we assisted them with one of their projects. It was during the Moon Festival, the second most important event after Chinese New Year, and part of the tradition is exchanging moon cakes with family and friends. Their club went to a senior citizen’s centre and presented moon cakes to older residents who didn’t have close family. Seeing the genuine delight on the faces of those receiving gifts was a very moving experience for Pene and I. I was also challenged to take on some of the patrons at a game of table tennis, and yes, China beat Australia! On one of the walls was some writing in Chinese which loosely translated as: Our bodies are now old, but we have had a joyous life and our hearts are happy. These words really did typify the spirit of those we met that day. This was a wonderful experience and I would encourage any Lion who is travelling overseas to take the time to meet up with some local Lions and exchange the gift of goodwill. The Lion


GO FOR GOLD

Lions eye research strikes it rich with Chris’ nugget A Lions club deep in the jarrah forests of south-west Australia is converting a sixounce gold nugget into funding for stem cell research to unlock the mysteries of eye disease. The donated nugget, valued at $12,500, is being raffled Australia-wide by the Lions Club of Nannup to raise $100,000 for the Lions Eye Institute in Perth. The nugget has been provided by vision-impaired member and club President Chris Morten who found it while prospecting 900km north of Perth

EUREKA: The six-ounce gold nugget worth $12,500 that one lucky person will win. with his late wife Dorothy 14 years ago. Chris suffers from a rare form of retinal damage and has just five per cent of normal sight. The raffle, to be drawn on February 10 next year, will have only 10,000 tickets. The Eye Institute has over the past 60 years provided a wealth of scientific answers and innovations to specialists and patients alike. These have included the wonderful synthetic cornea, and the Institute’s new stem cell research is expected to assist with answers to many other eye diseases, such as macular degeneration.

Dr Carla Mellough and Chris with his sight assistance dog Tandy outside the Lions Eye Institute in Perth.

December - January 2017/18

The Institute will also be able to provide stem cells – from a patient’s own skin tissue – to researchers in other medical disciplines. Brian King Fellow, Dr Carla Mellough, was recruited from the UK last Christmas to run the new research project. A graduate of the University of Western Australia, she was selected from a group of distinguished applicants from around the world. The Lions Club of Nannup heard of Dr Mellough’s cutting-edge research program, and the additional funding needed for specialised equipment. Chris, the donor of the gold, believes the project is perhaps the single largest Lions project of its kind in the Asia Pacific region in the Lions Centennial Year. “Clubs are now buying books of tickets as a way of contributing toward research, which could offer health benefits to the entire world. “In most cases, clubs and many ticket buyers say if they win the nugget, it will be re-raffled to keep the ball rolling.” Chris’ sight assistance dog Tandy, a two-year-old golden retriever, is wearing a replica of the nugget on her collar during the lead-up to the draw. “It’s been 26 years since a doctor demanded my car keys and, like so many other low-vision people, I still long to be back behind the wheel,” Chris explained earlier this year. “For 15 years my late wife Dorothy did all the driving as we chased outback work in our fourwheel-drive. I’ve held on to the truck, just in case, and Tandy has booked the front passenger seat in case I get my licence back. “By then she’ll well and truly have earned that seat.” Raffle tickets are $10 each, with 25 tickets in a book. They can be obtained by going to www.nannuplions.org or typing Lions Gold Nugget Raffle in your browser. The website allows PayPal purchases and direct deposits. Contact [email protected] or call President Chris on 0427 560 264 for more information. 9


Clubs urged to recover unclaimed money That forgotten Lions bank account could be hiding “lost” funds that might be used for some community good Hundreds of thousands of dollars are lying forgotten in “lost” bank accounts – and Lions clubs and districts are not immune. A recent search of the Australian Securities & Investment Commission’s lost money list on its MoneySmart website (www.moneysmart.gov.au) revealed amounts varying from as little as five cents to $12,780 in Lions associated bank accounts. About a dozen of the “lost” Lions accounts contain sums greater than $1,000. In at least one case money was collected by Lions for local bushfire victims about 12 years ago but for various reasons was never able to be distributed. In that instance, the club knows about the account and is planning to reclaim it. Other clubs and districts are no doubt unaware of their “lost” money.

10

LOST BOUNTY: About $617 million is held in “lost” Australian bank accounts and some of that money belongs to Lions clubs and districts.

Lions Executive Officer Rob Oerlemans said Lions Australia regularly checks the ASIC lost money list and advises clubs connected to accounts.

He suggested clubs also make their own checks as sometimes account names might not be immediately recognised as belonging to Lions clubs or districts. Bank accounts are considered “unclaimed” after seven years without deposits or withdrawals being made. Currently about $617 million is held in “lost” accounts. Money received from banks by ASIC is transferred to the Commonwealth of Australia Consolidated Revenue Fund. The good news is that while the money might be listed by ASIC as “lost” it can be claimed at any time by the rightful owner. There is no time limit on claims. To claim money, you first need to contact the bank. If the claim is successful, the bank will notify ASIC and it will arrange for the funds to be released to the bank so your club or district can be paid the money. Once claims are proven legitimate, the money is generally paid within 28 days. Last year ASIC arranged payments of more than $87 million stemming from lost bank accounts, shares or insurance policies. Lions is not alone among service organisations with bank accounts on the lost list. A recent check on behalf of Rotary produced similar results.

The Lion


Dance fever hits Adamstown When it comes to creating stars, this Lions club is right in step It’s been a celebration of dance around the Adamstown club in NSW in recent months. First the club held a joint function to celebrate both the 100th birthday of Lions and the 50th celebration of its Mattara Eisteddfod. Then shortly later came the 50th eisteddfod itself. The first function featured several performances from dance studios that had entered the eisteddfod, while the eisteddfod, held at Newcastle

Grammar school junior campus, attracted 101 entrants and featured prizes totalling $7000. The eisteddfod has a proud history with several now famous entrants going on to successful careers. The event offers prizes in all areas of dance including classical, contemporary, tap and jazz, with two $2000 and two $300 scholarships being awarded to individuals during the finale. This year’s eisteddfod was attended by last year’s ballet winner Brittany Dunwar who came home from New Zealand to watch her brother perform. Brittany now lives in New Zealand where she performs with the New Zealand Ballet Company. The $2000 she won last year helped her attend a championship and perform in America. Earlier, District Governor Glenn Byrnes along with representatives of several N3 clubs attended the joint event at the Merewether Golf Club where a celebration cake was cut.

STAR’S RETURN: Adamstown President and eisteddfod secretary Kim Barker with last year’s ballet winner Brittany Dunwar, now with the New Zealand Ballet Company. She came home to watch her brother perform in this year’s eisteddfod.


11


LIONS & YOUTH

Rural haven for youth at risk Just 20 minutes from the heart of Canberra, this ground breaking complex is leading the way as a community asset while giving young people a taste of country life Once an abandoned farm, the Lions Youth Haven has in a few years proved its worth on a range of fronts. A not-for-profit organisation owned and supported by Lions clubs in the Canberra and

Queanbeyan region (District 201N2), it is situated on the 200ha Westwood Farm a short drive from Canberra. The farm runs a herd of Red Angus cattle and offers horse agistment as well as renting buildings to other community groups such as Communities @Work and DUO Services Australia. Communities @Work run the on-property school for children at risk, while DUO’s Tandem House is a respite centre located at Westwood Farm. The major Lions activity at Lions Youth Haven (LYH) is a 60-bed student accommodation, Westwood Lodge, which provides affordable accommodation for visiting students to the ACT. Its long-term purpose (once the mortgage is paid off) is to provide a steady income stream for activities to support youth at risk. The Farm Skills Program was re-established at Lions Youth Haven in 2015 and caters for students at risk of disengaging from secondary school. Currently the program is operating at full capacity five days a week and demand is so popular there is a long waiting list. The program runs for one day per week for a school, for eight weeks per term, with each

school identifying the students to be involved. Animals on the farm include lambs, calves, pigs, chickens, ducks, two alpacas and the herd of Red Angus. Students are involved in hands-on activities including feeding the animals (bottle feeding the lambs is a favourite activity). Students are also taught to prepare their own morning tea and lunch, before cleaning up and recycling waste through a worm farm and the property’s laying hens. In addition, students learn about farm maintenance as well as the vagaries of agriculture. They also learn that regardless of the weather (it was around three degrees when one recent group arrived in the morning), farm work must go on. Canberra and Queanbeyan Lions volunteer to pick up and return students to their schools, while other volunteers manage the shopping and liaise with schools. A hard working agricultural teacher who has built a great rapport with students also assists in sourcing animals and other resources for the farm program. Currently participating schools contribute about

Banjo’s legacy lives on In the last LION magazine you might have read how much-loved Queensland Lion Bill “Banjo” Bennett was raising funds for leukemia research, despite himself suffering from the terrible disease. Sadly, after that story was written Banjo lost his fight with the disease. Happily though, his legacy lives on in the event he inspired, the inaugural Banjo Bennett Memorial Golf Day. The golf day was recently held in St George, Queensland in his honour to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation's ESA Village. Nearly 80 golfers took to the greens, the strong showing no doubt due to Banjo's involvement in many community groups, including long-time membership of the St George Lions, rugby league and golf clubs.

INSPIRING: Banjo” Bennett’s wife Linda and children, Michael (left) and Emma-Jane, congratulate the inaugural Banjo Bennett Memorial Golf Day winners Mike Curtin, Mark Pain and Tony Gibson.

12

The Lion


50% of costs, while donations and grants keep the program running. Supporting schools are rich in their praise for the program. “We fully endorse and support this program and foresee a long-term, strong partnership between our school and the Lions organisation,” said one principal. “It has had a significant, positive impact on the lives of our students and has opened the door for new career pathways and has built solid learning links and friendships that will last beyond formal schooling. We could not recommend the Lions Youth Haven program more highly to any schools looking for ways of building engagement with learning for their students.” From an appreciative student came the following: “Today was the first time that I have: caught and held a pig, heard a pig’s earpiercing squeals, touched a horse, fitted a halter onto a cow, taught a group about my horse, chopped firewood, tended a fire in a wood heater.” Lions Youth Haven is keen for clubs to provide their local schools with information about staying on the working farm when visiting Canberra. For more information about Lions Youth Haven, the Farm Skills Program or Westwood Lodge check out the website lyh.org.au and the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LionsYouthHaven


13


What you should FROM THE MULTIPLE DISTRICT From Council Chairman Malcolm Greetings to all members of our Lions Family around Australia. Firstly, I must apologise for not writing an article for the last issue of the LION magazine. After our return home from the August Council Meeting and the ANZI Forum in Ballarat I was taken to Coffs Harbour hospital with pneumonia. The weekend following the ANZI Forum I, along with PIP Barry Palmer, District Governor Ron Gattone and Narelle, had the pleasure of hosting International 1st Vice President Gudrun Bjort Yngvadottir and her husband PID Jon Bjarni Thorsteinsson in Sydney. The weekend included a visit to the Lions Eye Bank and Save Sight Institute, the Garvin Institute and the Sydney Waratahs Lions Club. Their visit concluded with a lunchtime cruise on the Harbour. After my recovery from the bout of pneumonia I had the sad duty of attending the funeral of PID Dr. Bob Coulthard in Adelaide. We are now almost halfway through our Centennial year and so much has happened. From all indications I have seen on Facebook, our District Governors and their teams have been busy holding very successful conventions. Narelle and I were privileged to be invited to four district conventions – N1 in Inverell, Q2 in Bowen, Q1in Lismore and N5 on Norfolk Island. They were all very informative, entertaining and very friendly. We would like to thank the districts and the host clubs for the wonderful hospitality. Conventions give us many opportunities to learn and share ideas. It was great to see so many First Conventioneers attending and learning more on how our organisation operates. Please encourage other members of your clubs to attend next year’s convention and to join in the fun. Don’t forget to report back to your clubs on the many positive things that you learnt at your district convention. At your convention you would have heard about the proposal from the Long-Range Development Committee (LRDC), to be put to the MD201 Convention in Townsville, regarding the Lions Advisory Board (LAB). To enable you to gain a better understanding of this proposal, there is more information at right, and on the Multiple District website as the Convention draws near. The planning and preparation for the January 14

2018 Council of Governors Meeting is well underway. Included in this meeting is the District Governor Elect and the District Cabinet Secretary Designates training. Whilst this is a very busy time, the application and development of our Governor teams in MD201 is the envy of many other nations. The MD Leadership Team has an active and engaging program set out for each of the groups. Our goal of serving 200 million people worldwide is rapidly approaching, with just under seven million people still to be served. I believe our target will be reached very soon. Here in our own Multiple District, LCI figures indicate that in the first five months of the year we have served 536,905 people, so keep up the good work. On the Centennial Service Challenge Activities, to date we have 29% of clubs in our Multiple District having recorded activities on the LCI website. This is what we do ... and we need to record what we do so that others know. You owe it to yourselves and our organisation to stand tall and be proud of your achievements. Now is the time, let’s get moving for the way ahead is clear and we want our Centenary of Service Challenge to conclude with 100% club participation. Saturday 3rd March 2018 has been identified as Lions Awareness Day, a national day for Lions to celebrate and share the amazing work we do in our communities. It’s a chance for us to show all Australians that “We Serve” more than sausages. On Lions Awareness Day, invite your club to participate by setting up a stall or holding a BBQ and talking with your communities about the amazing work your club and our organisation does around the world every day. As many are planning to travel to Las Vegas for the 101st International Convention and to witness history in the making with the inauguration of our first female International President, our own 66th Multiple District Convention is being held in Townsville from the 4th to 7th May 2018. The theme is “A New Century of Service”, will set the scene for our next 100 years of service. With an informative and entertaining program being planned, it will be a convention for all who attend to remember. In conclusion, as the festive season descends upon us it is probably time for us all to contemplate having a rest in January – although when do Lions ever really stop? Where there is a need there are Lions ready to serve and support their communities. Narelle and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and enjoyable Christmas and a Happy New Year, and may 2018 be a year of growth and prosperity as we continue in our service as Lions into the next 100 years. – Lions Malcolm and Narelle Peters

NEW LIONS By the Executive Officer, Rob Oerlemans The Multiple District is the administrative structure of Lions that governs activities for Australia and Papua New Guinea. It is governed by a Council that is elected each year. Your District elects a District Governor each year to lead and guide your District Cabinet. By virtue of that election, the District Governor joins the 18 other District Governors to sit as a Council to lead and guide the Multiple District. Lions Clubs International places responsibilities on the District Governor, and the Multiple District Council, to deliver the annual goals of the Association. This includes, in particular: 1. Deliver the five service goals of our Association through the Global Service Team. 2. Increase membership through the Global Membership Team 3. Support and develop our clubs and members through the Global Leadership Team. 4. Support and resource our service goals through the Lions Clubs International Foundation. 5. Work together to manage and develop our Association through District collaboration and coordination. In addition, Multiple District 201 through its Conventions, has established many projects and Foundations over the years that require support and coordination and an ongoing infrastructure. These include our youth programs, national office, and the many projects listed on our website. Council will ask delegates at the Multiple District Convention in Townsville to consider establishing a Lions Advisory Board (LAB) to support the Council. The LAB will not act independently of Council. Rather it will be able to investigate, research and manage programs on behalf of Council and make recommendations to the Council for action, as can any Committee Chairperson. Importantly, however, the LAB will sit for a term of four years and that will give it the opportunity to provide a longer term view of our projects than is possible for Council. BENEFITS 1. Refocusses Council towards strategic governance and leadership. 2. Strengthens the link between the program The Lion


know about the...

ADVISORY BOARD and goals of the International President and Lions Clubs International, at the Multiple District level. 3. Strongly associates the Council with the strategic goals of Global membership, leadership and service. 4. Gives District Governors the time to collaborate and support each other. 5. Provides the opportunity to reduce the formality of Council meetings. 6. Increases program accountability by connecting operational programs to a body (Lions Advisory Board) that continues beyond a

12-month term. 7. Provides an opportunity for Lions with expertise in governance and management to contribute to Multiple District projects at a senior level. 8. Strengthens accountability of operational programs to the Convention that creates them. 9. Reduces the administrative load of Program Chairpersons through less reporting to improve their mobility in ‘the field’. 10. Provides the opportunity for effective performance management of programs. BOARD If the proposal is adopted at Convention, it is critical that delegates have the opportunity to elect LAB members with the right qualifications and expertise. The members will require strong governance skills/qualifications, excellent knowledge of our organisation and programs and the ability to be December - January 2017/18

personally productive. The LAB will meet at a central location in person for a half-day meeting on 3-4 occasions. Other meetings will be held by teleconference. Meetings will be short, focussed and targeted. The work program will be set in consultation with the Council through a performance-based, management plan and budget. The nomination package including required skills and experience can be found on the website as indicated below, or through the

Multiple District Executive Officer. STRUCTURE Four Lions will be elected at the Multiple District Convention to sit on the Advisory Board for a term of four years. The Council Chairperson each year will, by virtue of their election, sit as a full, voting member of the Advisory Board. The five members will select one of their number (excepting the Council Chairperson) as Lions Advisory Board Chairperson. The Multiple District Executive (Executive Officer, Legal Officer and National Chairperson) will participate in the Lions Advisory Board Meetings in an ex-officio capacity.

WHY STAND FOR THE LIONS ADVISORY BOARD? The Lions Advisory Board provides the opportunity for suitably skilled Lions to serve the organisation by contributing to the governance of programs and activities. As the time commitment is more manageable than other roles, it may suit working Lions, or those who are committed to other activities. Lions seeking experience in a directorship role may seek to stand to build their credentials and experience. THE NEXT STEPS/FIND OUT MORE a. Presentations about the concept have been delivered at each District Convention. b. Information regarding the Lions Advisory Board and the positions is available on the Lions Australian website at lionsclubs.org.au/lionsadvisory-board c. Detailed Notices of Motion will be supplied to clubs at the usual time covering the proposal and the necessary changes to the Constitution. Those wishing to stand for the four Lions Advisory Board positions at the Townsville Convention should obtain the information package online or from the Executive Officer. Nominations for the positions, according to the process indicated in the package, must be supplied to the Executive Officer at Locked Bag 2000, Newcastle NSW 2300 no later than Monday 5 March 2018. Elections will be carried out at the Townsville Multiple District Convention, subject to delegates approving the motions to establish the Lions Advisory Board. If the delegates do not approve the establishment of the Lions Advisory Board, nominations will lapse.

Lion-Dec-Jan 2_template Lion 17/11/2017 4:39 pm Page 16

LIONS AT WORK

FLOWER POWER brightens the ward As Dungog President Lesley Wright read an Orchid Society magazine, she noticed a picture of Sydney’s North Shore Hospital beautifully decorated with a huge mural derived from photos of orchids grown by a society member. She immediately thought of the tiny local Dungog Hospital, where the one-bed palliative care ward consisted of a bed, side-table and wooden clock on the cream-painted walls. Unlike other wards, it had no view of the town and surrounding hills. Being committee members of Maitland and Coalfields District Orchid Society and with an extensive library of orchid images, Lesley and her husband Kim, the Dungog Lions Treasurer, got to work. Four acrylic prints were made as a club project and presented to the hospital to brighten things up.

COLOUR UP: Hospital admin officer Annette O’Neill (left) displays the prints with Dungog President Lesley Wright and hospital manager Nicky Churms. Now patients have more than a clock and a TV to brighten their days!

LCIF

Lions protect Indonesian children from measles and rubella By Jamie Konigsfeld “We will make this world a safer place to live for our children,” declares Council Chairperson Jono Koesmo, confident in the success of Lions’ efforts to protect the children of Indonesia from measles and rubella. Both the measles and rubella viruses are prevalent in Indonesia, and thousands of cases are reported annually. Measles is a potentially life-threatening virus that can leave its survivors with brain damage, deaf and blind. Rubella can cause miscarriages and birth defects. Of course, Lions cannot stand by and watch as thousands of children are diagnosed with these diseases each year. With funding from Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), Lions of Multiple District 307 in Indonesia have joined the Indonesian government and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in a measles and rubella (MR) immunisation campaign. During this two-year campaign, the goal is to immunise at least 95 percent, or around 70 million Indonesian children against SAFEGUARD: Knowing another child will be protected from measles and rubella, Lions in Indonesia smile at a vaccination event. measles and rubella. After the campaign, the Indonesian government will replace the measles vaccine with the combined the challenges local Lions face in their efforts to raise awareness and MR vaccine in the country’s routine immunisation system. The government is encourage participation. “[It] surprised me [that] so far there are so many myths hoping to eliminate measles and rubella from Indonesia by the year 2020. and wrong information [about vaccinations] given to some schools and parents.” In order to accomplish this monumental goal, the campaign is being In order to advocate for the life-saving MR vaccinations, Koesmo says Lions are conducted in two phases. The first phase took place in Java Island’s six reaching schools and parents through social media, websites, radio, seminars provinces during August and September. All schools conducted vaccination days and other types of ads. Lions are also visiting schools, religious leaders and in which children between the ages of six and 15 years received the vaccine. local governments. The campaign extended to local clinics, hospitals and community centres to The MR vaccine protects children from the potentially life-altering and deadly reach children between the ages of nine months and six years who were not yet infections that are widely affecting Indonesia. LCIF and Lions will continue to in school. The second phase of the campaign will take place in 2018 and will work together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to receive a MR bring vaccinations to children in the remaining 28 provinces outside of Java vaccination. Island. Koesmo, who is very involved with the MR campaign, has described some of Lion 16 166


TIMELY GIFT: Epping Eastwood Lions and a host of Lions dignitaries, hospital staff and health managers and others were on hand when the cheque was handed over.

Whopping $49,000 boost for Ryde Hospital upgrade A $49,000 donation from Epping Eastwood Lions Club, the Australian Lions Foundation and the Lions NSW-ACT Save Sight and Public Health Care Foundation means Sydney’s Ryde Hospital patients can now breathe a little more easily when they undergo surgery. Lions representatives visited the hospital recently to inspect the three anaesthetic machines upgraded with the donation. Hospital site operations manager Matthew Noone said the donation meant the machines – used to deliver anaesthetic gases and monitor a patient's vital signs during an operation – could be upgraded ahead of schedule. “This donation, like others we are lucky to receive, allows us to stretch our budget further – meaning patients and staff benefit from improvements to the

hospital more quickly,” Mr Noone said. Epping Eastwood Lions Club Immediate Past President Lynn Campbell said much of the money had been raised at a trivia night earlier this year. “The attachment between Ryde Hospital, the local community and our club is very strong,” she said. “It is a real pleasure for us to be able to contribute to the vital work of Ryde Hospital by providing tangible help – this time, in the form of cash to upgrade important equipment. “I’d like to thank everyone who supports Lions, and supported our trivia night, because they all played a role in making Ryde Hospital an even better asset for our community.”

4WD for Tanzanian orphanage Five years ago Figtree Lions Club (N2) “adopted” the Forever Angels Baby Home orphanage in Tanzania as a project. Support for the orphanage and the Forever Projects fundraising group has remained a top priority. Since late 2011, the club has donated more than $14,500 to assist the orphanage, which promotes and awareness of orphaned and abandoned children in Tanzania and supports initiatives to alleviate the problems. Recently the Forever Projects group raised more than $30,000 (of which $1000 came from Figtree Lions) in five weeks to purchase a 4WD vehicle for orphanage staff, enabling them to take on the treacherous Tanzanian roads. The Forever Angels baby home in Mwanza on the shores of Lake Victoria is the realisation of a dream that Amy Hathaway of Britain had as a December - January 2017/18

young child after watching images of the Ethiopian famine on television back in 1985. Since then, Amy and her husband Ben have adopted five Tanzanian children and a lone Somali child from the UK and manage the baby home remotely from the UK. Figtree Lions Club’s connection to the baby home is through members Greg Dombkins’ son Mark and wife Anna who moved to Tanzania in 2010 where Mark taught at an international school and Anna was a boarding ON THE ROAD: The 4WD bears the names of those parent/counsellor. who have donated, including Figtree Lions Club. The couple, who have three children of their own, subsequently adopted three Forever Projects group, raising more than abandoned siblings, twins Charlie and Shalom $250,000 in the past five years. (Shay) and their older brother Jabari. Apart from receiving donations, the group has They returned to live in Wollongong, NSW organised fundraising functions such as food and where Mark, Anna, Mark’s sister Kate and many wine nights and installations at a local music friends have continued to work tirelessly for the festival. – Geoff Failes 17


NATIONAL CONVENTION – Friday 4th May to Monday 7th May 2018

The registration form is out (see opposite page) so now is the time to sign on for your visit to sunny North Queensland. The hard working convention committee have their theme – “Together in the Tropics” – and we have Council Chair Malcolm’s theme of “A New Century of Service”. What better place to start our next 100 years of community service (71 years in Australia) than here in Townsville! All district conventions have now finished and it’s time to get organised to travel to the National Convention next May. At this Convention we can plan for the next decade of service and new opportunities for the growth of Lions Clubs International. MD201 66th NATIONAL CONVENTION – Friday 4th May to Monday 7th May 2018 – MARK IT IN YOUR DIARY NOW The organising committee is gearing up the program, the venues are organised and the greeters and volunteers are waiting to welcome you all to Townsville. The last convention held in Townsville was in 1987 and the city has grown so much, so come on back and see the progress here in the north. Renew old friendships and make new ones. The Gala Ball will be held on the Saturday evening with the theme “NQ Tropical”. It will be a night to remember. Dress code details are on the website. We are having a tree-planting morning on Thursday 3rd May so – for the early arrivals – come along and join in our environmental project. Details on how to register are on the registration form. There’s so much to see and do in Townsville – Army and RAAF museums for the military buffs, a visit to Magnetic Island, city tours and much more. Our tour desk will be there to assist you in organising your tours before or after the Convention. Come early and stay longer. The Convention website provides links to assist conventioneers with travel and accommodation options. Please book early to ensure you get the accommodation of your choice. We will also be producing a monthly newsletter with relevant updates. The newsletter will be forwarded to District Cabinet Secretaries for distribution to all clubs. Looking forward to seeing you all in Townsville at the Convention where we can all be “TOGETHER IN THE TROPICS” PDG Di Pyers Chairman Convention Organising Committee 18

Photography: Megan MacKinnon

SEE YOU ALL IN TOWNSVILLE



19



Lion-Dec-Jan 2_template Lion 21/11/2017 8:09 am Page 22

So just who is Australia’s oldest Lion? When Lion “Gentleman Jim” Williams challenged readers in the last LION magazine to come up with Australia’s oldest Lion he really started something. Jim, 87, a modest fellow and an active Lion for 57 years, wasn’t claiming the title. He was merely interested. Since then, nominations for senior Lions have been coming in thick and fast. First off the mark was N5’s eagle-eyed Alan Penney who correctly pointed out that on the same page that Jim issued his challenge, there was a story hailing Ku-ring-gai Lion John Taubman, a proud 88 and a Lion for 63 years. Then long-serving Bondi Lion Kalman “Colin” Bloch put his hand up to being 89 this December (he first joined Lions in Rhodesia in June 1968). 22

Brunswick Mullumbimby Lions joined the challenge with their 64-year life member Noel James who turns 90 this coming April. Narromine Lions hit back with their charter and Lions life member Bill Ballhausen OA, a Lion for 65 continuous years at the one club. He comes in at an impressive 90 years. Not to be outdone, Queensland’s Blackwater Lioness Ladies nominated local Lion Frank Wilson, a proud 93 and a Lion for 49 years. So far Frank (pictured at right with his wife Dorothy, an artist) seems our leader. But watch this space, there are certain to be more challengers. Lion


LIONS AROUND THE NATION

TAKE THE TOUR TO

TROPICAL TOWNSVILLE Years ago district and multiple district conventions were the highlight of the Lions year. Unfortunately, the emphasis has shifted, and historically numbers attending conventions are falling. This trend needs to be reversed. Sydney 88 touring committee has accepted the challenge to encourage Lions to travel to the 66th MD Convention being held in Townsville in May 2018. This group of dedicated Lions has put together a fascinating trip that will warm the hearts of many Lions and partners, staying eight nights at The Ville in Townsville followed by five nights at the Shangri-La in Cairns, 3-16 May 2018. Daily breakfasts are included and, while touring, most meals. Immerse yourself in one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders and discover an underwater wonderland in Tropical North Queensland. Explore

Green Island and Magnetic Island, to name just two of the places we will visit. Each year the committee plans an exciting holiday to complement the MD Convention and encourage Lions from various districts to join with N5 Lions. It’s a great chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. Applications are now being accepted from all over Australia. Don’t miss out on a fabulous opportunity to enjoy fellowship with other Lions, the Townsville MD Convention and a wonderful relaxing tour. Contact Secretary Peter Touzel 0478 090 784 or email [email protected]

History Project I am attempting to compile a history of Lionism and Lions clubs in that geographical area of Australia currently identified as MD 201 Districts C1 and C2. To date my research has identified just over 100 Lions clubs that have been chartered since 1961 and which no longer exist. I am appealing to any member who may have been a member of any of these “folded” clubs to contact me with a view to providing details of charter night and subsequent officers, or with any other historical material relative to any of these clubs which they may be willing to donate to my project. Contact: Bryan Hearn, JP IPDG C2 – [email protected], 0410 539 274

SAVE THOSE STAMPS Following our story in the last LION magazine on the success of the Lions International Stamp Club’s Australian auctions in raising funds for ALCMF, several readers have enquired how they can donate stamps. The club’s President Ted Henebery recommends contacting the following: V, C and T Districts: Graham McKenzie, PO Box 4, Trafalgar, VIC 3824 – 0400 104 058, [email protected] N Districts: Ted Henebery, Lions Club of Hornsby, PO Box 3053, Asquith, NSW 2077. Q Districts: Ross Paine, 10 Balgownie Dr, Peregian Springs, QLD 4573 – 07 5448 1592, [email protected] W Districts: Max Lurie, 48/16 Freedman Rd, Menorah WA 6050. December - January 2017/18

$238,000 bid to fund Big Red Kidney Bus Queensland’s Robina Lions are determined not to miss the bus, the Big Red Kidney Bus. The club was given the go-ahead at the recent Q1 Convention to launch a $238,000 campaign to purchase and fit out a BRKB for Queensland. It will work closely with Kidney Health Australia in the campaign. Kidney Health Australia’s award-winning Big Red Kidney Bus

program provides a mobile haemodialysis service, allowing those requiring haemodialysis to have a holiday while still receiving treatment. Big Red Kidney Buses are open to all Australians on hospital, satellite or home haemodialysis. The buses travel to popular holiday destinations across Victoria and NSW, where they are located for up to six weeks at a time, staffed by experienced dialysis nurses and renal technicians. 23


LIONS D OUT AN ABOUT

1st VP gives benches the sit-in test When International First Vice President Gudrun Yngvadottir visited Lara’s award-winning Kevin Hoffman Walk in Victoria, she wasn’t about to miss out on testing one of the three benches donated by local Lions. The benches were provided as part of Lions International centenary celebrations. Joining her sit-in was DG Trevor Hirth, watched by a Lions entourage comprising (from left) Jon King, Gudrun’s husband PID Jon Biardi Thorsteinsson, Kevin Hoffman, Jan Hirth and Bryan Walker.

TEST RUN: Young Jareth Purcell excitedly tries out his new Crocodile Gait Trainer,

Happiness comes from ‘Hear Me Roar’

supplied courtesy of Queensland’s Gracemere Lions. Jareth has Spina Bifida and his previous walker was too small but this new model suits him perfectly.

When a City of Adelaide Lion came across a blog written by a woman undergoing chemotherapy treatment she was moved, so moved she encouraged her fellow Lions to do something about it. The result was the Hear Me Roar project. Aimed at supporting South Australian patients through the ups and downs of their illnesses and treatments, it involves giving them items that will make them smile while making their lives a little easier. It started with bright and happy multi-purpose cushions and has extended to port pillows for patients who find it difficult and/or painful wearing a seat belt, to handmade book bags, handmade dressing gowns and children’s headbands. By the end of this year, the team (pictured below on a recent hospital visit) will have donated more than 1,000 gifts. Visit www.hearmeroarproject.com.au for more details.

No 1: Queensland club Gayndah has collected 4000-plus pairs of glasses for recycling and Edwina Randall has collected many during 10 years on the job. She’s congratulated here by President Bill Mellor and Edna Hunter, wife of Past President Noel Hunter. 24

The Lion


PROMOTING PEACE: Bundaberg Lions were joined by local councillors and staff in unveiling a peace pole with the message “May peace prevail on Earth” displayed in eight languages. It was the idea of past President Rino Gastaldon who had seen similar overseas.

BEING A SPORT: This appreciative group of Nepalese students is just one of seven that shared $3,000 worth of sporting equipment donated by Queensland’s Runaway Bay Lions to Shuttle Time Connect, a program that links schools in Nepal with schools in Australia.

CELEBRATION: Victorian Governor Her Excellency the

SET IN CONCRETE: Hallidays Point Lions and Lionsonoz

DANCE ON: Claire Hartas-Berry and

Hon. Linda Dessau AC. is joined by Maffra Lions and Lionesses at a Government House reception to celebrate 100 Years of Lions Clubs International.

charter member Barry Gazzard were up to their knees in concrete when installing a patio and laying gravel for a local family in need. Materials were donated by a nearby quarry.

Caleb Flynn at an East Maitland Lions deb ball for Hunter River Community School children with disabilities.

WINNERS: Queensland’s Proserpine Lions and Lionesses happily get together to

ON YOUR BIKE: Australian Lionsonoz member Warren White (left) joins

celebrate wins they had at their recent convention in Bowen. The convention’s theme was “Back 100 years”.

Tamworth Peel Valley Lions in helping the Tamworth Triathlon Club at one of their recent events. Contestants had to swim 200m, ride 10km and run 2km.


25


26

The Lion



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, Chicago, Illinois, USA June 25-29, 2017

AUDIT COMMITTEE 1. The committee will continue to monitor and follow up on action plans as well as proceed with identifying candidates for the two open positions. CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE 1. Denied a district governor election complaint filed in District 355 B1 (Korea) and appointed Lion HakYoung Yeo as district governor in District 355 B1 for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. 2. Denied a second vice district governor election complaint filed in District 108 IB3 (Italy) and declared Lion Angelo Chiesa as second vice district governor in District 108 IB3 for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. 3. Upheld a second vice district governor election complaint filed in District 300 C1 (MD 300 Taiwan), declared the second vice district governor election in District 300 C1 for the 2017-2018 fiscal year null and void and of no force and effect, declared a vacancy in the office of second vice district governor for the 2017-2018 fiscal year and that the second vice district governor vacancy shall be filled in accordance with the International and District Constitutions and By-Laws, and declared that US$650 of the filing fee shall be refunded to the Complainant. 4. Denied a second vice district governor election complaint filed in District 301 D2 (Philippines) and declared Lion Generoso Del Rosario as second vice district governor in District 301 D2 for the 20172018 fiscal year. 5. Denied a second vice district governor election complaint filed in District 315 A2 (Bangladesh) and declared Lion Mohammad Fakhruddin as second vice district governor in District 315 A2 for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. 6. Upheld a second vice district governor election complaint filed in District 322 D (India), declared the second vice district governor election in District 322 D for the 2017-2018 fiscal year null and void and of no force and effect, declared a vacancy in the office of second vice district governor for the 20172018 fiscal year and that the position of second vice district governor shall remain vacant for the year and shall not be filled and declared that US$650 of the filing fee shall be refunded to the Complainant. 7. Upheld a second vice district governor election complaint filed in District 323 E1 (India), declared the second vice district governor election in District 323 E1 for the 2017-2018 fiscal year null and void and of no force and effect, declared a vacancy in the office of second vice district governor for the 2017-2018 fiscal year and that the position of second vice district governor shall remain vacant for the year and shall not be filled and declared that US$650 of the filing fee shall be refunded to the Complainant. 8. Denied a second vice district governor election 28

complaint filed in District 324 A3 (India) and declared Lion Geetha Kamalakannan as second vice district governor in District 324 A3 for the 20172018 fiscal year. 9. Directed the Sendai Core Lions Club to revoke the membership of Tsugumichi Hata for conduct unbecoming a Lion and a past international officer. Declared that Tsugumichi Hata shall not be recognized in the future as a Lion or as a past international director by Lions Clubs International or any club or district and that he shall not be entitled to any privileges of such title. 10. Directed the Kwang Myong Lions Club to revoke the membership of Byeong-Yeol Ahn for failure to meet the requirement of good moral character. 11. Revised the Privacy Policy in Chapter XV of the Board Policy Manual and requested that the Legal Division further update the Privacy Policy as necessary to comply with the requirements set forth in the various global privacy protection laws applicable to the association. 12. Revised the Standard Form District By-Laws in Chapter VII of the Board Policy Manual to clarify the provision related to the timing of vice district governor candidates filing their intention to run for office with the Nominating Committee. 13. Revised Chapter XV, Paragraph P of the Board Policy Manual for consistency with previously adopted changes. CONVENTION COMMITTEE 1. The committee updated the board on the plans for the 2017 Chicago Convention. DISTRICT AND CLUB SERVICE COMMITTEE 1. Created a new undistricted area in Bulgaria. 2. Recognized the clubs within the Republic of Georgia as a provisional region. 3. Appointed Lions to serve as coordinating Lions for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. 4. Revised board policy to reaffirm that a guiding Lion may serve no more than two clubs at any one point in time and that the Lion should be required to have served as a club president before being appointed as a guiding Lion to serve a club. 5. Revised the board policy manual to allow provisional districts to be created throughout the year instead of requiring that they only be formed at the close of the year. 6. Revised the board policy manual to expand the support of coordinating Lions and to allow the position to be referred to as a “country advisor.” 7. Revised the board policy manual to recognize the Global Action Team and LCIF Coordinator positions as official positions of the Standard Form Club Constitution and By-Laws, Standard Form District Constitution and By-Laws and Standard Form Multiple District Constitution and By-Laws.

FINANCE AND HEADQUARTERS OPERATION COMMITTEE 1. Approved the investment policy statement be revised to reflect a combined weight for the Russell 3000, MSCI ACWI exUS and UBS Real Estate Investor Indices equal to 63 percent with the benchmark as the MSCI ACWI Index. 2. Approved the FY 2017 4th Quarter Forecast, reflecting a deficit. 3. Approved the FY final budget for fiscal year 2018 reflecting a deficit of US$10,250,358. 4. Approved the creation of a committee of International Director G.S. Hora, International Director Vijay Kumar Raju, Treasurer Catie Rizzo and ISAMME Executive Administrator Dr. Neville Mehta be authorized to negotiate a purchase agreement for the ISSAME Secretariat in Mumbai, India. The Executive Committee be authorized to approve the purchase of said property upon confirmation of the final negotiated purchase price including regulatory and tax requirements. 5. Moved Chapter XXI, Paragraph B of the Board Policy Manual to a new Chapter XXIII, Area Forums. 6. Amended Chapter XXI of the Board Policy Manual by deleting the existing language in its entirety and replacing with the language set forth in Exhibit A. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 1. Reviewed the progress of leadership programs, new initiatives and improvement plans and found them in alignment with the committee’s yearly goals and objectives, while also identifying areas of improvement through research and analysis approaches. LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE 1. Authorized the LCI Forward Project Team made up of five Lions to be reappointed in 2017-2018 to work with staff on implementing remaining components of the association’s strategic plan: LCI Forward. MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 1. Approved the New Global Action Team to be executed as outlined in Exhibit B. 2. Approved the creation of a new Global Action Team Board Policy Chapter XXIV. MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE 1. Approved three centennial PR grant applications from multiple and single districts. SERVICE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE 1. Awarded the 2016-2017 Leos of the Year Awards. 2. Added a new representative to the Leo Club Program Advisory Panel. 3. Updated Chapter II to reflect current practices. 4. Updated Chapter XIII to reflect current practices.

For more information on any of the above resolutions, please refer to the LCI website at lionsclubs.org or contact the International Office at 630-571-5466. The Lion


Taking the fight to Parkinson’s disease Lions Medical Research Fellow Dr Nadeeka Dissanayaka PhD reveals how a research group is improving the treatment of this progressive and incurable brain disease At face value, Parkinson’s disease is characterised by changes in a person’s ability to move. Noticeable changes are tremor, stiffness, slowness in movement, difficulties in walking and problems with balance. However, deeper nonmovement related issues like anxiety, depression and dementia frequently dominate the clinical picture and are difficult to treat. Given that in Australia, one among every 340 people live their daily lives with Parkinson’s disease, often changes like depression and anxiety that we do not see can adversely impact Parkinson’s disease patients’ quality of life, often to a greater extent than the movement disability. Australians spend over $9.9 billion per annum to deal with Parkinson’s disease. Our highly productive clinical research group at the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research in collaboration with the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital has initiated a research program to Improve Diagnosis and Treatment of Anxiety in Parkinson’s Disease (IDATA-PD study). IDATA-PD is an internationally leading study. In 2017, it was named in the top 1% of leading research at the

world’s largest conference on Parkinson’s disease. One in every two people with Parkinson’s disease experiences anxiety. Of those who do not receive medication, only 20% respond positively. To complicate matters, anxiety in Parkinson’s disease presents with unique and complex symptoms, which must be understood and addressed if psychological treatment is to be effective. Our research has contributed to better understanding of anxiety by profiling anxiety symptoms unique to PD, such as anxiety relating to motor disability and complications resulting from Parkinson’s medication. Our commitment to improving daily lives of Parkinson’s sufferers has led our team to develop a new Parkinson’s-specific anxiety inventory (PD-SAI) for efficient identification of anxiety and measuring change in response to tailored psychotherapy treatment. Our IDATA-PD study was the first to develop and pilot non-drug psychological therapies for anxiety in PD. Our trials with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy for anxiety in Parkinson’s disease have shown positive outcomes of reducing anxiety, as well as depression, and considerably lowering the caregiver burden. In addition to

developing evidence-based targeted treatments to combat anxiety in PD, our IDATA-PD study endeavours to increase accessibility of psychological care for urban, rural and Parkinson’s patients with impaired mobility. We hope to trial these new psychological treatments using new telehealth video conferencing technologies, assisting in getting much-needed treatment to a wider community. Telehealth minimises the travel burden for Parkinson’s patients where transport and mobility are an issue, as well as saving on costs. We also have now extended our research program to study dementia in Parkinson’s disease.

VALE: A LION OF A LION

Dr Bob Coulthard AM

AUSTRALIAN LIONS FOUNDATION LTD. - ABN 14 612 099 840

OFFICIAL NOTICE NOTICE TO ALL CLUBS IN “N” AND “Q” DISTRICTS Notice is hereby given to all Members of the Lions Clubs of MD201 “N” and “Q” Districts that nominations are called for a Director to represent the “N” Districts and a Director to represent the “Q” Districts on the Foundation. An election to decide your District’s Director will be held at the Annual General Meeting of the Australian Lions Foundation Ltd to be held in Townsville, Queensland in May 2018 during the 66th MD201 National Convention. The current Directors are eligible to re-nominate for these positions. Nomination Forms and information is available from: Secretary Lion David Triffett, P.O. Box 465 Glenorchy, Tas. 7010. Completed Nomination Forms must be lodged by mail with the Secretary no later than Wednesday 31st January 2018. The Club’s Nominated Representative attending the Annual General Meeting is entitled to vote for a Director to represent his or her District. A voting card will only be issued to that Club Representative whose Lions Club has forwarded an Australian Lions Foundation Ltd Membership Application Form to the Foundation Secretary as of the 5th May 2016 onward and prior to the Townsville 66th MD Convention in May 2018. December - January 2017/18

Lions from around Australia and overseas have expressed their sadness over the death of Lions Past International Director Dr Bob Coulthard AM. “Dr Bob”, as he was affectionately known by many, passed away on September 25 this year. A dedicated campaigner for the Lions SightFirst program, he was admired and respected by all those he met or had dealings with. For a moving tribute to Dr Bob by Lions Executive Officer Rob Oerlemans, visit lionsaustralia.com/2017/09/26/vale-lion-drbob-coulthard-am 29


LEOS IN ACTION he enjoyed the chance to promote Leos, meet new people and join in the fun. Leos are not just a project of Lions, they are our partners in service, and they need to be invited to share our meetings, conventions and projects. That is what will keep them involved.

Leo of the Year

Disney fun Who doesn’t love to dress up? Dunedoo Leos (pictured above) had some fun with a fundraising project recently. Four of their members donned Disney costumes while other members ran a photo stall. Anyone who wanted a photo with Mickey, Minnie, Donald or Daisy made a donation to Kid’s Cancer.

District Conventions Congratulations to the Districts who have included Leos in their District Convention program. National Leo of the Year Jesse Pascoe (pictured below) spoke at three District Conventions in October and

Jesse Pascoe at the Q4 Convention with members of Swanies Leo club.

It is now the time for districts to be conducting their Leo of the Year judging. The Leo of the Year entry form is on the MD website, and it includes information on the criteria and judging process. Please forward your winner’s entry form to your State Coordinator as soon as the contest has been held. State judging will be conducted in March and state winners will progress to the National Final in Townsville at the MD201 Convention on 4-7 May 2018. Please encourage your Leos to get involved – it’s a wonderful Opportunity, a great Experience and it promotes their Leadership (LEO in reverse!)

Keeping our Leos safe As Lions working with children (many of our Leos are under the age of 18 years), we need to take steps to ensure the safety of the children involved,

and to protect our organisation from the consequences of any inappropriate incidents occurring. The Youth Committees and the National Office have developed a Child Protection Policy and this must be adopted by each Lions club that sponsors a Leo club with members under the legal age. Each club should also develop their own Risk Assessment framework to guide their members in their dealings with young people – see the Leo section of the MD201 website for these documents. One of the important requirements of the Child Protection Policy is that each Lion who has regular contact with Leos under the age of 18 years must have a Working with Children Check, and the club needs to keep a register of all members’ registration details. Leo Advisors are required to provide their WWC details to the District Leo Chairman, and each District Leo Chairman needs to provide their WWC details to the State Coordinator to go on the Lions national register. Should we ever be investigated, it is imperative that these registers are complete and up to date. Please assist us to meet the requirements by providing your WWC details now. If you have any questions about this, please contact me. Leos and Lions – partners in service Lion Toni Lanphier MD201 Leo Committee Chairperson

National finalists in Hobart, May 2017.


YOUTH OF THE YEAR Many clubs are now well advanced by having conducted their club finals or in the process of planning them for February. If your club has not determined if it will participate, there is still time, as long as schools are approached at the end of January. All it takes is a motivated and enthusiastic club member to approach a school. The National YOTY Committee recommends that awards be comparable across clubs, zones, regions, districts and states. Whilst clubs and districts have the freedom to determine awards we recommend the following as guidelines for acknowledgement and recognition of your contestants: CLUB FINALS a) All contestants receive a participation certificate, YOTY pen or similar. b) Winner; receives a certificate and a gift voucher to the value of $50. c) Public Speaking winner; receives certificate and a gift voucher to the value of $25. ZONE/MULTI ZONE/REGION FINALS a) All contestants receive a participation certificate. (An award with a financial value may be considered). b) Winner; receives a certificate. c) Public Speaking winner; receives a certificate. DISTRICT FINALS a) All contestants receive a participation certificate. b) Winner; certificate, keep-sake trophy; award to value of $100. c) Public Speaking winner; certificate, keep-sake trophy; award to value of $50. STATE FINALS a) All contestants receive a participation certificate. b) Winner; certificate, keep-sake trophy; $500 from MD; medallion from MD; attendance at the International Youth Camp at Rotorua and a trip to the home state/locality of the National Winner. c) Public Speaking winner; certificate, keep-sake trophy; award to value of $50. There are a number of YOTY presentation items available through the Club Supplies Shop. These include: the YOTY badge, YOTY pen, a draw-string bag, a portable power bank and a mug emblazoned

with the YOTY logo. These too can provide contestants with suitable awards. Preparations are well underway for the 2017 National Finalists’ trip to the International Youth Camp at Rotorua, commencing on 27th December. At its conclusion, on the 6th January, Matisse, Ava, Joshua, Sam, Tahlia and Conor* will spend six days as guests of the Lions Club of Cairns Barrier Reef (Q2) where they will be involved in activities and sightseeing in and around Cairns. (*Conor, representing W Districts, was admitted to the tour after the withdrawal of Oscar, W Districts’ winner from the state winners’ tour). I urge all YOTY chairpersons to ensure they are familiar with the requirements of the Child Protection Policy, available online at; http://lionsclubs.org.au/activities/youth/yoty/yotyresources/. Chairpersons must also appraise themselves of the legislative requirements in their particular state or territory. A recent addition to the club manual has been appendix #4, relating to the Guide for Chairpersons in briefing the judges. It is essential that judges are briefed on the roles and the procedure for interviewing and assessing each contestant for each of the criteria. The purpose of the briefing is to ensure all requirements of the judging criteria are met and the assessment process is fair and equitable for all contestants. As the time approaches with club finals mainly taking place in February, I welcome you sending me high-resolution photos of your finals for posting to our Facebook page. Unfortunately, I receive many unsuitable, low-resolution photos. Please set your digital cameras to 7.5Mb or even 10Mb resolution, in order to produce clear, grain-less and un-blurred photos. Documents such as certificates, judges’ guides, the winner advisory form, manuals and the score sheet are available online. For security reasons the password to access these has been altered and it is available from your District Chair.

FINALISTS: When C1 conducted its District Final on the Saturday afternoon of its District Convention, the proud finalists were (from left) Zack Holland (Clare District LC), Grace McKnight (Port Augusta LC), Samuel Doering (Barossa Valley LC), Ashleigh Shattock (Golden Grove LC) and David Dixon (Whyalla LC). Samuel won both the overall and public speaking and, along with Grace and Ashleigh, will participate in the State Final.


Bethany Williams, C Districts winner in 2016, reports on her recent Camp America adventure After a long application process, I had been hired by Camp Agawak, an all-girls summer camp in a small town in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. I was one of 50 international staff, 28 of whom were Australian. Meeting such a variety of people was a highlight of camp for me, like living in an American movie. Agawak is on the beautiful ‘Blue Lake’, and surrounded by pine forest – I often had to stop and take in just how beautiful my surroundings were, and how lucky I was to call Agawak home for three short months. The environment and fellow staff were some of the best parts, however at the heart of my experience were my campers. I was placed in a 13-bed cabin with 10 campers (8-9 years old) and two other counsellors. I lived with my campers for eight weeks and became like a surrogate mother to them. My co-counsellors and I would play countless cabin games with them, chat, braid their hair, teach them to make friendship bracelets and of course help with simple things like brushing their hair and learning to clean the cabin toilet (an interesting exercise). I made a special bond with each girl and walk away knowing that I made a positive impact on them, and they on me! Watching my campers step out of their comfort zone, form new friendships, achieve goals and mature over the course of camp was the most rewarding part of being a camp counsellor. The experience was unforgettable and I would recommend it to any young person looking for fun and rewarding work overseas. Until my next adventure, I am home in Adelaide, working part time and waiting to start a Bachelor of Midwifery at the University of South Australia next year. 31
