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Story Dogs Annual Report 2019 - 2020
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Our Mission
Mission
To make reading fun for children so they become confident lifelong readers. No child should be left behind in literacy.
Contents
Our Chairperson
Our Managing Director
Our Impact
Our Journey
Our Organisation
Our Strategic Plan
Our Supporters
Our Finances
Our Thanks
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Our Chairman
Dear Friends of Story Dogs,
These uncertain times have impacted all of us, challenged most of us and certainly required us to dramatically alter the status quo of our lives.
Meeting adversity and dealing with adversity is part of everyone‘s life journey, it is rare that we all as a community face adversity together as we are now in confronting COVID-19.
COVID has interrupted lives for most and decimated and torn apart lives for others.
The volunteering and philanthropy that underpins Story Dogs leaps forth from our abundance of spirit, time and financial capacity. These times question our capacity to give and trigger in most off us a defensive and self-protective approach to our life.
We understand this is and accept this as the circumstances of the current time we have to live with and adjust to.
The Strongest message that we as the Story Dog board wish to say to our volunteers and partners now is that:
“you know your personal circumstances the best.”
If you believe volunteering puts your health at risk - do not volunteer wait and volunteer when you decide the risk is behind you.
If contributing funds to Story Dogs is currently beyond your means then please don’t - simply tell us that is not within your capability now. Please be frank and forthright it will help both of us to financially plan through this.
If the mission of Story Dogs is your passion and contributing financially to Story Dogs is well within your capacity then we humbly ask that you consider doing so or increasing your planned contribution to help us ride out these times, so that we, with more certainty, maintain a financially stable position and have full capacity to continue our work as soon as possible after these times pass.
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We look to those that have continued their support with a grateful heart. The Emorgo Foundation has now contributed for over four years and is a significant reason why we will come out of 2020 in a relatively financially stable position. Sensis, Dymocks Children’s’ Charities and Just For Pets, significant contributions to this year are also very much appreciated. All the individual dog sponsors and donations we receive are the glue that holds our organisation together. These are generally based on a passion for a dog or child, we thank you for your contribution.
I strongly suspect that with the interruption to education that we are seeing now will mean demands for Story Dog services will be on the rise “tomorrow”.
Yours Sincerely
Gavin Sigley Chairman
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Our Managing Director
Although we are called Story DOGS our strength is our PEOPLE. The level of professionalism, passion and integrity that is displayed to the Australian communities we work in comes from the hearts and souls of our wonderful people. Something we believe in is that our volunteers are professional people choosing to do tasks for no monetary gain. They are not free help or people with few skills and no experience.
Coordinators are the glue that holds Story Dogs together. Coordinators directly support the on ground Dog Teams. They also play a vital role in our relationships with the schools and sponsors we partner with. Story Dogs is very fortunate to have outstanding, passionate and committed volunteers who make up the Coordinator Team. We now have 62 Coordinators throughout all areas of Australia (except the NT).
As part of our support to our Coordinators we held a Leadership Conference in September of 2019 when the world and Australia were still open to travel and joining people together in one place. That Conference saw much fun, friendships rekindled, information shared and crazy paw print rainbow socks worn by all. The feeling over these two days within the group was uplifting, happy and super passionate about where Story Dog was at and where we are heading to help even more children learn to read. It is a joy to be around such passionate, professional people.
In November and December we joined with one of our Partner organisations, Dymocks Children’s Charities (DCC) to run a campaign to fund the children’s picture books we needed to continue to grow. This was a runaway success with DCC pledging to quadruple any donation up to $10, 000. We got to the grand total of $9,171 in donations, which meant we got to spend $36,684 on new children’s picture books!!
The end of 2019 also saw myself become a Local Hero for Westfield’s Northlakes. Thanks to the community for voting! Story Dogs was awarded a grant of $10,000 to
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The addition of a paid Dog Sponsorship Manager role in January of 2019 has flowed into this year, making a big difference to the way in which our sponsors are kept up to date with their Dog Team, the attention to each sponsors preferences and making sure their logo on the dogs vest and web site looks top notch.
As part of our commitment to partnering with key stakeholders in our sector, Story Dogs has become a member of Animal Therapies Limited and was honoured to present at their first national conference in February 2020 in Melbourne, just before lockdown.
National Volunteering week in May 2020 saw Story Dogs partner with Just For Pets who helped us send out over 500 unique dog treats and thank you cards to all our volunteers, even though we were all in lock down.
One of the strategies Story Dogs adopted during the COVID19 lockdowns and subsequent restrictions was to have our volunteers film themselves reading their favourite books to their dog and putting these up on the Story Dogs YouTube channel to ensure schools could still connect to their favourite Story Dog. This has been a wonderful resource for schools to use to help children at home connect with reading. It was very well received with schools, including the Western Australia Education Department putting the information on their State online learning platform.
A challenging last half of the year with all volunteer visits stopped in all States for 3 months and income streams significantly negatively impacted. However we are working hard together to rebuild and help many more children continue to learn to read the FUN way with a loving, gentle dog.
I am super keen to keep our program strong and providing even more one-on-one reading sessions to needy children in the aftermath of COVID19.
Janine Sigley Managing Director.
2019 Leaders Conference Page 6 of 19
Our Impact
Our Impact This Year
Over 150 additional children every week being helped to become confident readers 30 new Dog Teams joined the program 43 additional schools we are now partnering with 52 additional business, service clubs and or individuals who are sponsoring a Dog Team Approx. 63,000 one-on-one reading sessions delivered
Our Cumulative Impact at the end of the 2019/20 year
Over 2505 children being helped every week
501 Dog Teams helping children every week
321 schools we are now partnering with
353 Dog Sponsors supporting a local Dog Team in their local school
Our Impact – from a Dog Sponsors perspective
"Being part of the Story Dogs program has been the best sponsorship I have been involved in. With the wonderful team of Beryl and Nico guiding the kids into the wonderful world of words and reading. The results speak for themselves, not only the vast improvement in reading and spelling it is also great to see the older kids helping out which promotes leadership. As I have said in the past "this is sponsorship that really matters". Thanks for letting me be part of a great program." Mark Howard, Eildon Real Estate (Sponsor of Nico)
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Our Impact
Teacher Feedback Rebecca Campbell. Year 4 Teacher, Hincks Avenue Primary School, Whyalla South Australia 2019
To Whom It May Concern:
Jill and ‘Bella’ have been part of our school community for the last 2 years and part of my class since the beginning of 2019. Jill and ‘Bella’ have a wonderful rapport with the students and have built strong relationships with students that often find relationship building hard to do. It is fantastic to see the look on the students' faces on a Thursday when they see Jill and ‘Bella’ enter our library.
The growth of the students that work with Jill and ‘Bella’ has been astonishing. One of the students had not attended much schooling in her life until coming to our school this year. As she was a student that had seemed to have fallen through the cracks, had no funding, though she could not pass a level one reader, I felt she would be a great student to utilise Story Dogs and Jill agreed. This student was initially hesitant to be part of the Story Dogs program as she had no confidence in herself or in relationships with others. This student has only worked with Jill and ‘Bella’ for 6 months but she is flourishing. She has just passed a level 5 reader, is sounding words, attending school regularly and is developing a range of friendships throughout the school and I believe most of the credit for her growth goes to Jill, ‘Bella’ and the Story Dogs program.
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Our Goals
Short Term Goals
To be helping 5000 children by the end of 2022
Where are we at?
In June of 2020 we were helping 2505 children every week. 50.1% of our goal achieved.
Long Term Goals
To have a Story Dog in every primary school in Australia!
Where are we at?
There are 6223 Primary Schools in Australia (source Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority ACARA 2019) and the Story Dogs program is currently in 321 schools. That is 5%.
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Our Journey
Our Risk profile
In delivering 63,000 one-one-one reading sessions during 2019/20 there have been 4 incidents lodged by volunteers. Only three of these involved the dog and all three were non injury incidents that have been communicated to all of our volunteers so collectively we can all be more aware. Some of these have led to changes in the way we do things, all of them have been investigated and taken very seriously. Zero incidents involving injury were reported.
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Our Organisation
Board Members Management Team
Gavin Sigley – Chairman (2010)(V) Bev Jurd – Volunteer Registrations Manager (2012)(V) Brian Meldrum (2014)(V) Kathryn Le Gay Brereton – Dog Sponsorship Administration Manager (2019)(P) Penelope Hodge (2018)(V) Leanne Worden - Warehouse Manager (2018)(V) Janine Sigley – Managing Director Vicki McKiernan - Working With Children (2010)(P) Check Manager (2019)(V)
Lisa Laing (2020)(V) (year started in role) (V)= volunteer (P) = Paid
Ambassador
Dr Claire Stevens
Dr Claire Stevens is the first ambassador to join Story Dogs. Dr Claire is an Australian Vet, author and dog lover.
Dr Claire has recently launched a book, 'Dr Claire's Love Your Dog', a guide to keeping your furry friends happy and healthy.
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Volunteer Coordinators
Queensland Amanda Farrell Cleveland Julie Hadlum Redcliffe Peninsula Cara Hodgson Gladstone Kathie Davis Cairns North Carole Cole Caboolture Kim Clarke Gold Coast Nambour Caroline King Springfield Lakes Lisa Kelly Gold Coast Central South Carolyn Healy Sunshine Coast Buderim Lyn Clancy Dalby Christine Hofman Cairns Lynne Williams Gold Coast Hope Island Faye Rowles Gold Coast South
Hilary Paull Brisbane North West Maryanne Cortis Malanda Natalie Lambert Gold Coast Hinterland Irene Lamb Sunshine Coast Kawana Petra Westphall Toowoomba Sunshine Coast Pacific Janelle Lockhart Rhonda Thorton Sunshine Coast Caloundra Paradise Janine Sigley Brisbane South Sabine Tedesco Sunshine Coast Noosa Jo Williams Wynnum/Manly Wendy Hayton Gold Coast Carrara
Julianne Mutton Gold Coast Merrimac
New South Wales Anne Meagher Lismore Natalie Nicastri Illawarra Faye Rowles Tweed Coast North Pam Sellwood Tweed Coast South Helen Barnett Kempsey Tina Costanzo Sydney - Cronulla Jenny Potts Ballina Val Wright Galston
Mark York Sydney - Castle Hill
Australian Capital Territory Laura Wilson Canberra
South Australia Bruce Muhlhan Whyalla Dec and Chris Schwarz Mount Gambier Natalie Bubner Adelaide
Tasmania Christine Moldenhauer North West Belinda Powell Launceston Jacqui Brown Hobart
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Victoria Megan Morgan Melbourne Central Cindy McGregor Melbourne North West Prue Schwarz Mornington Peninsula South Jacqui MacMillan Ballarat Sharyn Thompson Gippsland Jan Everett Melbourne Bayside South Susanne Karen Knuckey Geelong Motherwell Melbourne Bayside Maureen Boalar Melbourne South East Susie Cole Mornington Peninsula North
Western Australia Amanda Milroy Mandurah Kylie Perejmibida Rockingham - Warnbro Anne Durack Perth Western Suburbs Linda Williams Perth Melville Christina Line Yanchep Lindy Ettridge Rockingham - Wikiki Christina Macaulay Kwinana Mary O'Donovan Bassendean Francesca Cant Perth - Kallaroo Racheal Bingham Pinjarra
Volunteer Dog Teams
501 Dog Teams (dog and handler) please see our web site for all their wonderful photos.
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Our Funding
Where our funding comes from and what we do with it.
Our Funding Sources Our Core Business
Dog Sponsorship Dog Teams Dog Sponsorship Delivering one-one-one reading 44% of total income sessions
School Fundraising Volunteer Coordinators Events Supporting our Dog Teams
8% of total income
Philanthropic Management and donations & Good Governance Partnerships 48% of total income
Story Dogs receives no Government Funding
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Our Strategic Plan
2018 - 2022
Goal 1: Our People
Our people choose to be part of fulfilling the Story Dogs mission as they feel valued, equipped, appropriately compensated and recognised.
Goal 2: Financial Sustainability
Financial sustainability, committed to growth and transparency, ensuring the fulfilment of the Story Dog mission.
Goal 3: Communication
Recognised as the leading national provider of animal assisted literacy programs throughout Australia.
Goal 4: Governance
Commitment to and delivery of ethical, financially sustainable and strategic leadership where all statutory obligations are met.
Goal 5: Research, Results and Reflection
Commitment to obtain research and empirical data, feedback and review which drives the continuous improvement and ongoing development of the program.
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Strategic Plan Progress: Actions completed
Goal 1:
Review of Coordinator Training and Induction Plan carried out with improvements to documentation completed. Carry out a scope and NFP market rate analysis for all paid positions Appointed Admin/Finance Assist (Paid 20 hrs) Appointed Sponsorship/Partnership Manager (Paid 20 hrs) Provided support, information and procedures for COVID19 restrictions and changes to our operations
Goal 2:
Establish a fundraising committee with Managing Director, Board and state representatives. Completed and then revoked. Develop and implement a school fundraising policy Develop an annual national event – a substantial amount of work has gone into this item and is ongoing with a view to be implemented early next financial year
Goal 3:
Refreshed web site look and feel with the help of our Partner, Sensis. Developed a communication tool and system of updates for our Dog Sponsors to learn of the good work their dog is doing for children.
Goal 4:
Appointed an additional Board Member – Lisa Laing Maintained all required Authority to Fundraise licenses with each State. Submitted all required information to the ACNC – all up to date Created a position for managing our Working With Children Checks. Filled the role with Vicki McKiernan.
Goal 5:
Received final report from Monash University – “The Impact Of The Story Dogs Reading Program On Students Wellbeing”.
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Our Supporters
Partners
Thanks goes to the behind the scenes organisations who keep the pages turning for Story Dogs.
Just For Pets, who are working towards becoming our first Platinum program sponsor (1yr)
Dymocks Children’s Charities, who double up all our books purchases. Effectively giving us a 50% discount (2yrs)
uniDap Solutions, who manage our Database keeping all our information at our fingertips (10yrs)
Sensis, who keep our web site alive and vivid (5yrs)
Emantra, who look after the hosting of our web sites (5yrs)
Volunteering Services Australia, ensuring our volunteer enquiries are handled effectively and professionally (2yrs) (# of years supporting Story Dogs) Dog Sponsors
A HUGE thank you to all our 353 wonderful Dog Sponsors who are local business, service clubs or individuals who chose to help local children in their area learn how to read through the Story Dogs program. Please see the list of individual sponsors in the appendices.
Lions
74 Lions Clubs are supporting the Story Dogs program nationwide. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to helping us achieve our mission of helping more children learn to read.
Philanthropic
We thank the Emorgo Foundation for their continued support over the last four years.
Woof Woof!
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Our Finances
Story Dogs Ltd ABN: 32 603 311 388
Financial Reports
Story Dogs Financial Reports - 2019-20 Final
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Our Thanks
When children read to a dog, the outcomes are amazing! It is a non-judgemental setting, the children's focus improves, their literacy skills increase and their confidence soars. The accepting, loving nature of dogs gives this program its magic and helps children relax, open up, try harder and have fun while reading to a friendly, calm dog.
Our thanks goes wholeheartedly to all those who are involved with Story Dogs.
We look forward to helping even more children in 2020-2021.
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Appendices:
1.0 Dog Sponsor List.
Dog Sponsor Name Admiral Towing Echo Voice and Data - Telstra Partner Lions Club of Carrara Rockingham Mitsubishi & Kia Alcoa Eildon Real Estate Lions Club of Clarence Rotaract Club of Central Coast - Tasmania All Saints Anglican School Parents & Friends Committee Elsternwick Primary School Lions Club of Croydon-Mooroolbark (Inc) Rotary Club of Cairns Alpine Building Services Pty Ltd Elwood Primary School Lions club of Ekibin Brisbane Rotary Club of Capalaba Andrea French Energy Super Lions Club of Falcon (WA) Rotary Club of Cleveland Anonymous Sponsor of Lily Estuary Veterinary Clinic Lions Club of Glenroy Inc Rotary Club of Currumbin Coolangatta - Tweed Inc Anonymous Sponsor of Charlie Evervet Prahran Lions Club of Golden Valley Keperra Rotary Club of Devonport South East Inc Anonymous Sponsor of Eevee Every Day Dogs Lions Club of Heyfield Rotary Club of Highton Anonymous Sponsor of Ginny Fashion Clubwear Lions Club of Hobart Town Inc Rotary Club of Kardinia Inc. Anonymous Sponsor of Kenzi FNQ Spatial Data Services Lions Club of Kingborough Rotary Club of Moonah Anonymous Sponsor of Lily Footbridge Cafe Lions Club of Kingscliff Rotary Club of Mt Gambier West Inc. Anonymous Sponsor of Lollipop Friends of Coolum Beach Library Lions Club of Lismore Rotary Club of Mt Warning AM (Murwillumbah) Inc. Anonymous Sponsor of Sandy Friends of Maroochydore Library Lions Club of Lismore City Rotary Club of North Brighton Anonymous Sponsor of Tanzy Gail & Scott Frater Lions Club of McCrae & District Rotary Club Redland Sunrise Inc Apex Club Nambour Gallagher Lions Club of Mooloolaba RV Solutions WA Apex Club Whyalla Galston Veterinary Clinic Lions Club of Moorabbin Santos Organics Ardrossan Progress Association Inc. Gambier Vets Pty Ltd Lions Club of Mornington Scope Club of Ballina Aspendale Gardens-Edithvale Community Bank® Branch of Bendigo Bank German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria Lions Club of Mudgeeraba Secret Harbour Primary School Audi Mornington Get Educational Tours Lions Club of Murwillumbah Secure Power Solutions Australasian Order of Old Bastards: Twin Towns Branch GFG Alliance Lions Club of Palm Beach Currumbin Shirley Hesse Australian Concrete Posts Glass Ontime Lions Club of Phillip Island Small Animal Specialist Hospital - SASH Baldivis Pharmacy Gold Coast Airport Lions Club of Redland Bay Victoria Point Small Friends Falcon Bank of Queensland - Buderim Gold Coast Vet Surgery Lions Club of Rochedale Springwood Small Motor Service Gladstone Bank of Queensland - Forest Lake Good Education (Schools) Guide Lions Club of Rockingham Smoovactive Bank of Queensland - Willetton Grantham House Medical Practice Lions Club of Rye Social Brew Burleigh Barry Plant Real Estate - Rowville Great British Fryer Lions Club of Sale Sound Body Corporate Management Bayford Volkswagen Camberwell Green Bean Accountants Lions Club of South Perth Southside Eyewear Optometrist BCU - A Division of Police & Nurses Limited Greystone Company Pty Ltd Lions Club of Stanthorpe Southside Vet Surgery Cairns Beaconsfield Veterinary Centre Halcyon Landing - Bli Bli Lions Club of Sunnybank Specsavers Midland Gate Beleura Vet Halcyon Waters Hope Island Lions Club of Upper Coomera St Helena's Catholic Primary School P&F Association Bell Real Estate Emerald P/L Halls Head Small Animal Clinic Lions Club of Vermont St John the Baptist Primary School Belle Property Hornsby Hawkes Vegetables and Farm Gate Lions Club of Waroona St Mary's College Ipswich Bendigo Bank - Buderim Hinterland Vet Surgery Lions Club West Tamar Storage First Noosa Heads Bendigo Bank - Marcoola Hitch Little Scholars School of Early Learning Stylin' Dogs Bendigo Bank - Mount Martha Community Bank Hocking Stuart Armadale LiveLife Pharmacy - Noosaville Sunrise Christian School Whyalla Bendigo Bank - Mount Ommaney Hodges Real Estate Sandringham Loch Sport Lions Club Inc Sunshine Coast Doll, Bear, Craft & Miniature Club Inc. Bendigo Bank - Rosebud Hounds at Bay Dog Training Machjet International Pty Ltd Swan Valley Vets Bendigo Bank - Sale ICAL - International Customs and Logistics P/L Mandurah Murray Mayday Inc (May Day Op Shop) Tamborine Village Lions Bendigo Bank - Tewantin - Noosa In Memory of Clio Eliot Marilyn and Joan Garnham Team Golden Oldies - Lisa Domeny Bendigo Bank - Woombye Jellis Craig Mark & Pam Summers The Children’s Garden Bendigo Bank Hobart Jo Howell Photography Maroochy North Shore Lions Club The Doggie Den - Bairnsdale Bentons Road Vet Joanna Masterpiece Dance The Jelley Family Foundation Bernie's Pet Barn John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School Mavlab Animal Health Pty Ltd The McCaul Family Beyond Bank Australia Josephine Moon Mayberry Meldrum & Anderson The McIntyre Family Boiling Point Services Keen Street Veterinary Clinic McGrath Estate Agents - Buderim - Community Giveback Program The Natural Vets Brent Mickelberg MP - Member for Buderim Ken Mills Toyota Meadway Mutts Dog Training & Boarding School The Sansoni Family Brighton Land Rover Kensington Design Australia Pty Ltd Meredith Burn The Skin Clinic Fremantle Brighton Toyota Kevin Bulbeck Clinical Psychology Mooroobool Dog Obedience Club The Slaviero Family Bronwyn Ellis Key Produce Moreton Downs State School Thomas Property Buninyong & District Community Bank® Branch of Bendigo Bank King Street Vet Hospital My Best Friend Veterinary Centre Thornleigh West Public School Buxton Brighton Pty Ltd Lakelands Shopping Centre New Groove Jazz Ensemble Todd Rogers Signs Buxton Dingley Village Lamington Terrace Vet Surgery Noosa District Animal Hospital Tracy Brookes Byron Bay Chilli Company Leapfrog Physiotherapy North Shore Realty - Marcoola Trafalgar & District Community Bank® Branch of Bendigo Bank Cairns Taxis Ltd Leos Club of Waroona North Shore Realty - Maroochy Tweed Heads Community Men's Shed Inc Caloundra RSL Services Club Leos of Forest Lake College Northern Suburbs Training & Obedience Dog Club Inc. Tweed Valley Adventist Op Shop Inc. Cannon Hill Family Veterinary Surgery Libby's Cafe Occuhealth Twin Towns Services Community Fund CareSouth Lioness Club of Cairns Pearson Australia Tyrrell Partners Accountants Catholic School Parents of St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School Gladstone Lions Club of Armadale Kelmscott Peninsula Grammar Unleashed Dog Behavioural Therapy Choices Flooring by Smiths Lions Club of Ashgrove - The Gap Peninsula Vet Care Upper Brookfield State School Choices Flooring Niddrie Lions Club of Ashmore Peregian Springs Veterinary Surgery Vermont Value Vet Choices Flooring Parkdale Lions Club of Atwell Pet Wellness - Cathy U'Ren Veronica Christine & Andrew Stott Lions Club of Baldivis Pottsville Beach Dental Veterinary Happiness Church of Christ Op Shop Lions Club of Ballajura Pottsville Physiotherapy Vicki Martin Circle Alliance Bank Lions Club of Beaumaris Print Spot Vitalis Legal Pty Ltd Corrections Victoria Lions Club of Berowra Pure Oil Maintenance Services Pty Ltd Wal Murray - First National Real Estate Corrigan and Ross Families Lions Club of Brisbane Macgregor Q Super Centre Waves CTC Australasia Pty Ltd Lions Club of Brisbane Moorooka Queensland CWA Tewantin-Noosa Branch Western Downs Libraries Dan Purdie MP - Member for Ninderry Lions Club of Brisbane Zhong Hua Quota International of Gold Coast Wise Employment Dandenong Ranges Vet Clinic Lions Club of Buderim Raine & Horne Sunbury Woodards Blackburn Data#3 Lions Club of Burleigh Heads Ray White Rockingham Baldivis Wordfest Ballina Datacom Systems (ACT) Pty Ltd Lions Club of Burnie Emu Bay Robert James Realty Yandina Hardware Debra Zupp Lions Club of Cairns Robyn Clarke MLA - Member for Murray-Wellington Yarra Yarra Golf Club Dome Esperance Lions Club of Cairns Barrier Reef Rockingham Beach Primary School P&C Your Local Markets - Gold Coast Eagle Trailers & Campers Lions Club of Caringbah Rockingham Dog Club