District Newsletter 201N1 Issue 2 Lions Clubs International District 201N1 September-October 2013

Newsletter Volume 40 Page District Newsletter 201N1 Issue 2 Lions Clubs International District 201N1 September-October 2013

DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

From Sweeping Plains to Jewell Sea

LIONS DISTRICT 201N1 FROM THE DISTRICT GOVERNORS DESK 2013 CONVENTION 18th - 20th October 2013 As of the end of August I have visited 17 Lions Clubs, 1 Leo Club and 1 Lioness Club. During my visit to the Glen Innes Leos Club I had the pleasure of inducting 5 new members, bringing their Leo total to 21. These new members were extremely keen and ready to get busy with their Club (see attached photo). Maureen and I have enjoyed all visits to date and wish to thank the Clubs for their hospitality and ex- cellent meetings, also Maureen expresses her DG Alan inducts 5 members into Glen Innes Leo Club HOSTED BY ARMIDALE thanks to those Clubs that have made a donation to her project "Bears of Hope". DUMARESQ LIONS CLUB I would also like to congratulate all Clubs that have recently inducted new members which has resulted in a total of 1500 members within the District, which has given us a total of plus 9 new members at the end of July. This has been a terrific start to build up our member- Book your accommodation NOW ship for the 2013-2014 Lions Year. If we can maintain the current momentum the District will to avoid disappointment. be in a very strong position at the end of the Lions Year. Venue: Armidale City Bowling It was pleasing to see that quite a few of the Clubs that we have visited were inducting Club younger members or had younger members interested in joining our organisation. 92-96 Dumaresq St Armidale International President Barry Palmer wishes all Clubs to continue with or to adopt the www.armidale.info/accommodation/ "Tree Planting Program" and the "Reading Action Program". This initiative of IP Barry's has index.htm Convention Chairman: been well received by nearly all Clubs so far visited. When considering the Reading Action Pro- Lion Colin Gadd 02 6771 4278 or gram, please note that this is also aimed at those adults who cannot read for whatever reason. [email protected] During my visits I have been recommending the CEP to those Clubs who may benefit from this process. To date we have had one request from a Club who wish to enter into this Convention Secretary: process. If any other Club thinks that they may benefit from the CEP please contact the GMT-D Lion Rob Semple: or GLT-D Coordinators. For those Clubs that may be looking for ideas for membership I recom- [email protected] mend that you look up the "Just Ask" Program which can be found on www.lionsclubs.org. An alternative to this is to ask the GMT-D Coordinator, PDG Mick McGrath.

TAMWORTH The Community Challenge Chairman for this year is IPDG Deyann McDonnell. Any Club wishing to participate in the Challenge please contact IPDG Deyann. 2014 All Club Membership Chairmen are urged (if they have not already done so) to acquaint themselves with the "Club Membership Chairman's Guide. Club Presidents are also urged to make themselves familiar with the Membership Satisfaction Guide. These Guides are available for perusal or downloading from www.lionsclubs.org. While visiting the Glen Innes Lions Club, who are preparing for their 60th Anniversary by researching past Club Projects, they have come across some quite unusual fundraising activities, which would not be permissible by today's standards. They are currently listing these "odd" activities to be displayed at their Anniversary Din- ner. If your Club has had an unusual or odd project or activity, please consider submitting a Newsletter Article.

2nd May – 5th May 2014 Next week Maureen and I will be travelling to Bali for the ANZI Fo- rum, hopefully we will catch up with those Lions attending from our District http://lionsclubs.org.au/ during the Forum. conventions/tamworth-2014 Regards DG Alan [email protected]

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NEWSLETTER SMILE PROGRAM Lion Brian Bourke The S.M.I.L.E. Program at Woolgoolga High School S.M.I.L.E. stands for Support, Mentor, Inspire, Listen, Encourage. Contributions to the District S.M.I.L.E. was implemented in 2012, as a peer mentoring program initiated by senior students at Wool- Newsletter continue to grow. Thanks goolga High School who felt a need to support younger students facing difficulties. for making my position as Editor so This NSW regional comprehensive state high school caters for over 890 students. Our students much easier. come from diverse backgrounds, including low socio -economic, indigenous, ESL and refugee students. There are many articles included in The school is proud of the long standing Punjabi culture in the school and wider community. While aca- this edition, some from clubs and demic achievement is the foundation for the school, we have had a long standing reputation for develop- some from the various areas Lions is ing programs that enhance student welfare. In 2009 the school was the recipient of the Director Gen- involved in. Please take the time to eral's Award for Excellence in Student Welfare. The school nurtures the notion of peers supporting each read and then consider the possibility other, as evidenced by our longstanding Peer Reading Program. The S.M.I.L.E program builds on this of spreading the word by handing on capacity of students to support each other in the mentoring role. In late 2011, two Year 11 students, Lochie Gould and Daniel Bastow, ap- your copy of the District Newsletter proached the Head Teacher Welfare, to organise a group of older students to help to someone who might be interested. younger students. They wished to: Don’t forget our convention is on reduce the level of bullying in Woolgoolga High School, identify problems, give stu- in October, information is included in dents a better experience at school, make stronger connections between students. this edition or go to the District Web “We’ve been there and we know what it’s like” site for any updates. A planning group evolved consisting of the school captains, some prefects, interested and pas- Please keep up the support, your sionate students and the Year Adviser. This group decided to assist younger students. Students having reports can be emailed to problems can approach the mentors who can be easily recognised by their wristbands and badges. Meet- [email protected] ings only occur in school time during breaks and before school, and only once or maybe twice a week. NSW school data shows that an increasing number of students are disengaged in the school process, and truancy and non-attendance rates are increasing, especially in high schools. State-wide data TAMWORTH PEEL VALLEY LIONS also shows suspension rates are rising significantly as are the number of students that are finally com- pelled to complete their education in an alternate setting, e.g. Distance Education. The S.M.I.L.E pro- Since 1994 the Peel Valley gram, profoundly impacts on shifting the mindset of disengaged youth. This is because students make Lions Club has sought out and hon- connections with people close to their own age group who have the time to listen. oured a country music personality The S.M.I.L.E program targets issues including bullying and cyber bullying, anti-social behaviours who has given voluntary service to and the lonely student in the playground. The program offers a friendly face, almost a Big Sister or Big the community through his/her con- Brother role for troubled students and a nurturing environment for them to be able to talk about issues nection with the genre. that they may be facing. Over the 20 years of the The S.M.I.L.E. program enhances leadership opportunities for our senior students. Since 2012, Award, recipients have included 42 students have been trained as mentors, representing 20% of Year 11 and 12 students. As well as singers, songwriters, musicians and developing leadership skills, these students are those who work tirelessly behind the developing an understanding of themselves and are scenes – and invariably they are becoming well prepared for their futures. quiet achievers who have never A research project into the effectiveness of sought recognition or superlatives the S.M.I.L.E. program is being undertaken by Asso- for their charity and community ef- ciate Professor Dr John Hurley of Southern Cross forts. University, Coffs Harbour, to be released in October Nominations for the 2014 2013. The project includes interviews with founding award are now being accepted. students, staff, mentors and the students they sup- “Anyone with a country music con- port. School data is being analysed to determine nection who has given of their time whether this information accurately reflects the and talent to assist a charity is eligi- anecdotal evidence which shows the program is ble,” Mr Ham said. effective in increasing the students' sense of belong- Nominees don’t have to be ing within the school. General self-efficacy measures will feature in the final report, as well as parent and Lions Club members but nomina- Ian Cook, Head teacher of Welfare; Brittney Kash- tions need to be made through your community perceptions of the program. ayev ( Smile mentor), Michael Hope current Presi- local Lions Club and must be made S.M.I.L.E. leaders were invited to participate dent of Lions Woolgoolga; Tarni Burton (Smile in writing to: The Secretary, Peel in two youth forums held at Toormina High School Mentor), and Alison Fenton, Year 12 adviser Valley Lions Club, PO Box 957, Tam- in 2012. The first forum had a focus on student worth, NSW, 2340 Phone (02) 6765 well-being and the other on anti-bullying strategies. 6042 or Professor Patrick McGorry (AO), the keynote speaker, was impressed by the program and acknowledged email [email protected] Lachlan Gould, the Year 12 student founder. From this point, S.M.I.L.E. received widespread support and and need to be in by December 18, endorsement from Woolgoolga Lions Club, Corindi Primary School P&C and Coffs Harbour Quota Club. 2013. At the invitation of the Coffs Harbour Youth and Well-being Network, the student founder Lachlan Gould participated in an anti-bullying conference "Tackling the Tough Stuff" held at Toormina High School on November 3, 2012. S.M.I.L.E. was an important part of the agenda for the day and Lachlan was a fellow panellist with Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg, the keynote speaker on the day. A second generation of S.M.I.L.E. mentors featured highly in an anti-bullying conference organ- ised by the same network at Coffs Harbour Education Campus on April 4, 2013. This conference attract- ed an audience of over 250 local high school students. The program has allowed senior mentors to transition beyond school with a package of lifelong leadership and citizenship skills. Their involvement and participation at conferences has allowed them to see beyond the school gate. The student founder Lachlan Gould was awarded the North Coast Region Award for Excellence in Student Leadership in recognition of his S.M.I.L.E. vision. He was the winner of the 20 12 Coffs Harbour City Council Young Australian of the Year. S.M.I.L.E. is now a positive option for students returning from suspension and this is particularly welcomed by parents. S.M.I.L.E. provides the senior executive with another option in supporting individual students and classroom teachers have another source of strategic support at their disposal.

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BELLINGEN LIONS Bellingen Lions Club has just hosted a visit by CABINET SECRETARY District Governor Alan Cunningham. The visit took place Lion Brad Weekes at our normal dinner meeting and was well attended by Lions and their partners. Also present was Region Chair- I know I am beginning to sound man Bill Shepherd who formally introduced DG Alan to like a broken record but with 19 in the members, and Bill’s partner Maureen who is currently July and 16 in August, some Club President of Macksville Lions Club. Secretaries are not fulfilling their District Governor Alan gave a presentation on his roles to the best of their abilities in theme for the year “Cherish the Past – Challenge the submitting their clubs WMMR to Li- Future “ Cherish: To hold or treat as dear, to keep hopes, ons International. memories or ideas in your mind because they are dear to By now all Club Secretaries should you, and love the past, but not live in it. Challenge: To have access to the LCI site and if summon action, effort or use. Stimulate a problem that DG Alan presents his Banner to they attended an Incoming Officers challenges the imagination, and to test one’s abilities or Bellingen Lions. School, logging in and doing the re- resources in a demanding or stimulating situation and port should be simple but for some the International President’s theme “Follow Your Dream”. In order to accomplish his theme DG Alan apparently not. said we should strive to find new ways to build on what we have achieved so far. Each month a report will go to Alan’s partner Maureen gave a short address on “The Bears of Hope” and a small donation was Governor Alan with the names of the made to help support her cause. clubs who fail to lodge and during his In Lions Clubs, members are encouraged to put family first, employment second and some of the official visit discussion will be had time left for involvement in Lions activities. Activities include helping in the community such as our cater- concerning this ongoing problem. ing at the monthly Markets and the Football matches, as well as social gatherings like our visit to the With the Armidale Convention just Outback Spectacular -- a lot of fun. Being a voluntary organisation, the members only give time when around the corner, delegate and they wish to be involved. remembrance forms have been sent out for clubs to fill in and return. Please fill in carefully and return by HARRINGTON LIONS the due date to the address at the bottom of the form. Harrington Lions Club hosted its 37th annual changeover dinner at Harrington Hotel on Tuesday 23 July. The dinner was at- As always, if I can tended by local and visiting Lions and partners as well as repre- be of assistance or sentatives of the Surf Club and Probus Club. help please do not Lion Paul Flanagan, who was the first president of the club, hesitate to contact was present to install the Board of Directors for 2013-2014. He me. encouraged members to continue their community projects and to encourage residents to become members of our Lions Club. Rick Kent was inducted as President with Chris Elford as Secretary and FORSTER TUNCURRY LIONS Bob McDonnell Treasurer. The 52nd Annual Changeover Each year, members vote for the “Lion of the Year” award. Dinner was held for the Lions Club This year, it was overwhelmingly awarded to Mike Kelly for his out- of Forster/Tuncurry at Club Forster standing work for the Lions Club. on Monday 24th June 2013. It was a Community Car fantastic evening with the outgoing Fund raising for the new community car is progressing very President – Dianne Arthur, handing well with plans for the car to be on the road by the end of August over the bell and gavel to the new 2013. The car will be owned by Manning Valley and Area Communi- President – George Giannioatis. ty Transport Group and garaged in Harrington. It will be driven by volunteer drivers from the MVACTG which will ease the need for drivers to use their own vehicles. The car will be used primarily for Harrington and area jobs but may be used elsewhere when it is not President Darryl Steere hands over required in Harrington. to Incoming President Rick Kent Fun Day The annual Family Fun Day will be held on Sunday 6 October on the river bank at the rear of the Harrington Hotel. The fun day is the club’s major fundraiser each year with profits being used to support Lions community projects. Smoke Alarms Harrington Lions offer their services to replace smoke alarm batteries annually for residents who Board of Directors 2013-2014 of are unable to do this for themselves. If you wish to take advantage of this service, please contact Grae- The Lions Club of Forster/Tuncurry me on 0418 288 008. The evening was one of surpris- es for many, with some prizes and TAMWORTH PEEL VALLEY LIONS well earned awards. There was also Tamworth Peel Valley Lions Club Inc. has been running Low an amusing and entertaining skit Risk Driving Courses for over a decade now in conjunction with put on by some of the members National Driver Education specialists from Sydney. with a theme of “The Dance of the With assistance from the local media to publicise the event, Seven Veils”. The Lions Club of Peel Valley Lions members letter box dropping, local business Forster Tuncurry has come a long houses, the Moore Creek Rural Fire Service and Tamworth Police way in the 52 years it has been the courses contribute greatly to educating the young and re- operating in the area. With a mem- educating the not so young on safe driving techniques. bership of 42, it is a very social club The Tamworth Crash Investigation Team proudly display the whilst providing good work and work Peel Valley Lions Club does with the course with the Lions Club Logo displayed on the back of their support for its community. Last year vehicle (photo attached) the Club raised and donated more If you would like further details on how to run courses in your town contact Lion David Gilroy on (02) than $42,000 for the local commu- 67657769 nity and selected charities.

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QUIRINDI LIONS BOGGABRI LIONS Boggabri Drovers Campfire wins top tourism award The Boggabri Drovers Campfire has again been crowned as one of inland NSW’s top tourist attractions. An excited contingent of campfire supporters was in the audience at the tenth annual Inland Tourism Awards at Moree on Saturday night to hear that their event had won the 2013 Community and Events category. This is the second year the annual Boggabri Drovers Campfire has won the top award. The Drovers Campfire is now automatically a finalist in the overall NSW tourism awards in Sydney. Quirindi Lions Exchange student, This year saw the staging of the eighth Bog- Helen Caspersen of Denmark at our gabri Drovers Campfire, which is now well estab- recent dinner meeting. lished as a major shire tourism drawcard. She is photographed with Quirindi It was again a huge success and engaged Lions Club president Neville McVic- people and organisations from across the Boggabri ar, presenting her with a club banner community. and host (and Leo) Sarah Barton. “It was the biggest so far,” said Boggabri Lions Club member Geoff Eather. WOOLGOOLGA LIONS “We had a record attendance, with 380 campsite booked.” Woolgoolga Lions Club, along That translates into a huge influx of visitors into Boggabri who stay for not only the weekend but with 30 other Lions clubs in Mid- also the days leading up to the big event. North Coast and Northern Rivers of And most of the visitors then spend time travelling around the shire, spending NSW have become a major on-going money and seeing the attractions of the district. sponsor of the Wetpac Rescue Life Many of the caravanners and campers who come to Boggabri return each year. Saver Helicopter. The event is legendary among the caravanning community for its hospitality and friendliness. And each year, visitors speak highly of the level of organisation which makes the campfire a success. Mr Eather and the Lions Club launched the first Drovers Campfire back in 2005. At the time they were pleased with the 20 or so campers who arrived for the weekend. “We are certainly doing it again next year,” said Geoff. Regional tourism is big business and growing bigger. Each year regional tourism contributes $11.5 billion per year to the NSW economy and accounts for almost half of the state’s 162,500 direct tourism jobs.

From now on the Lions logo will FORSTER TUNCURRY LIONS INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE fly on each of the two helicopters as they undertake their rescue mis- The Lions Club of Forster/Tuncurry is proud to be sions. the Host Club of 3 International Exchange Students and As the helicopters range of oper- assisted the host family (Donna & Ronald Bensch of For- ations covers this area of NSW it is ster) with some of the expenses incurred during their appropriate that the Lions Clubs stay. support an emergency facility that is, The club also hosted the 3 girls and their host and continues to be, readily availa- parents at the Dinner Meeting on 8th July. The girls pro- ble, to each community, should the vided some background of their lives, studies, interests need arise. and hobbies along with details of the Lions Club of which Should you wish to support the their parents belong in their respective countries. Woolgoolga Lions Club with this A most enjoyable evening was had by all. The sponsorship or assist with the many clubs Past President Bob West and his wife Margaret other local community projects that invited the girls and the Bench’s for some Australian en- Lions members are undertaking tertainment on their property at Hallidays Point, with the President George Gianniotis, Host Parent contact Ken on 66540896. opportunity to see Australian wildlife. A view of some rest- Donna Bensch, Lisa Xylander 17 (Germany), ing kangaroos and the native birds in the gum trees, Host Parent Ronald Bensch, Eliza Giani along with the enjoyment of a morning tea would have Toigo 21 (Brazil), Emma Rohmann 17 provided some good memories for them. (Germany)

AUSTRALIAN LIONS DRUG AWARENESS FOUNDATION Lion Jeff Mott [email protected] Every time we pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV there is always a story relating to Drug and or Alcohol Abuse and it is quite sicken- ing. It affects someones Father, Mother, Son, Daughter, Neighbour, and whoever it touches it leaves a family and community with a lot of heart- ache. We as Lions can do something positive within our community to make people aware of the dangers of this problem. I will have an information stand at the District Convention in Armi- Old Bar member Ross Robertson was dale, so please feel free to drop in and pick up some information pam- recently presented with life phlets or have a chat. membership by PDG Peter Clarke

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SAVE SIGHT AND PUBLIC HEALTH CARE PDG Phil Bower BELLINGEN LIONS Your Foundations have been hard at work. The Car Raffle tickets will be with your Club during September. Community Challenge is underway for this year. LIONS Fireworks Spectacular a We held a workshop for Community Challenge Chairs at our last Foundations meeting which has Brilliant Success left me very optimistic on the future of the Challenge. IPDG Deyann is the N1 chair and has a report else- July 28th saw a huge crowd enjoy where in this newsletter. the best ever Fireworks Display from I had the pleasure of escorting International President Bellingen Lions Club. Lion Grahame Barry Palmer, Ann, Council Chairman Gary Parker, Lois, N5 Maddeford and his band of helpers D.G. Warren Latham and other members of the IP’s group turned it on and the crowd was en- through the Save Sight Institute and the Lions Eye Bank at thralled. Sydney Eye Hospital. IP Barry expressed his appreciation of our continuing contribution here and heard first hand from leading Professors how much your Foundations financial assistance is appreciat- ed as well as seeing the physical results in equipment we have helped finance. IP Barry joined with me in presenting our annual grant of $100,000 to the Lions Eye Bank. Along with other Foundations members I attended the opening of the new Lions Eye Bank, last month and presented International President Barry Palmer and PDG Phil Bower present the Annual Grant Over $3000 worth of fireworks our remaining instalment of $50,000 for this year to the Save Cheque to Eye Bank Representative. Sight Institute. went off with a big bang and lit up Your Directors are very busy on your behalf and are available to speak at your Club, the night sky over the Showground. Zone Meeting, Public Meeting or anywhere else, they will assist you in submitting grant applications and Hundreds of kids, parents, grandpar- follow through. ents, aunts & uncles, friends enjoyed We are looking for photos of equipment (preferably being used) that has been purchased with a great night of fun. They were assistance from either Foundation. These can be sent to any Director, i.e. DG Alan Cunningham,PDG amazed with the splendour of the Brian McWhirter, Lion Chris Elford or myself. colourful display. We will be running an information seminar at Armidale Convention, please attend and see and Glow sticks were a huge success, hear how you , your Club and your Community can benefit. as well as delicious food and drink from the legendary Bello Lions Cater- PDG Deyann McDonnell ing Crew and were a sellout. The COMMUNITY CHALLENGE Monster Raffle with heaps of prizes As your new Community Challenge Chairman I would like to invite all clubs to nominate a candi- was a hit too. Some of the prizes are date for our challenge. Has your club received a grant from the NSW/ACT Save Sight and Public Health still unclaimed – please check your Care Foundation? Why not give back to the Foundation so support for others can continue? Some ideas. tickets and call John Molloy on # Consider a zone candidate and invite clubs to form a committee. This could free up the candidate and 66552562. take away the pressure. A huge thank you to businesses & # Invite a student (over 18) to nominate. It could give them the edge in an interview if they can demon- individuals that kindly donated over strate community involvement. Mention the prize as a possible scholarship for their studies. 60 prizes and to local businesses for # Invite a member of the community to participate. There are many people who are already connected in their continued support in sponsor- some way to organ donation or vision challenges and have an understanding of the need for supporting ing this Fireworks Spectacular each the Lions Eye Bank and the Sydney Save Sight Institute. year. Now Is The Time! All monies raised will fund local Contact me or any of the 4 Directors in our District. Applications and kits can be downloaded from the organisations in our district. Foundations Web site or from me on request. This is an annual event in Bellingen This Foundation is owned by all clubs on the N Districts_ it makes sense to support it! to thank the community for their continued support of Lions Club projects. FORSTER TUNCURRY LIONS Many thanks also to Bellingen Showground Trust for the use of their LION CLUB OF FORSTER/TUNCURRY HELPED WITH THE HOLY NAME PRIMARY SCHOOL FETE facilities for the night, Bellingen SES As the club has done for some years now, Forster/Tuncurry was pleased to assist with the for helping set up and their assis- usual success of the Holy Name Primary School Fete in Forster. We did our usual jobs of providing tance on the night. both our “Train” Ride and sale of Fairy Floss. The train ride was handled by Lions Stan Johnson, Jim Briton, Alan Bailey & Mick McGrath. It was a fantastic day and a great success with over $200 raised for the school. At a cost of $1 a ride it equals over 200 children were given the ride (a record to date). Lion Stan made the “train” more of an authentic experience for the children by asking them their destination requirement, with a limited choice of Bu- Alan Bailey as the “Train” Driver and Mick McGrath lahdelah, Newcastle, Sydney or Melbourne!! as the conductor. Armidale Dumaresq Lions President For some reason Fairy Floss is a big hit presenting Lion Grahame Amour at Fete’s and this occasion was no different. There was a queue of at least 20 people long all day with his JD Richardson Memorial with the attendants constantly working hard. The stand was looked after by Lady Lions/Lions - Award. Grahame received his award Bob West, Brian Braithwaite, Del Bailey, Jenny Olsen and Bev Old. It was another huge success for his dedicated service to the club for the day with over $550 taken (that’s a lot of fairy floss!). and especially his efforts as the club’s Mint Chairman.

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OLD BAR LIONS MCLEAN LIONS Old Bar Lions recently celebrated Maclean Lions Club held its 28th Changeover Dinner recently with the Board of Directors being in- their 37th Changeover which was stalled by First Vice District Governor Peter Willis-Jones. held at Bon Appetit Restaurant where In his report President George Priddle particularly thanked the business houses of Maclean and dis- over 40 guests helped members trict for their ongoing support and highlighted the major projects for the year, including the Annual celebrate a very enjoyable even- Brooms Head Fun Run, the Brooms Head Australia Day Sports day, the Billy Cart Derby, the maintenance ing. Those in attendance were mem- of the Cowper Bus Crash Site Memorial, People with Disabilities Discos and the distribution of 100 ham- bers of the community who received pers valued at $100 each to residents affected by the floods. donations from funds raised during A total of $23 553 was donated to community organisations the year by Old Bar Lions. Recipients and Lions Foundations which was most gratifying. included representatives from Old Of significance was the purchase Bar Public School, Mitchell Island of a Defibrillator which will be School, Old Bar Community Pre placed centrally in the main shop- School, Old Bar Little Athletics, Old ping area for use in an emergency Bar Playgroup, Taree Old Bar Surf by members of the community. Club, Taree Volunteer Rescue Squad Special presentations included and Old Bar Sand Replenishment the awarding of Melvin Jones Fellow Group. plaques to Ken Crampton and Alan In addition Old Bar Lions spon- Cunningham and the presentation George Priddle (President), Alan sored two students to attend a Lions of the District’s Helen Keller Award Camp held each year at Camp Elim, Cunningham, Peter Willis- to Sister Ann Gallagher of Maclean Jones, Ken Crampton they also supported Lions Founda- Sister Ann, a Sister of Mercy, tions such as Lions Cord Blood, Child- was chosen by the District as a worthy recipient “ in recognition of her hood Cancer research and Prostate dedicated service to the community” through her music as Director of the Cancer to name a few. Maclean Music Academy. This involves running an instrumental ensem- Old Bar Lions whose membership ble, sessions for pre-schoolers , exposing them to beat, song ,rhythm, currently stands at 13 were very Immediate Past District Gov- movement and social skills, special musical therapy work with individuals proud indeed of the enormous effort ernor Deyann McDonnell suffering a wide range of disabilities and her teaching programmes for each and every member gave to raise (left) presenting the Helen individual students. just under $12,000 for the year. Keller Fellowship to Sister She also conducts the Lower Clarence Community Choir and as well as The highlight of the evening had to Ann Gallagher. being the organist at St Mary’s Church in Maclean be two special awards granted to members of Old Bar, firstly the James Richardson Award was presented to YOUTH EXCHANGE HARRINGTON LIONS

Lion Chris Elford, his wife Sue and daughter Kate recently hosted an exchange student from Tur- key for three weeks. Simge Temel lives in Istanbul where she attends university while her family lives in Eskisiher, a city of approximately 600,000 people and about 3 hours from Istanbul. Simge had a busy schedule visiting Harrington, Wingham Brush, Cattai Wetlands, Coopernook forest and lookouts, Waitui Falls, Ellenborough Falls , Upper Lansdowne, Deepwater Shark Gallery, Crow- dy Head, Old Bar and Manning Point. She was particularly impressed with our beaches and loved collect- ing shells and watching the bird life. A whale and dolphin cruise was enjoyed off Forster Tuncurry with many dolphins and whales swimming very close to the boat. Simge enjoyed a close-up experience with the koa- las and kangaroos at Billabong Animal Park before travelling to the top of North Brother Mountain with Lion Arthur Hudson and Dorothy. Lion Mike Kelly and Caren took Simge on an outing to Timbertown to experience some of Australia’s past history. Lion Peter McKellar (Taree Lions Club) and Nor- Lion Ron Eggins for outstanding ser- ma, and their daugh- vice to Lions and the communi- ter Gemma took ty. Ron's main portfolio is the manag- Simge to Seal Rocks Chris, Kate and Simge at Dorrigo ing of the sale of eggs each week - on a day trip. Skywalk 52 weeks of the year - this is one of The Elfords Lions major fundraiser and without and Simge travelled through Nambucca Heads, Bellingen, Dorri- this project the community would not go (Skywalk), Ebor Falls (saw wild kangaroos) to Uralla to wit- receive the same level of assistance ness the charter of the new Lions Club of Uralla. They had a very from Lions as they currently experi- chilly barbecue breakfast in Uralla before travelling home via ence. The second award was grant- the Upper Hunter. ed to Lion Ross Robertson, that being Koala Billabong Park Simge was the guest of Harrington Lions Club at a dinner meet- a Lions International Life Member- ing where she met Lions and their partners. ship. Ross has been a member of Simge loved shopping anywhere and everywhere and was introduced to op shops. She tried new Old Bar Lions for 27 years and this foods such as Anzac biscuits, pavlova, baked dinner, meat pie and sauce, Chiko Roll and lamingtons. In award is in recognition of his out- return she prepared some Turkish dishes for the Elford family. standing service to Lions. After leaving our area, Simge spent a week at a camp on Lake Macquarie with Members of Old Bar Lions would like other Lions exchange students from around the world. to express their appreciation to the Chris, Sue and Kate enjoyed the experience and would certainly participate again. community whose support makes it They encourage other Lions to participate in future exchange visits as it is a fantastic way possible for Lions to support the com- to support young people and learn more about other parts of the world. The Elfords would munity. like to thank family, friends and Lions for their assistance

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ARMIDALE DUMARESQ LIONS Armidale Dumaresq Lions Club support the Armidale Bicentennial CABINET TREASURER Railway Museum in kind and with practical assistance. On 25th August a PDG Bill Burges working bee was held to assist the curator Peter Chambers with moving a I am almost at the end of the first switch, erecting a refurbished sign and general maintenance. busy period in my job as Cabinet Treas- New Lions members Pete urer with most of the District Dues in. Greenup and Linus Malu were put They were due by 10th August and at to work at the Bunning’s BBQ the date of writing this report for the under the watchful eye of Boss Newsletter (31st August) four (4) Clubs Lion Des Schuman . Regular bar- have not yet paid. District has had to becues at Bunnings add to the pay those four Clubs’ Multiple District club’s coffers and enable Dues for them otherwise the District Dumaresq Lions to support more would have been in default. community and Lions’ projects. Lions Bryan Johnston, Bob Forster, Grahame Armour, Likewise the International Dues are Colin Gadd assisting Peter rolling in, very late this time through no Chambers erect the new sign. fault of our Clubs. The accounts were sent in early July to France where they were mailed. Harrington got theirs on INVERELL LIONS 14th August and then the August account exactly one week later, this time Anybody that says that a Lions Club composed of 18 members who are predominantly "life ex- mailed from Chicago. perienced" cannot achieve heavy manual work have only to look at a project that lnverell Lions com- Some things that I have noticed pleted recently. need to be brought to the attention of 564 man hours have been expended at all Lions for their information. Firstly considerable cost (met by Lion Gordon Kitching all Lions Club cheques must, by law, and Inverell Shire Council) to firstly fabricate a be signed by at least two signatories. I steel bridge at the back of a Member’s shed, have banked several with only one transport it in three sections to its permanent site signature. The bank doesn’t know any (a movement that was quite a sight to see in the different or, if they do they didn’t say busy CBD). Then, using a members crane and anything. However, when the cheque much Grunt from the Lions, it was positioned to gets back to the original branch they replace a low-level wooden structure that was not might call someone in to affix a second only at the mercy of floods, but also a danger to signature. the public. Secondly, it is a requirement that all The whole concept was the brainchild of 89 Club cheques must be crossed and year old Life Member, Lion Gordon Kitching, (a marked not negotiable. Many treasur- perfect attendee for 49 years) who 5 years previ- ers appear to be ignoring this require- ously approached the Inverell Shire Council, with a ment. Gordon Kitching with the newly constructed bridge proposal that could not be knocked back. After Thirdly, cheques to pay Internation- much engineering consultation and thorough planning, and successfully obtaining funds (met by Lion al accounts are banked into Westpac Gordon himself and Inverell Shire Council to the tune of $7,200 to $5,000 respectively) plans were and they will only accept them if they drawn up and we were on our way. are made payable to LIONS CLUBS The whole exercise was brought about by safety considerations - a need to link our Lions Park INTERNATIONAL. barbeque and playground area with the existing golf range, passive walking area and skatepark. Lion Lastly, cheques that are intended Gordon had worried for years about the safety, particularly of children, who traversed the aforemen- for banking into the District Account for tioned wooden bridge, or alternately, the busy road just outside Lions Park. There was an accident wait- any purpose are banked into ANZ. ing to happen. Unless they have, somewhere in the Is it any wonder then that Lion Gordon over the years has been recognised by Lions for dedicat- payee line, LIONS DISTRICT 201N1 the ed and continual contribution to the ideals of Lionism at a local, district and international level with Life bank has been rejecting them and I Membership, the James D. Richardson, and Melvin Jones Awards, three International and a District have had to return them to the issuing Governor's Awards? club for correction. Usually the biggest Very fittingly, Council saw fit to name the new structure the Gordon Kitching Bridge. offender in this case are cheques for District Projects like Kids to the Coast, Youth of the Year and the Project Maureen is promoting on the Gover- nor’s visit to Clubs. The ANZ does not COFF HARBOUR LIONS recognise that these projects belong to Lions District 201N1 so please write Coffs Harbour Lions recently celebrated their 60th the cheques to LIONS DISTRICT Anniversary. The club was chartered on 4th July 1953. 201N1. I even got one cheque made The inaugural meeting of the Coffs Harbour Lions Club payable to the Cabinet Treasurer. made global news when it coincided with the escape of Just for your information, when I circus lions at the jetty. drew the cheque to pay Multiple Dis- Joining the 60th Anniversary celebrations were trict Dues it was in the sum of Lions from Bellingen, Bonville/Sawtell and Woolgoolga. $64654.82. A highlight of the night was the presentation of Finally I have been receiving a drib- Melvin Jones Fellowship awards, to President John Skin- ble of cheques for various Lions Pro- ner and Lion John Priest, recognising their significant jects. I record these for the District contribution to Lionism. Governor and forward them at the end Lion Brian Beynon, Lion John Priest, Both Lions joined three other club members who are re- of each month. Congratulations to the Lion Austy Harrison, Lion John Skinner and cipients of the award, Lions Austy Harrison, Kevin Elvy Clubs that have started making dona- Lion Ces Penfold and Brian Beynon. tions to the various foundations early in the Lions Year.

Page 8 District Newsletter 201N1

WOOLGOOLGA LIONS Zone chairman Kel Kearns Lion Yvie Kearns 201N1 was proud to present to President Michael Hope a banner badge for being the Sponsor Club for Lions Club of Orara Valley. Orara Valley was charted on 25th August 2012 at the Glenreagh Community Hall. Woolgoolga assisted this new Club both financially and spending many hours with instruction of how we operate as a Lions Club. Orara are becoming a very strong Club with reports of really getting into the Community with interesting projects. Secretary Ken Boyle was also presented with Guiding Lions Badge for the great work he did with communications between the Clubs. Past President Garcha Joginder was in charge of the team in moulding this new club and must be congratulated for a job well done.

Zone Chairman Kel Kearns and President Michael Hope

OLD BAR LIONS LIONS EYE HEALTH PROGRAM Old Bar Lions recently applied for and received a New South Wales Community grant for $11,000 to construct shade sails over the children's playground equipment in Badgers Park, Rushby Drive Old Bar as well as a grant from Australian Lions Foundation. Approval has been obtained from Greater Taree City Council and the works has been consigned to Port Stephens Shade Sails with construc- tion expected to commence within the next few weeks. The sails will give the children protection from the sun while enjoying their equipment as well as making the area more pleasing to the eye. Old Bar Lions plan to look at other playing areas to see if they can be improved through various grants to make them more enjoyable areas for both children and parents.

Page 9 District Newsletter 201N1

District 201N1 Convention HOSTED BY ARMIDALE DUMARESQ

LIONS CLUB Armidale

18th to 20th October 2013 Venue: Armidale City Bowling Club 92-96 Dumaresq St Armidale

At:-201N1 Website http:// www.lionsclubs.org.au/201n1/ conventions.html

Or:- 2013 Convention site

http://coamas.pointinspace.com/ fmi/iwp/cgi?- db=COA_201N1Convention&- loadframes

Book your accommodation NOW to avoid disappointment. www.armidale.info/ 6.30 - 7.30pm accommodation/index.htm

Convention Chairman: Lion Colin Gadd 02 6771 4278 or [email protected]

Convention Secretary: Lion Rob Semple 02 6772 1589 [email protected]

Convention Treasurer: Lion Bob Forster 02 67725929 [email protected]

DG’s DIARY

If you would like to find out when the District Governor is in your area or what his movements are please go to the 201N1 website. ..use the attached link.

http://www.lionsclubs.org.au/201n1/ dg-s-itinerary.html http://www.lionsclubs.org.au/201n1/conventions.html http://201n1.lions.org.au/ http://coamas.pointinspace.com/fmi/iwp/cgi?-db=COA_201N1Convention&-loadframes

Page 10 District Newsletter 201N1

VANNERS THE LIONS EMBLEM Lion Tom Cattell On June 17, 1917 at the invitation of Melvin Jones, delegates met in Chicago. The only point of contention was the selection of a name for the new organization. Melvin Jones researched the idea of For your information Caravan parks calling the new organization Lions. He was convinced that the lion stood for strength, courage, fidelity and for future Cabinet meetings: vital action. On a secret ballot the name Lions was chosen over several others. Armidale Convention The Lions Emblem 17, 18 and 19th October 2013 At the 1919 convention, there was a move to change the symbol, but a young attorney from Den- Pembroke Caravan Park ver, Colorado rose to speak. His name was Halsted Ritter. "The name Lions stands not only for fraternity, (Now known as the Armidale Tourist good fellowship, strength of character and purpose, but above all, its combination of L-I-O-N-S heralds to Park) the country the true meaning of citizenship: LIBERTY, INTELLIGENCE, OUR NATION'S SAFETY." 39 Waterfall Way, Armidale The January 1931 issue of THE LION Magazine featured this interpretation of the association's 1899 355 578 name: 6772 6470 Our name was not selected at random, neither was it a coined name. From time immemorial, the www.pembroke.com.au lion has been the symbol of all that was good, and because of the symbolism that name was chosen. Four outstanding qualities – Courage, Strength, Activity and Fidelity – had largely to do with the adoption The Tourist Centre has a free bus of the name. The last mentioned of these qualities, Fidelity, has a deep and peculiar significance for all that shows the sites of Armidale Lions. The lion symbol has been a symbol of Fidelity through the ages and among all nations, ancient and modern. It stands for loyalty to a friend, loyalty to a principle, loyalty to a duty, loyalty to a trust. The emblem consists of a gold letter "L" on a circular area. Bordering this is a circular area with IT CHAIRMAN two Lion profiles facing away from the center. The word "Lions" appears at the top and "International" at Lion John Finnie the bottom. The Lions face both past and future – showing both pride of heritage and confidence in the future. This is a reminder that all old District Cabinet email addresses will cease to operate after the 31st August. Only the [email protected] will be functional after this date.

DISTRICT GOVERNOR Alan CUNNINGHAM (Maureen) Maclean Lions Club 4 Brolga Dr GULMARRAD 2463 Phone 6645 1453 0412 120 319 alan.cunningham @lionsdistrict201n1.org.au

CABINET SECRETARY Brad WEEKES (Debbie) Crescent Head Lions PO Box 4099 CRESCENT HEAD 2440 Phone 6562 3407 0417 042 558 bradweekes WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS @lionsdistrict201n1.org.au CLUB NEW MEMBER CLUB NEW MEMBER CABINET TREASURER Armidale Dumaresq Linus Malu Orara Valley Andrew McPherson Bill BURGES Bowraville Robert Drummond Port Macquarie Tacking Kathryn Moonen Harrington Lions Club Edwina Guard PO Box 2 Point HARRINGTON 2427 Forster Tuncurry Brian Braithwaite Taree Steve Becker Phone 6556 1708 Glen Innes Jenny McAusland Steve Neil 0418 411 417 Roxanne Dunn bill.burges Grafton Sheryl McIvor Ian Hoppe @lionsdistrict201n1.org.au Maree Phillips Elizabeth McDean Inverell Mark Savage Kacee McLean NEWSLETTER EDITOR Brian Bourke (Helga) Kempsey Michael Scott Manning River Lions Valla Brett Branford 20 Plover St Manning River Stephen Knott Jillian Edwards TAREE 2430 Narrabri Stuart Barnes Walcha Ernie Perry Phone 6552 1189 Daniel Clark 0428 521 251 Yamba Anthony Plant newsletter Nundle Michael Chamberlain @lionsdistrict201n1.org.au Orara Valley Andrew McPherson