Volume 19 No.2

October 2009

Those Who Dare Do

Lions and Members of Lions Family, With spring upon us, Clubs seem to be busier than ever. With Festivals and Spring Fairs around our District, Lions are really “being seen” in their communities. Congratulations to Hornsby Leos who are the recipients of the Leo Club Excellence Award which recognizes outstanding achievement in the areas of humanitarian service, fundraising, leadership, public relations and club administration. This is the highest achievement a Leo Club can achieve. The success of a Leo Club depends on the efforts and encouragement of many people. I would like to Congratulate Lion Bill Bradley, Leo Advisor and Gail Hart District Leo Chairperson for their support and in particular Bill’s strong commitment to these young people. WELL DONE! The first Cabinet meeting was held where business was discussed and ideas exchanged and a training session was provided. All your Cabinet members are very enthusiastic about their portfolios and would like the opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise with all clubs. The Zone Visits have been a joy! Ern and I have felt so welcomed and the evenings have been lots of fun. It has been a real privilege to move around our District and meet with so many of our wonderful Lions. Time is marching on and soon our District Convention in Bomaderry will be here. It is at our District Convention that decisions are made that will affect all our clubs. Your Club has a say in those decisions only by attending. Please consider coming along, apart from the business sessions, listening to interesting speakers we catch up with old friends and make new ones, and have lots of FUN. Our MERLOT team and our Extension Chairperson have been working hard to form new clubs. Lion Doreen has had a team at

October 2009

Rouse Hill and IPDG Elvio has been wearing out his shoes walking around the Balmain area with John Lanzky and has a date for an Information Night. Elvio is very hopeful of forming a “Special Olympics” Lions Club very soon. CONGRATULATIONS to Doreen and Elvio and all who have assisted. CONGRATULATIONS to the SYDNEY EXECUTIVE LIONS CLUB members on their Inaugural fundraising dinner and what a wonderful night it was! Their Charter was presented to President Allan Drew OAM by the Hon. John Howard AC and PDG Bede Long OAM was presented with a Melvin Jones Progressive fellowship by IPDG Elvio Munzone. There was wonderful entertainment, lots of fun and the $60,000 raised was for the Nerve Research Centre. Professor John Pollard and Dr. Roberta Chow both told of the success they are having in this area and how Australia is in the forefront of this research. Congratulations to all new Lions and welcome to the Lions Family. I am concerned about the number of Lions we are losing from our Clubs. Yes, we do have new members but we are losing more than we are gaining. Club Presidents, Membership Chairman, please look at this if this is happening in your club. If you have members dropping out, please ask why? We have a wonderful Merlot Team who will be only too pleased to assist. As Lions we need to recognise that no one from outside our organisation is going to wave a magic wand and increase our membership. Our International President, Eberhard Wirfs says,” We must keep moving forward. We Lions need motion and energy. We need dynamic progress. Life is always changing and always evolving. We need to push ahead. We can’t stand still and rest on our laurels. Lions we need to Move to Grow in 2009-2010.” I urge all Lions to think about how we can create enthusiasm in our clubs, have fun while we serve and generate an atmosphere that encourages others to want to belong to a progressive, but friendly humanitarian organisation. Remembering the challenge, THOSE WHO DARE DO! PLEASE take care of one another!

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Editor’s Message Fellow Lions and friends, I am implementing following changes to the distribution of Sydney News: From this issue, I am sending one hardcopy per household. From February 2010, you may choose to receive either the mono colour hardcopy by mail or the full colour Sydney News electronically via email. Please forward ‘No Hardcopy’ requests to [email protected] with your name & club, email address and appropriate subject heading. Everyone is welcome even if you are not on our mailing list. If you have changed your postal address, you MUST inform your club secretary. Please join me to maintain the high standard of Sydney News cost effectively and be environmental responsible. Thank you and take care! John Hugh

LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 201 N5 Lions Clubs of Sydney and Norfolk Island

SHINE WITH LIONS IN 2009 CONVENTION 13th – 15th November 2009 Bomaderry Bowling Club 154 Meroo Road, Bomaderry Please submit one Registration per Lion/Lioness/Leo Please register BEFORE SATURDAY 31st October 2009 Enquiries: 02 4588 5323 (Ern) or 02 4567 7832 (Shirley) Form download: http://www.lionsclubssydney.org.au/comingevents.htm

Volunteer Expression of Interest If you are interested in helping for the week of International Convention in our home city Sydney for once in a lifetime experience, you will need to register through the website. Only registered volunteers. You cannot simply turn up. Please streamline by going to the link above to register & show our strong support from N5, the home district of Lions International Convention 2010. www.lions2010.com

October 2009

Lions Club Global Music Competition 2010 It was decided that owing to the time restraints it would be better to nominate a violinist on a MD level, and then New Zealand and Indonesia will do the same and there will be a contest between the 3 contestants from the Constitutional area. The winner will then go through to the judging at the International Convention in Sydney. There are some performers under consideration at this time and I will keep you informed as more information comes to hand.

Lions Hearing Dog Says Thanks PDG Peter Sparnon

Chairman Lions Hearing Dogs

On behalf of the deaf and hearing impaired people of Australia we thank you most sincerely for your support. Below is a list of contributions from District 201N5 for the 2008/09 year. Some of the monies included may be from the previous year where they were received too late to be included in last year’s detail. These include donations, sponsorships and merchandise sales. Lions Club of Lions Club of Lions Club of Lions Club of Lions Club of Lions Club of Lioness Club of Lions Club of Lion Lions Club of Lions Club of Lions Club of Lions Club of Lions Club of Lions Club of Lions Club of Lions Club of Lions Club of Lions Club of

Arthurs Vale Inc. Avalon Inc. Balgowlah Inc. Bondi Inc. Epping-Eastwood Inc. Frenchs Forest Georges River Hawkesbury Bells Line Inc. John Chate Lugarno Inc. Manly Inc. Maroubra Inc. Mount Druitt Inc. Oatley Inc. Parramatta Inc. Pittwater Inc. Richmond Inc. St Ives Inc. Sutherland Shire

Total:

50 300 100 1,000 200 500 50 750 590 250 200 1,500 200 1,000 1,000 250 500 500 1,000

$10,240

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INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Encouraging Lions to “Move to Grow” Every Lion has a story to tell. Eberhard Wirfs could write a book. As a 17year old in Germany he met Elvis, the most famous GI in the world at the time at a Gasthaus (a tavern/restaurant). When Elvis picked up a guitar to strum a soft German folk song, Wirfs accompanied him on piano. “One day I’ll sing a song from Germany for the world,” Elvis assured Wirfs. The King made good on his promise by singing Wooden Heart, based on a German folksong, in the 1961 film G.I. Blues. As a young man, after an internship at a US food company that was years ahead of it’s overseas counterparts in marketing – and only a few miles from Oak Brook – Wirfs took over his father’s small food company in Germany and pioneered a food industry segment in Europe. “We transferred the frozen food concept to Europe and you will find our company wherever people like to eat well out of the home such as at restaurants, airplanes and railway stations,” he proudly explains. An Historical Presidency Wirfs is making history in another way as the first German president of Lions Clubs International. The Frankfurt area-native – who learned English in school because he wanted to travel and meet people from other cultures – now leads the service association that prides itself on its international character and worldwide appeal. Our new president relishes his membership because hands-on service stirs his soul. “As a Lion you are asked for help. As a Lion you are needed. If somebody is needed, he is able to contribute,” he says. “This enriches our life. Sometimes with only a little money, but much more with your hands, you give the help that is needed. It’s important as a citizen to have this kind of responsibility in the world.” Early hardship a Lions pin was the linchpin for Wirf’s becoming a Lion. In 1985, he met with a friend. ”And he always wears his pin. And one day I ask him what this is? I did not know.” Recounts Wirfs. The friend invited him to the Hofhelm AM Taunus Lions Club and Wirfs soon was wearing his own pin. Wirf’s club took a special interest in those with multiple sclerosis. Lions provided a van for them and treated them to a daylong boat trip on the shimmering Rhein River. “It was like a Christmas for them. They were so happy to be out on a beautiful day,” Recalls Wirfs. Being around those with a disability deepened his appreciation for the tenacity of the human spirit. Wirfs was born in 1942. His father was a medical officer. Evacuating Frankfurt during the war, Wirf’s mother took her three young children to a farm, “It was a very bad time – hungry and just barely able to get by,” he says. “My mother was alone,

October 2009

with her three children. She worked very hard just to get her kids out of hunger.” In his travels today, Wirfs can’t bear to pass by hungry children. “If Eberhard has no food or drink to give him, he maybe touches his hand. We heard it’s not a good idea to give a child money. It’s better to give him love.” Says Margit, his wife. A Lions Leader. As a Lion, Wirfs was a quick learner. In a short span, he progressed to become a Lions leader in Germany and then worldwide. He served as a club president, zone and region chairperson, district governor and council chairperson before being elected in 2002 in Osaka, Japan, for a two year term as an International Director. One of Warf’s major achievements was helping implement Lions Quest in Germany. “It’s an anti drug programme,” says Wirfs. “It’s also a program to learn to say no,. To say no to drugs. To say no to bad behaviour. To say no to negative influence. And Lions Quest Is to be seen, from my point of view, as a core programme of Lions Clubs International in the future.” Move to Grow. The overarching theme of Wirfs presidency will be “Move to Grow”. Lions need momentum, or movement to grow and progress. Nothing that remains motionless moves forward. Progress grows from purposeful movement. Lions are poised to serve as no other organisation can. “There are many things you can’t do with money. You need manpower. That’s what we have,” says Wirfs. “We are really good at getting results.” - Al Brandel

Lions Australia 58th National Convention Sunraysia “Edge of the Outback” Mildura 30th April – 3rd May 2010 For more information contact COC Chairman Lion Laurie Phillips Ph. (03) 5024 2315 (M) 0428 147 168 E-mail: [email protected]

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VISIT A CLUB – Georges River Lioness Club Our club was sponsored by the Lions Club of Lugarno Inc in 1985 and we now have a total of 56 members. We raise funds On World Sight Day, Lions Eye Health Program – Australia through different activities within the community. Our club works with Vision 2020 to raise public awareness of eradicating provides a substantial role in supporting other local Lions Clubs preventable vision loss and blindness. in the area. We help Lugarno Lions and Hurstville City Lions We encourage Lions Clubs around Australia to get club with their Festivals and Hurstville City Council with catering involved. for their community functions. Three quarters of vision loss in Australia is either preventable or treatable. Distribute LEHP-Australia resources during the month of October and help educate people in your community about the importance of regular eye examinations. Suggestions for how your club can be involved  Handout out LEHP-Australia brochures when conducting other Lions activities.  Visit your local medical practices and ensure their waiting rooms and information racks are stocked with LEHPAustralia materials.  Offer to speak and distribute handouts about preventable blindness to local community groups.  Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about the Our club is a happy and close knit club with everyone working need to eliminate preventable blindness and vision-related towards raising funds for different charities and having fun in the meantime. diseases. LEHP-Australia, brochures, posters, flyers and DVD’s are free Once a month we hold a craft day where we make knitted of charge to all participating LEHP-Australia clubs. Contact the garments and blankets, beanies, bed socks, trauma dolls National Program Manager, Ms Leah Evans on 1800 010 234 or etc. Each year we hold a special dinner called the Caring email [email protected] to obtain resources for your Awards where we donate these knitted blankets to 4 nursing homes in our area. The other items we make we give to the community. children’s hospital or sell at our street stalls, to raise funds for Joys of Receiving and Giving the Gift of Life the many charities we support. Guest speaker on Organ Donor Awareness PDG Peter Mendl, District Organ Awareness Chairman 02 9427 5510 or 0438 866 639 [email protected]

The Lions Club of Sydney Chinese Teal Ribbon Fellowship Scheme 2009 Supporting Chinese Mainland public health / medical professionals to further their professional development or research in Sydney for the diseases of ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, food allergies, sexual assault, substance abuse, polycystic ovarian syndrome, pain and distress disorder (includes PTSD), obsessive and compulsive disorder, dissociative identity disorder, Tourette syndrome and fragile X syndrome. Lion Dr Danforn Lim Lions Club of Sydney Chinese Teal Ribbon Fellowship Scheme PO BOX 3159, Liverpool, NSW 2170 AUSTRALIA

October 2009

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Diabetes Kids Camp Our next camp will be held at Galston on the weekend of 6-8 November 2009 where we are expecting approximately 60 children each with a parent. These camps provide very important information to the parents of these kids as many have only been diagnosed with this disease recently and they may be the only family in the town. When the parents get together they learn from each other and from the Diabetes Team, while the kids themselves make great friends learn that they are not alone. These camps can only be run by the generous help from our Lions Clubs within our District and support from the other In Jan 2003 these 3 scholars among others had just been sponsored through EDUCATION BUILDS BRIDGES. The Districts that the Children come from throughout the State. project was started by the Lions Clubs in Bandung, Indonesia and spread to Australia after PID Barry Palmer AM noticed many children waiting at school gates needing someone to pay their fees before they could enter. At present we have 110 students sponsored. For just $15 per month a child from a needy family is given the opportunity of education. EDUCATION BUILDS BRIDGES creates the atmosphere for cross-cultural respect and dignity, in keeping with our first purpose “To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world”. The Lions Clubs in Bandung sponsor many children themselves. Hornsby Lions Club has sponsored as many as 150. We are all privileged to belong to this great organisation – Lions Clubs International. It is real synergy, for as individuals, Kids at the Crusaders Camp at Galston. we would not be able to make this kind of difference. It also Please give generously to the Diabetes Kids Camp so that more made us think that within LIONS there are no borders. We are families can obtain the necessary information to help them lead one in spirit. Where would the world be without LIONS? The tsunami was a wave of destruction. LIONS is a huge ‘wave’ as normal life as possible. We need your Help. Diabetes Awareness Chairman: Geoff Ingram around the world in positively making a difference.   

Guest speaker ‘The Early Detection of Eye Diseases’    

Info on blinding eye disease of macular degeneration How diabetes affects your eyes Glaucoma – may send you blind without you knowing it Headaches - what's sinister and what's benign - how to recognize the signs Vincent Luong, Principal Optometrist, Eyes in Style 02 9826 6613 or 02 9723 1930  Liverpool area only

VALE Lion Shirley Benn

Sydney Host

Lion Ivan Sciacca

Balgowlah

Lion Beryl Nobes

Windsor

Lion Lady Helen Kirby

Mount Druitt

October 2009

More info: [email protected] (Pauline)

Guest speaker ‘Lions Hearing Dogs’ John Chate, N5 District Chairman Hearing Dogs 02 9570 4188 (ans) or 0438 704 188 [email protected]

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LIONESS ROAR The Lioness Club of Sutherland Shire have finalised their 13th annual Circus Quikus with another successful outcome, the Circus brought smiles to 1600 special needs children who were entertained at the three performance, which is always lovely to see the enjoyment that these kids receive from this "special day". Our heartfelt thanks go to the wonderful business community of St.George & Sutherland Shire who always show genuine compassion by supporting this exceptional outing to these "special" children and most importantly we will be directing a cheque for the fantastic amount of approximately $25,000 to the Melanoma Research Clinic.

LEOS ROAR The Oatley Lions and Leos joined forces on National Tree Day (Sunday September 2nd) to provide barbecue lunches and soft drinks for over 600 hungry volunteers. On the day, people of all ages planted 5,000 native seedlings in Sydney Park at Alexandria. This was Planet Ark's Sydney Media site for National Tree Day, which was hosted by TV celebrity Rebecca Gilling.

National Tree Day (left) & Kogarah Bedrace (right)

The Lioness Club, Caringbah Lions & Engadine Lions joined forces to hold the boutique canine event the "Dog's Breakfast" the event is a major fundraiser for "Assistance Dogs Australia", an organisation that provides trained dogs to people with disabilities.   

Kogarah Bedrace is an annual fund raising event for St George Hospital. Oatley Leos Club participate in the race. Despite the rain and winds in the morning, they arrived early to decorate the bed with banner, streamers, balloons and a stuffed lion toy. Ready, Set, Go! The Leos managed to cross the finish line in first place for the first time! Full report is on the Club’s website: www.oatleyleoclub.co.nr   

The Lioness Club of Sutherland Shire is having a premier movie night to help a local family with their expenses caring for their severely disabled 8 year old daughter. Date & time: Thursday 15 October 2009, 6:45 PM Tickets: $21 includes movie, champagne / juice, light dinner 02 9528 3809  www.sutherlandshirelioness.org.au

October 2009

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For One Night the PM Again

For a moment he was just another bespectacled grey man in a suit in a room full of them. But then the crowd parted and former prime minister John Howard was welcomed by those assembled at the Sydney Executive Business Lions Club charity dinner as a very special one of their own. ‘‘Your Excellency,’’ someone said. Another pushed her grandson forward to meet his hero. Two excited women produced a photo taken with Mr Howard a decade ago, hoping for it to be signed, before posing for another snap. Sydney Executive Lions Club raised $60,000 for the Sydney University Nerve Research Foundation on its charter night. Mr Howard said he was approached to speak at the event by ‘‘a very good friend of mine’, top Liberal Party fund-raiser Benjamin Chow. ‘‘I get a lot of requests, yeah,’’ he said. ‘‘I have quite a busy life but I try to spend a bit of time helping good causes.’’ When asked by The Sun-Herald about politics, Mr Howard said: ‘‘I just watch it, OK.’’   

Youth off the Streets Concert St Ives Lions Club held a Multicultural Concert in the auditorium at Hornsby RSL Club at the end of June. Early in the organisation stage the club agreed that Father Chris Riley’s “Youth off the Streets” project would be the beneficiary. A mini auction and a raffle were held during the evening. $8400 was presented to the beneficiary. Included on the programme were Russian Singers, An Aussie bush band, along with Classical Indian, Argentinean Tango, Greek & Scottish Highland dancers and Youth off the Streets Vocal Group. Fr. Riley attended and spoke at the concert, which was attended by approximately 260 people, including a contingent from Manly and other clubs, with a further 40 being the performers on the night.

“This was the first time St Ives has tackled such an evening and all agreed that it would not be the last,” said Roy Haigh the concert coordinator. Roy has ideas for a future fundraiser possibly in the latter part of 2010.   

Indo-Chinese Elderly Hostel Visit

It might be a common brief in the Chinese community that the nursing home is only a place where the frail elderly await their final years. Sydney Chinese Lions Club has a different view and they started an intense empowerment campaign for Chinese elderly homes by visiting the Indo-Chinese Elderly Hostel. After engaging in a home tour, intimate conversations and motivational activities with the staff and thirty residents, most of whom aged over 80 and had age-related illness, the Club left behind gift packs for the elderly and a donation of $2,000 for their home. The manager of the hostel revealed that many new residents were resistant to the idea of living in a nursing home at first; yet upon gaining first-hand experience after a few weeks, some even admitted they did not even want to go back and live with their families. In a nursing home, they enjoy traditional dishes, making friends, outings, handicraft activities and frequent family visits. More importantly, they are well taken care of by qualified staff who speak various Chinese dialects.   

Mt. Druitt Lions members helping local Woolworths staff with their fundraising for Westmead Children's Hospital in September Fundraising Queen Lainie and Membership Chairman John at the Father's Day Raffle Draw

Engadine Lions Club participated in the Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child Project. They contributed 25 shoe boxes this year.

October 2009

Maroubra Lions Club raised $1,754 at the Father’s Day Raffle Draw on Sep 5th. They have also had a successful movie night on Sep 4th and raised $1,335.

Lions Humour What's a lion running a copy machine called?

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Coming Events The Lions Club of Engadine Inc Celebrating 50 years of community service Charter Anniversary Dinner will be held on 20/03/2010 at Engadine Tavern. Email: [email protected]

Advertisements PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS FOR THEY SUPPORT YOU

The Ambassador for Charity Gala Night RSVP Friday 06/11/2009 10 October 2009 6:30pm till late Frank Wong 0412 768301 Burwood RSL Club VIP $88 / $68 Dress: semi formal The Lions Club of Sydney Central [email protected]

Lions Club of Lane Cove

Charter Night Saturday 31 October 2009, 7 PM at Chatswood Golf Club Beaconsfield Road, Chatswood Dress: Lounge suit/after five Two course meal, welcome drink $50.00 RSVP by 22/10/2009 with cheque to Lions Club of Lane Cove. Nikki Gibson 02 9420 5709, [email protected] Send cheque to:- Lions Club of Lane Cove-Charter Night C/- Treasurer, 36 Kallaroo Rd, Riverview, 2066

Aboriginal Picnic on Clark Island

Lions Club of Redfern-Waterloo & Tribal Warrior Association Inc. invite you and your family & friends to explore the wonderful Aboriginal experience. $70 per person includes food & drinks. Sunday 8 Nov 2009 0404 094 249 / 0408 429 880 / 0416 048 932 [email protected], [email protected] More events: www.lionsclubssydney.org.au/comingevents.htm

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Useful Websites District 201N5: www.lionsclubssydney.org.au MD201 (Australia): www.lionsclubs.org.au Lions International: www.lionsclubs.org Editorial Deadline Dec’09 Issue: Friday 13/11/2009

October 2009

WELCOME 34 New Members Since July 1st

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