District Governor’s Message - April, 2013

Hi to all the Members of the Lions Family,

As I am writing this Newsletter, and by the time you have received this, we will have completed our Club visits for the year. Let me say how good it has been to visit all of you and your Clubs, and may I also thank Lions Lady Carol for visiting every Club with me.

It has been a truly wonderful experience and one that we will surely miss. I know all Past District Governors have told us that you will have a wonderful year, and how true has this been.

However we are not finished yet, with many more functions to attend. There is the District Youth of the Year Final in Camperdown. This will be followed by the State Final in Wangaratta on 6th April, followed by the State Final of the Leo of the Year in Albury on 7th April.

As well, there are two 60th Charter Anniversaries in our District, one at Sunshine on 10th May, followed by Geelong’s on 25th May. Please support these if you can.

And, of course, I have been invited by a number of Clubs to conduct their Changeovers, so you can see we will still be very busy.

We will also be going to Canberra for the MD.201 Convention, followed by the Council Meeting. We hope to see as many V2 Lions as possible in Canberra, to welcome in all the new District Governors for 2013-2014, and especially our new District Governor Elect Stewart Pyers and Lions Lady Carol.

If you are going to the Convention may I recommend that you come along to the “V” District Dinner on Monday, 29th April, to be held at the Canberra Motor Village. Please make your booking with our Cabinet Secretary PCC.Bob Gilchrist no later than the 19th April. Both Carol and I will be looking forward to seeing you at this function. Please remember the ANZAC Day parade that if you are eligible to march, then please fill out the form listed in the last Lion Magazine, and then send it to the address on the form.

I hope that by now that you have had your elections for your upcoming Office Bearers completed and sent it to our Cabinet Secretary. This is also a good time to give you all a gentle reminder to attend the upcoming “Incoming Officers’ Schools” to be held in May at a place near you. The first one will be on the 5th May at Terang, followed by 19th May at Hamilton, and the last one 25th May at Geelong. Addresses will be displayed later in this Bulletin.

At most of our Club visits there were a number of photos taken and we would very much appreciate it if you would send them to Heather Lochhead so that she can put them in our photo album. Thanking you in anticipation as we would like your Club to be part of it. Her email is hlochhead@hotmail.com

As our month of March has not yet been completed, and this was the month of Membership, I am not able to tell you how we did, but I will do this in our next newsletter.

I hope that we can come in with a good result for March. Please continue to look for new Members as our target for the next three months is a further 40 Members for our District.

Lou Scholten, District Governor

Membership Figures 1st July, 2012 1632 Plus New Members 107 1739 Less Dropped Members 111 31st March, 2013 1628 Net Loss for Year to date 4

Carol’s Chatter

As you will all just have read DG Lou’s page, you will not want me to repeat his words, but it would be remiss of me not to say “Thank You”. I have enjoyed it immensely and will miss all the visits.

But there goes my excuse to spend

Lions International District 201V2 Newsletter – April, 2013 – Page 2

!! This has been the best excuse I have ever come up with, “But Heather will be collating the photos and I can’t be seen in the same thing all year!” It was the best excuse - what could he say?! But then again I can be a bit more resourceful if I try hard. Wish me luck!

I have to say that I am looking forward to the Youth of the Year Finals. They are always good, and the Convention as well. We not only catch up with all of you, but we also see people we have met in other Districts, and, of course, the 18 District Governors and their Partners, a great bunch of people.

For all of you who are contemplating going on Cabinet, it’s a great experience, you make so many friends. And also be encouraged to think about the District Governor position. The driving is a ‘pain’, you get so tired, but you rarely have to cook or shop for food (just clothes), you get fat, and your family get to miss and appreciate you more. I fully recommend the year!

Lions Lady Carol Scholten

New Members

District Governor Lou and Members and Partners of District 201V2 welcome the following new Members, and thank their Sponsors for introducing them into the Lions family.

New Sponsor Lions Club of Ararat Robert Mullen Michael Thornbury

Lions Club of Camperdown Annette O'Carroll Edward Peers

Lions Club of Leopold Thomas Blair John Mitchell

Lions Club of Little River Maryann Howard Mal Colledge

Lions Club of Nhill Derek Wiseman Ian McLeod

Karen Wiseman Ian McLeod

Retention

Following on from what I wrote in the March District Newsletter, I would like to continue to share some of the information to be found in “Member Retention a case of Routine Maintenance NOT Rocket Science” developed by PDG Bill Duncanson.

Commandment 7 – Bond the Club together through good social activities.

This is the key to our success. It creates opportunities to get to really know people. The better we understand each other, the less chance of conflict. It creates harmony and goodwill.

Such a statement does not mean that our Clubs are just for fun and games and beer and skittles. We have already spoken of the importance of meaningful community work, which is generally the reason why community minded people want to join Lions: TO SERVE. But we need to find time to celebrate what we do, especially our successes. It is not my place to say how a Club can go about providing good social activities as we will all do it differently according to group makeup, but it is important to note that we need to do something in this area. How does the saying go: “All work and no play make Jack and Jill dull people.”

I can forward an electronic copy of this paper by contacting me on pmhjohnson@gmail.com and if you wish me to be a speaker at Club, Zone or Region level, please feel free to use this email as a means of being in contact with me.

Phillip Johnson, 1st Vice District Governor Elect – Retention

Scooter For Sale

Pride Mobility have generously donated one of the two scooters/gophers used in Peter ”Muddy” Waters’ Sydney to Melbourne Scooter Bash to the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation.

The scooter is the top of the range from Pride, yellow in colour, has full suspension, hydraulic brakes, headlights, turning indicator, rear view mirror, pneumatic tyres, two speed gear box and a carry basket. The scooter has been fully serviced by Pride since returning from Sydney, to the extent that they are giving a full 2 year warranty.

The price of the scooter is $3,500. For further information please contact:

Trevor Hirth 52572214 or 0429964204

DG Lou’s Visitation Schedule

April, 2013 Wednesday, 24th-29th MD Convention, Canberra

May, 2013 Friday, 10th Sunshine 60th Charter Saturday, 25th Geelong 60th Charter

Incoming Officer Training Clubs will soon be getting information for the Incoming Officer training days in May.

The venues will be located in: TERANG – Sunday 5th May HAMILTON – Sunday 19th May GEELONG – Saturday 25th May

Further details will be sent to Club Secretaries re venue address, time and agenda.

It is very important that the Club President, Secretary and Treasurer attend one of these days as there will be an interactive session on WMMR (Web Monthly Membership Report). Any other interested Club Member is also encouraged to attend.

Those Secretaries who have gained experience with the new format during the past Lions year are encouraged to attend to share their experiences with the new Secretaries, as well as potentially gain additional knowledge.

Upcoming Events

Multiple District Convention – Canberra April 26th - April 29th International Convention – Hamburg, Germany July 5th – July 9th District Changeover – Geelong July 20th District Convention – Terang November 8th – 10th

New Address

Lions International District 201V2 Newsletter – April, 2013 - Page 3

Zone 1 Chairman Steve & Julie Tomming, 51 Grimes Road,

POINT LONSDALE, 3225

Hearing Dogs

Mid 2012. Dog 499 “Klarry” delivered to Emily Block in Footscray. “Klarry’s” official Hearing Dog Collar and Accreditation presented to Emily by the Lions Club of Footscray in August.

In August, Kathryn Prescott – Werribee, applied for a Hearing Dog. She received notice her application was successful in late October. The Lions Club of Werribee will be involved in all important follow up training when the dog is delivered. The Club and Kathryn have been notified, the dog is in training at present.

December, 2012, Ruth Stewart – Heywood, notified application accepted. Lions Club of Heywood asked to act as Sponsor Club for this placement. Sponsor Club involvement is important, particularly in the 12 weeks following delivery of a dog. Photos of selected dog will be sent to her for approval, followed by a letter of suggested delivery date.

January, 2013, a lady in Warrnambool contacted the Hearing Dogs’ Centre in South Australia, requesting an application form and associated information.

Update on Sound Systems for Schools in V2.

November, 2012, Altona Primary and Timboon P-12 Schools received “Front Row to Go” portable Sound Field Systems, presented on behalf of Lions Hearing Dogs’ Centre by Lions Club of Altona and Lions Club of Timboon respectively.

January, 2013, Notice received of application from Simpson Primary School for a “Front Row to Go” portable Sound System - approved, expect delivery November, 2013.

To date these are the only applications the Hearing Dogs’ Centre has notified me of. A number of Lions requested applications and associated brochures from me at Convention. If you still have these, please contact the Head Teacher at the Primary Schools in your area, and tell them about these Sound Systems. They are provided free to any Primary Schools who have Hearing impaired students.

You might be quite shocked at the number of children in our schools who have less than 100% hearing ability. These might be the children who are disruptive in class, and eventually end up as ‘dropouts’ from school and society, all because they couldn’t hear and understand all that the teacher was saying. Isn’t this worth thinking about? It’s up to you - you have the opportunity to make a difference.

Maureen Capizzi District Chairman Hearing & Lions Hearing Dogs.

Ph:- 03 5562 1551. Email:- maureencapizzi@bigpond.com

Camp Koala 2013

We were very grateful to receive donations totalling $2,250 from Clubs that sponsored activities last year – sincere thanks again to Lions Max and Chris Oberlander and the Lions Clubs of Casterton, Werribee, Torquay, Heywood, Altona and Portland for their wonderful support.

To help keep costs to a minimum for both overseas and Australian youth, we are asking Clubs to again consider sponsoring an event this year at Camp Koala with the following events available for sponsoring in your Club’s name:

YMCA “fire of friendship” ceremony $200 Team building / leadership $325 “Discover Queenscliff” challenge $325 Indoor Olympics $350 Sovereign Hill, Ballarat $650 Bellarine Steam Train trip $800 Ballarat Wildlife Zoo $700 (NB some of these costs are subject to confirmation)

Another great way to put money into the project would be to sponsor your Zone or Region winner (see separate note).

For any further information please contact: Lion Adrian Miles,

Camp Director 5250 2559 or 0417 556 086 District Chairman for Youth Exchange,

Lion Sue Eyton 5284 147 or 0408 588 841.

Lions Club of Sunshine Inc

Lions International District 201V2 Newsletter – April, 2013 – Page 4

60th Charter Anniversary Friday 10th May 2013

in the Italia Room, Club Italia Sporting Club

128-152 Furlong Road, North Sunshine (right next to the Sunshine Hospital)

7.00pm for 7.30pm $40 per head for three course Dinner

and soft drink Other drinks at bar prices.

Dress: Gents – lounge suit Ladies – after five Come along and help us celebrate this very special

occasion. RSVP with payment no later than 1st May

together with names of attendees and any special dietary requirements to:

P O Box 175, Sunshine 3020 For any further information

please contact President, Pam Green phone 9307 5208, mobile 0416 978 893

email ipgreen81@gmail.com

Wanted: Host Families for Youth Exchange –

July, 2013

This great opportunity only comes once a year – we are looking for families to host overseas youth for 3 weeks (can be split!!) in July. If you are able to offer incoming youth your hospitality i.e. accommodation and meals, with the support of your Club, we would love to hear from you. This is a fantastic chance to:

• Take on a young visitor as a Club project • Learn about another country/culture • Showcase our beautiful V2 District to

overseas visitors • Potentially introduce young people to

Lionism and community volunteering • Make a friendship for life

If this sounds like you/your Club and you would like more information please email Susan at theeytons@optusnet,com.au or ph 0408 588841.

Susan Eyton Youth Exchange Chairman

A great reward for your Zone or Region Youth of

the Year Winner! There are a limited number of places available at “CAMP KOALA” for young Australians. This would be a great way to reward your Zone or Region winner by sponsoring them to Camp, and enabling them to meet their contemporaries from overseas while having an action packed week of activities with some great young people.

The cost is just $600, which covers food, lodgings and all activities at the Camp, which will run from Sunday, 21st July to Saturday, 27th July.

This is a wonderful opportunity - we have a limited number of places available so please contact myself or Camp Director Adrian Miles ASAP!!

Lion Adrian Miles 5250 2559 or 0417 556 086 District Chairman for Youth Exchange, Lion Sue Eyton 5284 1471 or 0408 588 841

Susan Eyton Youth Exchange Chairman

Australian Lionsonoz Member Welfare

Hello everyone, the last month has been quiet on the welfare front.

As many may not know what purpose Australian Lionsonoz has in the wider scheme of Lions, I will give a brief history of the formation of our Lions Club and how we function.

The sincere sympathy of District Governor Lou, Lions and Partners are with those whose loved ones have passed away since the last District Newsletter.

The Lions Club of Australian Lionsonoz chartered in March, 2009, and was formed initially as a Branch Club of the Wooli Lions Club from an idea of Lions Kel and Yvie Kearns, who wanted to travel but they did not want to lose contact with the Lions Family by going ‘At Large’, and from experience they had seen that often when a Member went did so for long periods of time (as they intended to do), they eventually just resign from Lions and or worse, just disappear never to be heard from again.

To Lions Lady Barbara Oborne, on the loss of Lion Keith Oborne, former President of the Lions Club of Colac; to Lion Jenny Povey and Lion Fay Rushworth (Coleraine), on the loss of their father; to Lion Ted Allen on the loss of Lions Lady Margaret; to Lion David and Gwenda Scott (Sunshine), on the loss of their sister-in-law.

The Branch Club gained in strength and gained Members of like minded travelling experienced Lions who had heard about it and joined.

To all of our Lions or Partners who are unwell we ish you a speedy recovery, w

The Member numbers of Australian Lionsonoz will always fluctuate as the Members, when they finish their travelling will transfer back to the original Club or to a Lions Club in the place they have chosen to settle. This has happened numerous times!

Get well wishes to Lions Lady Dianne Wilson (Balmoral, PDG Kerry Cook (Altona), Lions Lady Barbara Eldridge (City of Horsham),.and Lion Fred Webb (Nhill) all recovering from recent surgery.

District Governor Lou and Lions Lady Carol still have some Clubs in the District to visit and if these Clubs have any Members who are unwell and would like a visit, if the Club likes to contact me I will see if this can be arranged.

We do not take existing Lions from their own Club. If it was not for Australian Lionsonoz a lot of very good experienced Lions would have been lost to the Lions Family.

Lions International District 201V2 Newsletter – April, 2013 – Page 4

We wish all Lions and Partners who have birthdays or special anniversaries around this time, our congratulations and best wishes.

Australian Lionsonoz is an internet based Lions Club that maintains contact essentially through email and Skype It operates in exactly the same way as a normal Lions Club. We are responsible to Lions District 201N1, MD201 and LCI. We conduct regular meetings which combine the functions of Dinner and Board Meetings. Some of our members are on the District Cabinet and we attend District, MD and International Conventions.

To PDG Doug & Margaret Lyons (Colac) congratulations on their 60th wedding anniversary and congratulations to Lion Alan and VI Alsop (Colac) on the arrival of their great grandson, Aidan.

Lionsonoz requires its members: i. To be computer literate ii. To have an email address

Also congratulations are extended to Lion Nancy Winder (Altona) who was named as one of Hobson’s Bays' 2013 Inspirational Women.

iii. To be comfortable with Skype (or prepared to become so)

iv. To be travelling or away from home for a significant part of each year

Mary Antonoff v. To accept Club rules and procedures Welfare Chairman vi. To participate in regular monthly meetings

Members are encouraged to make contact with the Lions Clubs in the communities they pass through and assist with their service and fundraising activities. We do have a limited number of activities where we are able to assist others through service without raising funds.

Preliminary Notice

Lions Club of Leopold

Lionsonoz requires an annual fee that is currently $130.00. While this may be paid half yearly, an annual payment is preferred. Lionsonoz does not charge a joining fee but you would be expected to pay for your Dinner Badge (approx $15.00) and any other Club supplies you might want. Periodically an order is placed for Club T-shirts and these currently cost approx $32.00 (+ postage).

Changeover Dinner, Saturday, 15th June, 2013

Peninsula Hotel, Bellarine Highway, Newcomb

Lion Stewart Payne Membership Chairman, Australian Lionsonoz

District Cabinet Secretary’s Report

District Cabinet Secretary’s Report

We are well and truly past the holiday season and this is a busy time for the Cabinet Secretary and, no doubt, a busy time for Club Secretaries with Incoming Board Elections and the lead up to Changeover Dinner night arrangements.

We are well and truly past the holiday season and this is a busy time for the Cabinet Secretary and, no doubt, a busy time for Club Secretaries with Incoming Board Elections and the lead up to Changeover Dinner night arrangements.

Most of the Clubs will have had their election meetings and hopefully will have returned the PU101 forms, listing the names of their Incoming Officers to me before the end of March. Secretaries are reminded they must submit their Incoming Officers on line also to ensure that any new Club President, Secretary or Treasurer will be recognized by LCI and, more importantly, be able to logon to the Club LCI ite from July 1st.

Most of the Clubs will have had their election meetings and hopefully will have returned the PU101 forms, listing the names of their Incoming Officers to me before the end of March. Secretaries are reminded they must submit their Incoming Officers on line also to ensure that any new Club President, Secretary or Treasurer will be recognized by LCI and, more importantly, be able to logon to the Club LCI ite from July 1st.

s s

There has been a positive response to Clubs in submitting their WMMR’s; the new MyLCI site appears to be more user friendly. Please continue to ensure your Club Membership details are up to date and that your Club activities are recorded regularly.

There has been a positive response to Clubs in submitting their WMMR’s; the new MyLCI site appears to be more user friendly. Please continue to ensure your Club Membership details are up to date and that your Club activities are recorded regularly.

Clubs have been forwarded forms for the Canberra Convention to record the names of Delegates and Alternates. Please return these forms to me by 14th April, 2013. Just a reminder, please let me know the names of Club Members attending, so I can have a compete record of V2 attendees.

Clubs have been forwarded forms for the Canberra Convention to record the names of Delegates and Alternates. Please return these forms to me by 14th April, 2013. Just a reminder, please let me know the names of Club Members attending, so I can have a compete record of V2 attendees.

Due to printing requirements in producing the Remembrance Booklet, the names of deceased Lions should be into me by the 30th March. Any subsequent additions after that date must be sent to me immediately or directly to the Convention Organising Chairman PDG Paul Helmling at P.Helmling@cc.qic.comP.Helmling@cc.qic.com Please check the spelling

Due to printing requirements in producing the Remembrance Booklet, the names of deceased Lions should be into me by the 30th March. Any subsequent additions after that date must be sent to me immediately or directly to the Convention Organising Chairman PDG Paul Helmling at

Please check the spelling of names to ensure they are correct.

Information has been sent to Clubs re a “District V-T Combined Function” to be held on Monday, 29th April at the Canberra Motor Village. Cost: $25.00 per head. This is a great way to socialise and get to know fellow Lions from the ‘V’ and ‘T’ Districts. Please let me know by 19th April if you wish to attend (booking’s are limited) by email gilchristrj@gmail.com or PO Box 184, Leopold, 3224.

“Thank you” to the Club Secretaries who have responded so promptly to my requests to date. It makes the task of Cabinet Secretary so much easier to keep files and records up to date and enables me to give a quick response to the many queries received.

Bob Gilchrist Cabinet Secretary