District Governor’s Message - February, 2013 Welcome back to a brand new year! Carol and I hope you and your families enjoyed a safe and happy festive season.

As we are now halfway through our Lions year we look back and see that we have visited 56 Clubs in our District. This means that we have 14 Clubs left to visit in the next few months, plus a number of special events like Club Charter Anniversaries and Youth of the Year District Final, as well as the State Final, Leos of the Year State Final, MD 201 Convention in Canberra and, of course, the District Changeover in Geelong in July.

By the time that you will receive this newsletter both Carol and I would have been to the January Council Meeting in Sydney and also attended the Australia Day Breakfast at Williamstown. Yes. we still have a busy but rewarding time ahead.

MEMBERSHIP

The month of March has been chosen as the “Membership-Drive-Month” by MD 201. At our upcoming Council Meeting there will be a lot of discussion placed on Membership and how to retain and increase Membership. I am proud to report that we in V2 are one of the strong memberships in Australia, but let us not sit still, but go out and obtain more Members.

Our target that I have set for the month of March is 45, and our target for the remainder of our Lions year is 85 new Members, again a target that I have set and believe that together we can achieve this.

How are we going to increase our membership? There are a number of ways we can do this:

1. Speak to the Membership Chairman in your Club on how you think you can help in obtaining new Members. Don’t leave it up to one person in your Club.

2. Speak to your friends about Lions, and invite him or her along to a Lions Meeting in March.

3. Conduct a Shopping Centre Membership Drive in your local area, using local Club hand-outs, and explaining what you do in your local area. Ask what they would like to see happening in their local area, keep your discussion to the local area.

4. Engage your local newspaper and send them interesting articles about what is happening in your Club; invite the newspaper Editor to your Dinner Meeting and build a relationship with the local newspaper.

5. Make use of the District Promotional Trailer; speak to District Chairman Greg McAdam.

6. Conduct a “Club Excellence Process” dedicated to Club improvement. CEP encourages Members to shape their Club in whatever way is best suited to the needs of your Community. Speak to our District Chairman Dennis Grant about CEP, and he will be able to help you.

7. Start a new Club; look for the opportunities in your area.

8. Start a Leos Club in your area, either School based or Community based. Check with your local School or your local Government.

9. Attend our excellent Region Forums designed by our very own GLT and GMT Teams, and learn more about Lions.

10. Encourage women to join your Clubs. Women in Lions are the fastest growing group in Lions worldwide.

We are a strong District, but let us remain that way with strong Membership, and above all let us retain our Members at all times.

This Lions year we have gained 86 new Members, but we also lost 55 for a variety of reasons. Please let us all make a big effort in obtaining our targets by

e end of this Lions year. th

RETENTION

1st VDG Elect Phillip Johnson has written five great articles on Retention in our past newsletters. It is absolutely vital that we keep in contact with our Club Members at all times, especially in time of need.

Phillip wrote on four major topics on Retention and he was able to use the award winning booklet produced by PDG Bill Duncanson “Member Retention - a case of Routine Maintenance - Not Rocket Science”.

(Continued on next page)

1. Punctuality and Control 2. Give Lions tasks that they will enjoy 3. Show Members you care 4. Keep in touch with Members

If any Member would like a copy of PDG Bill’s booklet, please contact 1st VDG Elect Phillip Johnson or myself.

Lou Scholten, District Governor

Carol’s Chatter Doesn’t time go when you are having fun? I cannot believe that it is 2013, and with that in mind I would like on behalf of D.G. Lou and myself to wish you all a Happy New Year.

We have had a lovely rest and managed to catch up with all our immediate family. Had a lovely day Christmas Day - ate too much as we all did, and D.G. Lou’s story about his coat has come true. (Sorry to all that haven’t heard it yet!), and I have even had time to take Grandchildren to a few excursions. Lou even managed to get in a few games of golf, and with the rest that we have had we are ready to go again.

We will be in Sydney from the 17th to 20th January and look forward to catching up with all the DG’s and Partners from all the Districts in Australia - that is always fun.

Then comes the Australia Day Breakfast in Williamstown (Hosted by the Altona Club), followed shortly by the rest of the Clubs and all the Special Events D.G. Lou has told you about.

So to all of you that we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting, and to those we have, I look forward to either meeting you or renewing acquaintances.

Take Care, Lions Lady Carol Scholten

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

Preliminary Notice Lions Club of Geelong 60th Anniversary Dinner Dance Date: Saturday 25 May 2013 Time: 6.30pm for 7.00pm start Venue: Lyndon Grove, Surfcoast Hwy, Grovedale Contact: Michelle Challis on 0408 599 962 or michelle@asiservices.com.au  

A Message from LEHP

Well it is time to start a new calendar year and we are half way through our Lions Year.

I hope all of you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. I wonder if the resolutions will have come out of the cupboards again this year.

Mine is simple....to continue the work of spreading the LEHP message, BUT I need your help.

I attended a training day at the end of November and the question was asked, “Do all Clubs have someone who is so out there selling Mints and Cakes, or Licola person, maybe Peace Poster or again Drug or Youth of the Year person for their Club?”

Well why not someone to give flyers to different places, doctors’ clinics, chemists, etc? One Club has a new Member who has put up her hand to give time for this and also to give talks. All I ask is someone to help spread the word any way they can.

Please contact me if this is possible and I am sure we will be very successful with LEHP and also save someone’s sight. THANK YOU. Biddy Weel

LEHP Chairperson

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. Member Sponsor Lions Club of Altona Phillip Richards Garry Marks Lions Club of Apollo Bay Aprilina Couch Joanne Forrest Lions Club of Colac Robert Day Barry Gourley Lions Club of Geelong South Barwon Dennis Kelly Lions Club of Leopold Phillip Humphries Graeme Chappell Lions Club of Lismore & District Francis Camilleri David Pearce Peter Grech Geoffrey Henderson Gert Stammberger Geoffrey Henderson Lynette Stammberger Otto Gramms Lions Club of Murtoa Brian Wills Peter Janetzki Lions Club of Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Sandra Anastssiou Colin Lowne Pete Sewell Edgar Corless Lions Club of Werribee Gustav Arianto Gerry Costa John Brumby Gerry Costa

DG Lou’sVisitation Schedule

February, 2013

Tuesday, 12th Goroke Wednesday, 13th Dartmoor Thursday, 14th Portland Tuesday, 19th Corio/Norlane Wednesday, 20th Queenscliff/Pt. Lonsdale Wednesday, 27th Little River

March, 2013 Wednesday, 6th Winchelsea Thursday, 7th Minyip

Retention

Following on from what I wrote in the November District Newsletter, I would like to continue to share some of the information to be found in “Member

Lions International District 201V2 Newsletter – February, 2013 – Page 3

Retention a case of Routine Maintenance NOT Rocket Science” developed by PDG Bill Duncanson.

Commandment 5 – Don’t allow overkill in fines and jokes. No one wants to be a spoil-sport or kill-joy, but control of fines sessions and stories is a vital aspect of Members’ Retention, and possible recruitment. This is a really important commandant

I would venture to say that over the years we have enjoyed the skills of many fantastic Tail Twisters. Sadly, some have managed to get off the rails with drastic consequences. While I am sure steps would have been taken to censure the offending culprits, it may have already been too late to save the Club from embarrassment and possible loss of members.

It is important to be careful in who is appointed as Tail Twister each year. To support the work of the Tail Twister it would be good to emphasize to Members every year that it is their responsibility to pass on misdemeanors and good deeds about fellow Members as soon as they happen. This allows the Tail Twister to work on materials and the way he/she presents it on the night. If this approach is followed then they are not plagued with people passing on last minute stories and it gives them time to check out all the facts and add whatever embellishments seem to be necessary to make for a good story and create fun as well as funds.

A well prepared fines session flows and does not get bogged down. The spread of fines is better and usually covers all Members over a period of time depending on the size of the Club, and few people are actually fined more than once per night

Enjoy your fines sessions using current and relevant stories even if twisted or stretched. The spontaneous merriment created says it all.

Phillip Johnson 2nd Vice District Governor – Retention

Operation Friendship

On the other side of the world we have e two very happy Netherlanders – our 2012 Operation Friendship visitors, Lion Anneke and her partner Wim. As we took them to the airport for their departure to New Zealand and then home, they spoke so enthusiastically of the generosity of their hosts, the wonderful sights they had seen, and the warmth of the welcome they received wherever they went in our District. And they have literally hundreds of photos to remind them of their visit.

Our Convention blew them away with the level of participation and fun and, again, the friendship extended to them.

From the District, a big “Thank you” to the host families – the Weels, the Lochheads, the Richards, the Duyvestyns and the Reyntjes. They, too, will have many happy memories of their involvement with Anneke and Wim. We also appreciate the hosts’ Clubs as they supported the project with Barbecues and other activities which are normal for us, but quite unusual for those from overseas.

As requested by DG Elect Stewart, we are offering the opportunity for 2013 to Lions in the UK and Ireland.

Lions of V2 who are interested in being part of the hosting during October-November are welcome to send their details to me. We generally limit hosting to four families at about a week each, to minimize the number of times our visitors need to relocate.

Bob Badham Chairman, Operation Friendship

Lions Christmas Cakes

I would like to congratulate all Clubs in our District for their efforts in the sale of Lions Christmas Cakes and Puddings in 2012. A total of 65 in our District Clubs sold Cakes and Puddings.

Sales were down by 6,000 cartons within our Multiple District.

Our District again increased their sales in 2012, up 155 cartons from the previous year. This is a wonderful achievement for the year!

2012 Sales:- 1.5kg Cakes 1422 cartons Down 346 cartons. 1.0kg Cakes 1192 cartons Up 427 cartons. Puddings 222 cartons Up 74 cartons.

PDG Allan Reeve Christmas Cake Chairman.

Club Corner

Over 80 years of community service was recognized when two men were honoured by the Lions Club of Geelong Corio Bay on 15th November, 2012.

First was Lindsay Graham who was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship for over 50 years commitment to the community. Lindsay was appointed a carpentry instructor at Geelong Boys’ Employment Centre at age 17 years and was later elected to the Management Committee for a total of 21 years. In 1973 he joined the Apex Club of Belmont where he remained until age 40 years when he joined the Lions Club of Geelong. His skills as a builder were of particular value when assisting physically handicapped people and senior citizens, especially those who required mobility fittings in their homes. He was President of the Lions Club of Geelong during 1993-94 and 2001-02 before resigning in January, 2011 following 25 years of dedicated service. He is presently the President of the Probus Club of Barwon Belmont.

Lions International District 201V2 Newsletter – February, 2013 – Page 3

PDG Barney described former Lion Lindsay as a "man of integrity, principle and high ethical standards".

Lion "Matt" Irwin was also recognized by way of Life Membership for his commitment to the Lions Club of Geelong Corio Bay, and a short stint with the Lions Club of Stawell during a period of 32 years continuous service. Lion Matt has filled many Board positions of the Lions Club of Geelong Corio Bay and was appointed President in 1992-1993.

L to R - Former Lions Lady Helen Graham, Award recipient Lindsay Graham and PDG Lion Barney Barritt.

VICTORIAN LIONS FOUNDATION INC. RHEUMATISM AND ARTHRITIS

FOUNDATION

The following notes are taken from a report to VLF in November, 2012, which emphasises their appreciation and recognition of our support over the last 25 years.

The Department of Rheumatology at Monash Medical entre continues to benefit from the input of the Lions

Clubs’ donations to research. Our clinical service programs are linked closely to ongoing research and we have a number of clinics dedicated to areas of need which couple clinical care and clinical research as follows:

C

• Rheumatoid arthritis • Scleroderma • Lupus • Fibromyalgia • Psoriatic arthritic

All the above clinics have been established on a minimal financial input from the hospital network and all require computer hardware and software to generate the information for research.

Developments for 2013 involve continued identification of patients with osteoarthritis, the most common disabling arthritic disorder, in order to prepare knowledge for anticipated treatment strategies such as cartilage stem cell transplant.

In the background of our clinical/research projects the Department continues to run clinical trials of new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, systemic psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and gout and many of the programs initiated with Lions’ money have become self-sustaining and attracted other funding.

Our 25 year association between Lions Clubs and the Monash Rheumatology Department has greatly enhanced rheumatology research and as a consequence, routine care of patients with these common and disabling disorders. Over $100,000 has been contributed over these years.

Professor Eric Morand has now taken over as Director of Rheumatology and Assoc. Professor Michelle Leech as Deputy Director. I appreciate the great input of the Lions Clubs into developing Monash Rheumatology research and hope that this relationship continues into the future.

Geoffrey Littlejohn, Past Director of Rheumatology at Monash Medical

Centre.

Lions Village Licola Member Welfare

Camp 264 – Monday 7th to Friday 11th January 2013 – Postscript

Hello everyone! November/December has been quiet on the Welfare front, but as it is such a busy time of year for everyone it’s probably a good thing.

Eighteen Leaders and 73 disadvantaged children from V2 Geelong/Country attended the recent highly successful Lions Village Licola Camp. Participating Clubs were the Lions Clubs of Anglesea, Clifton Springs, Geelong, Geelong Breakfast, Geelong Corio Bay, Geelong Hamlyn Heights, Lara, Leopold, Little River, Portarlington/Drysdale, Simpson & District and Torquay.

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

To Lions Lady Gail Thomas (Heywood) on the loss of Lion Ian; to Lions Lady Bev Gullock (Apollo Bay) on the loss of Lion Max; to Lion John Kemfert on the loss of his brother; to Lion Kaylene Varley (Murtoa) on the loss of her aunt; to Lion Danny Watt (Balmoral) on the loss of his brother; to Lion Chris Detlefsen (Sunshine) on the loss of Lions Lady Elli; to Lion Bill and Vicky Walker (Ararat) on the loss of Vicky’s mother; to Lion Tim and Anita Lang on the loss of Tim’s sister

Unfortunately, some seats on the two Coaches transporting the children to Licola were vacant. More Clubs are encouraged to provide Leaders/children to the first V2 Geelong/Country summer camp of January, 2014. While the majority of Clubs sourced children from local schools, 37 children came from local family support welfare agencies. Other children were selected from an agency representing bereaving families following the death of a parent(s). Twenty children were selected from Koori and refugee families.

To all our Lions who are unwell we wish you a speedy recovery.

Get well wishes to Lion Linda Nyikos, Lion Gerard Kelly, Lion Albert Johnson, Lions Lady Pat Dunn, Lion Les and Lions Lady Eileen Clarke (Ararat) Lion Fred Webb (Nhill).

For those Lions who have never volunteered for a Licola children’s Camp, please consider the following: four Leaders were full time carers, other volunteers were a nurse, a psychologist, three school teachers, one was a retired community worker, seven were student volunteers from the Karen (Myanmar) refugee community and one was a Lion.

District Governor Lou and Lions Lady Carol still have some Clubs 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 wish all Lions who have birthdays or special anniversaries around this time our congratulations and best wishes.

The overwhelming majority of the 73 children enjoyed all the camp activities and were well behaved. Thirteen children were recent arrivals from Myanmar (camps in Thailand), the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ethiopia and Sudan. Some children exhibited challenging behaviour and eight required counselling, four were from two families where a parent had recently died in traumatic circumstances. An observation, however, was that every child attending the camp was sourced from deserving and disadvantaged circumstances.

To Lion Eileen Broadwood special congratulations on your 70th birthday in January.

Congratulations to Lion Bill and Vicki Cook on their marriage and being a first for the Lions Club of Leopold.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and Healthy New Year.

Mary Antonoff

Well done, participating Lions Clubs, your commitment to disadvantaged children and the future of Lions Village Licola was appreciated.

Welfare Chairman

Peace Poster

Lion Brian S Edward, APM Lions Club Licola Chairman – Geelong Corio Bay

Happy New Year to all! ___________________________________________

I have been informed that the Peace Poster theme for the 2013/2014 year will be "OUR WORLD, OUR FUTURE". I will notify you all when the Peace Poster kits become available.

PUT THIS DATE IN YOUR DIARY 60th Anniversary of Lions Club of Sunshine Inc

Friday 10th May, 2013 Once arrangements have been finalized, Invitations will be forwarded to local Clubs, but if you are would

like to receive an invitation, please contact either President Pam Green by email at

ipgreen81@gmail.com or

Please be advised that there will be no Zone prize for 2013/14 at this stage.

Kevin Buck Peace Poster Chairman Secretary Frank Dri at frankdri@gmail.com

Come along and make this a great celebration.

Lions International District 201V2 Newsletter – February, 2013 – Page 3

District Cabinet Secretary’s Report

District Cabinet Secretary’s Report

Well, Barbara and I survived the Festive Season in a reasonable condition, although I must admit I have been forced into my brisk walking exercises again. We hope you all enjoyed your break with your families and we look forward to a productive second half of the Lions year.

Well, Barbara and I survived the Festive Season in a reasonable condition, although I must admit I have been forced into my brisk walking exercises again. We hope you all enjoyed your break with your families and we look forward to a productive second half of the Lions year.

At this time most Clubs will be up and running and back to business doing what they do best in providing much needed assistance to their communities, especially to those areas who have suffered as a result of the bushfires. I would like to say a special thanks to those Clubs who responded so promptly to the appeal for funding assistance for the terrible bushfires in Tasmania. The local Lions will have a lot of work on their hands for many months to come.

At this time most Clubs will be up and running and back to business doing what they do best in providing much needed assistance to their communities, especially to those areas who have suffered as a result of the bushfires. I would like to say a special thanks to those Clubs who responded so promptly to the appeal for funding assistance for the terrible bushfires in Tasmania. The local Lions will have a lot of work on their hands for many months to come.

Information has been forwarded to all Clubs including the PU101 Forms for providing details of your Incoming Officers for 2013/14. This information is a vital requirement for District Cabinet and Lions Clubs International. It is also the basis for the Multiple District directory.

Information has been forwarded to all Clubs including the PU101 Forms for providing details of your Incoming Officers for 2013/14. This information is a vital requirement for District Cabinet and Lions Clubs International. It is also the basis for the Multiple District directory.

Can all Club Secretaries please take extra time in preparing these forms to ensure their accuracy? It would be really appreciated if we could have zero discrepancies in this year’s Directory. Please return the forms to me by March 30th.

Can all Club Secretaries please take extra time in preparing these forms to ensure their accuracy? It would be really appreciated if we could have zero discrepancies in this year’s Directory. Please return the forms to me by March 30th. With our very successful District Convention behind us, we turn our attention to the National Convention in Canberra at the end of April. If you are attending please email me and let me know and include your

With our very successful District Convention behind us, we turn our attention to the National Convention in Canberra at the end of April. If you are attending please email me and let me know and include your

mobile number to allow me to contact you if required for any reason while we are in Canberra. mobile number to allow me to contact you if required for any reason while we are in Canberra.

There are still a few Clubs not reporting their membership numbers (WMMR’s) on a monthly basis. These reports are used to determine Club fees and to establish Club and District numbers. I urge Secretaries to complete the WMMR’s regularly each month. If you need any assistance, please let me know.

There are still a few Clubs not reporting their membership numbers (WMMR’s) on a monthly basis. These reports are used to determine Club fees and to establish Club and District numbers. I urge Secretaries to complete the WMMR’s regularly each month. If you need any assistance, please let me know.

One final request - Club Secretaries, can you please ensure Members’ addresses are kept up to date, either on the WMMR report or advise me of any changes so I can update the Master mail list to ensure the District Newsletter is delivered correctly.

One final request - Club Secretaries, can you please ensure Members’ addresses are kept up to date, either on the WMMR report or advise me of any changes so I can update the Master mail list to ensure the District Newsletter is delivered correctly.

Thank you all for your assistance and support during the first half of the year. Thank you all for your assistance and support during the first half of the year.

Bob Gilchrist Bob Gilchrist Cabinet Secretary Cabinet Secretary

Please Note Please Note As from February, 2013 the Lions Club of Grovedale Waurn Ponds has changed their venue for Dinner Meetings. The new venue is; Moriac Hotel, 1115 Princes Highway, Mt Moriac

Time 6.30pm for 7pm.

Allan Reeve Secretary L C Grovedale Waurn Ponds