District Governor's Convention Welcome

Fellow Lions, Leos, Lionesses and guests, it is my greatest pleasure to welcome you

all to the Rochester Convention. As you all know my main aim for the year is to

promote Lions in our communities and to increase the overall awareness of the great

work Lions Clubs International achieves both locally and internationally.

During my visits to clubs so far this year, I have witnessed some outstanding

achievements. Some of these have been from the smallest clubs in the District. Clubs

with membership of less than ten members have raised and donated figures of

$60,000, while larger clubs have also attained some fantastic results.

These are all wonderful results and ones that we should be very proud of.

I am also very pleased to announce that in our District this year we have the

possibility of starting five new Leo Clubs. Leo's have the ability to be our future

Lions. We should encourage and nurture their development.

Involve yourselves in the business sessions and listen to the many key note

speakers. I hope you all enjoy this great Convention and participate in all that the town and district of

Rochester has to offer.

Remember ~ "LOOK FORWARD WITH PRIDE" and invite a friend along.

DG Lynn Fredericks

Small Town ~ Big Heart

International Director's Message

Kevin and I thank you for the invitation to attend your District Convention and we look

forward to sharing the weekend with you. We all come together for this Convention in

District 201V6 with friendship, ideas to share and opportunities to learn so we continue

to grow and celebrate our achievements. One of the wonderful things about Conven-

tions is meeting with friends from our extended Lions family.

Your District Convention is where you can hear District Governor Lynn put empathies

on his theme of "Looking Forward with Pride". You will learn more about his goals to

build stronger and younger Lions Clubs. And of course, don't forget the fun and fellow-

ship that happens when the Lions family come together.

I encourage you to participate at your Convention and report back to your Clubs the

many positive things that you will learn and the enjoyable time had over the weekend.

Working together in your Clubs and your District means you will go forward as a strong

"Dream" team to make your local and global communities a better place and to offer

help to those in need. A dream is far reaching, bringing lasting joy to our members and the public. Be part of that

dream. District Conventions are also a time to recognise achievements, participate in discussions and plan for the

future of the District.

The success of a District is very dependent on its leadership. District Governor Lynn and Lions Lady Pam took on

this role for your District. I extend them my support and thank them for their contribution and participation in leading

their District.

This weekend you can all celebrate the wonderful success of District 201V6 and remember why we are Lions.

Sometimes it is not always what we can do for others; it is how we make them feel.

"The only way to achieve a dream is to talk about it, believe it, see yourself in it and create opportunities for it".

Have a wonderful Convention.

Sheryl Jensen

International Director

201V6 36th District Convention Newsletter

Rochester 2013

Page 2 201V6 36th District Convention Newsletter

1st Vice District Governor - Lion Peter Niall

(Kerang) “Succeed through Growth”

Our Future Leaders addressed the Convention and

expressed their ideas and visions for our District.

2nd Vice District Governor -

Lion Stephen Kazenwadle (Wangaratta)

“Positive Lions achieve positive Results”

3rd Vice District Governor -

Lion Peter Poels (Benalla)

“”HANDS” Help, Assist, Nurture,

Develop, Serve

All conventioneers were welcomed to Rochester and the Shire of Campaspe by Mayor, CR Ian Maddison, Hon Dr

Sharman Stone (Federal Member for Murray) also Paul Weller (State Member for Rodney). Convention Chairman,

PDG Hedley Moon welcomed every-

one and asked that they take part in

the debate, listen to the speakers,

visit the displays but above all, en-

joyed the weekend.

Major Sponsor for the Convention was

Elmore/Lockington/Rochester

Community Bank, their representative

Karen Taylor spoke on Saturday about

how proud they were to be a sponsor

Constitution & By Laws Chairman,

PCC David Skinner OAM, had a

number of “True Stories” to tell

201N5 District Governor Warren Latham

addressed the Convention, he passed on

thanks from NSW for the support from V6

during fires and floods during the past year.

Page 3

The Official Party was welcomed into the

Campaspe Valley Community Centre.

Standing rear: 201N5 DG Warren Latham &

Marilyn, Lion Robyn & 201V1-4 DG Stan Falloon.

Front seated: Kevin & ID Sheryl Jensen (NZ),

201V6 DG Lynn & Pam.

Members of the newly formed Rochester Leo

Club were proud flag bearers at the Official

Opening of the Convention. As the Australian

Flag entered the hall, conventioneers rose to

their feet with a rousing rendition of “Advance

Australia Fair”

Lion Frank Dullard,

Lockington Lions Club

was presented with an

International

Presidents Award for

exemplary service.

International Presidents Award were also

presented to 2nd VDGE Steve Kazenwadel,

PCC Andy Mojsiewicz, PDG Hedley Moon

and VDGE Peter Niall

Years of dedicated service to their

community and Lions International saw

two very special Lions honoured with

the presentation of Melvin Jones

Fellowships to PDG Hedley Moon and

PDG Les Harrison.

Page 4 Volume 1, Issue 1

Key Note Speaker ~ Det. Sen. Sergeant Ron Iddles

Det. Sen. Sergeant Ron Iddles, a past local of Rochester was

the Key Note Speaker for Saturday, who is now based in the

Homicide Squad in Melbourne.

He spoke about the need for members of the community to take

control and responsibility for their own actions.

Ron also spoke about his role as a Homicide Detective, the role

they play in gathering and sifting through evidence, information

and records. How they come to their final conclusions in

different cases.

The room listened intently as Det. Sen. Sergeant Ron described

a number of homicides and how they had been able to resolve

them, including the murder of Jill Meagher. Sometimes

gruesome and confronting, but a job that has to be done.

Lion John Thorpe spoke to the

Convention about Lions Childhood

Cancer - the research being carried out

and the success achieved.

There are still in excess of 600 children

diagnosed with cancer each year and

approximately 25% will not survive.

We have much work to do.

Fundraising continues through:

Barry Palmer Fellowship

ALCCRF

Neil Williams Awards

Lions Rose Sales

PDG Marg Sherriff—The Lions House Foundation Inc. "After many years of fundraising in Victoria, the Board of Directors of Lions House Foundation in conjunction with the Austin Hospital recently approved a tender for the refurbishment of the Boronia Centre (To be known as Lions House) at the Hei-delberg Repatriation Centre. The site is being transformed into a work site as the photo shows, and we expect that the project will be completed in early 2014. This is a significant milestone in what has been a lengthy journey for many of the Board Members, but clearly could not have been achieved without the magnificent financial support of Lions." From the construction site, to the vision for the future......

PDG Brenda Henderson - 50/50 Pathway

Getting the message out to the public that “there are Ladies

in Lions” is only part of this project, it is about educating the

public about the work of Lions Clubs International and how

families can work together to build Clubs for the future.

PCC Andy Mojsiewicz - “HILTOP” Albury Wodonga Patient &

Carer Accommodation Centre.

Conventioneers were treated to a virtual tour of the new

Centre which is now open for business. The Centre provides

patients and their carers with high quality, affordable

accommodation close to Albury Hospital.

201V6 36th District Convention Newsletter Page 5

Lions Projects were well represented at the Convention, allowing Conventioneers the opportunity to speak to Chairman,

obtain brochures and more information about the projects. Items from the “Lions Shop” in Newcastle were also available

for sale, but were kept under lock and key, due to the actions of Lions members.

The winner of the Raffle Quilt at Convention was the

Upper Kiewa Valley Lions Club who were very ex-

cited about winning something. 2nd Prize went to

Karen Cawley from Greensbrough who had been

holidaying in Rushworth and bought a ticket. She

was also very excited as she was doing up her home

by herself and said the Bunning’s voucher would

come in handy for supplies for that. 3rd Prize went

to Bert Rhodes who is a member of the Wangaratta

Men’s Shed and was most surprised when he was

presented with his prize.

Thank you to everyone who bought tickets and help

to raise funds fro Lions Cord Blood

Lion Charlie Parkinson

Don’t forget to order the new

“single serve” Lions Cake. Promoting what your Club does to

the public.

Page 6 Volume 1, Issue 1

Page 7 Volume 1, Issue 1

John Forbes OAM KSJ provided an insight into the life he has lead as a result of his interest in sport and the people who travelled through this extraordinary life.

Originally educated in Mitiamo Primary School, then onto Ivanhoe Grammar School, John’s carer as a primary producer on the family farm was not to be long term, in 1979 he moved into radio at 3BO & later 3CV, on to the Loddon Campaspe Regional Sports Assembly as CEO in 84 and Marketing Exec of Vic Sports from 1986. It was around this time that John meet and became friends with the legend Herb Elliott and his career as National Promotions Manager with Puma Australia in 1986 took off. The job entailed many things not listed in the job description, such as baby sitting some very famous sports men and women. Through this position, John travelled extensively promoting sport to the country. John has been Chairman of the Victorian Police Blue Ribbon Foundation since 11/11/1988,– Tynan-Eyre Memorial Foundation, which has raised in excess of $5m since its inception in 1988 towards trauma facilities at public hospitals in memory of the policeman and policewomen who have lost their lives in service to the people of Victoria.

Among his proudest moments, John holds being an Olympic Torch Bearer in 2000 right up there, but the honour of becoming an Order of Australia Medal in 2001 and in 2004 Knight of St John topped off an amazing career. John’s historic homestead at Mitiamo also includes a museum of sports memorabilia including signed shirts, cricket bats, footballs and posters. A true ‘Aladdin's cave’ of Australian sports history.

A very beautiful and moving Remembrance Service was conducted by Lions

Lady Lyn Moon as Conventioneers gathered on Sunday morning to

remember Lions, Lions Ladies and Partners who passed

away during the year. (A full list of names is on our website).

DG Lynn and IPDG Tom paid their respects on behalf of all

Lions.

A “Lions Rose” was presented to all families to mark the

occasion.

Junior Public Speaking finalist Dharma Kotzur from Rutherglen Primary

School presented her speech to Conventioneers. This project started off

as a dream of promoting “Primary School Public Speaking”, the reality is

that this is now a District Project and anyone who has had the privilege to

listen to these students, knows just how much the students grow in

confidence with each stage of the competition. We need to encourage all

Clubs to get on board and support this worthwhile project.

Leo Clubs are growing within our District. Members of the newly formed

Rochester Leo Club participated in the Flag raising ceremony during the opening

of the Convention. Lion Lee Walkington spoke about the formation of the Leo

Club of Cohuna & District, how the use of ‘social media’ helped to convince her

Club members that there were young members of the community interested in

joining. We just have to ask!

Thank you from the convention committee.

The 18th - 20th October saw an influx of visitors to Rochester for the 36th Annual Lions 201V6 District Convention. With around 250 Lions and partners gathering the weekend kicked off with the Campaspe Shire hosting a Civic Reception for invited guests at the Sports Complex prior to the official opening ceremony where the newly formed Leos Club capable brought the flags from various nations forward to form the backdrop of the stage. Saturday conventioneers were entertained with extremely talented guest speakers in Mark Ward at the Key Members breakfast, Senior Detective Sergeant Ron Iddles in the morning followed by John Forbes OAM KSJ after lunch while the ladies tour was entertained by Sister Shirley. Each one in their own way held the audience’s attention for their entire address. Saturday evening’s Dinner Dance was enjoyed by 150 dancing the night away to Brian Crocket’s band with certain members enjoying it so much they did not want to leave!! On Sunday following an address from International Director PCC Sheryl Jensen a very moving ceremony was held remembering those Lions and Partners that have passed away over the last twelve months where candles were lit around a heart. Overall it was a wonderful weekend with many positives comments coming back, however it was those attending that made the weekend what it was as without your support and commitment it would not have been the success it was. Yes, we are a “Small Town” with a “Big Heart”, and we thank so many of you for coming and sharing what we had to offer. It was your attendance that helped make the weekend the success it was.

The Lions Club of Echuca Inc. are working hard to prepare an exciting and enjoyable time for all Conventioneers. If you are new to Lions or just have not got around to attending before, this is the time to plan for next year. Put these dates in your diary - 17th - 19th October 2014.

We have planned a program to entertain and inform as well as some time to just have fun. Perhaps you would like to stay on a houseboat with your friends!! This is on of the many accommodation options avail-able to you. Please fill out the "Early Interest" Form, available on the District website, to keep informed through the year.

Technical support and recording

during the convention was expertly

carried out by Ross Schulz from

Albury Sound and Lighting

DG Lynn was keeping a close

eye on the Travelling Gavel”

after presenting it to Lavington

Lions as the Club with the most

members at the Convention

and the greatest distance

travelled.