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Hello all Lions,Elections:With the year well and truly now underway and the temperature building we should all be lookingat the coming months with great excitement. Why you ask? Because it’s that time of the yearwhen we all select new club members to fill the roles of the new President, Secretary andTreasurer etc. Remember those names must be into Cabinet Secretary Julie by mid-March.Leos:I’m very happy to announce that we now have another Leo club in the District with the formationof the Wangaratta Leo club on the 1st February. (see the pictures and article in this issue) A greatnight was had by all. 12 new Leos were inducted by District Leo chairman PDG Malcolm Evansaided by Lion PDG Bea Ahearn and myself. I’m sure that in months to come there will be manymore young people attracted to this energetic bunch of young adults. To add to the excitement ofthe evening it was announced that the Lions Club of Benalla is also very keen to launch their ownLeo club – so watch this space. I again implore all District clubs to look at their communities andidentify if there is a possible Leo club just waiting to be formed. Remember they could possibly beour Lions in the future with the right motivation.Membership:Talking about new clubs – the Lions club of Wodonga is looking at forming a Breakfast Club inWodonga inviting members from local business and professional sectors. Talks are alreadyunderway and the club is moving towards having an information session in the near future. Onanother front, the Lions club of Beechworth has undertaken a huge and exciting step withmembership and rebuilding of their club. With the assistance of Zone Chairman Lion Peter Poels,PDG Brenda Henderson and myself they were encouraged last night, the 5th February, to electan all new President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Beechworth Lions are now looking to attractmore new members and now have a brighter future serving the community of Beechworth andsurrounds.I look forward to the coming months with anticipation and excitement with the prospect of newLeo clubs, the building of a new Lions club and the rebuilding of struggling clubs. These greatprojects are all possible due to the energy andenthusiasm of you as Lions.

Well done everyone.District Governor Lynn Fredericks.

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Despite my best intentions,sometimes when a submitted arti-cle is edited, mistakes happen.My apologies to Benalla Club formissing vital information regarding sponsorshipto your club.# On page 10, Sept/Oct issue, Benalla Clubs

Grocery Grab draw, the photo should have in-cluded a thank you to Woolworths AssistantManageress for her assistance and allowing them to sell their raffle tickets in her store.# Also the Nov/Dec issue, page 8, a Club mem-ber, Chris Ryan, (who is employed by SP Aus-net) presented a donation cheque for $500. TheClub thanked SP Ausnet for their kind donation.

From the Editor’s Desk

Peace Poster Contest

Each year, Lions clubs around the world proudly

sponsor the Lions International Peace Poster Contest in local schools and youth groups. This

art contest for kids encourages young people

worldwide to express their visions of peace.

For more than 25 years, millions of children from

nearly 100 countries have participated in the

contest.

16th March YOTY Regional Finals to becompleted

30th March YOTY District Final – Corowa

6th April Zone Chairman Training -Barooga

2nd - 5th May MD Convention – Tamworth

25th May Club Officers Training - Corowa

1st June Club Officers Training - Moama

1st JuneChildren of Courage Awards Day Tocumwal memorial hall 2pm

4th - 8th July International Convention –Toronto Canada

29th - 31st August ANZI Pacific Forum - Adelaide

Dates to RememberDistrict Governor’s Message 1

From the Editor’s Desk 2

Peace Poster Contest 2

Lions family & friends month 3Promote your activities 3

Join the Lions “World lunch relay” 3

One Shot - One Life 4

New Leo Club Chartered 5

Junior Public Speaking 5

Leo Clubs busting out all over the place 6

Cohuna service recognised 7

Lokhart Lion Max Mildren 7

Lake Charm Mystic Park news 8

Rochester breakfast 9

Lifetime Achievement Award 9

Eye Donor Awareness Month 9

Information technology 10

ALDAF 14

Around the clubs - club news 11-16

Upper Kiewa Valley driver education 16

Wangaratta news 17Licola news 18-20

In this Issue

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Join the Lions“World Lunch Relay”

Celebrate Family and Friends Month in Aprilby joining the Lions World Lunch Relay onApril 4th. It’s a 24 hour International event that bringsfamilies and friends of Lions together in their localcommunities with families and friends of Lions around theworld. Don’t miss this special day of food, family and fun!Learn more about the Lions World Lunch Relay and ourspecial Lunch Relay contests on the International website,then start planning your lunch event today!

Invite family and friends to learn,serve and celebrate with your Lionsclub in April. Organize a serviceproject, plan an open house or hosta lunch or picnic—you decide howto introduce your family and friendsto the club you love!Here are some great ways to makeyour Family and Friends Month asuccess: Plan an Open House. Invite

family and friends to learn moreabout your club and the differ-ence you are making in the community.

Go Green in Your Community. Plan an April serviceproject to showcase the Protecting Our Environmenthttp://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/common/pdfs/iad460.pdf campaign so everyone can feel the satisfaction ofimproving the community. Consider planting trees, re-cycling or cleaning up a park for your campaign.

Share the Gift of Literacy. Organize a fundraiser orservice project that promotes the power of reading tochildren in your community. Learn more about theLCI Reading Action Program and find literacy project http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/member-center/ ideas and resources for your club from the LCI website.

Sponsor a Leo club. April is also Leo AwarenessMonth, so it’s a great time for your club to get involvedand support youth development in your community.Learn more about the Leo Club Program in the LeoZone web site.

Host a Picnic or Barbecue. Celebrate with family andfriends after your successful service project or fund-raiser.

Family Members Receive a Special Membership DiscountEncourage family members to join your club! They’ll receive a special discount on membership dues when theyjoin the same club through our Family Membership Pro-gram. Download the Family and Friends Month Flyer, andget the word out about your Lion club. Share the day,share the fun and share the dream of serving with familyand friends in April!

Lion Colin Myers (Kerang) ispassionate about getting themessage out about Lionsand the job that we do. Somuch so that he has beenworking on a tool for Clubs touse to promote their projectsand activities. Now it isready for you to use!Colin has developed anInformation stand thatincorporates a flat screenDVD player and room forinformation brochures.The screen runs from mains power or battery packso can be used at any market, catering or activity.The idea of the DVD is for Clubs to develop theirown story, showing their members out in thecommunity working. Telling the story of your clubshistory and projects undertaken.Kerang Lions Club mount the screen onto the sideof their catering caravan so when the public arewaiting to be served they are being educatedabout Lions International and also what their localclub has done and is working on.What a great opportunity to promote your Club,provide general information to the public andmaybe get a few more member as a bonus.District is working toward having a unit for allZones but they are for sale to any Club. Estimatedcosts for the screen, power pack and the stand isunder $800.

Can you think of a better way to promoteYour Club?

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Lions lead the fight against measlesand rubellaThe new challenge is for Lions to raise $30 million by ourcentenary year 2017. Lions $30 million will be matcheddollar for dollar by the U.K. Department of InternationalDevelopment or the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, giv-ing a total of $60 million in the fight against measles andrubella.Bill Gates Sr, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said “We are grateful for the continued and generouscommitment of Lions to improve the health of the world’s poorest children. This partnership will help to urgently reachall children, no matter where they live, with the vaccines they need.”“Giving the measles vaccine to children is one of the simplest things to do to protect them from the disease and itsdreadful consequences,” said the Rt Hon Justine Greening MP, the U.K.’s Secretary of State for International Development, “The funds raised by Lions Members and matched by the U.K. or the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation willmean that millions of children will have healthier and happier lives, able to better contribute to their communities.”Measles is a highly infectious and deadly disease, killing an estimated 430 people daily, according to the WHO byweakening the immune system, making young children vulnerable to pneumonia, blindness, diarrhoea, hearing lossand brain damage. We’ve had recent scares here in Australia where measles has been brought back from overseasby travellers.But, measles can be prevented with a safe and inexpensive vaccine. The measles-rubella vaccine costs less than $1per dose.Lions have entered into a partnership with the GAVI Alliance, whose mission is to save children’s lives and protect

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The GAVI Alliance was formerly known as the Global Alliance for Vaccines andImmunisation.This new partnership will enable Lions to continue to save lives with a simple inexpensive vaccine. Lions play a keyrole in social mobilisation efforts by working with local leaders, coordinating community level publicity and serving asvolunteers at vaccination centres.In the next phase of the Lions-GAVI partnership, by 2020, more than 700 million children in 49 countries will be im-munised against measles and rubella.Please help Lions save lives by sending your donation cheque made out in Australian Dollars to ‘LCI/LCIF LionsMeasles Initiative’ to LCIF District Co-ordinatorFor further information, go to http://vimeo.com/70038681 or contactLCIF District Co-ordinator. John Beale District 201V6 Co-ordinator Email: jay_en_bee@hotmail.com

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Leo Club of WangarattaThey had their Formation Charter night atMurdoch House on Saturday 1st February,12 Leo’s where inducted on the night.President: Georgia LewisVice-President: Joelle EveringhamSecretary: Elizabeth KazenwadelTreasurer: Ben EveringhamDirectors: Jessica Lewis, Maria Michalowski,Sam Michalowski, Nick Michalowski, MattDean, Rhianna Dean, Kyle Cogan andAshleigh Doig.District Governor Lynn, District Leo ChairmanMalcolm Evans and Zone Chairman PeterPoels were on hand to welcome the newestmembers into the Leo family.Vice President Joelle “I believe that havinga Leo Club in Wangaratta is very important.Why? Simple really – the Lions Club ofWangaratta do a wonderful job in thecommunity and we, as the youth ofWangaratta, need to step up to the task of following in theirfootsteps. After all we are the future Lions of the WangarattaLions Club!As a member of Girl Guides I already undertake somecommunity work including flag bearer at the ANZAC parade,Clean up Australia Day and fundraising events for Guides.Being involved with the Leos will enhance that of me and myfellow Leos community involvement and more importantlyour commitment to Wangaratta and its needs. “

Shown in the Photo:Back Row: Sam Michalowski, Ern Walder (Lions Club President), Lynn Fredericks (LionsDistrict Governor), Malcolm Evans, Bea Ahearn (Leo’s Coordinator), ZC Peter Poels AndTim Mcurdy (Member for Murray Valley)Middle Row: Matt Dean, Maria Michalowski, Rhianna Dean, Nick Michalowski, JessicaLewis and Ashleigh Doig.Front Row Seated: Ben Everingham (Leo’s Treasure), Joelle Everingham (Leo’s VicePresident), Kyle Cogan, Georgia Lewis (Leo’s President) and Elizabeth Kazenwadel(Leo’s Secretary)

It is time to get active on the “Junior Public Speaking” program again. I realise that many clubs are dealingwith the Youth of the Year at the moment, but we need to get the information into our Primary Schools assoon as possible. The sooner they have the information, the easier it is for them to include the program intheir curriculum.The topics for this year should be have been received by all clubs, along with the general information for the schools and clubs. There have been some minor changes this year. These have been to clarify the entry form, these do not need to be filled out at school level, but should be filled out when the students attend at Club level. The Club winner’s information should then be sent onto the Zone Chairman. I havefound that this eliminates misspelling of names and incorrect information at other stages. Local clubs havebeen good with this, so it will not be a big change for you.Keep up the efforts with you schools, if they have taken part in the past, do not assume it will happen

again. If schools have not participated in the past, keep trying, things may have changedthis year.The competition is expanding Nationally, I have had enquiries from around the country. It isbeing trialled in Tasmania, Gippsland and several clubs in NSW and Queensland.The program will be put up again at the National Convention in Tamworth, I am hopeful itwill be accepted as a Nation Program.Lion Graham Minnis.

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Lions 201V6 District has, in the last 3 months, formed 3 new Leo clubs! Making 6Leo clubs in the District and last night’s formation of the Wangaratta Leos club

will not be the last.

The V6 Lions Club of Benalla also indicated a very strong will to also form a Leo club.This fantastic Lions community project is going ahead in leaps and bounds. Nationally and globally it isnow one of the fastest growing projects in the International Lions organisation. Leos are the Lions of thefuture. They may not go straight into a Lions when they are finished with Leos but they will havedeveloped and knowledge of Lions and the great community service work Lions do. During their time asLeos they will have developed tremendous social and personal skills that will carry them into their adultlife.Leo clubs have been doing some inspirational community projects since they have formed. Projects likecollecting aluminium can ring pulls which are collected to be recycled into the basis of prosthetic limbs,they have been raising money doing car washes, face painting at various community gatherings and theyhave also been assisting their own sponsoring Lions clubs with many of their projects. Raising money forthe Lions Children’s Cancer Research Foundation by car washes and taking part in Lions Biggest BBQhas also been popular.Leadership is supported by the Leo of the Year Quest which attracts entrants from all over Australia.Australian Leos have won the International Leo of the year Award seven times in the past ten years. OurDistrict has supplied the state winner twice in the past three years.Leos is a Lions project that can have a great impact on many social and community based activities whichgives these young Australians a real purpose and goal in life. They have been seen visiting the elderly inAged Facilities assisting community based aged residence with shopping and gardening.Many Lions clubs around the world are now looking at this fantastic Lions project as a means of extendingtheir service to the disadvantaged and infirmed of the community and also opening up the world ofcommunity service to younger adults. There are two types of Leo clubs Alpha and Omega with agesbeginning at 12 to 18 and 18 to 28.Today’s International Leo Club Program began with a Single Club at Abington High School. Pennsylvania,USA, organized in 1957 by the Glenside Lions Club. The First Leos in Australia was the Leo Club formedin Ingham in 1968. In Australia and Papua New Guinea there are currently over 125 Leo Clubs registeredwith Lions Clubs International. Nationally, Leos now number over 1,400 and are growing rapidly.When you join Leos you become a member of a worldwide organisation with more than 5500 Leo Clubsand a membership in excess of 144,000 operating under the sponsorship of Lions Clubs in 138 nations. InAustralia and Papua New Guinea there are currently over 1400 Leos in nearly 100 Leo Clubs. These LeoClubs have proud records of Achievement in all areas of service to their local communities. All of our clubsprovide ample opportunity for their members to learn and to be involved.PDG Les Harrison.MD Leo Advisor

Multiple District 201 Leo Of The Year QuestAims of the quest:, to develop and encourage the qualities of Leadership, Experience and Opportunityand to select a fine ambassador for the Leos of Australia and PNG. Entry is now open for 2014.The entrant must be a financial member of a Leo Club in good standing, and should:1. show a genuine commitment to the ideals of community service2. be actively involved in the activities of his/her Leo Club and the wider community3. demonstrate a high level of leadership skills within Leos and the community4. have a knowledge and appreciation of the Leo Program and Lions International5. have a knowledge and appreciation of Australia/PNG and world affairs6. have good communication skills

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Max Mildren has been a major contributor to the RSL Sub-Branch for over 60 years. He established theLockhart Town Band in the late 1970's and has been involved in the band ever since. In recent years Maxhanded over leadership of the Band, however, recently, when the band looked like folding, Max took overthe Band again and has recruited new members and encouraged local musicians to join. He has alsooffered to teach musical instruments to these new members, ensuring the continuation of the Band.Max also volunteers teaching school students to play musical instruments. He has always been on handto play "The Last Post" and "Reveille" at Anzac Day and Armistice Day services in Lockhart for many,many years, and when required at funeral service for returnedsoldiers in Lockhart and most district towns, and sometimes inWagga too.Max has raised a family of six children in Lockhart. Whilst thechildren were at pre-school and school, he held variousexecutive positions at the pre-school and the Lockhart CentralSchool's P & C, and a willing volunteer at the many fundraisingactivities these organisations held. Whenever there was aworking bee held, Max was usually first to put up his hand.Max is also very involved in the Anglican Church and was aSunday School Teacher. Max is a member of the LockhartBowling Club Committee, the Lockhart Lions Club, Meals onWheels and is also a volunteer driver for the LockhartCommunity Health. Max is the third member of the Lions Clubof Lockhart to receive a Citizenship Award for Service to theLockhart Community in the last four years.Congratulations Max.

The Lions Club of Cohuna werethe very proud recipients of theGannawarra Shire Australia Day‘Community Service Award’ inrecognition of their 50 years ofservice to the Cohuna community.

Leo President, Tony Doyle was also honoured for his work with Youthin the Shire. Tony is a member of the Youth Parliament and theGannawarra Youth Council. The awards were presented by Mayor CrNeville Goulding at the Cohuna Australia Day ceremony where theLions Club provided breakfast of sausages, eggs and bacon foraround 250 visitors and members of the community.

Max being presented with his award by Mayor Peter Yatesand the Australia Day Ambassador Liz Deep-Jones

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After the pleasant Christmas get-together by the lake in December, our members met at the home of Rhonda andBrian Helsham for our January traditional combined Business/Dinner Meeting. This always takes the form of a “fishnight”, where the men barbecue fish fillets and the ladies provide salads and sweets. Rhonda and Brian’s beautifulgarden was a wonderful venue in which to relax on a balmy summer evening before our meeting.The annual Australia Day breakfast was again very popular, with numbers slightly up on last year. Unfortunately ouradvertised ambassador had to cancel due to ill health, but after the flag raising by Lion Bob Flett and the playing ofthe National Anthem, Councillor Lorraine Learmonth spoke on whatAustralia Day means to her, before reading the affirmation.President Harry Silvester presented dual Lions Club 2014 Australia DayCitizen Awards to former residents Pat Gillingham and Val Jeffreys.These ladies, both now residents of Kerang, were recognised for beinginstrumental in setting up U3A Kerang & District. Tim Scriven from Kerangagain brought his army duck out from Kerang and many people took theopportunity to enjoy a ride on Kangaroo Lake.We continue with our major fundraiser, the Contract with GannawarraShire to maintain areas around Kangaroo Lake, and with the very hotweather the lake has been a “hive of activity”.Our upcoming projects are the addition of an information board at the siteof the historical pump on Gorton Drive and replacement seating in the Racecourse Lake shelter.

Club members enjoying Christmas break up picnic.

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March is “Eye Donor Awareness” MonthLions, you can play a key role in promoting the importance of eye dona-tion and its life-changing effects on corneal recipients. Contact your nearest Lions Eye Bank to learn how to get involved with educational activities, community awareness events, donor recognition ceremonies and other functions. Learn how to register to become an eye donor, in-vite a speaker from an Eye Bank to a club or district event, or organize a fundraiser for your nearest Eye Bank.http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/member-center/planning-projects/sight-hearing/sight/eye-banks/index.php

For more information about corneal do-nations and sight-saving transplanta-tions, access the Eye Bank Association of America’s Frequently Asked Questions.

Rochester Lions members served around 350 members of the community with cereal, bacon and eggs ontoast along with tea, coffee and juice. Members of the newly formed Leo Club were on hand to lend assis-tance and look very smart in their new shirts.

Upper Kiewa Valley President Bill accepting his Lifetime Achievement Awardfrom the Alpine Shire on Australia Day, Councillor T ony Keeble in the background, Lion Les Wiebenga giving the Australia Day Address.

Australia Day BBQ Breakfast was a fantastic morning. The raffle for the quilt was also a success, with Lorraine Hooker the winner.

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Keeping up with ICTWe most certainly live in an age of Information and Communications Technology. So much information isreadily available as well as access to so many devices from smartphones, tablets of all kinds andcomputers. The options for accessing the services are just as diverse from pre-paid to post-paid, wirelessand cable. In most clubs if not all members at least 90% have access to ICT and at if nothing else at leastan email address. Of course our knowledge and expertise has had to catch up just as quickly so as not tobe disadvantaged.In recent years there has been a rapid development of websites containing a vast amount of informationand resources for Lions and clubs. So much is now available at our fingertips to give answers and help asneeded. There really can be no excuse for anyone to say Í didn’t know about that’ or ‘where can I getinformation about xyz.’Lions International - http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.phpBy now all Club secretaries will be familiar with the Lions International website just to simply reportmembership and activities each month. However for all members there is a wide range of resources andinformation about our organisation. A recent development is ‘webinars’ or if you like online seminars. Awhole package in this area is on club membership and development. For example see Membership andNew Clubs: http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/member-center/membership-and-new-clubs/index.phpOur organisation is working hard to strengthen the growth of membership and to assist clubs. We should all be encouraged to have a look at how these resources can help us.Lions Australia - http://lionsclubs.org.au/The Australian Lions website is a great source of information for members and clubs. It is well designedand easy to navigate. All our foundations, major projects, marketing and membership information can befound throughout the website. A great deal of information can be downloaded and printed if needed. Iwould suggest that club bulletin editors refer to the website and include articles each month to increasemember’s knowledge about our organisation. http://lionsclubs.org.au/District 201V6 - http://201v6.lions.org.au/Our website is now in the same format as club websites using the tools of OZ Clubhouse which isavailable to all clubs. It is a very interactive website and is up to date with district information. Anymember missing a copy of the district newsletter – ‘Roar’ can find one here.http://201v6.lions.org.au/NEWSLETTER

OZ Clubhouse New SystemClubs may also be interested to know that OZ Clubhouse is being upgraded as per this notice: Developers are working on an upgrade of the Oz Clubhouse Club and District Website software. During2014 it is expected, the OZ Clubhouse system data and files will be transferred to the new system. Astatus log is available to allow all users to check the status of the system. You may visit the log athttp://lionsclubs.org.au/members/oz-clubhouse/More details: http://lionsclubs.org.au/members/oz-clubhouse/

I strongly encouraged all members to bookmark the above three Lions websites in their preferred Internet browser.

I am always only a phone call away from providing assistance over the phone or attending club and zone meetings to further demonstrate how to make the best use of information technology and communication resources.

Harold CoverICT Chairman

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DG Lynn Fredericks, PDG Brenda Henderson a I had the pleasure of attendingthe Beechworth Lions Club on Wednesday 5th February.The venue for the Clubs dinner meetings is the Hibernian Hotel where they areprovided with a separate room for their meeting and the meals are first class.DG Lynn explained that the reason for his visit with PDG Brenda was toencourage them and their Club into a brighter future.

During the meeting DG Lynn and PDG Brenda pointed out to the Members theduties and responsibilities that Club Officers have in order to move the Clubforward successfully and the importance of Incoming Club Officers to attend the“Club Officers Information Days” was also stressed.To secure the Clubs future the need to increase Club Membership was alsostressed to Club members and it was suggested that having a LionsMembership Information Day in the main street of Beechworth could help andalso to follow up continuously with any prospective members.The Club is fortunate to have two Lions transferring to their Club from Altona. They are Josie and Brian Cornish, withJosie having previously filled the position of Secretary for seven years at the Altona Club, so her experience inLionism will be very helpful to the Beechworth Club.DG Lynn also requested all Club Members to take part in a survey, “How are your ratings”, which they filled outindividually. It covered questions on Club meeting procedures in various ways and also Club dynamics andcommunity service. It also gave members the chance of suggesting how they and the Club could improve.

The “How are your ratings” survey is a great tool to assess how your members feel about their Club and what theyare getting out of their membership. It now gives DG Lynn an idea as to where Members feel they can improve as aClub.As most Members were present and the enthusiasm was generated, the Club Members elected their new OfficeBearers for the 2014 – 2015 year on the night, which was a very positive action towards the future for their Club.At the conclusion of the Meeting the efforts of the current Club President Leslie and husband Secretary GraemeSmart were also acknowledged, as Graeme has recently completed 50 years of service with Lionism which is a greateffort.

Leslie and Graeme hope to still keep enjoying their retired life by travelling and will certainly assist the Club with theirprojects, when they come to their home in Beechworth to rest .ZC Peter Poels.

Benalla Lions Club and Benalla Rotary Club met at the Moira BowlsClub for a combined meeting. There was a delicious meal followed bygames of Bowls. It was a perfect night and the groups enjoyed it verymuch.

Rotarian Janice Crothers, Indianvisitor Pascalina, Rotary PresidentPaul Kelly and Lion John Davies

Outgoing Treasurer Christine Luckman,President, Leslie Smart and Treasurer

Graeme Smart.

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The Lions Club Academic Award was presented toNathanual Farren a the 2013 Primary Schoolpresentation night.DG presents dedicated Chiltern Lion John Fliton withthe International Presidents Appreciation Certificate.

When you need printing, calendars,laminating, document binding, photoenlargements and fabric printing, theChiltern Lions Club Printing Service isthe place to go.

Leo member, Emily Rigg, received the Lions Scholarship for outstandingcommunity service work and her leadership at school. The annualscholarship is presented to a Year 6 student in honour of charter memberDr Peter Graham.Emily has just been elected to the Secondary College Student Council asthe year 7 representative. A leader of the future.Cohuna Lions Club extend an invitation to all Lions and theirfamilies to attend the “Bridge to Bridge” event. 1st & 2nd MarchWhat started as a bet between two mates to see if they could swim fromDaltons Bridge to the Town Bridge over 10 years ago, is now a two dayevent.On Saturday 1st March is the Tri-Athlone around Gunbower Island, then onthe Sunday there is the Fun Run/Walk or cycle on Gunbower Island, also the

swim race or canoe in Gunbower Creek. To add to the weekend on Saturday night there will be music in the park, a junior disco and a Farmers Market on Sunday morning. Lots for all the family. Check out the website for more details. www.bridgetobridge.org.au

The Corryong Youth Club Hall was the chosen venue for District Governor Lynn Fredericks to induct twonew members into the Corryong Lions Club.Belinda Attree and Jessica Getzendorfer were welcomed into the Club and the members provided adelicious banquet to help celebrate . The evening was very social, as the Club has been busy withcatering , fundraising and project managing , so the night was a great chance to relax and catch up.Belinda and Jessica will bring our membership numbers to 10, while the Club continues to be involved incommunity projects we have seen an increase in interest around the Lions Club.We invited the DG to the Youth Club Hall, because the total refurbishment of the Hall has been an 8 yearproject of the Corryong Lions Club with completion expected by June 2014, so this was a good opportunityto see firsthand the completion of stage one being a commercial kitchen, and now the remainder of theHall is currently being renovated.The Corryong Lions Club is custodian of the Hall which was built in the late 50’s by volunteer. The Clubworked to obtain a Regional Growth Grant thru the Victorian Govt, and the Club met the required fundingcriteria thru decades of catering and fundraising.The Hall was the base for emergency services during the bushfires and also during recent flood events. Itis also used by many local groups, club and for tourism events. This project will ensure the Hall will beable to serve the Upper Murray community for another 70 years or more.

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At a recent meeting of the Strathmerton LionsClub they honoured a former member, SteveMcCoy with the presentation of the highest awardin the Lions organisation, a MELVIN JONESFELLOW, the award was given to Steve in recog-nition of 20 years of service to the Club and hiscommunity. The award is named in the honour ofthe founder of the Lions organisation almost 100years ago, and is presented to Lions members orother community people who have given out-standing service.Steve`s service included being Club President,Secretary, Treasurer, a board member, chairmanof the annual fishing competition, he also wasalso a member of the district 201v6 cabinetwhere he held several positions over the years.

DG Lyn Fredericks was pleased to present International Presidents Award to Past president RobertStrachan for Membership retention.DG Lyn was able to present a new Caromed Chair to the Manager of Culcairn Hospital, which our clubpurchased with a baby monitor being ordered and will be presented in the next week. These two pieces ofequipment add to the list of equipment our club has donated to our hospital such as a 12 blanket warmingwardrobe, 4 office chairs. staff storing lockers. Culcairn Club has had an ongoing relationshipwith our hospital and its needs.

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For the past 39 years, the biggest weekend on the Gunbower Lions calendar is the Echuca Southern 80Ski Race event. Over 350 boats competed this year and this means there are lots of people aroundwatching at different vantage points along the Murray River who need to be fed. The Gunbower Lionsprovide breakfast on both Saturday and Sunday mornings for those staying around that area. 24 dozeneggs were needed for the egg and bacon sandwiches. A tremendous effort for a small club of 15members.This year the local school was upgraded during the holidays, part of the playground was left dry andbarren, the Club decided to donate $500 for paving of this area. This had a two fold effect, they couldprovide the school with a much needed play area and at the same time, recognise the work done in thearea by the Lions Club. The area is now a memorial to the members of the Club for the next generation tosee.On Wednesday night DG Lynn and Lions Lady Pam came to visit, the dinner meeting was held at thehome of members John and Rose Catanese. Along with the DG, there were visitors from East Loddon andCohuna Lions Clubs.During the evening DG Lynn had the pleasure of presenting a 15 yearChevron to John Catanese and a 10 year Chevron to Jason Smith.There were two 40 year Chevrons also for Charter members FredBorden and Bill Rowlands, who were not in attendance.

The Australian Lions Drug Awareness Foundation (ALDAF) has been serving Australia forover 25 years to provide alcohol and other drug information to the Australian Community,and in more recent years we have focused on youth health demonstrating an ability tocreate projects that achieve results. With innovative and modern projects, combined withuseful factsheet based resources the foundation helps thousand every year.

Please explore our website to find out more.

The AIM of the Foundation is to promote awareness and prevention of abuse of alcohol and other drugs.The Foundation is primarily charged with the development and provision of suitable drug awarenessresources and materials for use, in their own local communities, by Lions, Lioness and Leo Clubs ofMultiple District 201.

In addition it seeks to involve the wider community in the work that the Lions of Australia, Papua NewGuinea and Norfolk Island are doing in this most difficult field.

Visit http://aldaf.org.au/ for more information.

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Lions Clubs International has recognised 5 Tongala Lions mem-bers for their dedicated service to its organisation.They have each been presented with a Chevron Award to com-memorate and recognise their year’s of service.WE SERVE – Lions are people who want to give back to thecommunity and help the needy worldwide.We are made up of men & women of all ages, races, creeds andpolitical affiliations. Fellowship; Good times; Meeting people;Building lasting friendships; Service to the community; Learningnew skills; Leadership and personal development are just someof the good things about being a member of Lions.L-R Murray Hitchcock (20 yrs); Murray Ross (40 yrs); Doug Cowan(30yrs); Ken Chapman (30 yrs); John Ryan (30 yrs).

Thurgoona & District Lions Club, together with the ThurgoonaFootball and Netball club and the Thurgoona Rural FireService, held its first community Christmas Carols on 22nd

December 2013.The organising committee were very nervous about how manylocals would attend the carols and only catered for around 200people, but were very pleasantly surprised when a crowd ofbetween 400-500 arrived.

Consequently, therewasn’t enough candlesor food but the crowdhad a great timelistening to the wonderful performers who gave up their time tosing to the crowd.The organisers of these three community groups are nowplanning the next carols night and are expecting a much largercrowd. Just an example of how one small idea can be turnedinto a reality with the co-operation of local community groups.Congratulations to Lion Ian Crane and his team for bringing thisproject to the Thurgoona community.

Lions Australia Online ShopAs we get toward the business end of our Lions year andyour are looking for awards or gifts for members whoseefforts you want to reward, or you are looking for a prize

for your Youth of the Year Quest winner.

The Lions Online Shop has some great gift ideas,badges, plaques, pens, folders even USB sticks.

Check it out at;

http://www.lionsclubsshop.com.au

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Young learner drivers in the Upper Kiewa Valley just received a great boost to their driving future, with thedelivery of a new practice car funded by the Lions Club of Upper Kiewa Valley, and the Mount Beautybranch of the Bendigo Bank, a Community Enterprises Bank.The car will be used in the L2P Program, which is aimed at young learners with little or no opportunity toaccumulate driving experience towards the 120 hours necessary before they attempt their driving licence.Funded by VicRoads, the program involves the training of volunteer mentors to supervise the learners intheir driving experience, and the identification of young people who need the service. VicRoads alsoprovide funding for vehicle maintenance and fuel costs, as well as seven free driving lessons taken prior toand during the mentoring period.A car has been available under the program for the Alpine Shire for some years, and there are 7 mentorsin the Kiewa Valley, including a member of the Lions Club, and several in other parts of the shire. The carhas been, and still is, garaged in Myrtleford, 60km away from Mount Beauty, and this has alwayspresented logistical problems.Members of UKV Lions recognised the difficulty and donated $8000 towards the purchase of a new car,and successfully applied to the Board of the Community Bank for another $7000.The car was delivered on Monday, February 3 and the photos are taken in front of the Mount BeautySecondary College, with a number of students, many of whom will benefit from the program.Similar to a number of Lions Clubs in the District, this year is the 50th since being chartered in March1964. Lion Bill Sutton was a charter member of the Club, and is now our President (not for the first time!).Our 50th Birthday Dinner is on March 14, Tawonga Town Hall. Please contact Bill on 0428944128 or the Club for further information on the celebrations.

From L, VicRoads representative Daren Fawkes, Mark Roffey, District Manager for the Community Bank, Lion Bill Sutton, UKV President, Lion Keith Pike, and Alpine Shire Representative Angus Goodman. Does your club need a safety officer?

To answer this question, we need to look at it both from the viewpoint of the Club and the Lions Insurers. There can be little doubt that when the vast majority of Lions Clubs discuss carrying out a Project or Activ-ity, these discussions centre on responsibilities and who will do what. Little, if any, time is spent discuss-ing the safety aspects of the Project or Activity – this is basicly why Clubs need to have a Safety/Security Officer, to ensure the safety aspects from the Club’s point of view are considered and acted upon.

Go to the Australian Lions website and check out all the information available to Clubs.

www.lionsclubs.org.au/members/insurance/safety- officer/

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Wangaratta Lions have been very busy, not only have theyformed a new Leo Club but they have inducted a newmember into their Club. New Lion, Andy Kimber was bornin London and has travelled extensively , Andy is marriedwith three daughters and two grandchildren. He is a retiredteacher and has now retired to live in Wangaratta. Andy’sno stranger to community service having past experienceas an Apexian.The Wangaratta Annual Swap Meet was held again thisyear at the Wangaratta Show Grounds.The meet was supported by over 200 stall holders andexhibitors however due to the very hot weather and theextreme Fire Risk many stayed away.Those that did attend were treated to a huge variety ofstalls. The Wangaratta Lions held the usual Healthscreening and Lions Information Stand assisted by thelovely ladies from North East Health who carried out bloodPressure and Diabetes checks. Those that had a healthscreen also entered in the chance to win 2 x $50 fuelvouchers and both were won by local Wangarattapersonalities.The information stand identified 9 people that wanted moreinformation about Lions, these will be followed up byWangaratta Membership Chairman PDG Tom Little.

Wangaratta Lions heldtheir annual “Carols byCandlelight”, members

were on hand to sellChristmas Cakes alongwith the song sheets.The newly formed Leo

Club members added tothe nights entertainment

with face-painting.

Wangaratta Lions spreading the word aboutLions International and all that we do.

President Ern gets theonce over by the

NEH nurse

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It has been many years since V6 has conducted a Licola Special Needs Camp however we are pleased to announce arrangements are well underway to conduct a Special Needs Camp from Tuesday 22nd April, 2014 to Sunday 27th April, 2014.We request that your urgent and prompt attention be given to this most rewarding experience, whilst we do not expect Lions Clubs to sponsor participants, however we would hope assistance could be provided to families experiencing financial hardship. We seek your help to identify suit able persons from special schools, supported employment facilities or organisations catering for these special people between the age of eight years and adulthood.The cost of the camp is $305 all inclusive which covers the bus trip and accommodation at Licola, There is no charge for carers accompanying campers or Lion volunteers.The number of campers, carers and volunteers travelling by two coaches has been limited to ensure a great camp.The camp co-ordinators are Lions Ross White Lavington Lions Club and Lion Neil Ware of Wangaratta Lions Club both have over 25 years experience running Licola camps.The aims and goals of the camp is to provide an environment in which each camper has a beneficial time and learn in a most practical way the art of communication.Licola is more than just a camp, it is a place where Special People get together, laugh, play, express themselves and most of all display incredible love to one another and gain so much in only one week.Clubs will be contacted shortly in regards to this wonderful project and we will forward enrolment forms and suggested requirements for the camp to your club.We seek volunteers for this wonderful rewarding District Project.For any further information whatsoever in respect of this camp please contact Lion Ross White on02 6043 2252 ( H & B) 02 6043 2358Fax Email rossjwhite1@bigpond.comYours in LionismLion Ross White Licola ChairmanD.G. Lynn Fredericks

January 2014 Update

We hope that you will all have a happy, healthy andsuccessful New year. By the time most of you read thisnewsletter we will be well into the second January camp.Numbers are good, and we’d like to thank all supportingLions Clubs for their vision in sponsoring needy childrenfrom their communities to attend the camps, and for allthose who make it happen. It is still early days but whata blessing we are not under fire alerts at this stage.

Camp 272: Monday 7th to Friday 11th April 2014

Camp 273: Mon 22nd – Friday 26th September 2014

District 201 N4 Special Needs Camp: Saturday 12th toThursday 17th April, 2014District 201 V6 Special Needs Camp: Tuesday 22nd toSunday 27th April, 2014District 201 V3 Special Needs Camp: Monday 12th –Wednesday 14th May 2014All information can be found www.licola.org.au – Lionsdrop down menu – Lions Sponsored Camps.

We are always in need of Camp Volunteers for LionsSponsored camps for the buses and the campsthemselves. Volunteers need to be over the age of 18and be fit and healthy.

This is just an early plea to ask Clubs to consider helpingout in this area. Can you please make contact withschool and community groups in your area to see if thereare people interested in volunteering; you do need aWorking with Children Check card, but note that thesecan be organised free of charge for volunteers via yourPost Office.

Licola has successfully hosted all of the schools thatwere cancelled earlier in the year due to the bushfires,including Trafalgar Secondary College who came for thefirst time and they liked it so much they are coming backagain early this year.“Canteen” in partnership with the Lions Club of Wantirnacame up for 5 days in December and had a successfulcamp, and to top that off we are now on the NationalScene, A family reunion of more than 100 memberscame from as far as Perth and Queensland and enjoyedit so much they are coming back again in 2014. Thatreally says it all, don’t you think.

It is still 5 months away but now is the time to plan for agreat social and working gathering. Think of it as an allexpenses paid working holiday without having to pass the“Booze Bus” on the way home! Please let Adam or Sudgeor Luke know if you will be coming.

With the school holidays finishing at the end of this month,and the weather still very “summer time” perhaps it is timeto get a group of your club members together and enjoyand appreciate the facilities at Licola. If you are preparedto do a fair day’s work and still take time to enjoy yourselfthen it may cost you nothing to stay, please contact Sudgeor Adam at Licola to ensure that there will be cabinsavailable.

Many of you will have already received this message viayour cabinet Secretary and Club Secretary but just in caseyou haven’t, the Tourism awards are up for nominationagain. As you will see from the logo at the foot of thisreport we won in 2012, were ineligible in 2013 and feel it isour turn again in 2014. Not only is it good for publicity andfor business, but we genuinely do believe we are the best!Winning depends on the number of votes received in thevarious categories, so when you have voted please passthis information on to family and friends and ask them tovote as well. Here’s how:

1. Click this linkhttp://www.wrtawards.tourismwellington.com.au

2. From the Accommodation drop down listselect Licola Wilderness Village

3. From the Best Customer Service drop downand select Licola Wilderness Village in the boxthat appears below.

4. Click the Submit Your Votes button at thebottom.

5. Do it again! You are allowed to vote 4 xfrom each computer but only once for anygiven email address - so get the wholefamily to jump on the computer and repeat1 - 4 above.

Houses 15 & 16The end is in sight and we expect completion in the nextmonth or so. It’s been a big job, but what a tremendousasset has been created. We are indebted to all who havecontributed in any way, and will let everybody know assoon as it is finished.

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Chairman’s Report

Dates for Lions Sponsored Camp 2014

Dates for Special Needs Adventure Camps 2014

L.S.C. Camp Voluntees for April / September

What’s Happening at Licola?

Next working Bee May 23 - May 30th 2014

Club Activities - Working at Licola

Wellington Shire Tourism Awards

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February 2014 Update

Photo courtesy activities Instructor, Dom O’Neale

The summer Lions Sponsored camps were againsuccessful and well supported. Thanks to all concerned,who helped to make the camps such an enjoyableexperience for the children. It’s a timely reminder of whoour most important clients are, and the reasons why werun our project at Licola. And now, it’s time to begearing up for the April camp. Please start thinkingabout the children in your neighbourhood who wouldbenefit. If money for sponsorship is an issue for yourclub, please contact your District Chairman, who may beable to assist, as from time to time we may havesponsorship money available.

Camp 272: Monday 7th to Friday 11th April 2014Camp 273: Mon 22nd – Friday 26th September 2014All information can be found www.licola.org.au – Lionsdrop down menu – Lions Sponsored Camps.

Dates for Special Needs Adventure Camps 2014District 201 N4 Special Needs Camp: Saturday 12th toThursday 17th April, 2014District 201 V6 Special Needs Camp: Tuesday 22nd toSunday 27th April, 2014District 201 V3 Special Needs Camp: Monday 12th –Wednesday 14th May 2014

It is with regret that we advise the passing of ex LionBernie on 2 January 2014. Bernie was an activesupporter of Licola in its early days and was a LifeGovernor. He also personally sponsored children toattend Licola camps, even after he ceased to be a Lion.Thank you Bernie for all you did..

PDG David passed away last week after a period of declining health. Together with his high profile roles on the Boards of the VLF, LEHP and CERA, David will be remembered as a strong supporter and contributor to Lions Village Licola almost since its inception. He brought his considerable legal expertise as a valuable tool, and was a President and subsequently member of the LVL Board of Management for a number of years. David will be sorely missed.

Lions Sponsored Camp 269 had 107 children attendingand in what must be a record, 72 of these were directlysponsored by the Lions Club of Corio Bay – V2. BrianEdward has over many years worked with many localbusiness organisations to sponsor children and their500th child attended this camp. This is a remarkableeffort and in Brian’s own words “it is not until you actually work with these children do you understand thedysfunction and disadvantage in the local community”We all know that ….don’t we? Congratulations to everybody involved.

It’s still 5 months away but time flies, and now is the time toplan for a great social and working week. Think of it as anall expenses paid working holiday (?) without having topass the “Booze Bus” on the way home! Please let Adamor Sudge or Luke know if you will be coming.

During January it was widely advertised that there was afire in the Licola area and an "Advice" message was,and is, being advertised for Licola itself. The fire wasburning slowly and remotely 28km from Licola and at nopoint through January was there any risk to the Campor the town. Our Camp Management team have a directline through to the Fire District Duty Officer (not a publicnumber) as well as the DEPI District Manager whoprovide early, real, and up to date information daily.Currently the DEPI have this fire contained and can seeno smoke or "hot spots" anywhere within the area usingtheir spotter planes and infrared technology. Note: This fire now has an “all clear rating”.

Chef Dan Thyer, our very popular Chef who had left usto live in South Australia, made a special trip in order tocater for the last two January Lions Sponsored Camps,because he loves the Sponsored Camps so much! Nowthat Dan has returned home we welcome Jade, a cheffrom Melbourne who will be with us until April. Welcome,Jade to our Licola family!

We need your vote now. It takes about 3 minutes,please do it now, help us to win this prestigiousaward again – It’s great for awareness and businessHere’s how:

1. Click this linkhttp://www.wrtawards.tourismwellington.com.au/

2. From the Accommodation drop down list selectLicola Wilderness Village

3. From the Best Customer Service drop downand select Licola Wilderness Village in the boxthat appears below.

4. Click the Submit Your Votes button at thebottom.

5. Do it again! You are allowed to vote 4 x from each computer but only once for any given email address - so get the whole family to jump on the computer and repeat 1 - 4 above.

We have started to establish Licola with more online socialmedia, with accounts on Facebook and Twitter. For Facebook, go to your account and type “Licola Wilderness Village” in the search bar, and for Twitter click here;https://twitter.com/licolaWV We also have a QR code for our website but I am keeping that for next month. Confused? so am I but your children and grandchildren will not be, share it with them. Did anybody notice the new Mast Head for this edition? Thanks to Dom O’Neale for his photo.

Chairman’s Report

Dates for sponsored Lions camps 2014

PDG David Welsh - late of Frankston Lions Club

Bernie Krause - late of Knoxfield Lions Club

Can you beat this… LSC 269 District V2

Next working Bee May 23 - May 30th 2014

Fire danger alerts

An old “friend” returns

Wellington Shire Tourism Award - Closes 17-2-14

Social Media