Lions Club of City of Devonport

Lions Xmas Party and Devonport Cup Photos

2012-01-25T16:12:00.002+11:00

The 2011 Lions Christmas party at President Rob's was a great success. We all sat on Santa's lap and got a pressy!

The 2012 Devonport Cup was also a wonderful event that we partook in early January. As part of our Lions commitment we always do the racegates at Spreyton on race dates. It supports our club membership fees, provides community visibility and manning the gate is an enjoyable social occasion. Devonport Cup was of course a major event and all available Lions were on board. Three gates were manned, top and bottom gates as well as a middle gate as some parking and marquees were in the middle of the racecourse this year.

Meeting in our new Shed

2012-01-25T15:46:00.002+11:00

The last meeting on 12 January was held in the new shed at Spreyton, and gave us all an opportunity to see how good it is. The meeting was a partner's night and was relatively informal. After the meeting Lion Hos showed us how the caravan could easily be driven into it as well.

Ample space for everything. Just need a few more shelves for the carpet rolls and this place will be spic and span!

Lions Shed BBQ

2012-01-09T15:45:00.000+11:00

Our meeting this Thursday 12th January 2012 is a **partners night**
It will be held at our new Lions Shed, which is located on Bay Drive, Spreyton.

Usual time: Time: 6.30pm - 7pm
Bring a chair and a sweet/salad if you can.

Lion Robert

Carols 2011

2011-12-16T22:16:00.000+11:00

The Carols by Candlelight 2011 were blessed by beautiful weather again. As darkness fell and the battery operated candles were switched on, the Devonport community present (most of them I am sure!) savoured the magical atmosphere and joined in singing traditional Christmas carols with local talent.

Santa arrived in a horse-drawn carriage from Hurlfield Farm this year - see below!

Lions Xmas party 2011

2011-12-12T12:52:00.000+11:00

That's it folks, 769 Melrose Road Saturday 18 December 2011. RSVP to Lion Robert or Lion Lady Michelle. It's worth the drive, trust me! Click on the <link> for directions from Devonport, and click on the above invitation to see the full size one.

See you there.

Becks Hardware BBQ

2011-12-10T14:26:00.000+11:00

Lion Hos (above) and Lion Geoff (below) spotted at the Becks Hardware carpark. Becks Hardware is celebrating their re-branding and the City of Devonport Lions Club was invited to do the BBQ. All proceeds going to the Lions Club. The BBQ was in high demand, both times I stopped to call in there was a queue at least 5-10 deep!

Good warm-up for the Carols by Candlelight event tomorrow, Sunday 11 December. 7pm at the Bluff's Soundshell. All members should be in attendance wearing Christmas attire and a Lions shirt! Members needed to help set up 9-11am and 5-7pm. We'll have the caravan selling food and it will be a fun night as it always is at the Soundshell.

Saved by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter

2011-12-09T12:57:00.000+11:00

No one will enjoy the 2011 Christmas party like Lion Cathy! She survived the following ordeal last month:

About 2130hrs yesterday the Police Westpac Rescue Helicopter was activated by Tasmania Police in relation to the search for a woman reported missing whilst kayaking on the Mersey River, Devonport.

The woman was located in her kayak at approx 2345hrs. She was taken into the helicopter and flown to Devonport. The woman was cold but uninjured.

Her reply, before being fined by the Lion Tamer, was that her mate had called the police after being stranded in deep mud and low tide. She claimed to be warm and asleep in her kayak at midnight when they got rescued within hours of the tide coming back. Cathy complained about the helicopter's heater not working. It was all terribly exciting, except for the cleaning of the muddy kayaks afterwards...

Although Lion Cathy nor her friend had requested a helicopter rescue, the crew of the rescue helicopter is always enthusiastic to come out. Of course preference will always be given to life-threatening cases, cases such as this where we might consider it overkill are still treated as a good exercise, a chance to hone their skills in finding stranded people at night, and due to the less critical nature have minimal risk of failure. It must be remembered that being stranded on a flood plain can be very dangerous, as Cathy could've been surprised in her warm sleep by a torrent of cold water. People have drowned in bath tubs, and no situation involving water and nature can be dismissed as trivial at any time. Thank you to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and crew, we think you do a fantastic job!

Christmas Spirit 2011

2011-12-09T12:55:00.000+11:00

President's Words: "Congratulations to the Lions who worked on our Float in the Devonport Christmas Parade: we were awarded runner up in the Community Section. Lead by Deanne, our float featured skateboards and razor scooters promoting the Lions East Devonport Skate Park project. Local skaters Bobby and Mark joined us on the float."

Other Points:

Becks BBQ on Saturday 10 December.
Christmas Carols by Candlelight at the Bluff on Sunday. All hands on deck 9-11am and 6-7pm to help set-up. Grab a burger or snag from our Lions Club van for tea! Watch out for Santa who is alleged to arrive by horse and cart!!
Thank you Hos for clearing up an old ladiy's yard. Lions is donating a load of mulch to finish off the job properly, and some Lions muscle will be engaged to move a shed. Things we do!
Only 1kg Christmas cakes left for now! The 1.5kg ones are on order and due any time. Contact Lion Sam! If you are not a Lion member and want one check your local stores!
Magic Show; The Lions share of the event was over $5K, which considering how many people benefited from the event is one of the most worth while events on our City of Devonport Lions Club calendar! We would love to see the show have a late afternoon session, but Michael Boyd's World Festival of Magic has a tight schedule and our hands are tight...
And before I totally loose your attention,.. if you are planning to travel to Korea in 2012, why not register as an early-bird for the 95th International Lions convention in Busan before 30 December and save.

World of Magic

2011-12-07T21:14:00.000+11:00

The World Festival of Magic with illusionists Michael Boyd and his ever so attractive assistant Nichola Jayne is the longest running international magic show of its kind. The 90-minute family orientated show has been touring for 22 years in 55 cities throughout Australia and New Zealand, and this week it was the City of Devonport Lions Club who organised their return to the North West.

Local business houses were invited to pay for tickets which were subsequently distributed throughout the community to deserving individuals and organisations. Over 500 people attended the two shows, complete with children from East Devonport Primary and the School of Special Education and many many others.

This year's performance even included Thurton, a well traveled duck. Thurton was able to defy the space-time continuum with Michael's magic. As per usual, this annual Club event was a great success both for Devonport, the town we live in, and for our Club.

Xmas Parade 2011

2011-12-05T13:39:00.001+11:00

The annual Devonport Apex Christmas Parade was held again last Friday, December 2. Devonport was in luck with the weather and The City of Devonport Lions Club was prepared and ready for the show with their own float.

The Parade was a huge success, bigger than ever, people lined the streets for the entire route from town to Fourways and back. With belly dancers, go-karts, stunt riders, musicians, vets and pets, classic cars (where was our Citron DeuxChevaux Two CV??), electricians, fairies, bicycles,... you name it!

Bobby Medcalf was given a special honour on our float, and skateboards featured prominently on our float. Bobby was the prime person responsible for the East Devonport skatepark which is about to be built thanks to his initiative, Lions funding and organisation. Onya Bobby, luv yer work!
We'll be back next year!

Pyrethrum

2011-11-26T21:25:00.000+11:00

John Hughes pictured here with Robin Tait

Robin Tait BSc.(Agr.) Agricultural Research Officer from BRA (Botanical Resources Australia) was our guest speaker at last Thursday’s dinner meeting.

Robin recently returned from an 11-week study tour in the UK, sponsored by Tasmanian Alkaloids after she was selected from many other applicants by the Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania. It was an ‘experience of a lifetime’.

Robin told us she was hoping for an educational holiday, but instead found herself immersed in an invigorating sleepless 3 months of farm hopping around the UK. Living with farmers in small communities, observing and participating in how people in the UK favour small scale, labour intensive farming. Dairy farming in the UK is mostly with tied stock in barns, requiring carting silage (a major part of farm life!) and collecting slurry which then needs spreading on the fields (as fertiliser). Cows are rarely kept outside as their hooves damage the wet and soft soil too much, not to mention the gale force winds that Robin did not take a liking to either. Robin reported that sheep flocks of 200 are considered massive in the UK, and hence shearing is just done in the paddock on a sunny day.

Farming in the UK is not a profitable business. In fact farms often ran at a loss. The UK government supplies Single Farm Payments, which often forms the only profit for the farms. Other government payments were obtained by setting land aside for nature, creating wetlands, planting for local birds and bumble bees, skylark-patches... Other than that farms need to be creative and earn extra income through alternative activities. Robin saw many farms which doubled as Bed and Breakfast Farm Stays, some with Maiz Mazes, some with petting zoos, Paintball, wedding functions, and then last but not least farmers can be paid for just setting-aside land, and ‘not farming’. In the latter cases the land is (sometimes) seeded for grain and left fallow. Even ‘keeping’ a willow tree on the farm attracts a £30 annual subsidy!

Most farms are leased in the UK, either from the councils or from estates, usually on generational leases where the farmer leases the land as long as he is capable of farming, and can extend the lease to the next generation if it can be proven that his offspring intends to and is capable of farming the land. Other farms are part of a co-op or another large farming estate. Few farms are privately/family owned.

Another major difference in UK farming was the participation of women. In Tasmania Robin is an exception to the rule being a woman, with many stubborn farmers requiring her to prove herself before accepting her as a fellow ag-worker.

Socially Robin also had a good time, participating in more tug-a-war’s than she can remember, the UK farmers appear to be dead set serious about their tug-a-war! She attended traditional fox-hunts and saw immaculately dressed hunt-masters wearing £800 boots (with £400 ‘bits of wood’ to keep them straight while not in use). Robin attended many charity events, climber four big mountains including Ben Nevis, Snowdon, and Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland.

In July of 2011 Robin returned as a well travelled, experienced public speaker and above all a confident field officer for BRA! She also briefed us on the cultivation of pyrethrum which was quite interesting. Pyrethrum is a naturally occurring insecticide, effective against a broad range of insect pests. It is used in homes and gardens, as well as for agricultural and commercial uses. Pyrethrum is fast acting against most insect pests, and is a repellent as well as an insecticide. As it has low toxicity to humans and animals it is a relatively safe product when used according to label instructions. Pyrethrum breaks down quickly, particularly in sunlight, and so there is no build-up in the environment.

Pyrethrum is grown from seed and gives its first yield 18 months after planting. After that it is an annual crop. Pyrethrum is only grown in a few countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, PNG, and only a few others). Tasmania, BRA in fact, is responsible for producing about 60% of the world’s need. Before the pyrethrum can be used in fly spray and other insecticides the seeds are collected by a combiner and the rest is left on the field as straw. The straw is also used in the manufacturing process which results in pellets which are then exported and used in the manufacturing of natural insecticides.

Silly Season 2011 has started

2011-11-26T14:58:00.000+11:00

Gunns Mitre 10 Hardware? Nope, no longer. The new image launch for BECKS HARDWARE is 10 December, and the City of Devonport Lions will be there to do the BBQ.

The over 90s birthday celebration was a great success again. The senior citizens choir performed as per usual, but this time it was followed by a youthful performance of the Slipstream Circus. The circus acts performed by young people from the local area was much appreciated by the 70+ people over 90. Eleven drivers were busy helping ferry the elderly to and from their abodes, many drivers making multiple trips. Ten points to Cathy Clayton, Ree Loane and Jim Pearson for organising it this year.

Next Wednesday, 30 November, is the official opening of the new Child and Family Centre in East Devonport. The opening is held at the East Devonport Primary school and is followed by a Lions Club BBQ at 1045am. Jenny Rimmer negotiated a $50 voucher from Woolworths for the BBQ food!
Magic Show coming closer now! Tuesday 6 December at 11am and 1pm at the DEC! Lions members were keen to volunteer to be ushers for these performances.

The Devonport Apex Christmas Parade is on again on Friday 2 December 2011! Meet at Lion Deanne’s place to get the float ready for lift-off at 4pm, or meet at the old Motors Site in Devonport at 630pm to support fellow Lions.

Also on 2 December we are selling Lions Christmas Cakes in the Rooke Street Mall. Starting at Noon. Be there to buy or to sell, eating is later.

Finally we have the annual Soroptomists’ Carols by Candlelight which this year is back at the Sound Shell at the Bluff; Sunday 11 December starting at 7pm City of Devonport Lions will be there to set up 9-11am and from 530pm onwards. More volunteers always appreciated, this is a big event for us, all hands on deck please!

The skate-park planned for East Devonport had a small hiccup! The council approved plans had to be changed because of copyright technicalities, and Lion Grant had to source another design which was simple enough except that it now has to go through the Devonport City Council approval process again. Fortunately it will be bigger and better. The Lions Club is supporting the project with up to $20K and funds have been approved from the Council, the Premiers Fund and the Tasmanian Community Fund, plus Cement Australia, Quickmix and Darren Smith from Fairbrother’s amongst many other supporters and sponsors have been right behind the entire project. Construction will now commence shortly after Christmas.

We are Appreciated!

2011-11-24T13:45:00.000+11:00

(click on below photos for larger version!)

Look, we got a nice article in The Advocate for the Over 90s Birthday Party! As per usual the message got jumbled up badly, but nonetheless it is good to get some Lions related media.

We assume people in the know understand it was a City of Devonport Lions Club project and the Lions organising Committee (for the Over 90s Party), headed by Cathy Clayton, likes to express their sincere thanks to Meercroft, Strathdevon, Meals on Wheels, the Uniting Church, Orana and Community Nursing for all their help in making the Over 90's Birthday Party another great Success!

Adopt-a-Highway

We received a nice certificate of thanks for cleaning our section of highway!

STOP PRESS

WHEN TALKING TO ANY JOURNALIST PLEASE BE EXTREMELY CLEAR WITH YOUR FACTS AND PREFERABLY GIVE THEM A ONE PAGE PRINTED PAGE WITH THE CORRECT INFORMATION YOU LIKE TO GET ACROSS. Still, they will make inevitable factual errors. Journalists are not working on a personal master piece when they cover us, they merely need to report on as much as they can in a short space of time, we need to respect that and help them with their factual reporting.

If anyone has any photos of any Lions related event please email (or post) them to Lion Walter and add a few lines of information!

Citizen of the Year 2011

2011-11-02T12:23:00.000+11:00

The City of Devonport Lions Club has awarded Faye Gardam OAM the honour of being our chosen Citizen of the Year for 2011.

Faye‘s early years were spent with her family in a small farm cottage at Lower Wilmot before relocating to a small cottage at Don which she shared with her Mother and Father, three siblings, her Grandparents and an uncle. Faye attended Devonport High School, and went on to work as a law clerk with Tas. Button.
She became an active youth leader in the Presbyterian Church which took her to a mission in the Musgrave Ranges of South Australia, a life changing experience for her. At the mission she developed a real love for the Pitjantjatjara tribe. This is a relationship which lasted for 50 years, and in 2008 Faye was invited back to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Ernabella Arts Centre, and again to visit at Easter last year, to attend the rededication of their reconditioned church.

In 1971, Faye entered the commercial world when she opened Devonport’s first interior decorating business, whose clientele included famous citizens like Dame Enid Lyons, the Prime Minister's wife at the time.

Her historic interest led her to write her first book; “Sawdust, Sails and Sweat” a history of the Don. She wrote this as she recovered from surgery. Other books followed: “Shifting Sands” the history of the Mersey River, “Annie Cocker” about the colonial Artist and Historian. Faye has also co- authored, edited and assisted with many other publications on the Devonport and surrounding areas. For many years she has compiled Local History note for various newspapers and feature publications on the local area.

Faye is recognised in Devonport as the ‘go to’ person for anyone seeking information on the past activities of the area or wishing to confirm historical facts. Even the Tasmanian Governor recognises her knowledge by having his aide confirm with her details on the area before he has made official visits.

The Devonport City Council has benefited for many years from her research and the information that she has been able to supply to the planner and consultants on the history of properties and their significance to the City and area. Faye has served on a number of local committees which have included:- Australia’s Bi-Centenary Celebrations, Centenary of Devonport Celebrations and Devonport City Status Celebrations.

While Faye has received many awards for her work for the Devonport community, the highlight must be in 1998, when the community nominated her and she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal, an award that Faye is justly proud of and is humbled to have received.

Faye joined the Devonport Historical Society in 1979, which amalgamated with the Maritime Museum to form the Devonport Maritime Museum and Historical Society Inc. In addition to these duties, Faye has worked as a volunteer for the Maritime Museum for the last 27 years.

The members of our Club firmly believe that Faye Gardam OAM is a most worthy recipient of Lions Club City of Devonport Citizen of the Year for 2011.

Congratulations and well done Faye.

Adopt-a-Highway 2011 Success

2011-10-28T21:12:00.000+11:00

The Adopt-a-Highway was a great success. We had a good turn-out, it was a great morning, the job was done with a minimum of fuss thanks to the great job we did last year. If we keep this up one day we will be graced with the official sign to say we adopted this clean part of the Bass highway! The signs we see around are still the old signs from when DIER organised the cleanups. Since 2008 Conservation Volunteers does the organisation of the project and looks after safety arrangements and equipment. New road signs have not been made yet.

Also in the news.... Magic Show is on again on December 6, with two sessions at the DECC, 11am and 130pm. The committee is busy working away at the logistics! The APEX Christmas Parade is scheduled for Friday 2 December, we may have a float again, and on 13 November the Over 90s Birthday Party is on at the Senior Citizens Club on Victoria Parade.

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: Explain WHALE to me!

Long Live the Magpies

2011-10-28T20:43:00.000+11:00

District Governor Toby came out to visit us and gave us a few words of wisdom. He brought to us the following three messages straight from our International President Wing-Kun Tam:

Plant 1 million trees this year; Organise a tree planting project.
Lions in Youth; get schools and community involved through family and sports projects.
Strengthen and increase membership; invite someone new, and call up fellow Lions when you notice they didn't show up for something. Care for your fellow Lions like you would your family.

DG Toby noted that in the first 4 months of Wing-Kun Tam uttering the word 'tree', 3 million had already been planted!

The significance of the Magpie in DALE ‘Toby’ CRAWFORD's emblem is because Magpies are the emblem of many organisations in his life, including his local football club for which he played, and now his son as well. He even has a nest of magpies in his backyard. Of course he happens to be a Collingwood fan too (which shows you he too is only human!). Toby has included the magpie into his batch/logo.

_______________________
ALSO AT THE MEETING:

Christmas Cakes are running out the door! Come and collect your boxes from Lion Sam to put in your favourite store before Christmas.

Carols by Candlelight planning is well on its way. It is currently planned for the Soundshell on the eve of Sunday 11 December. Still getting the band, sound and lighting together! The committee is at full steam ahead.

Grant Goodwin was the bearer of good news for us in regards to the proposed City of Devonport Skatepark in East Devonport. Its design is based on the skatepark in Campbeltown, and went through council last week. The City of Devonport Lions Club is pledging $20K towards the project, the council is prepared to fill in short comings up to $10K, an application of $5K has been applied for from the Premier's Fund and the City of Devonport Council allocated $10K for possible shortfalls in the project. Fairbrothers will be building the park in November/December, before Christmas, and the South East Rotary Club will be doing a day of landscaping on completion in December. Adbri is providing the bricks, Quickmix the cement. Our club may hold a working bee to coincide with Rotary's landscaping to give them a hand.

District Governor Toby visiting City of Devonport Lions

2011-10-24T15:14:00.000+11:00

District Governor - Dale (Toby) Crawford – is the guest at our next dinner meeting! If you cannot make this Partner’s Night on Thursday 27^th of October at the Gateway Hotel please let Lion Philip Gleeson (64261525) know by 10am that Thursday.

DG Lion Toby was overwhelmed to receive a Melvin Jones Fellowship presented by T1 Cabinet a few years ago and is also a Tasmanian Lions Foundation Fellow recipient. He was recently chosen as one of one hundred and twenty "Inspirational Coasters" selected by the local daily newspaper.

AGM 2011 and District Newslettter

2011-10-22T08:46:00.001+11:00

Notice of Annual General Meeting of the Lions Club of City of Devonport Inc will be held on Thursday 10th of November 2011 at the Gateway Hotel Fenton Street Devonport Commencing at 8pm!

LWR SlaterSecretary

________________________
Also, received from Maurice Jones, our district Cabinet Secretary:

Hello all Lions Tasmania Lions, Lioness & LEO Clubs Find the October Lions Tasmania Newsletter on our www.lionstasmania.org website and follow the "District News" link to read past copies or find the current one!

Happy reading!!!

CheersMaurice Jones
Cabinet SecretaryLions
District 201 T103 6437 2355

Pink Morning Tea

2011-10-19T21:38:00.000+11:00

The City of Devonport Lions Club invites you to join us at our Pink Morning Tea

Thursday 27th October 2011 at 10.30am
149 James Street, Devonport

Bring a friend and help us support the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
RSVP: Lion Deanne Schuuring on 03 - 6424 2032

Adopt-a-Highway

2011-10-19T11:16:00.000+11:00

Our Adopt-a-Highway date is 10am-noon this Saturday (22 October) everyone!! Call or text or email Lion Walter to say you can or cannot make it: walter@devonportlions.info or mob. 0417 06740. This will also be a test to see how our communication skills are for last minute reminders, and see who actually gets the message in time.

We need you this Saturday at 10am at the Tourist information pull-off near the East Devonport turn-off for a couple of hours. Rod from Volunteers Australia will be there with the AdoptaHighway van and will equip us with the necessary safety equipment. Just bring a bottle of water, good shoes and a hat! The more of us there are the easier and quicker the job!

Lion Walter---

PFD Tradeshow set-up

2011-09-13T13:32:00.000+10:00

Dear Lions,

Just a reminder we need Lions members at the Basket Ball Stadium in Forbes Street to set up tables for the PFD tradeshow this Sunday 18^th September at 9am. We also need members to pack tables up on Monday 19^th starting between 4.30pm & 5pm. Both tasks may take up to 1.5hrs each.

Please let Lion Philip Gleeson know if you are available on 6426 1525.

Kind regards,

Robert

Lions update August 2011

2011-08-29T12:39:00.000+10:00

Last Sunday the City of Devonport Lions Club served their usual lunch at Orana respite care centre. How things change; in the past Lions did all the catering, but now not only is the food provided by Baptcare, we even get volunteers helping serve it. This leaves an army of Lions members in the the kitchen. Today's food safety rules now include digitally measuring and recording the temperature of each individual dish. What happened to the simple days where we could just provide lunch without rules? In the picture today we have Lady Lion Vicky who works at Orana.

In other news... The Adopt-a-Highway cleanup was postponed due to inclement weather. The new date is:
10am Saturday 22 October (a week earlier than first mentioned!). Meet at the tourist info parking off the highway, in front of the Victoria Bridge.

A Devonport council hosted Civic Reception will be held on Wednesday 31 August at the East Devonport Recreation Centre to thank the local service clubs for their community support. Some of our Lions will gratefully attend the reception!

The 2011 District 201T1 Convention will be in Triabunna, hosted by the Spring Bay Lions Club. It will run from 11-13 November 2011.Call Mick & Robyn Desmond on 03-6257 3416 for details. Accommodation will be in short supply.

The first ANZI PACIFIC FORUM will be held in the Gold Coast, Queensland, from 9-11 September. Treasurer Deanne and Immediate Past President Jenny will attend. The forum will reach out to members of the Lions family in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, American Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tahiti, Timor Leste and Vanuatu.

Zone Chair-person Jenny Smith (pictured at our meeting below) from the Kentish Lions Club in Sheffield kindly spoke to our last meeting. She spoke about the need for identifying and nominating new potential leaders within our Lions Club. This is part of a new Tasmanian Lions Foundation (TLF) initiative. The TLF is a great asset to all of us as it also helps out in finding further funding for club projects. For instance, the TLF helped contribute almost $7K to the Lions Club of Kentish to assist the Club with the purchase of a ”Maxi Patient Lifter Hoist” for the Tandara Lodge Community Care Centre at Sheffield. Lion Jenny Smith left us with the wise words to remember that most Lions resources can be found on the Internet, and they include the Club Administration Manual and the Lions Club location tool which provides us with all the world's Lions club details.Also, for those club officers who need it, WMMR forms are also on-line!

Speaking of on-line resources, Lions Promotion videos are also available online.Have a look at these five promotional videos about Lions Service Clubs in Australia.

Adopt-a-Highway Cancelled this weekend!

2011-08-25T16:43:00.000+10:00

There is a 95% chance of rain next Saturday, the day we are scheduled to clean our bit of highway. Tentative next date is same time, 10am, but on Saturday 22 October 2011. Keep this day free!

August 2011 Update

2011-08-19T10:57:00.002+10:00

Adopt-A-Highway
Adopt-a-Highway clean up is on again. Meet at the tourist info parking area South of the bridge at 10am on Saturday 27th of August 2011. Spend a couple of hours making our bit of highway nice and tidy. Conservation Volunteers Australia will issue us with the necessary equipment to do our job. All you need to bring is a drink bottle, sun protection and sturdy footwear. Be there!

Lion Fizzers
Lion mints of the Fizzer kind do not like humidity! With all the rain and humidity the Bicarb of Soda in them absorbs moisture and cause 'blotches' and the mints to become soft and crumbly. Please be aware and store all mints in dry places!

Cystic Fibrosis
Paula Wriedt, CEO of CF Tasmania wrote to us to thank us very much for our collection! Tasmanian Lions were responsible for $10K+ from the record $35K+ total collected on 65Roses day - nearly double last year's amount! The City of Devonport Lions Club was responsible for one of the highest collections in the state!!

STAMPS!
Peter Bourke from the Riverside Lions Club thanks us all for collecting stamps for the Mobility Foundation. Last year saw a record 100,000+ stamps collected for this cause. Bring your stamps to the meetings and treasurer Deanne will take them from you!

Racegate Roster:
Sunday 4 September: G.Russell, G.Beaton, R.Beaton and R.Smith
Sunday 9 October: P.Gleeson, W.van Praag, R.Loane, D.Hawken
Sunday 13 November: J.Hughes, H.Koerner, A.Tierney, J.McLagan
Sunday 27 November: J.Momsen, C.Clayton, J.Murphy, J.Pearson
Friday 9 December: L.Thurlow, G.Phillips, K.Wills, W.Slater
Sunday 18 December I.Wild, M.Self, J.Rimmer, D.Schuuring-McL

Board Meetings:
530p-7pm at the Devonport Library on Mondays August 29, September 26, October 31, November 28 and December 29.

Adopt A Highway

2011-08-17T11:16:00.005+10:00

Reminder for everyone The 2011 Adopt-a-Highway clean up is on again. Meet at the tourist info parking area South of the bridge at 10am on Saturday 27th of August 2011. Spend a couple of hours making our bit of highway nice and tidy. We will be issued with all the necessary equipment to do our job. All you need is a drink bottle, sun protection and sturdy footwear. Be there! Eventually we w ill earn our sign there - TBA.

Tasting the Harvest already

2011-07-16T00:27:00.002+10:00

That's right, the Taste the Harvest for 2012 is already in planning. The monthly meetings are starting at the Devonport Library (backdoor) at 530pm on 6 September 2011 and will be held every first Tuesday of the month TFN. Anyone interested to help with this City of Devonport Lions Club major fundraiser please contact Lion Geoff or come to a meeting. More information on the event is here: www.tastetheharvest.org.au

Other News:

Lion Dale and Lion Jenny attended the Thank You dinner at Orana. Orana is always looking for volunteers to drive elderly clients to and from Orana in East Devonport, they are looking for people with new activities or initiatives for the elderly, but also need friendly people to just visit and socialise with clients.

Jenny Smith from the Sheffield Lions Club has become our new Zone Chairperson!

Lion Rob and Lady Lion Michelle attended the Kentish Changeover dinner where they were impressed that our very own Lion Bill was the Installation Officer who breather the Lion light into the Kentish Lions Club back in 1987.

We still have small and large Christmas Cakes available for anyone who cares to have a nice fruitcake for any reason.

JUNE & JULY BIRTHDAYS

2011-07-13T15:41:00.002+10:00

Happy Birthday to:-

Rachael Beaton

Steve Trewin

Jay McLagan

Jenny Rimmer

Walter van Praag

Emma Morse

Many Happy Returns.

Great Job!

2011-07-12T21:59:00.003+10:00

The City of Devonport Lions club regularly donates to good causes in the town that we live in as well as to state, national and international causes. Every week we receive requests for help and donation and we have to make tough decisions.Of course we love to help all of you, and we encourage everyone who has a good cause to request help from the Lions Clubs. We participate in community events and help support many social community activities.

Just in the past 12 months we have made cash donations to St Vincent de Paul Society, the Salvation Army, Disaster Relief, the New Guinea Youth Camp, the Tasmanian Lions Foundation, Menzies Research, the Lions Biggest BBQ, the Soroptomists, Baptcare, Queensland Floods, the Mater Hospital, and numerous other organisations.

We also receive some nice thank you letters which we like to see. Here are just a few -CLICK HERE-.

Because we donate we also need donations, donations from the public. By donating to the Lions Club you are sure that your money goes to a great organisation that helps our community! We are always looking for new volunteers, members, and causes. Contact info@devonportlions.info for more details.

Adopt-a-Highway 2011

2011-07-11T22:54:00.001+10:00

Conservation Volunteers Australia is helping the City of Devonport Lions conduct our annual cleanup again! Saturday August 27th at 10 minutes to 11am we will meet at our patch on the highway- starting at the Tourist information parking area in front of Victoria bridge. With all hands on deck it should be done in an hour or two. Remember we did this last year: click here to be reminded!

Itsa Boy!

2011-07-10T17:14:00.002+10:00

Congratulations to Lion Emma and partner Ashley! They were blessed with a baby boy; Cooper Cecil Jones was born on Sunday July 3rd weighing in a healthy 7lb13oz. Emma and Ashley are celebrating with an engagement party at the RSL club on Saturday 14 August at 7pm.

Welcome to the 2011/12 Committee

2011-06-26T10:34:00.000+10:00

June 25 at the Gateway Hotel in Devonport saw the 52nd Annual Installation Night of the City of Devonport Lions Club. The evening was presided over by Lion Geoff Phillips, the new Committee was duly sworn in by Zone Chairman Michael Walsh, and the night was well attended by both City of Devonport and Mersey Lions members as well as several distinguished guest including the Deputy Mayor Lion Grant Goodwin.

Phoebe Wootton took the stand to thank the Club for the sponsorship she received to attend a 2 week Student Volunteer Program in Thailand. During the 2 weeks she will volunteer 80 hours and work in either Conservation or Community Development. Her preference was to work with an elephants conservation program, but she may well end up volunteering in an orphange. All Lions wished her well.

Incoming and Outgoing: Lion President Robert Smith and now Past President Jenny Rimmer.

Office Bearers 2011-12
Presidnet: Lion Robert Smith
Immediate Past President: Lion Jenny rimmer
1st Vice President: Lion Lyndon Thurlow
2nd Vice President: Lion Garry Beaton
3rd Vice President: Lion John Murphy
Secretary: Lion PDG LWR (Bill) slater
Treasurer: Lion Deanne Schuuring-MacLeod
Lion Tamer: Lion Philip Gleeson
Tail Twister: Lion Andrew Tierney
Director 2 Years: Lion Dale Hawken
Director 2 Years: Lion PDG John Hughes
Director 1 Year: Lion Kevin Wills
Director 1 Year: Lion Garry Potter
Membership Chair Person: Lion Jenny Rimmer

New Online Lions Shop

2011-06-26T10:31:00.003+10:00

Lions Clubs International Club Supplies has a new and improved online store. It's upgraded, modernized and designed to make your shopping experience as enjoyable as possible. Be sure to visit the new and improved online store at www2.lionsclubs.org and enjoy your shopping experience. While you're there be sure to take a look at the full digital catalog.

ChangeOver Night 2011

2011-06-23T16:35:00.001+10:00

Next Saturday (25 June 2011) is ChangeOver night! Partners welcome, and we are back at the Gateway Hotel. 630pm for 7pm start. Be there to welcome in the new committee and collect your Devon Lion for June/July!

CORES

2011-06-21T16:58:00.003+10:00

COmmunity Response to Eliminating Suicide

Dear Community Members

CORES one day training: There are two dates available to participate in the suicide intervention and prevention training, Thursday 14th July 2011 at the Latrobe Memorial Hall and Thursday 21st July at the Zone Devonport. The CORES one day course is free for anyone that lives or works in the Devonport
or Latrobe municipalities. If your community group or organisation would like to be trained, we can arrange training at a time that is suitable for a group of 10 -16 people. For more information please visit our website or phone 64911552, bookings are essential.

Kind regards
Shellie Wakefield
Shellie@Kentishrc.com.au
Phone 1300 079 596
Website: www.cores.org.au

Yes We Count!

2011-06-20T12:02:00.001+10:00

The Census reps: Georgina, Brian Howden (Secretary of the Mersy Lions), Rosalie and Ruth.

Last dinner meeting was a combined City of Devonport and Devonport Mersey Lions Club meeting. Census 2011 representatives Ruth, Georgia and Rosalie were there from the ABS as guest-speakers. Here is an excerpt of what Ruth McArdle, Assistant Director Tasmanian Census Management Unit had this to say to us:

The ABS Census is conducted every 5 years in Australia, and is the largest peacetime exercise done by the Australian Government. Ten million households are visited and 14.2 million forms are printed and distributed. The Census provides government and industry (and anyone who is interested) a picture of the population as it was on Census day, a snapshot of society so to speak. These population figures are then used by councils for example to decide about schools and hospitals, or for federal government to decide on where money needs to be spent or cut. We can see population centres move, like Deloraine in 1911 had the biggest population on the NW Coast, but now Devonport and Burnie are the biggest population centres. The median age in Tasmania is 39 years now, and Tasmania has the oldest median age of all states! Women in Tasmania typically work 30 unpaid hours per week doing household chores, but have more men helping them than in other states the last Census showed.

Everyone is included in the Census, backpackers, tourists, foreigners, homeless people, refugees, everyone,... except foreign diplomats! This means that everyone capable fills in the same form with the same questions. The Census form is also available online, which makes ABS's life a lot simpler, and is quicker and easier for us too. People who have trouble reading or writing or trouble with language are given access to interpreters, helpers and even simplified forms (addressing key demographics) are available for special cases. In fact this year there is a 'literacy pilot' Census running in Southern Tasmania (through LINK) where literacy coordinators offer support for filling in the forms.

The eCensus will be the preferred form completion method this year, and it is expected to take 10-15 minutes per person to complete. The 2006 Census was completed electronically by 6% of the respondents. It means no collectors need to collect your form. Collectors have an obligation to attempt to pick up the forms up to 5 times per dwelling. An SMS is sent to the collector of your dwelling when you complete your form online, and the collector can cross you off the list without needing to visit. The eCensus also means no painstaking manual checking for ABS, no problems reading bad handwriting.

Today the Census employs 3000 full time staff and has 9 offices. This has grown considerably since the first Tasmanian Census in 1842 when less then a dozen people were employed. In 1911 Census collectors (all 9 of them) were men, but now out of the 800 collectors in Tasmania 65% are female. The First national Census held in in 1911 took 6 years for the data to be tabulated and released (click here for an historic pdf), whereas now the data is released within the year. The questions over history have changed too, focusing on literacy in the early 1900s, and war-related questions in the years post ANZAC. In the 40s and 50s questions related to water, toilet and diet, and in the 60s and 70s questions focused on modern habits such as TV viewing. In the 2011 Census we can expect Internet usage question. The topics must always be of national significance, and Parliament, with ASAC's (Australian Statistics Advisory Council) help, decides on the topics as well as the individual questions.

The 2006 Census saw forms go out to oil rigs and gas platforms, to lighthouses, ships in Australian waters, and even to Antarctica. The 2011 Census will be electronically completed in a lot of these difficult to access places. To arrange delivery to such remote places this has to often be organised as long as 10 months in advance, and the forms need to be printed as long as 12 months before the actual Census date. This means that preparing the questions on the Census need to be finalised well before that too.

Distributing the 14+ million forms is a logistical task of mammoth proportions, as is the printing of them. After printing by the late Burnie Paper Mill*, done on carbon-neutral (paper using 5000 liters of ink and 19000 liters of glue, B-Double trucks and planes are used in the process of distributing them. Floods and disasters typically require distribution challenges as roads are cut and planned distribution methods may not be feasible. Today we are still troubled by mice plagues that destroy forms, volcanic clouds that get in the way of the distribution, just like in 1911 when drought in Western Australia meant Collectors were unable to find feed for their horses, or for Collector's horses to get though flooded Queensland.

Tuesday 9/8/11 is the date to watch out for!!

* ed. This information may not be entirely correct..

Tasmanian Lions Foundation Fellows

2011-05-27T19:17:00.002+10:00

Wayne Hobson was recognised as a Tasmanian Lions Foundation Fellow for his many many years of supporting the Taste the Harvest event for our club. Wayne is in fact a Lion at Large for our club already, and has every intention to return to active status soon. In recognition of his services Wayne was also given a night's accommodation at the Lemonthyme Lodge.

Ashly Jones, Lion Emma's partner, was present at the meeting representing Formby Removals to also receive a Tasmanian Lions Foundation Fellow on for their great support over the years.

Also at the meeting...

The MS Swimathon appears to have been cancelled due to 'unforeseen circumstances'. Maybe we will find out why later.
The June 9 meeting has been rescheduled to coincide with the Mersey Lions Club on June 16. There will be a guest speaker from Census, and it will be open to partners. More information closer to the date.
Lions Fudge now available with the mints for distribution to our 'mint' outlets! Lion Ree is now the New Accounts manager for Lions Mints and the deliveries are handed over to Lion Gary Potter and a few others.
We are sponsoring a new child with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Giant Steps, as our previous sponsored child has grown into an adult! 'Ryan' is our new recipient.
Our beautiful Lions Caravan needs refurbishment from the inside now, which Lion Kevin expects will cost the club $6-$8K to do properly. Lion Sam may come up with an interim solution for under $1K, but the committee will worry about this for us. If there are any Samaritans reading this.... contact us!
Magic Show has been booked and confirmed for 6 December! It is one of our main fund raisers and a really cool show! We will be back at the Devonport Convention Centre.
The Biggest Morning Tea was held at President Lion Jenny's house. It was well attended and raised about $500 for cancer!
Our change-over dinner is scheduled at the Gateway Hotel on June 25th, it will of course be a partner's night! We are also invited to the Penguin Change-over night, on Saturday 23 July at a cost of $30 each. Tell Lion Bill Slater if you wish to attend.
Lion Sam attended the Christmas Carols by Candlelight meeting, which was attended by the Soroptomists (who started the event 40+ years ago!) and had Tracey from the DCC. Tracey advised the meeting that the Council was keen to get involved with the event but they want to eventually move the venue to Roundhouse Park or another venue. Us Lions are strongly opposed to this as we believe the Sound-shell is a fantastic and totally underutilized venue. Last year's Carols resulted in a net loss due to change of venue to Meercroft Park due to SurfClub renovations apparently posing a danger!
The SoundShell is a sensitive issue, more on that later!

Biggest Morning Tea had a typical NW Tasmanian flavour...

65 Roses Day

2011-05-27T17:34:00.000+10:00

Lions were out in force today collecting money for 65 Roses Day - Cystic Fibrosis. Seen in the Rooke Street Mall, at the Woolworth's complex and even at the Devonport Post Office! Hundreds of dollars was collected for CF Tasmania, and Lion Walter was even spotted on a Cystic Fibrosis TV commercial.

EMIP!

2011-05-26T17:53:00.001+10:00

The EMIB - Emergeny Medical Information Book - has been adopted by many Lions Clubs throughout Australia. The book is contained in a plastic sleeve which has three magnets on the back to ensure it adheres to the front of a fridge. The owners name is written clearly on the front cover and includes all information in relation to medical conditions, medication details and medical history. The Book also contains details regarding your name, address, pension, medicare and other important numbers, together with all emergency contact phone numbers.

At $2 each all Lions Members ought to have at least one on our fridge! We can order them with this [order form].

Devonport Sound Shell

2011-05-25T19:39:00.000+10:00

The Devonport Sound Shell was an Australian Bicentennial Project which was initiated and carried out by the City of Devonport Lions Club with financial assistance from the Tasmanian government. Its location was insisted on by the Council despite the Lions Club's suggestions of preferred locations. The Sound Shell has been an iconic structure of Devonport, enjoyed by thousands every year and used for bands and other events such as the annual Carols by Candlelight.

Mainland 'consultants' recently deemed the Sound Shell inappropriate due to the proximity to the Tiagarra Aboriginal Culture Centre and Museum. This was done 'sight unseen', and the Devonport City Council now wants it to go... The council also considers it a 'risk assessment'. The general consensus of our Lions Club currently appears that we want to see it remain in place and want to see it become more utilised.

Zone Chairman visits City of Devonport

2011-05-17T16:23:00.004+10:00

Zone Chairman Michael Walsh and Lion PDG John Hughes

Michael Walsh, our Zone Chairman, has 7 clubs under his wing. He came to speak at our meeting this month. Michael reminded us of how tumultuous the start of the year was with floods, droughts, earthquakes and then Japan, and how the Lions provided support everywhere, including the $11M donation from LCIF. Our district alone donated $144K to the Queensland Flood Appeal, which was doubled dollar for dollar by the government, and $64K towards the Victorian Flood Relief.

Michael congratulated Lion George Russell in particular for helping organise 2 teams for the MS Swimathon, but he was a little surprised that only 4 Lions from our club attended the National Convention in Launceston; Had it been in Sydney or Melbourne we would have scrambled for tickets.

The New Officer Training in Latrobe was a success he felt, and this was confirmed by our incoming President Robert Smith. Michael said the Lions President is a weird animal, and we all learn from experience. Stumbling in the new position is always difficult for anyone, but by the time the year is up most people mould into position - President Jenny wholeheartedly agreed!

Zone Chairman Michael also reported that the Devil Island Colonies are going well to which we all donated through the Hadspen Lions Club calendar project. And then there is the Lions Youth Exchange project... We still need homes for foreign students for 7-10 days in August 2011.

Michael thanked us for having him, and reminded us that LIONS could stand for Loving Individuals Offering Needy Services - an acronym that has finally grown on him!

Cystic Fibrosis Inaugural Fundraising Dinner

2011-05-17T15:26:00.000+10:00

In June 2010, kayak enthusiast and medical researcher, Dr Leon Wescombe, was involved in a tragic accident in the Consumnes River, California that claimed his life. Dr Wescombe dedicated his short professional life into researching a cure for cystic fibrosis, making a significant breakthrough into this illness.
The Dr Leon Wescombe Memorial Trust extends an invitation to you to join them at the inaugural fundraising dinner which consists of a 3-course dinner with entertain-ment inclusive of an auction and raffle but, in the free-spirited character of Dr Wescombe, also include dancing, comedy, singing, jazz and a big band.

Saturday, 4th June, 6.00 pm till late at the Australian Axemans Hall of Fame - Bells Parade Latrobe
Tickets: $60 pp Available from Shadforths Devonport, Launceston and Hobart or venue until 27 May
No door sales!

Tax deductible donations to the Dr Leon Wescombe Memorial Fund can be made online [here], or phone the Dr Leon Wescombe Memorial Trust on 03 6424 7930 or 0428 140 894.

April-May Birthdays!

2011-05-12T17:23:00.000+10:00

Happy Birthday to:

Lion Grant Goodwin
Lion John Hughes
Lion Chris Tierney
Lion Kevin Wills

Many Happy Returns!

Julie Burgess Restoration

2011-04-30T23:45:00.001+10:00

In case you were not told you may have shown up at the RSL Club for our meeting last Thursday, but as most of you would've heard it was swapped for a much more interesting event. Instead of our usual meeting time/place we decided to have it on Sunday 1st of May at 3pm at the Devonport slipway for an on-site guest speaker (Margaret Griggs) talking to us about the restoration of the Julie Burgess. We will have a BBQ at the Yacht Club later with an informal meeting.

The Julie Burgess is a tall ship with a long, rich maritime history in the Tasmanian waters of Bass Strait. The 64ft wooden ketch was built in Launceston in 1936 and during her life linked the ports along the coast.

Since the announcement of Devonport City Council being granted $1.8m of Federal funding, the Julie Burgess Special Trust Committee has been active in undertaking planning for the restoration of the vessel. The project focus is to restore the vessel to her original condition with minor improvements being made where necessary.

An interpretive cultural complex, including foreshore building and port viewing platform where tours and information sessions will be available will add to the attraction of the Mersey River foreshore along Victoria Parade.

More information is available on the official Julie Burgess Website: www.julieburgess.com.au

Also, don't forget that next week, on Thursday 5th of May it is Motor Neurone Awareness Day. Check the MND website for more information.

Meals on Wheels

2011-04-23T22:41:00.000+10:00

Meals on Wheels is so much more than just a meal...

Our Lions and our Lion Ladies (or should we refer to them as Lion Partners?!) help deliver Meals on Wheels to people in Devonport 5 days each month. It is a vertible army of volunteers that do this every day, and we are just part of the Meals on Wheels system. The typical recipient is elderly and often alone. They wait eagerly for their meal and are pleased to see someone as well as receive a meal, for which they pay a small amount. Meals on Wheels is all about people in the community joining forces to help others. While age and disability may reduce some people's capacity to get out and about, Meals on Wheels helps make it possible to stay in their homes, where most are happiest, and maintain some independence. Delivery of nutritious meals, social interaction and regular visits ensure a clients’ wellbeing and can help people live the lives they choose. Even if you are not a Lion you can help: www.mealsonwheels.org.au/Volunteer

Photos by Lion Ree Loanes

Meetings at RSL Club!

2011-04-11T15:19:00.002+10:00

Remember that the next few meetings will be at the RSL Club in Devonport (18 Macfie Street) as the Gateway Hotel is undergoing reservations.

Lion Walter----

LEHP: Lions Eye Health Program

2011-04-10T22:48:00.002+10:00

Vision impairment is a huge, vastly under-rated and overlooked program in Australia. LEHP aims to reduce the incidence and impact of vision loss in the Australian Community through a Lions auspiced, community based awareness and education program.

Did you know that around 575,000 Australians over 40 are vision impaired,and that with the aging population this figure is expected to rise to almost 801,000 by 2020. The total cost of vision disorders in Australia is estimated to be $9.85 billion. Three quarters of vision impairment is caused by conditions that are preventable or treatable with early intervention. Help promote prevention and early treatment of eye disease by getting involved in LEHP Australia.

If we become a participating Lions club we will receive unlimited copies of LEHP resource materials free of charge including brochures, flyers, posters, DVD presentations, information and training manuals.

TINOT: Tune In Not Out

2011-04-10T22:27:00.002+10:00

The Australian Lions Drug Awareness Foundation Inc (ALDAF) have been committed to producing and creating resources for the community around alcohol and other drugs for over 20 years. The TINO (Tune In Not Out) idea is an innovative concept which highlights Lions’ forward thinking.

ALDAF is offering everyone a set of six A3 size posters on alcohol awareness, all designed by young Australians as a result of Drug Action Week in Tasmania. It is hoped these posters will make a great addition to any school, library or any other display where young people and adults may see them.
The cost is $6 per set of 6, including GST and postage. Email aldaf@bigpond.net.au or call 07-33413900.

Happy Birthday Lyndon!

2011-04-02T14:46:00.002+11:00

There is still no cure for the common birthday.

Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you've got to start young.

Congratulations Lyndon, you are now officially 'old'!

Devonport Lions in March 2011

2011-03-25T12:31:00.003+11:00

The Taste the Harvest results are still being compiled, but it is clear the event did not run us a loss. Everybody was acknowledged for their support. Photos of the event are posted [here].

Lions Mints for the club are now truly a Club project with more people sharing the load: Lion Ree and Jenny doing marketing, and Lion Jenny doing banking as well, the Beatons are in charge of storage and Garry Potter doing deliveries for the next few months! Many hands make light work. Great work.

Lion George and Lion Jenny are going to the National Lions Convention in Launceston: “Have a Devil of a Time in Tassie” 59th MD201 – 15th April to 18th April 2011. Who else is going??

65 Rose day for Cystic Fibrosis soon approaching. We need volunteers to rattle tins in the mall on 27 May for CF Associations.

Lion Barry Cooper has moved to Smithton and has left our club. He was one of our most active volunteers in the club and he will be sorely missed. We wish him all the best and hope to see him whenever he can make it to Devonport!

Youth of the Year has had it's State finals in Hobart and the Latrobe candidate is going to the Nationals held April 15/16 at the MD Convention in Launceston (see above).

Anyone interested in going to the historic reenactment of the Longford Revival Meeting on April 2? Combining the motor sport history of Longford during the 50's and 60's with the music, the fashion and the lifestyle of the era this event will also feature a Beatles tribute band. Vintage cars will be racing around the original course reenacting The Flying Mile. A bus will leave the Mersey Yaught Club at 11am at a cost of $10-$20 depending on numbers. Contact Lion Garry Potter to confirm a seat.

We will be doing the The Biggest Morning Tea again this year for the Cancer Council on Thursday 23 May. We are also planning to have a public BBQ for Australias Biggest BBQ.

For extra Lion shirts and pens see Lion Bill, or take another look at the Lions merchandise website,... and for more information you just have to join the City of Devonport Lions club and attend the meetings!

Taste the Harvest photos

2011-03-25T11:57:00.000+11:00

Here is the lowdown in pictures... If you notice any photos you feel should not be on this site (ie. one where your hair is out of place), let Lion Walter know and he is open to bribes!

Election Night at the RSL Club

2011-03-24T23:08:00.000+11:00

Welcome to the following Lions on the new City of Devonmport Lions Club board for 2011/12

President: Robert Smith
Immediate Past President: Jenny Rimmer
1st Vice President: Lyndon Thurlow
2nd Vice President: Garry Beaton
3rd Vice President: John Murphy
Secretary: PDG LWR Bill Slater
Treasurer: Deanne Schuuring MacLeod
Lion Tamer: Philip Gleeson
Tail Twister: Andrew Tierney
Director 2 Year: Dale Hawken
Director 2 Year: PDG John Hughes
Director 1 Year: Kevin Wills
Director 1 Year: Garry Potter
Membership Chairperson: PP Jenny Rimmer

Email issues

2011-03-16T02:37:00.001+11:00

Our mailserver with Siteground has changed address and you may have experienced some delays with email delivery to our devonportlions.info emails. The email, which ought to have been marked as urgent (!), regarding this important change was discounted by me as another commercial opportunity to boast about their updated and better than the rest services, of which I get numerous ones! All has been resolved now!

Also happening...

2011-03-11T22:19:00.003+11:00

The Taste of the Harvest has begun! Tonight the official Taste Dinner is hosted at the Gateway Hotel, tomorrow all City of Devonport Lions will be helping with set up and Sunday 13 March is the big event.

Sunday 20 March we are preparing lunch for the people in Orana, Saturday 19 March the Latrobe Lions are hosting their 40th year at the Cherry Shed, where close to a dozen of us will attend the celebrations.

The Tasmanian Youth Conference (TYC) will be held 18 and 19 May 2011 at the Inveresk Tramsheds, Launceston. For the first time in 2011 TYC is open to both workers in the wider youth sector, as well as any young Tasmanians aged between 12-25 years.

From 15th April to 18th April 2011 the “Have a Devil of a Time in Tassie” MD201 district National Lions Convention will be held in Launceston. Registrations are to be held on Thursday the 14th April from 1.00pm to 5.00pm at The Grand Chancellor, Cameron Street in the city.

The Lions have helped people in the Christchurch earthquake affected regions with items ranging from 500 portable toilets, numerous watertanks, cooked dinners and much more.

As the Gateway Hotel is undergoing renovations we will be meeting at the RSL Club in Devonport for a few months, starting Thursday March 24.

Youth of the Year 2011

2011-03-10T23:40:00.003+11:00

The Lions Youth of the Year Quest is a project of Lions Clubs International of Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Kim and Lucy

The Quest is designed to encourage student interest in leadership and the qualities required to take an active and constructive role in the community. The Quest is sponsored by the National Australia Bank, and this year Lion Robert Smith was the Chairman of the City of Devonport Lions Club Youth of the Year committee.

Lion Jay McLagan presided over the Quest, and explained that it was not so much about the competition as it was about the experience of the youth involved, to have a go. All participants get a certificate of participation, and that alone can make or break a future job application! Participants were judged on their leadership qualities, their cultural, community, sport and last but not least their academic achievements.

Frances in good company here!

Even the Judges are winners!

This year we started the evening at our City of Devonport Lions club level with two finalists; Lucy Saltmarsh and Frances Aird. Eighty percent of the judging was already behind them, and tonight they had to compete for the final 20%. Both were asked to respond to two questions and a 5 minute talk on their chosen subject. The questions were:

What are the key ingredients to built a healthy society?
What are the +ve and -ve aspects of social networking sites such as Twitter and FaceBook on young people today?

After answering these questions Francis spoke about the importance of friendship, especially referencing her life-long friend Meg and their respective mothers’ friendships. Lucy spoke about the acceptance of homosexuality, how our society ought to be more understanding, and referencing homosexuality through the centuries from the “Sacred band of Thebes” (4th Centuries BC!) to today.

The three judges for our club were Kim Marshall (NAB), Evonne Ewins (DCC) and Damian Collins (DCC and The Zone). And they decided the winner was... Lucy Saltmarsh!! Congratulations Lucy, and good luck at the Nationals! Remember that Tasmanians have won the past two years, with Will Teare from Launceston winning last year’s Quest!

Choose Life

2011-01-27T23:41:00.000+11:00

Louise Leslie from Choose Life Services (CLS) was our guest speaker at the January 27th meeting. CLS is a non profit, privately funded community service seeking to offer hope specifically to those struggling with life issues that may lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviours and to those who are impacted by suicide.
They offer free workshops and counselling, suicide awareness and intervention. Although CLS has on-going connections with Churches of Christ it runs its programs without religious overtones. CLS also runs on a non medical model and provides no clinical services. They do not provide diagnosis, just day to day support and counselling. CLS does refer clients to doctors and psychiatrists where appropriate. All their staff has counselling qualification, and they have three trainers on the books who regularly conduct 2-3 day courses.

Choose Life Services offer comprehensive employee assistance services at workplaces where they will become familiar with the people involved, the work culture and the morale at the workplace.
Standby Projects are arranged for people affected by suicide where one person is assigned as a point of contact. This means the people being helped do not need to tell their story to every support service each time as the Standby officer handles most tasks. Tasks such as helping with funeral arrangements, pet care, anything to do with helping a family through the process of recovery.

At the base of Mount Roland CLS has a retreat centre where people can come for ‘time-out’, a free service not only for suicide related clients, but also for people from referred agencies. It is build from donations and run and maintained by donations.

In 2008 alone 74 people committed suicide, the majority were people in the 33-44 bracket. The number for Australia was 2191 deaths with the majority in the white collar 45-54 year old male population. Figures could be as much as 10x bigger and some organisations even predict 40x greater if counting car crashes and drug over doses which are not immediately related to suicide.

Tasmanian Mental Health services are regarded by CLS as ‘broken’, which is contributable to Tasmania being regarded as rural and remote by health professionals and it is hard for Tasmania to retain psychologists, psychiatrists and the like. The 6-8 weeks waiting period for a consultation is often bridged by CLS.

Most people with suicidal thoughts do not want to die, they just want the pain to stop. This pain is usually associated with typical social calendar events such as Christmas, birthdays etc. when they feel isolated. We can all help by talking to neighbours and colleagues. Speak to them, talk about their hopes and dreams.

Happy faces despite the serious theme of the night.

January Update

2011-01-27T22:43:00.002+11:00

The Tasmanian Government is offering dollar for dollar for monies donated towards the flood appeal via Rotary, Lions the Soroptomists or Apex Clubs. Our Lions Club is accepting cash donations at the Devonport LJ Hookers Office. Please donate! The Kentish Lions Club is coordinating assistance for as many as 66 flood damaged homes in the Kentish and Forth districts. They need both volunteers and money. Feel free to contact them [here].

Lion Ree is looking for Lions to help distribute Lion Mints to vendors and taking coinage to the bank The job requires a one or two days every 6 weeks or so, and it would be good if Lions could take turns restocking the various outlets. Ree has lined up another 5+ in the last year. If any shop or office would like to have Lion mints on their premises please email Lion Ree.

Lion John Momsen is organising a luncheon BBQ on Saturday 26^th of March for Fellow Lion Lyndon’s 80^th birthday!

Saturday 12^th of February Devonport is hosting the SbA DEW Skateboarding Series at the Bluff Skatepark. Mountain Dew Australia is the sponsor of this event. Almost 500 skateboarders have already registered for this event via their Facebook page. Our Lions will be there to do a BBQ for them. In case of rain the event will be moved to the next day.

The Zone Chairman is visiting our club at our meeting on the 28^th of April. The Mersey Lions Club is having a zone dinner meeting with guest speaker at the Devonport Gateway on Thursday March 31^st.

Taste the Harvest is close to our doorstep. It is our biggest annual fundraiser and all us Lions need to be giving a helping hand from March 12^th till March 14^th with setup and cleanup and the running of the event. Lion Phillip has put out a roster with tasks for everyone! Lion Lyndon is putting out posters and looking for sponsors of the Taste the Harvest Marquees since the Council is not sponsoring the event any more.

Lion Ian Wild is planning a new trailer for the club to store and carry our trestle tables to and from venues. The club has already looked at a couple of second hand options but our needs for specific dimensions makes readymade second hand trailers hard to find.

Lion Robert is still accepting nominations for the Youth of the Year which is held at our club meeting of March 10^th.

Lion Jenny was pleased to announce her elderly aunty Joan was the recipient of our electric scooter which has stood idle for almost a year now.

The new shed for our club is complete and we had a BBQ meeting there in January. 9am Next Sunday, 29 January, there will be a working bee to get the last of the container unloaded into the shed.

Scottish Power

2010-12-24T18:52:00.001+11:00

The Lark Distillery presents

Scottish Power:

Lords of the Isles

Press Release

Recently returned from their Concert Tour of Scotland and Ireland the St Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band will be performing back on stage at the Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre for Scottish Power: Lords of the Isles.

From the creators of Celtic Force, Scottish Power promises to entertain their audience with magnificent tales of Scotland and Ireland, presented through beautiful songs, vibrant dance, blazing fiddle playing and of course the amazing yet unique sound of the pipes and drums.

Featuring a cast of 60 performers the St Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band will be joined on stage the recently formed celtic rock band The Harry Coos along with Scottish and Irish Dancers.

Lark Distillery will be offering free whisky tasting in the foyer and there will also be the opportunity to win a fantastic hamper of Lark Distillery products that a lucky patron from each performance will be able to take home with them!

The show will have two performances on the 15th January, at 2pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets will be available from the venue 6420 2900 and online at www.decc.net.au

Glistening at the Sea

2010-12-15T11:18:00.001+11:00

Lion Walter took this photo as he paddled past in his kayak. The
Spirit of the Sea is looking good from the water. The water fountains
keeping the base wet look a little silly. Maybe they can turn them off
or re-think that bit. Other than that it is attracting the tourists
like flies!

Magic Show 2010

2010-12-09T00:20:00.000+11:00

The Magic Show was again a great success! This time held at Devonport high School as opposed to the DEC where we have held it in the past. Over 500 sponsored and invited guests from the community attended the two sessions, including primary school children, the elderly, mentally disabled people,... According to President Lion Jenny the juggling act was incredible this year, and Michael Boyd's disappearance act where he disappeared from stage and re-appeared in the audience was pure magic. A big thank you to all involved in ushering and organising the 2010 event. What will they do next year! The travelling magic show tours Australia and New Zealand every year providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for disadvantaged, sick or disabled children.

Adopt a Highway

2010-12-08T23:00:00.000+11:00

In April this year we adopted the stretch of Bass Highway from the Latrobe hospital roundabout to the Devonport information bay. Although we see plenty of signs about that advertise who adopted various bits of highway, our sign is still not up. The reason for this is that the signs we see were from when the Department Infrastructure Energy and Resources ran the program. Now that Conservation Volunteers is organising the cleanups new signs need to be made up. This will hopefully be happening in the near future!

Hands Together in Friendship & Service

2010-11-25T22:57:00.002+11:00

District Governor Lion Ken Gatehouse with our President Jenny

(Ed. Note that all bold text are links that you can press on for background information!)

This meeting we were joined by District Governor Lion Ken Gatehouse and his wife Lion Dawn. Lion Ken is a founding member of the Lions Club of Sorell which was formed 36 years ago has been honored with a Melvin Jones Fellowship and James D. Richardson
Award.

DG Lion Ken's motto is Hands Together, as we use hands to congratulate each other, hands to work, hands to wave, and we always need extra hands! Ken promotes working with younger people as they are our future and we need to bring up the young Lions to follow in our footsteps in the next 10-15 years.

Lion Ken told us we are all little beacons of lights in society, and by joining hands we form a big beacon with a strong light. Our beacon was shining brightly at the District Convention in Burnie this month where 35 of the 49 clubs (1259 members) from the district were represented. The lunch and dinner were well attended with about 180 attendees. Catering was exceptional as were the great speakers especially the Youth of the Year and the Leo speeches. A special mention was also made about the dog demonstration for the Tasmanian Lions Autism Assistance Dogs program, an initiative of the Rocky Cape Lions Club, showing the amazing work the dogs do for children with autism and their families, and the training required for them to become assistance dogs.

There was little business matters discussed as the District clubs had not put up any agenda items. This made the convention a particularly fun and enjoyable experience. If you failed to make it the next MD201T1 District Convention will be held in Triabunna, hosted by the Spring Bay Lions Club, on November 2011. The 2011 MD Convention will be in Launceston April 14-18 2011. Registration form HERE - more information HERE or visit the MD Convention website.

On closing Lion Ken emphasised the importance of meeting with other city and rural Lions clubs, if only socially, to see how they do things in their club, congratulate them, and learn from each other! He left us with a nice banner!

Other business covered at meeting:

Please bring non-perishable items to the next meetings for a Christmas basket we are putting together for the Salvation Army.
Bowling night on Saturday 11 December at 630pm at the Devonport Tenpin Bowl.
Don't forget to get Lions Christmas Cakes to sell to friends, family, businesses, at work and wherever! Check with Lion Sam re supplies.
The Christmas Carols by Candlelight scheduled for Sunday 12 December cannot be held at the SoundShell at the Bluff due to construction of the nearby Surf Lifesaving Club and the new venue is likely to be Meercroft Park. The alternative venue in case it gets rained out is at Devonport High School the following tuesday (14/12/2010).
Our Shed in Spreyton is ready for occupancy as of next Monday 29 November! Congratulations to Lion Hos and his army for completing this huge project! A thank you slash shed warming BBQ will soon be organised! A big thank you to all involved.
Magic Show on Saturday 4 December at Devonport High School! 800 Tickets have been sold for the two sessions 2pm and 530pm). We will be there to set up the venue as of 10am that morning, and if you are smart enough to volunteer as an usher you will catch the show too!
Our Christmas Luncheon will be hosted by Wendy (and Gary) Beaton on Sunday 19 December and celebrity master-chef Hos (of Shed Fame) is recruited to run the BBQ operations.
Lion Ree and Lion Walter returned from their Cystic Fibrosis Mission with a flag exchange from the Koo-Wee-Rup and District Lions Club in Victoria. Their club has one dinner meeting and one non-dinner meeting where people are free to bring along food. They also do combined club social functions, which is a good idea for us too where we could invite nearby Lions Clubs for an occasional TenPin Bowling tournament for instance!
Lion George reported on the Over 90s Party to convey the message from the oldest person there, a Centenarian, that this was the happiest afternoon she has had in 5 years and was looking forward to next years party. Good on you to George for organising the event with our City of Devonport Lions!

Youth and Family Focus Inc

2010-10-15T00:42:00.001+11:00

Janine Phillis from Youth and Family Focus Inc came and spoke to our meeting. Janine with her two kids moved from South Australia where she was a professional cook. In Tasmania she was retrained as a drug and alcohol counsellor to complete her island-change. She worked as a counsellor and health promotions worker in a range of alcohol, drug, youth and family related services and organisations. Currently she is project manager of the Mersey Respectful Relationships Project.The program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs ( FaHCSIA) under the Gender Equalities for Women Program.

The primary focus of the project is to provide education to young people ( particularly males) so they can develop the skills they need to conduct healthy ,respectful relationships. The initiative uses a three stream approach in the Community, Schools and through an Alternative education stream. The program used in schools is based on a program called 'Relationship Things' developed by the YWCA in Canberra. The school sessions look at: Diversity and Uniqueness, Respect - what it is and how to earn it, Communications and fighting fair - how to effectively communicate and resolve conflict, Gender bias, Looking after yourself and others and Peer education . There is also a special focus to deal with electronic communications amongst young people.

Next weeks is YWCA week without Violence. It runs from 17-23rd October and includes all sorts of activities from public forums to photo competition. Launching the program under the banner of "world family" the YWCA Week Without Violence will be launched with a symbolic laying of flowers for all the past and present victims of violence in Tasmania at the Magistrates court on Sunday 20 October at 1pm. All welcome, please bring flowers!

As part of the week's activities a forum is held at the East Devonport Recreation Centre with Dr Stephanie Dowrick which is free for all people working and living in relationships. It will cover respect in professional and private lives.

Janine, pictured below, hopes the project gets funded again next year!

Janine Phillis from Youth & Family Focus Inc.

Also at our last held meeting;

Remember Lion Sam takes the cake. Every member of our club should try and find an outlet for at least one box of Lions Christmas Cakes. Just order them with Sam and he will make sure you will be stocked up in no time!

Our new shed in Spreyton is making great process. Bill successfully lobbied for and received $5000 from the Lions Fundation! Next Saturday morning from 8:30am till noon the steel walls are going up. A working bee will be held at the shed the following Sunday morning. Find the shed near the pony club in Spreyton, the driveway past the tip.

Youth of the Year: If we can all start approaching colleges for candidates we will get a good field of youths to choose from. Alert Lion Rob with possible candidates.

Taste the harvest: Geoff Phillips is the new chairperson again. Held on the the 13th of March this year. Council funding is in the process of being applied for. A new website look is under development - Ian has been working on it with the council. Tuesday 9 November next committee meeting.

Over 90s party: Received over $500 from council. George Russell is still looking for more qualifying elderly people. All aged care facilities have been assigned a member of our club. The event will be held at the Senior Citizens Club in Devonport on 7 November. The Devonport Times and The Advocate have been notified. Jenny will write a nice invitation. The Mare has been invited and has RSVP'd. Jim Pearson is create a certificate for the honoured Devonporrt citizens. A commemorative special pen has been made and a special card both paid for with the council grant.

Pink Ribbon Day: Monday 25 October Lions volunteers will be in The Rooke Street Mall near the Hub Arcade from 9am-3pm collecting money for breast cancer..

Lion Garry came back from 3 weeks of holidays in the Kimberleys. As it happened he ran into the 2010 Broome Lions Pearl Convention in Broome on the long weekend from 24 to 27th September. The Lions descended on Broome for their 45th Lions International District Convention.An impromptu Ellenbrook Lions Club banner exchange was arranged with the 4 representatives from that club. Lion Garry enjoyed meeting 120 Lions from 51 clubs from District 201 W1. Our own Lions Tasmania Convention (District 201 T1) is from 12 to 14 November in Burnie, and is hosted by the City of Burnie Lions Club.

Sam our memberships chair says we need to bring new blood into club!

Adopt a Highway

2010-10-14T23:22:00.000+11:00

Although the official Adopt-a-Highway signs are not up yet, we did get a certificate of appreciation from Conservation Volunteers Australia for our cleanup held in April this year. Soon we will plan another cleanup day to keep our stretch tidy!

Walk like a Lion on the Catwalk!

2010-10-14T22:54:00.002+11:00

Lion's President Jenny strutting on the Lionwalk, ahum catwalk.

LOCAL women tore up the runway early October as part of the Devonport Zonta Club's Fashion with Flair fundraiser. Zonta members modelled a range of fashions for summer from casual to evening wear. The fashion night was held at the Devonport Football Club to raise money for various women's causes within the local area. Read more [here].

The Advocate's top 120 Inspirational Coasters

2010-10-08T00:02:00.000+11:00

In the Advocate: Who are our 120 most inspirational coasters? A 32-page special feature in the Advocate (Friday October 1, 2010) commemorated the120th birthday of The Advocate Newspaper. Readers were asked to nominate Coasters for the honour and a special judging panel came up with the final 120 from the nominations.

Not surprisingly we found quiet a few names well known to us City of Devonport Lions. They included people as diverse as King O'Malley and Joseph and Enid Lyons to more current personalities such as Norma Jamieson, Kath Medwin, Julia Butler-Ross, Betty Hite, Elsa Kat and our own Lady Lion Judy Wild, Lion Walter van Praag!

Click on the below images for a bigger view!

.....

Sight first Program

2010-10-07T23:09:00.001+11:00

Extracted from the Lions Clubs International Foundation Newsletter for September 2010:

......

Just last week I attended the Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia Regional Games in Warsaw, Poland. There, we celebrated the 10th year of our Opening Eyes partnership with Special Olympics. At this event we screened the 200,000 athlete. Isn't this an impressive accomplishment in such a short time? This partnership is giving hope-hope for a brighter tomorrow and hope that these athletes will run faster, jump higher and throw farther.

At this event I took great pride in fitting a pair of glasses onto the smiling face of Tomasz, a badminton player from Poland. All of us experience what we call "the touching moments in life." You know what I mean. For me, one of these moments was to give these glasses to Tomasz. Due to the tremendous cooperation of Lions Clubs International and Opening Eyes, Tomasz's new glasses helped him score gold in Doubles Badminton and a silver in Singles Badminton.

October is also Lions World Sight Day, an opportunity to celebrate our many accomplishments through our SightFirst program. We've restored sight to 7.6 million people through cataract surgeries. Every one of these individuals has an improved quality of life, thanks to you. But we aren't content to stop there, are we? We must ensure their children and grandchildren will also have improved vision and the chance at a better life.

Lions, I ask you to join me in making a commitment to continue, and expand, our efforts to save sight.

With my cordial regards,

Eberhard J. Wirfs, Chairperson LCIF

Press release [here]. Also see: SightFirst program.

Climbing Mt Kinabalu for CF

2010-10-05T00:11:00.002+11:00

City Of Devonport Lions Club are extremely proud to have as their own Lion, Walter van Praag, in his own right the recipient of an OAM and one of the North West Coast's 120 Inspirational People "The Advocate, Friday 1st October, 2010".

Lion Walter addressed the Lions Meeting, 23rd September, 2010 (picture below featuring:- Walter & furry friend compiling his address).

Lion Walter spoke of his recent adventure climbing Mt Kinabalu in Borneo (some 4095 m) to raise awareness (and funding) for "Cystic Fibrosis". Walter has never let anything stop him attaining his highest achievements, "even with only 50% lung capacity".

At 45 Walter is one of the older people with Cystic Fibrosis and continues to raise awareness for the need of organ donors - as most people with CF will require a lung transplant at one stage. Walter's routine includes daily, or twice daily, aerobic exercise, at least 3 injections, 2 nebuliser treatments and dozens of pills and potions. That not being enough he is always eager to test out any alternative health products and has several favourites such as home made kefir and organic apple cider vinegar.

If you like to help Walter attain his goal of $4095 for CF Tasmania please visit www.coughing4cf.com or go direct to the donation page [here]. Or turn up to make Lamingtons at 10 James Street, 1030am Saturday 9 October!

Fusion at our meeting

2010-09-21T22:18:00.001+10:00

Guest Speakers, Leanne Hoskinson "Client Services Officer", husband Chris and workers Edward and Peter from FUSION HOME SUPPORT, gave a very informative talk. Fusion Home Support is an International Christian Community Organisation for Home & Community Care. They work hand in hand with an Occupational Therapist to undergo home modification and maintenance services for the frail aged, young people with a functional disability and their carers.

They aim too enhance opportunities and increase the quality of life for these people who choose to remain living in their homes. Modifications include from bathroom and toilet grab rails right through to bathroom and kitchen modifications and so much more. What does it cost? If you qualify for Home & Community Care (HACC) funding, Fusions labor is subsidised under the HACC Program, clients are invoiced to pay for the cost of the materials, sub contractors costs & the HACC Fee according to HACC Guidelines. Enquires should be directed to Leanne Hoskinson, Fusion Home Support - 63 447208.

General Business from our meeting:-

As members obtain relevant material for the Devon Lion to please pass this information onto either Lion Walter or Lion Ree, so as it can be included in the Bulletin. Advertising space for the Devon cover is still available.

Dates to remember:-

23rd September, Guest Speaker, Lion Walter JJ van Praag, Turning 45 with Cystic Fibrosis on Mt Kinabalu, Borneo
26th and 27th September, Trade Show, Basketball Stadium, Forbes Street, Devonport - Lions hiring out tables.
11th December (to confirm with Barrie Cooper) Bowling

Photos of the RSPCA day:-

Lion Ree----

Devon-Lion Out Again

2010-09-08T23:18:00.000+10:00

After a small break the Devon Lion for Sept/Oct 2010 has finally come out! We have no set deadlines, but if you have anything of importance that needs to go in it PLEASE give it to us as soon as you have it. When the editors receive articles for urgent submission and we notice that you have had it for weeks already we are not going to bend over backwards to print it! We will most certainly consider it for this website!

Anyone with any kind of news or information that could be beneficial for members should submit it to either Lion Ree or Lion Walter at their earliest convenience so we can publish it!

The Eds!

AGM 2010 Coming Up!

2010-09-08T20:20:00.002+10:00

LIONS CLUB of CITY of DEVONPORT INC.

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Lions Club of City Devonport Inc will be held on Thursday 14th October 2010 at the Gateway Hotel, Fenton Street, Devonport Commencing at 8pm.

This message was brought to you by the order of the Board of the Lions Club of the City of Devonport Inc.

Lions in August 2010

2010-08-28T13:42:00.001+10:00

The last City of Devonport Lions meeting was this week and we concluded with a lecture on food handling and safety - see picture above! More on that later.

Thank you for all Lions helping with Meals on Wheels, preparing lunch at Orana (above) and collecting for Cancer on Daffodil day in the Mall amongst the many activities this month.
Don't forget theBoard meeting Tuesday 31st august jennies place 730pm.
Carols by candlelight is still hoping to receive DCC funding of. $2500 for sound and lighting. We do not want to start charging the public to attend the event!
Remember if you dont have Lion shirts or Lion caps, aprons, pins or banners do check out the Lions online shop: www.lionsclubsshop.com.au.
We pass our condolences to friends and family of Bryan Smith who passed away last month. Bryan was a member of the Lions Club of Kentish in District T1 Tasmania and was the Treasurer of Lions Australia. Bryan was one of the directors/owners of Paragon BDS, which he established in Sheffield in 1988. He will be missed by many.
The Lions Club of Hadspen, South Esk, have produced a calender to raise funds to help prevent the Tasmanian Devil from being wiped out by the dreadful facial tumour disease. Funds will go directly to the Tasmanian Devil Island Project, who are establishing safe, disease free colonies for devils around Tasmania. Email to Cyril or telephone him on 03-63936453.

Bruce Harpley, the Environmental Health Officer from our Devonport council came in to give us a briefing on Food Handling. Below are some important notes:

Aim to present food that tastes and looks good but also safe to eat. Comply with Tasmanian food act 2003 and Food Safety Standards 2001.
The food handler is often the carrier, and can be responsible for food poisoning - The most common bacteria are; Salmonella, Listeria, E.coli O157, Campylobacter and Clostridium perfringens. [Here] is a good list of common bacteria that cause food poisoning.
Potentially hazardous foods include meat, poultry, fish, sandwiches, meat products, cream cakes and egg products and many more. Also of course shellfish, sushi, and even cooked rice!

Aim to always store cold foods at or below 5 degrees Celcius, keep frozen food frozen, and hot food has to remain heated to at least 60 degrees Celcius. The biggest danger zone for food is 5-60 degrees Celcius.

Some of the main causes of poisoning.include poor personal hygiene and illness of food handlers.
To prevent food poisoning it is important to

Wash hands regularly, and even before putting gloves on!
Change gloves as often as you would wash hands; especially after handling money or raw meat chicken or fish.
Dry goods such as sugar and flour needs to be stored 200mm off the floor in sealed containers.
Thawing of frozen foods has to be in fridge on bottom shelf and not outside of the fridge! Can thaw in microwave if for immediate use.
'Cooking' is not reached until the inside of the food is at least 70 degrees!

Lets hope that the Kentish Lions Club was aware of the above when they prepared the meals for the Old Time Music Hall dinner!

August was a busy month for many of us. We were rewarded at the end of the month with the Old Time Music Hall in Sheffield, Kentish Lions' Club main fund raiser of the year. See above picture!

Daffodil day in the Mall

2010-08-26T12:17:00.001+10:00

Rea Loane in action for Daffodil day supporting the Cancer Council.

Caitlin goes to Ecuador!

2010-08-15T20:33:00.002+10:00

That is right, Caitlin Crack is going to Ecuador with VESA. Caitlin came to speak to our club looking for financial support to help her fund her adventure to provide remote villages with fresh water, restore the local primary schools, teach English to primary school children and more. Ecuador is a Spanish speaking country located in Latin America nestled between Peru and Columbia and adjacent to the famous Galapagos Islands.

Caitlin is a Spreyton born and bred woman who enjoys making wedding cakes, playing netball and anything on skis. Has a part time job at Just Jeans and does relief office work at Reece High School. She completed a BA at the Cradle Coast Campus of the University of Tasmania in Burnie, majoring in History and Sociology. During her time at university she tutored and was involved in the PASS program and came out with many awards and much recognition such as Best First Year Student (First Year Aboriginal Studies and First Year English), and made the Dean's Roll of Excellence in 2007, 2008 and 2009 resulting in a Dean's Roll of Excellence with Honors.

Currently she is doing a Master of Teaching course and is currently gaining teaching experience in Ulverstone High School and soon will go to Devonport High (watch out students!).

Last March she stumbled upon the 16 day VESA Ecuador program and spontaneously signed up as a volunteer. Volunteers need to pay their own airfares and land content, but gain invaluable experience by fully immersing themselves in a foreign community, participating and helping at community level programs, and participating in adventures and excitement that will give her a lifetime of memories. She intends to teach English, dig trenches, fix schools, as well as hike in the Amazon, visit with witch doctors, see coffee plantations and whatever else she can fit in!

Her main dreads are the warnings about anacondas. We assured her that apart from the anacondas there is crime, civil unrest and a general threat of domestic terrorism, frequent violent protests, and a high threat of terrorist and serious criminal activity in the provinces of Carchi, Orellana, Sucumbios and Napo.... but hey, Ecuador wouldn't be Ecuador without it! Let's support Caitlin and email her with your pledge [email]!

Exciting Meeting Notes

2010-08-15T17:23:00.002+10:00

Daffodil Day Thursday 26th of August: Lions will be collecting around the state. If you have a mother, father, sister, brother or best friend, there’s every chance your life will be touched by cancer. No matter who you are, Daffodil Day is for you. www.daffodilday.com.au.
Safe Food Handling course after our next meeting! We often handle food in our Lion's activities, like manning the food caravan, doing BBQs at events, serving lunches at Orana...
Lions club membership fees due now! Can pay $50 this month and balance by Christmas. Remember we subsidise club membership fees by doing our Racegate Duties!
Christmas Cake Alert! Start thinking about how many Lion Christmas Cakes you will need for your workplace or wherever you see fit to leave them. This Christmas we will not only sell cakes, we will also be trialling Fudge and Plum Pudding! Watch out for news on this website.
Citizen of the Year! recognise individuals and organisations that have made a noteworthy contribution during the current year, and/or give an outstanding service over a number of years, to a local community over and above normal employment duties. Contact Lion Gary Beaton if you like to nominate someone.
Carols by Candlelight committee meeting 19 August!
Kentish Oldtime Music Hall: We have arranged tickets for members to attend the Friday night (27/8/10) performance in Sheffield.
Kudos to Hos, Jeff and Phil and all others on the shed committee for organising the storage shed which has now been paid for! The Crown has agreed to officially allocated for our use and the new shed should be up by Christmas ready to store our gear!
Orana: Sunday 22 August Lunch is served again to the elderly by the City of Devonport Lions! Make sure you have done your safe food handling course - see point above!

Devonport Meals On Wheels

2010-07-17T00:47:00.001+10:00

Devonport City Lions Club do their "Little" bit for Meals on Wheels!

Lions President Jenny Rimmer and Lion Ree Loane in action on Friday, 16th July, 2010

The Lions Girls Thought It Best:- "What Happens At Meals On Wheels Stays At Meals on Wheels??"

Devonport City Lions Club Inaugural Meeting -Lion President Jenny Rimmer, Thursday 8th July 2010

2010-07-10T18:31:00.000+10:00

Lion President Jenny Rimmer taking her position at the Inaugural Meeting, Thursday 8th July, 2010.

Lion Dale Hawken is inducted as Treasurer by Lion Secretary Bill Slater.

Lion John Momsen is inducted as 3rd Vice President by Lion Secretary Bill Slater.

2010-06-24T21:06:00.000+10:00

24/06/2010

DEVONPORT CITY PROMOTIONS, OPENING OF - AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Bill Wilson, Lion President Jenny Rimmer (City of Devonport Lions) & Margaret Fay

Lion Ree Loane, Bill Wilson, Lion President Jenny Rimmer & Lion Grant Goodwin

Bill Wilson, Lion President Jenny Rimmer, Mayor of Devonport Lyn Laycock & Lion Grant Goodwin

Making the Paper

2010-06-21T22:24:00.002+10:00

2010 President Jenny made it in the Advocate today!

Congrats for making history Jenny!

Changeover Dinner '10

2010-06-21T00:56:00.002+10:00

Our 51st Changeover Dinner! This was a historic occasion for two reasons:
a) The incoming and outgoing President kissed each other.
b) President Jenny Rimmer is the first female president of our club!

More on the evening later!

City of Devonport Lions got Bowls

2010-06-11T17:00:00.002+10:00

Last night (10/6/10) we had our last meeting with the current committee! On the 19th of June we will have our 51st Change-Over Dinner at the Gateway Hotel and the new committee will take the reigns.

Coming up next August is the anual Sheffield Old Time Music Hall night. We are trying to organise tickets for the 20th or the 27th of August (both Fridays). The Kentish Lions Club proudly hosts this most entertaining event and it is their main fund raiser of the year. RSVP at the changeover night if you like to come.

Lion Barry is encouraging us to come along for a social night of 10-pin bowling in William Street, Devonport. This sounds like a death defying night of horror, but it looks like we'll have 20 members come along to the local alley.Currently in planning for 31st of July, after dinner, 7:00 - 9:30 pm.

65 Roses Day

2010-05-28T15:18:00.000+10:00

City of Devonport Lions were out in force today, as were other North West Lions Club members, all collecting for Cystic Fibrosis. Today is the annual 65 Roses day, so named after a child said his sister was special because she had 65 roses... He could not pronounce Cystic Fibrosis.

Pictured above is Lion Walter, a person with Cystic Fibrosis himself, happily collecting hundreds of dollars for the Tasmanian CF Association in Rooke Street Mall, Devonport. The collected money remains within Tasmania and is used to support families affected with Cystic Fibrosis in our community. We recently had some heavy blows, losing some very special Tasmanian young people.

Walter is climbing Mount Kinabalu in Borneo in July in aid of Cystic Fibrosis, highlighting the need for organ donation and spreading awareness and inspiration.

More information on 65 Roses day -here-.

Life as a Lion

2010-05-23T10:43:00.001+10:00

A Lions member could be anyone in society. He or she doesn't need to be married, old or young, retired, black or white,... He could be out there fixing your electricity in the street!

At night we occasionally get together for occasions and we all make something to make a feast.

The above occasion was to farewell our past President Jim (pictured below) who is off to Western Australia for a big adventure. We hope he'll be back, but chances are he'll relocate. We had a good evening with him and wish him and wife Beverly all the best.

Lion Walter---

Chief of Staff

2010-04-23T17:51:00.000+10:00

Coastal born and bred Julian O'Brien, Chief of Staff at The Advocate since 2003, spoke at our last meeting.

In his dreams Julian was always going to be a policeman, but after Ulverstone High School arranged work experience at the Advocate he knew he was onto something... Cutting his teeth on the sports desk he soon became the youngest sports editor at the Advocate at the tender age of 25 years.

Highlights of his reporting career included historic events like Cathy Freeman's greatest moment of lighting the Olympic flame and winning Gold at the 400 meter at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

In his 16 years at the paper he has seen many changes. Three ownership changes, from the Rural Press to Fairfax and now Newspaper Pty Ltd. Julian saw the trend move from home delivery to now primarily casual sales, and he observed content shifting from news-focused to more lifestyle/technology orientated as people are looking for a more emotional experience when reading papers. As a rural newspaper The Advocate is one of the leading regional papers of Australia. The Advocate will also stick to their strengths and keep on reporting on the North West, not wanting to be a National Paper.

Newspapers, Julian tells us, are now heading towards a more magazine-style look, as we see with the Herald. Secretly Julian is wondering how The Advocate will look on the iPad in the future, but does not believe that they will ever charge for website content as there is just too much on-line competition including the tax payers funded Rural ABC website. (Ed.If a special daily electronic version of the paper were to appear for mobile devices of course there will be a charge).

Julian assures us that the paper does everything to avoid bias between the Devonport and Burnie regions and that although on some days more articles might cover the Burnie region, others days it favours Devonport. It is still a common perception both in Devonport and Burnie that there appears to be bias.

The club very much appreciated Julian O'Brien talk and were impressed that he still claims that even after 16 years at The Advocate (which is celebrating its 120th year) he has not once considered another carreer or employer.

Devonport Gallops at Spreyton

2010-04-19T16:23:00.002+10:00

Yes another pleasant day at the races.

Hos Koerner and myself (Ree Loane) at the Durkin's Road entrance, Bob Cameron and Barrie Cooper at the Dogs Home entrance.

Not a lot of race goers but enough to keep our interest going. Being a lover of people watching and horses, sunny day, 4 hours didn't drag tooo much, there are worst things you could be doing e.g. ironing!!

Hos taught me the finer art of horse racing and we both agree, abolish whips and tongue tying. I was about to get on my soap box about the latter, but Hos reminded me I was in the Lions shirt, so was forced to keep my mouth shut, "ouch".

How many of you knew that Hos was a very good horseman??

We closed up shop around 3pm, Hos and I said our goodbye's and I headed in to let the horses know they had done a fine job, when this beautiful Dapple caught my eye, so thought what the heck, made my way to the betting arena, had to get instructions on how to put $5 on the horse to win, and hey presto, won $20.

What a Winner!!

Ree----

Perfect day for a good deed

2010-04-17T19:23:00.002+10:00

Adopt-a-Highway road cleanup this sunny morning.

James the Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) employee kindly came from Launceston to set up all the road signs to slow the traffic for us to ensure the safe cleaning. It is important everybody gets briefed at the start of the cleaning, for everybody to get equipped with safety gear, everybody to sign their name and that we all stay together for the cleaning of the highway. Our section of adopted highway is sparkling clean again, and the weather was great!

After the cleanup we made our way to the biggest ever BBQ to encourage Australian communities to support the efforts of Children`s Cancer Institute Australia.

A good and productive day was had by all!

Have your Say

2010-04-14T09:24:00.000+10:00

If you read articles on this site and think there is not enough coverage of local Lions Club events, why not email Walter with a photo and a story of an event you may have attended or any topic you like to read about. All submissions will be considered for publication. Email your webmaster: webmaster@devonportlions.info!

FundRaisers with Sean Roche

2010-04-14T09:12:00.000+10:00

Lion members Cathy and Walter joined forces to bring Sean Roche, Irish Singer and Entertainer, to fly in from Perth WA to host two fundraisers. Starting the weekend on Friday 9 April Sean performed in Ulverstone at the OzRock Inn for Cystic Fibrosis and the following night he performed at Weindorfers in Gowrie Park to aid Motor Neurone Disease. Both functions took a lot of organising, but both did very well with everyone in attendance to either function having a ball and monies raised for the respective organisations!

If you like to support Motor Neurone Disease in Tasmania you can still donate to the Association by clicking HERE. And if you like to help Walter reach his goal of raising $4095 for CF Tasmania click/read about it HERE.

Sean Roche Fund Raising in the NorthWest of Tasmania

2010-04-05T22:49:00.004+10:00

Sean Roche, who originally hails from the Irish town of Cork, is flying into our Tasmanian North West for two charity events!

Sean has a unique brand of Irish entertainment that subtly integrates the music of his homeland with a sprinkling of Australian standards. He now lives in Perth, Western Australia.

Next Friday night, 9 April, at 630pm Sean Roche will be hosting and performing at an ad-lib dinner at the OzRock Inn in Ulverstone for CYSTIC FIBROSIS. Walter van Praag, a person with Cystic Fibrosis himself, is climbing Mount Kinabalu in Borneo on the dawn of his 45th birthday on 8 July 2010. The mountain in the jungle is 4095 meters tall and he is raising $1 for each meter of altitude for CF Tasmania; $4095 total. Be there around 6pm for a 630pm kick off to the evening. $50 covers food and wine and entertainment. See list of sponsor for the event: <click here>. Please RSVP by phoning the OzRock Inn on 6425 1120 or emailing funraiser@coughing4cf.com.
Fifty percent of the proceeds go straight to CF Tasmania and the other 50% towards the July climbing expedition. CF Tasmania also has a special website where you can donate directly towards the $4095 goal: www.everydayhero.com.au/walter

If you cannot make the Friday night, or perhaps just prefer to support the Motor Neurone Disease Association come and see Sean Roche at Weindorfer's Restaurant - Gowrie Park Wilderness Village at 6.30 pm. for 'Days of Silver and Gold': Sean will give a concert and also MC a Blackboard Concert - BYO instruments! A dozen musicians have already registered for the Blackboard Concert. RSVP by Wednesday 7th of April 2010 to Cathy Clayton on 0407 555 859 or 6427 2693. Cost $45. Note there is a FREE BUS to and from Gowrie Park so you don't have to drive out of town: Bus departs 5.15pm from the Big Apple at Spreyton, leaving Weindorfers about 10.30pm.

Benjamin Does It Again!

2010-04-01T23:28:00.001+11:00

Benjamin Knight, double winner of the Lions Club Of City Of Devonport, Inc. Youth Of The Year Competition, went on to take the honors at the Port Sorrell Regional Competition. He will now compete at the State level on 11 April in Burnie. We wish him the best.

Cleaning up before the BBQ

2010-03-26T22:00:00.000+11:00

That is right, we will be cleaning up first! The City of Devonport Lions Club has sponsored a piece of Bass Highway and on Saturday 17 April at 10am we will be out in force to clean it for the first time. Meeting at the Tourist information parking area in front of the Vicotria bridge we will scour for hours under the watchful eye of a Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) employee.

After the hard work is done for the cleaners we can go and relax and have the biggest ever BBQ! The 2010 Lions Biggest BBQ has many Lions Clubs around Australia working together to encourage Australian communities to support the efforts of the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia. The Institute strives towards a brighter future for the children and their families affected by childhood cancer. The location of the BBQ will be the carpark between Harvey Norman and in front of the Devonport Library. Everyone welcome, starting at noon!

More Inductions

2010-03-26T10:17:00.003+11:00

At our last meeting we inducted Emma Morse into the Club! Sponsored by her mother, Lion Jennifer Barwick. It is great to see we are recently attracting new members and especially great to see women and younger people join our club!

Last weekend was yet another successful Orana Luncheon, where we do the cooking for the elderly and infirm. We catered for over 40 people. In the past we also provided food, but following Orana's merge with Baptcare last year a corporate OH&S decision was made that stopped us from supplying the ingredients.

Our guest speaker for the night was Jeff Matthews. Jeff was deputy mayor in Devonport from 2005-2007 and an Alderman since 1996. He is well acquainted with the needs of Devonport. His baby, a Mersey Bluff Directional Sign, forms part of the proposed Mersey Bluff Headland development. Jeff explained that when people arrive to Devonport they see the lighthouse and the statue and often head in that direction. We really need to greet tourists there with an informative sign. Signage formed part of a Bluff Development which was passed by council in 2008 and $10K was allocated to the 'directional signage'. The possible total cost of the project could be more like $50K and Jeff is seeking interested community organisations to help the project along.

The signage is expected to be similar to the one at Braddon's Lookout between Forth and Don, and provides lots of local information, complete with historic photos, telling us about the history of the region.

If Devonport likes to retain tourists that arrive we need to alert them to our history, and give them the information. Information that not only shows them how far we are from Melbourne, Tokyo and Amsterdam, but also interesting historic information about how for instance the Marconi Company demonstrated a wireless telegraphy service between Devonport and Queenscliff, Victoria in 1906. It was the first radio transmission in Australia, and the Government was not impressed and did not purchase the equipment or approve of the service. Other information includes the history of that Don River wharf where Tasmanian timber was shipped for the construction of Melbourne Town!

It is envisaged that the attraction could be done in an aboriginally styled theme, highlighting the significance of Aboriginal heritage in the area (Tiagarra behind the lighthouse), complete with aboriginal petroglyphs and middens nearby. Devonport needs to enhance its personality, its identity, its flavour, we need to have our heritage proudly on display. Jeff is like a dog with a bone in his own words, and he won't let this one go! Let's hope service clubs like ourselves can come to the rescue!

Local Lions Youth of the Year Competition

2010-03-18T10:58:00.002+11:00

The Lions Club Of City Of Devonport, Inc. hosted their local Youth Of The Year competition at their 11 March dinner meeting at the Gateway Inn.

Three students, nominated by their respective schools, competed for the chance to advance to regional competition and ultimately for the chance to win at national level.

St. Brendan-Shaw College was represented by Olivia Gerrard, and The Don Campus Of The Tasmania Academy & Tasmanian Polytechnic by Benjamin Knight and Taylor Beumont-Whiteley.

The students met with the judges (Dianne Atkinson, Geoff Harwood and Kim Marshall) during the week and had been initially judged on a number of specified criteria. On the night the students were additionally judged on their impromptu responses to questions regarding school bullying and their thoughts on betterment of our world. The final stage of the evening was speeches prepared by each contestant on the subject of his or her choice. Benjamin Knight swept the honors, winning both the Public Speaking Award and overall Club Winner.

We Tasted the Harvest

2010-03-08T18:23:00.002+11:00

Soroptomists in combination with the City of Devonport Lions Club and the City of Devonport Council pulled off another terrific event this year! The weather Gods played their part making sure we were all comfortable and kept dry. No major hiccups, all went well, good job, well done, and good luck for 2011!

50th Anniversary Celebration

2010-02-26T15:52:00.004+11:00

Message from President Jim Pearson:

It was with pleasure that I acknowledged the attendance of 137 Lions Dignitaries, Invited Guests, and Lions, Lions Ladies and Partners. DG John Gillham and his wife Libby, the Mayor, Ald. Lynn Laycock and her partner Russell, Ald. Maurice Hill and his wife Ros, the Zone Chairman, Kae Campbell, and her husband, and the President of the Launceston Lions Club and his wife, were just some of the guests for the evening. On behalf of the 32 Lions of the Lions Club Of City Of Devonport, Inc., I welcomed them to the Celebration of the completion of our first fifty years of service. I thanked them all for helping us commemorate the day this club was formed, in September 1959, and to celebrate the day of its charter, on 13 February 1960, fifty years ago. During the evenings program all present were entertained and enlightened regarding some of the history of this club and its members. Geoff Phillips, Ian Wild and Bob Cameron filled in the details of this club's history over it's fifty years. The chef put together a delightful menu for our dining pleasure, and the wines hopefully pleased. Our Master of Ceremonies, Lion Geoff Phillips officiated for the evening.

Jim Pearson, President

Commemorative Water Fountain

2010-02-26T15:44:00.003+11:00

Lion Walter conveniently filling his water bottle for the bicycle...

The official presentation of the Commemorative Water Fountain to the city of Devonport marked the completion of fifty years of uninterrupted service by the Lions Club of City of Devonport, Inc. Service in the community in which we live, the local region, the state, the nation and throughout the world. It represents the expended energy and enthusiasm of 196 Lions, all citizens of this fine city. It represents the completion of myriad projects, aid to the less fortunate, and contributions to hundreds of worthwhile and deserving causes. And this fountain also stands here as a symbol of promise. The promise of continuing, uninterrupted service, from this day forward, for the next fifty years. It is particularly fitting that the fountain is being presented today, on the 50th Anniversary of the chartering of the Lions Club of City of Devonport, Inc., on 13 February 1960.

WE SERVE!
Jim Pearson, President

Water Fountain in Round House Park

2010-02-24T20:22:00.002+11:00

Another City of Devonport Lions Club Project comes to bear fruit! In front of the Ambulance Station, next to the round-a-bout in Round House Park we now have a water fountain to service all the thirsty cyclists and pedestrians, as well as people attending events at the Foreshore.

The fountain commemorates 50 years of continuous service to the community and represents 196 Lions of our community.

YOUTH OF THE YEAR REGIONAL FINAL 2010

2010-02-24T15:55:00.002+11:00

Erica was our Club Winner last year!

Participating clubs are advised that the Regional (zone) Final will be held at Hawley House on Sunday, 28th March, commencing with interviews at 10:00am, luncheon between 1:00 and 2:00pm and culminating with public speaking in the early afternoon.

The order of interview will be as follows:

Port Sorell 10:00am
Devonport Mersey 10:30am
Latrobe 11:00am
Devonport City 11:30am
Kentish 12:00pm
Forth Valley 12:30pm

A period of thirty minutes is allowed for each interview, but according to the skill of both entrant and judges, this may vary either way, so entrants are asked to be at least a little early.

The public speaking component of the competition will be conducted in the old church.

The cost of the midday luncheon will be $15:00 per person and will apply only to food. Alcoholic beverages will be available at addition cost.

Complimentary lunches will be available for the following guests:

contestants and two family members
judges
teachers (one per entrant)
Dist. Gov. and partner
Representative of National Sponsor

Visiting clubs are kindly asked to advise the total number of guests to me by Friday 26th.

Don't just leave it to the entrants and parents, get behind the event and round up some support from friends of Lions and friends of family and make this a great social occasion.

All questions should be referred to me on 0407 564 828. Looking forward to seeing you on March 28th,

Yours in Lionism,

John Brook
LIONS CLUB OF PORT SORELL

50 Years of City of Devonport Lions

2010-02-23T09:20:00.002+11:00

The 50th Anniversary of our City of Devonport Lions Club Charter was celebrated on the 13th of February at the RSL Club in Devonport. It was very well attended and everything went like clockwork. Many speeches were held, but Lion Ian Wild's Speech of the night says it all. Below is an excerpt:

On the 13th February 1960 the Devonport Lions Club, sponsored by the Lions Club of Launceston, came into being. Since that day 50 years ago, our club has been fully committed to serving the Devonport community. Here are just some of the highlights over the last half century.

Our Club’s influences have touched many facets of the Devonport community, including:

Fund-raising and sponsorship,
contributing to the city’s assets,
assisting with the provision of services for our youth and aging population, and
organizing community events

Our first major project was the creation of the park reserve located on the corner of North Fenton Street, Gloucester Avenue and Bluff Road, known then as Devonport Lions Park. Since then, the Club has been actively involved in developing and enhancing many other reserves around the city, including the Hiller Flora Reserve.

The Lions Club City of Devonport was also responsible for the construction of the walking track along Victoria Parade – extending from the Elimatta Hotel to the Bluff. Originally, members worked by hand to dig out the track, however the decision by a couple of Lions to undertake a ‘midnight mission’ utilizing a tractor, made a substantial difference to the man hours required for the project!

In the early 70’s, the Club set about raising funds to cover the installation of a swimming pool at Devonfield. After numerous working bees and a lot of blood, sweat and tears, the pool was officially opened in November 1971, much to the delight of the Devonfield residents. Over the years the Club has undertaken numerous other smaller projects to benefit the residents.

You can’t do a lot with 20 cents in this day and age, but, as we all know, in 1977 it was a different story. The Club initiated the Elderly Citizens Housing Operations Project, otherwise known as the ECHO Project. Through a wage deduction scheme of only 20 cents per employee per week, the Club was able to raise sufficient funds to help assist with the expansion of Meercroft, Karingal and Melaleuca Homes for the Aged. Funds raised through this scheme, together with Government subsidies, would have benefited the homes to the tune of $250,000.

To mark Australia’s bi-centenary, the Club built the Sound Shell at the Mersey Bluff. This iconic site has been the stage for numerous concerts over the years and it now serves as the most fitting location for Devonport’s Carols by Candlelight event.

One of the most significant events organized by our club over the years was the Dahlia Festival. Initiated in 1961, the festival was held over a two week period and included the Dahlia Festival Ball which was attended by the Premier of Tasmania. The festival also included the crowning of the Dahlia Queen, a Junior Ball, golf, tennis and bowls tournaments, a fishing competition in the Mersey River, a major art competition, a family night at the Drive-in, a mannequin parade, a theatrical play, a combined service clubs dinner, a grand parade and a Mardi Gras. Over the 16 years that the festival was held, the Lions Club was able to raise thousands of dollars for the community.

Following on from the success of the Dahlia Festival, the Club began the Food & Wine Fiesta, which was originally held in the Rooke Street Mall. The success and overwhelming popularity of this event saw it out-grow the Mall and as such the Club decided to relocate it to the Mersey River Foreshore and rename the event Taste the Harvest. Now in its eleventh year as Taste the Harvest, the event continues to draw visitors and stall holders from all around the State and is one of our major fundraising activities.

The Club has also held other significant community events to raise funds, including the Home Show, which ran for a period of five years. We also continue to run our annual Magic Show, which for the last fifteen plus years has been popular with children and adults of all ages.

Over the years, the Lions Club City of Devonport has made efforts to contribute to the development of the youth in our community. Our annual Youth of the Year event is aimed at recognizing, encouraging and rewarding those youth who are contributing to our community. Every year we also provide a bursary for two high school students at each of our senior schools.

We have sponsored a child to attend the ‘Giant Steps’ project in Deloraine, as well as hosting children from Chernobyl’s nuclear disaster. More recently, the Club contributed significantly to the development and installation of a new Skate Park at the Mersey Bluff, providing a state of the art facility for our city’s youth.

Speaking of new installations, it would me remiss of me to not mention the Spirit of the Sea. Members of our Club, together with members of other service clubs, fought long and hard for the Spirit, and their perseverance has been rewarded with the statue now in place at the mouth of the Mersey River.

It would also be remiss of me not to make mention of all the smaller, individual projects that have been carried out by the Club over the years. While there are far too many to mention here tonight, we should not forget about the small ways we have made a difference.

For the last fifty years we have been ever present at the Spreyton Race Course, manning the race gates.

We have also helped fund trips interstate and overseas for those in need of medical assistance. On one such occasion in 1979, the Club funded a trip for a young blind man to visit the Eye & Ear Hospital in Melbourne. Much to the delight of him, his family and the Club, the visit resulted in his vision being restored and he was able to live a happy, normal life.

Whether it be providing a wheelchair or dialysis machine for someone, building new footpaths, assisting in relief efforts or sponsoring students or athletes for various events, these things have all made a difference to someone’s life, and they are achievements that all of us should take pride in.

For over forty years, the Club has also recognized and paid tribute to the unsung heroes of our community. The Citizen of the Year Award was first introduced in 1969, and to this day it continues to honour those people that have made significant contributions to the betterment of the Devonport community.

The Lions Club City of Devonport has not just benefited those that live within the Devonport community. We have also played a major role in the establishment of other Lions Clubs along the North West Coast. We formed Clubs in Penguin, Ulverstone, Kentish, Mersey-Devonport and Deloraine .

There is another aspect of our Lions Club that shouldn’t be ignored and that is the fellowship and long-lasting friendships of our members. Over the past 50 years there have been a variety of social functions where we have been able to enjoy each others company and share many happy times. The generosity of those club members who have hosted these functions has been greatly appreciated by all those attended.

We’ve also had golf days with Rotary, mystery bus tours, as well as progressive dinners. Not to be forgotten is the talent exhibited by our Club members during various skits at changeover night, some showing great talent and some best forgotten.

And I’m sure anybody who has attended these events would have plenty of stories to tell.

Membership of our Club has varied over the years peaking at around 60, to our current 31 members. It is a challenge for all members to introduce new members and keep this great Club moving forward.

A lot has happened in 50 years and many other achievements of the Club were discussed over dinner between past and present members who took a gentle stroll down memory lane.

Adopt-a-highway

2010-01-29T18:06:00.000+11:00

Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) launched Tasmania's new and improved "Adopt a Highway" project last year after the scheme in Tasmania had ceased with the DIER due to management concerns.

The City of Devonport Lions Club has recently been allocated two kilometers of road stretching from the Tourist Welcome Board to the Port Sorell turn-off. We will be out in force to clean the roadside, with the assistance of trained professionals, on Saturday 17 April between 10am and 1230pm, followed by a quick BBQ for members.

Lions Haiti Relief Efforts

2010-01-21T06:34:00.004+11:00

Devastating earthquakes in Haiti left 1.5 million homeless, up to 200,000 dead, and countless injured and traumatized. It will take years for the country to fully recover, but Lions will be there every step of the way.

Just like Lions have done with the South Asian tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, the Sichuan earthquake in China and other calamities, Lions and LCIF will be there for the both the short- and long-term - providing immediate aid now but also working to rebuild communities, to restore hope and to support those affected for as long as it takes.

Lions have already moved swiftly to provide immediate assistance. Lions relief tents are being shipped from Sweden; Lions from Canada on a mission in Haiti during the quake gave first aid assistance during the first hours and days; and Lions in the Caribbean area are sending aid over land and by sea. Additionally, a coordinating committee of Lions in Haiti, Dominican Republic and nearby countries are actively planning for the next steps.

The response by Lions to LCIF's Lions Hope for Haiti donation appeal has been tremendous. Within days, we have already mobilized more than US$350,000, but we'll need millions more if we are to help the country rebuild, to provide homes for the homeless, to rebuild schools for the children, to rehabilitate those left disabled, and to help heal so many shattered and broken hearts. So please donate what you can.

Read the latest LCIF update (click here) on Haiti, including information on how you can make a personal online donation (click to donate). I thank you all ahead of time for any further assistance you can provide.

Eberhard J. Wirfs
International President