Maryborough Convention - Fun enjoyed by all in October 2008
Tail Twister Len Cassidy at Left.
The October District Convention had it all. Friday night commenced with the civic reception hosted by the Mayor of Maryborough who
welcomed the District Governor and his Committee to the Town Hall.
After the traditional Highland Pipers who played during the flag-raising ceremony, Lions were entertained by a Children’s Choir, Dance Group and the Maryborough Brass Band.
This was followed by supper; and what a traditional country hospitality the supper was with home-cooked sausage rolls and heaps of nibblies.
The Maryborough Club worked hard throughout the weekend to impress. They were ably lead by the Convention Chairman Trevor Stevens and President Wayne Thomas.
On Saturday the crowd was entertained by three key-note speakers.
The CEO of Lions Australia Rob Oerlemans spoke mainly on the GMH Sponsorship and the role of the National Office and how it provides service to Lions in Australia.
He also described the impact of the new branding and its aim to appeal to the public.
Next speaker was Past Council Chairman David McKenzie, who spoke about his role as Marketing Manager for Lions Australia.
The final speaker was Doctor Stefan Gruenert from Odyssy House in Melbourne, who spoke about drug rehabilitation.
Lunch time and all conventioneers piled into buses to different coffee shops around Maryborough. The Convention Chairman is still trying to work out why the buses came back with 70 less.
The afternoon continued on with the elections. Numerous elections were held for the DG-Elect, the new positions of first and second VDG, Licola, VLF, etc.
Saturday night opened with the Men-o-the Hill Bush Band. Lions dressed for the occasion and had a great time. Lion Len Cassidy was the centre of attention and showed everyone how to dance “Strip the Willow” .
Parties at the motels followed well after midnight.
Sunday morning the convention continued with the Cakes and Mints Chairmen presentations.
Immediate Past District Governor Ross Wood then presented club awards for his
previous year.
DG-Elect Jill Qualtrough announced the joint winners of the “Baby Photo Competition”. Only seven of the 21 cabinet member’s photos could be named. Only Cabinet Treasurer Paul Tijoe was named correctly by all entrants.
A couple of Cabinet members were embarrassed when they forgot which photo was theirs.
Vigorous debate from late notices of motions took place before lunch, causing a division of delegates present, so that the count could take place.
It is a wonderful organisation that can debate things openly and then continue to function as a team without prejudice.
A presentation by the Swan Hill Lions for next year’s convention came next. The convention will be held at the Tooleybuc Club - 40k North of Swan Hill.
Len Cassidy conducted Tail Twisting to end the convention prior to the closing ceremony.