We Serve

District Governor Mary Harlow

Working Together for our Communities

if it has to be ..then it is up to me

July 2008

The 2008-2009 International Theme: “Miracles through Service” is International President Albert F. Brandel’s theme which focuses on Community Service and Lions Membership. “Working together for our Communities” has been what each of us have being doing for many years and is my theme for this year and ties in with our international theme. Shadow Cabinet was held at Geelong RSL. Incoming Offices instruction was undertaken at Port Fairy and Torquay where new areas of training were introduced.  The success of future training sessions is reliant upon the input from all participating clubs and we urge you to continue your support and contribution.  Numerous congratulatory telephone calls and emails have been received acknowledging the Presenters at the functions. Our thanks are extended to Leadership Chairman PDG Terry Uniacke, current Asst Cabinet Secretary (ex Membership Chairman) Jim Kent and Cabinet Treasurer PDG John Greenwood, Extension Chairman Ivan Panton and Leadership Chairman 2007/2008 PDG’s Bill Duncanson, and Extension Chairman 2007/2008 Alan Price for their contribution. A special thank you is offered to Immediate Past District Governor Gordon Williams for his time and effort in attending both the Incoming Officers instructions where he welcomed all participants.

Thank you to the Executive of the Lions Clubs of Port Fairy & Torquay for arranging the venues for the training sessions and Lions/Partners for providing morning tea and lunch.

One person can inspire hundreds to achieve.  Will all Clubs consider the next time a Lion/Lioness/Leo from your Club is awarded or accomplishes a special deed let us all know – SHARE THE NEWS – these special Members are our motivators and can inspire us to achieve more.  

The harsh conditions associated with “drought” have been experienced throughout our communities for some time; more recently “flood” conditions are being experienced in some areas.  Members of the community, especially our rural communities, are under enormous stress from these conditions and need assistance. We have introduced two new portfolios - Mental Health & Community Development and are hopeful of assisting those members suffering from stress in our community; our Clubs of Altona and Camperdown have recently actioned Mental Health.

Thank you to all Lions for the privilege and honour you have bestowed by appointing me your District Governor. I will truly work to the very best of my ability as will all members of Cabinet.  “We are your Cabinet” and, at the same time, Lions who also work for our own Clubs. Recently I completed my year as President of The Lions Clubs of Altona, Inc and I sincerely thank my Executive, Lion Tamer and every Member & Partner for a wonderful year – it was a privilege to be President of such a hard working and caring Club.

Congratulations to IPDG Gordon and Lions Lady Helene on a superb year.  I know they enjoyed every moment and worked diligently for us.  On your behalf, I wish Gordon and Helene good health and an enjoyable year of catching up with family and friends and, as they continue their Lions work, may they enjoy the slower pace.   IPDG Gordon is this year Membership Chairman for the Lions Club of Kaniva, so he will be busy as he is also Districts Foundations Chairman.

To Members of the Lions Club of Stawell, Inc. “thank you all” on behalf of District for the assistance you provided in relation to the District Changeover and the Zone (Region) Meeting.

Please think about attending the Convention in Edenhope.  The Lions Club of Edenhope, Inc are working tirelessly to ensure another great V2 Convention.    I look forward to seeing everyone wearing their country costumes - I believe each table will be a “township” – is this right Chairman Malcolm?

In recent years we have received nominations from a number of Clubs wishing to host the Convention and I believe the trend has continued this year.  We are indeed fortunate and will be receiving multiple submissions and I wish all Clubs well in their submissions.

This year I will be accompanied by two (2) Partners – District Chairman Youth of the Year Malcolm will join me on Visitations, while Lion Edna Uniacke will be my Partner’s Co-ordinator at District Functions.

Please take time to assist Cabinet Secretary Stewart Pyers, his position as Cabinet Secretary is a very busy one.  I urge you to adhere to Stewart’s deadlines which will enable him to keep within the reporting timeline set by Cabinet, Multiple District and International.

Lions/Lioness/Leos & Partners enjoy the new Lions year. The time you give to Lions and your Communities is greatly appreciated.   Remember to make time for yourself, your family, work and most importantly, ensure fun and laughter are present every day.

With visitations commencing on Tuesday, 15 July, 2008 time will no doubt fly.  Malcolm and I are looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.   

Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.

Contact Webmaster

Page Updated: 07 July, 2008