District Governor's Report May 2009
HELLO for the final time as DG. What a year we have had. A short recap of some of our achievements as a District.
We showed good Membership growth, gained another Club, formed a Branch Club, enjoyed a wonderful Convention, thanks to the Lions Club of Wheelers Hill, met many new friends and survived the most horrific day in Victoria’s history.What helped us through the past year is our dedication to our organisation and our Aussie resilience.
My most sincere thanks go to all Members who have worked so hard during the past year to make certain that V5 will continue to flourish as a District we can all be proud of our Cabinet Officers have been very active and I thank them.
The support we have had since Black Saturday has been tremendous. Lions worldwide have donated a little over $2,000,000.00 to our District Disaster Relief Trust. Many have donated goods of the highest standard and when plant and equipment has been required our local businesses have been more than generous.
Something that must be said is that the community of Narracoorte, along with the local Lions Club, undertook a project known as Dollars For Doonas and raised a substantial sum. Mini Jumbuck added some corporate dollars to this and a B Double containing 300 queen and 400 single woollen doonas as well as 1000 pillows arrived at the Ringwood warehouse. These have proven to be a hit with the bushfire survivors, as now the weather is turning quite cool.
The volunteer numbers at the Ringwood warehouse is increasing slowly, but we need more assistance. Perhaps Members of Clubs in the vicinity will be able to find a little time. This will take the pressure off the regulars who are turning up on a daily basis.
Congratulations must go to Lion Rob Tunney and his extremely hard working Committee for what they are doing with their Tools for Tradies project. This has proven to be one of the best and most innovative projects of recent times. The demeanour of the tradesmen who have unfortunately lost everything in the fires certainly changes when a visit to Rob and his Merry Men (and Women) sees them leave with tools necessary for them to reenter the work force.
Our International President’s theme for the year has been Miracles Through Service. I am extremely proud to say that Lions of Australia have lived this to the letter. His other challenge was to induct a further nineteen percent of women into Lions. I am very pleased to announce that the percentage of women in V5 is twentysix. This is well above the average and I congratulate you one and all.
Lion Monica Jones receiving an award for her effort in assisting the victims of Victorian Bushfires. Award presented by International President Al Brandel.
DG David with Cabinet Secretary Bea Ahearn and with other District Governors at the Multiple District Convention in Melbourne.
Most sincere thanks must go to my wonderful wife, Lion Monica for her support and encouragement throughout this past year. Monica has been at my side through thick and thin. Without her the year would have been almost too much to endure. If nothing else, it has certainly been the most memorable year of our lives.
The District Changeover is to be in Marysville on the 18th July, and we look forward to seeing as many Members as can possibly make it on the night.
I wish the incoming Cabinet every success and sincerely hope their year is tragedy and incident free.
Thank you one and all from both Monica and me for your acceptance, friendship, encouragement, support and indulgence since we took office. You are a credit to the family of Lions and Monica and I are very proud to have made your acquaintance.
May good fortune smile upon you and may your God protect you. Thank you for the most wonderful year.
DG David and Lion Monica