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Dear District Lions, We are drawing near the end of the Lions year and Pam and I have now visited all Lions, Lioness and Leo clubs in the District. We have been very impressed with all the projects and community based activities we have seen during the year. There have been some amazing and outstanding Lions projects throughout the District which will make my job of choosing an overall winner this year very very difficult. I am pleased to announce that many of you are working hard to promote your clubs in your towns and communities and a great many more are also building club memberships by holding community “Family and Friends” days or BBQs. WE have disappointingly lost many Lions this year. Some unfortunately have passed away but many more have left our organisation for many other reasons. As a District our membership is 23 behind where we were at the start of the year but I’m positive that we will finish on a positive note as we draw closer to the end of June. It is imperative that we all talk to your friends and neighbours about Lions and the great work we, as an International Service Organisation, perform in our local communities. Remember you only have to - ASK! Someone.Past DG’s Brenda and Hedley are currently working towards the forming of a new club in Wodonga and as some of you are aware we are also working positively towards rebuilding the Hay Lions Club with a public BBQ and free raffle being held in Hay on the 16th of April. The Lions club of Beechworth is also moving in the right direction under the guidance of Josie & Brain Cornish and Daris Olsauskas. I believe they have 4 new members ready to join the 9 members they currently have – fantastic. It is wonderful to have all these new members coming into our Lions organisation but we must take care of those Lions that we already have by keeping them involved in activities and projects and not to forget them if they stop coming to meetings. We must stem the flow of Lions leaving clubs through lack of interest of personal conflict. It should always be remembered Lions that we are all there for the betterment of our towns and communities and not for our own interests or personal goals. Lions we all do fantastic work in our communities and we should all be very proud of the many Health and Medical Research projects we support both here in Australia and Internationally. District Governor Lynn

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There are a lot of wonderful stories out there about your Clubs and what you do. I’d love to hear them and so would our readers.Please send in photos of your DG visits, annual events or just a social event you have enjoyed.Contact details:Email: v6roar@gmail.comWeb: http://201v6.lions.org.auFacebook: www.facebook.com/201V6Lions

So, comment online or drop me a line love to hear from you.

From the Editor’s Desk

1st - 5th May MD Convention—Tamworth

25th May Club Officers Training - Corowa

1st June Club Officers Training - Moama

4th - 8th JulyInternational Convention – Toronto Canada

29th - 31st August ANZI Pacific Forum - Adelaide

Dates to Remember

District Governor’s Message 1

From the Editor’s Desk 2

Together We Can Grow 2

Dates to remember 2

World Immunisation Week 3

MD Convention at Tamworth 3

Youth of the Year Winners 4

Youth of the Year Quest 5

DG visits 6

Victorian Lions Foundation News 7

News from around the clubs 8-15

Youth Exchange news 16-17

Lions House opens 18-19

Licola updates 20-21

In this Issue

WANT TO BE REWARDED FOR GROWING YOUR CLUB?

The “Together We Can Grow” contest rewards high-performing clubs for exceptional membership growth.Building a strong club takes teamwork and leadership.Your club can do even more when the current and incoming presidents work together this year to increase club membership. Check out what you can earn for your efforts!Here’s what your club needs to achieve to win: Be the top club in your district with the largest net

membership gain (by percentage) between January 1 and July 31 2014

Your club must have at least 10% membership growth and a five (5) member net gain during the contest period.

There’s more rewards and opportunities to earn!Visit the LCI website for complete contest details and your chance to earn additional rewards in our innovative recruiting contest.

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I have an exciting announcement to share with you: in celebration of this year's

World Immunization Week 24-30, LCIF has launched a 30 day challenge to raise US$1 million the One Shot, One Life: Lions Measles Initiative!

Did you know that each year, more than one million children will not make it to their 5thdue to a vaccine-preventable disease? This includes measles and rubella, which can cause illness, disability, blindness and death. That is why we must act now – we can help these children through the One Shot, One Life: Lions Measles Initiative and through events like World Immunization Week.

By accepting this challenge, you are helping us provide vaccinations to children in need and also helping to raise the awareness of just how important routine vaccinations are for global health. Together, I know we can meet this challenge.

And, not only are we issuing this challenge, but we are also receiving a generous matching contribution from the family of Abhey and Past District Governor Aruna Oswal to help us reach US$1 million for measles. When youmake a donation for measlesthe month of April 2014, it will be matched on a 1:1 basis by the Oswal family, for a total of up to US$500,000! Every dollar that you donate is doubled until we meet our goal.

You can learn more aboutthe Million Dollar Measles Challenge online, as well as Lions' and LCIF'sefforts to end measles, our partnership initiatives measles and how tomake a contribution

As a Lion, you can help save lives, spread knowledge and make the world a healthier place for children. You can make a difference.

Sincerely, Wayne A. MaddenChairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation

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Ashleigh Rogers will represent the District at the State Final of the Youth of the Year Quest after winning the District Final at Corowa on Sunday 30th March, following her success at the Cohuna Lions Club and Region1 levels of the Quest. Brendan Moyle from the Echuca Lions Club was the winner of Public Speaking section. All candidates presented externally well, making the judging panel’s job so much harder.Ashleigh attends Cohuna Secondary Collage in Year 12, she is the school and Sports House Captain for 2014. Ashleigh has received the Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholarship from Melbourne University, Gannawarra Shire Bursary, and was Dux of the College in Years 10 & 11 and in 2012 was Mayor of the Gannawarra Shire Youth Council.At the College, Ashleigh is a member of the Debating and Public Speaking teams and enjoys being a part of the College “Theatre Restaurant” production.Ashleigh enjoys Netball, athletics and swimming and was a member of the College Cross Country team. During the Cohuna Lions Bridge to Bridge event, Ashleigh volunteers as a lifeguard, a role she performs at the local swimming pool through summer.For her prepared speech, Ashleigh called for an end to the “old fashioned exam system”. She said “There is so much technology at our fingertips, the education system is designed for the past”. Ashleigh said how impressed she was with the other candidates speeches, and how impressed with the life experiences that some of them had experienced.

Following the District Leo of the Year final, Jacob and his family travelled down to Marian College in Sunshine to attend the State Leo of the Year final. V2 had a highly credentialed entrant in Canh-Vinh Nguyen, a year 11 student at the College.Interviews were carried out by the judging panel, Don Fitzgerald, Ted Allan and Nicole Keegan. The panel was very well prepared, with each interview taking over 50 minutes. It was here that Jacob seized on the help offered by the judging panel at the District Final to polish his skills, as well as his compelling style of public speaking.Following a sumptuous lunch, which was generously supplied by the Sunshine City Lions, the two contestants graced the auditorium to deliver their addresses. Following a long deliberation, the overall winner was announced as Jacob, whilst Canh-Vinh touched many hearts with her speech about the difficulties in growing up as a girl with an Asian background. Jacob stuck with his speech regarding ditching the space race for the time being to help the starving and the homeless of the world.Both contestants were a credit to their clubs, and were of the highest quality. The only negative part was that only two of the V Districts were able to field candidates, with V6 having 8 candidates along the way. Much of the credit for this must go to our wonderful Leo Chairperson, PDG Mal Evans.PDG LES HARRISON

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Leitchville Lions entertained the DG and Lions Lady Pam at the local hotel with a great meal and lots of fun. Raffles may have been a bit suspect though.President Peter exchanged bannerettes with the DG at the end of the night.DG Lynn checked out the local area and investigated the Men’s Shed with Lion Mayne

The DG visit to Moulamein was held in the newly refurbished “Gallery” which housed a pictorial exhibition of the local history. A visit to the Old Court House was a must while there too. Secretary Sue Hennessey exchanged bannerettes with DG Lynn.

Elmore visit DG with President Paul McCormick and Zone Chairman Alan Wray.

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Lions International Neurobionics Research Fellow.In May 2013, through the efforts of the Victorian Lions Foundation and initiated by the Balla Balla Club, the Lions International Neurobionics Research Fellow received national ‘Category B’ status for the capacity to fundraise for the Fellowship. National recognition of the project has significantly boosted the fundraising capacity for this vital role in the development of brain stimulation devices to alleviate psychiatric and neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease and obsessive compulsive disorder. To date the Fellowship has raised in excess of $60,000 and over the coming months, Clubs who currently have not contributed to the fellowship will be contacted again seeking their support.In addition to the national funding focus, a funding request has been put through the Lions Clubs International Foundation [LCIF] for almost $75,000 in equipment for the neurobionics devices manufacturing facility that will be operated by the Fellow and housed at the Bionics Institute. The facility itself is currently being fitted out at the Bionics Institute with $83,000 the Institute has set aside specifically for this purpose.Photo on the right shows a possible epilepsy device that detects, responds and records abnormal brain activity that leads to epileptic seizures.Next month we will bring you a report on the Hearing Research Fellow whom the Victorian Lions Foundation is supporting this year.Public Relations CommitteeVictorian Lions Foundation Inc.Late information: We have just been advised by DG. David Barnes, that LCIF have granted the project AU$3,556.86 as per their application.

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BENALLA The annual Apprentice Encouragement Awards were the keynote of the February meeting.These were organised by Lions Club 1st Vice President Graham Milner and supported by the GoTAFE Commercial Manager Brendan Rogash. Apprentices considered for the awards are employed within Benalla in the areas of plumbing, engineering and joining. Money was donated by Delatite Steel, Mitre 10 and Dosser Panels.The vouchers worth $350 each will be used for advanced studies and equipment required to carry this out. The winners were: Jayden Guppie is a plumbing apprentice at Gawley Plumbing. Thomas O'Brien is an apprentice at Straitline Joinery. Bradley Graham is an apprentice at Dosser Panels. Brodie Plum is employed at Extons Pty Ltd.Lions President Peter Poels also presented each winner with a certificate.An awards dinner was attended by the apprentices and their family or their employers President Peter Poels, Lion Alex Adkins, DG Lynn Fredericks and Bruce Walker.The Guest Speakers were Eliz Mitchell and Annie Middleton. They are Support Facilitators for the Hume Partners in Recovery (PIR) Program.Employed by Medicare this is part of the Mental Illness Fellowship in Victoria. They support people who have been diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness.The catchment is cross-border and covers 13 local government areas.After assessing the person's needs contact is delivered by one service provider, a case manager. This helps them to access the services required to help to achieve hope and happiness in life.There are now 21 people in this area who are receiving support.President Peter Poels thanked Eliz and Annie for their very interesting and informative presentation. The Guest Speakers were Eliz Mitchell and Annie Middleton. They are Support Facilitators for the Hume Partners in Recovery (PIR) Program.Employed by Medicare this is part of the Mental Illness Fellowship in Victoria.They support people who have been diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness.The catchment is cross-border and covers 13 local government areas.After assessing the person's needs contact is delivered by one service provider, a case manager. This helps them to

access the services required to help to achieve hope and happiness in life.There are now 21 people in this area who are receiving support.President Peter Poels thanked Eliz and Annie for their very interesting and informative presentation.The Benalla Annual General Meeting was attended by District Governor Lynn Fredericks and his wife Pam.Special awards were presented to members for long service. Lion Bruce Walker received the 30 year Monarch Award and Lion Alex Adkins received the 20 year Monarch Award.Lion John Davies received the Membership Advancement Key Award for introducing several new members to the Club.President Peter Poels received the Leadership Guidance Excellence Award for all his great work in 2013.It was a happy and friendly night with many Lions and partners attending.

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CHILTERN John has been a very active Lions member since joining Chiltern club in June 2002. He has held the positions of President in 2013 and been the clubs treasurer on three occasions. Has been the editor of the Grapevine Newsletter for a number of years and works very hard to put the publication together and also help print each edition. A number of years ago he would produce the grapevine (edit and print) himself.He also runs the Lions printing service which offers cheap affordable printing options for the public whilst providing the club with a steady stream of income to invest back into the local community. He has done the printing for a number of conventions saving the district a considerable sum of money. There are many different little jobs he does with the printing service to aid schools and groups to provide free or very low cost print solutions.

He is also involved in the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) first responders within town which complements the Victorian Ambulance Service. The role of the first responders is to initiate first aid and care for the patient whilst an ambulance is on route.John is a very dedicated and active Lion and is very quick to provide help to any projects the club undertakes. He is a real asset to the Chiltern Lions Club.

COHUNA - Lion at Large Anthony Troy has been putting his time to good use while working in New Zealand. Anthony has visited a number of Lions Club, including Rimutaka Lions Club and exchanged bannerettes with the Club President.President Keith was proud to assist long serving Lion Laurie Archard unveil the new “Honour Board” which shows the President, Secretary and Treasurers for the last 50 years. It also recognises the MJF within the Club. The board was donated by Lion Alan Mitchell. The board now takes pride of place on the walls in the Community Room at the Town Hall.

Cohuna Lions, like so many other clubs will be working to beat last years total for the Good Friday Appeal.

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EAST LODDON LIONS - Family Fun at CalivilFamily fun came to Calivil on 21st March in the form of Phil Melgaard. He entertained children & parents with singing, juggling, balancing and other tricks of the trade. Community Leadership Loddon Murray put on a night for families called “Juggling Farms, Family & Life”. Although we were there to cater for the meal, we did get to enjoy the fun as well. Whilst the kids had fun learning a few skills, parents received an important health message from Bendigo Community Health Service.

Lion Ron Vinnicombe learning to spin plates with grandson Henry watching closely.

Locals & Lions getting into the swing of it.

Oliver Guthrie “stealing the show” – well the plate at least!

Photofest 2014We recently held a photography exhibition with photos from local photographer Rob Scholls from Mulwarrie Studio at Bridgewater. Other photos on display were from this year’s Australia Day Competition and also photos from the students and staff at East Loddon P-12 College.

LEITCHVILLE - During the DG’s visit, Lynn was given a ‘grand tour’ of the town and their pride and joy, the new Mens Shed. Six Charter members of the Leitchville Lions Club came together to celebrate the 90th birthday of Lion Bruce Hawken, 37 years as Lions. Social events like this brings members together, for a good time, and this was no exception. And lots of catching up and “True” stories of the early days.A BBQ tea cooked by the well trained members, think the aprons should becomepart of the Club uniform, made for a wonderful evening enjoyed by all.

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More members – “Give More Hands”HAY - District Governor Lynn Fredericks was in Hay recently to gain more knowledge of the town with a view to helping re-establish the Lions Service Club. With only two members of the club left, Lions is in danger of folding in Hay. A “Free Raffle & BBQ” will be held on the Wednesday the 16th April, there will also be information available for anyone interested in learning more about the Lions organisation. District Governor Lynn and Lions from his district, will be promoting ways to make Lions in Hay more appealing for prospective members.

DG Lynn and his team hopes that a new committee can be formed to keep the Hay club alive and they are willing to offer any guidance to any future committee.Lions Clubs work together through Activities to provide benefits to the Community, including programs for our youth, medical research and health related activities, assistance to adults and children with disability and response to emergencies or disasters within Australia and overseas. Lions Clubs in every town run many activities to raise money for local people and local projects.

COHUNA LEOS - What better way to celebrate “Family & Friends” month , than to get together with them to commence a major new project. Saturday 5th April Cohuna Leos did just that. The group met with family and friends to clean up a garden area at the Cohuna Retirement Village and start work on the area to be know as the “Youth Garden”. This garden will be transformed by the Leos and Friends into a beautiful oasis for the residents to come out into and enjoy a spot of gardening in the raised garden beds or just enjoy the birds that will come back into the garden with the feeders and birdbaths. On seeing the work that the Leos were doing, a local nurseryman offered to donate plants to help in the restoration of the garden. Guess this projects ticks the box for Leo Awareness Month too!The Leo’s also assisted the Lions during the Cohuna Agricultural Show, manning the BBQ while the Lions

manned the gates and assisted around the Show grounds. A night out for a game of ten pin bowling was organised for the group. Lion Allan Walkington played bus driver and sang along with the music. A great night was had by all, Leo Advisor Lion Lee, forgot to let the kids win. So will have to defend her title next time.

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Continental Europe and Associated Countries Lorraine Hemsworth l.hemsworth@bigpond.com

Japan Helen Dalgleish helend222@hotmail.comMalaysia Steve Adams windi01@bigpond.comNew Zealand Colin Dallavanzi colin.dallavanzi@bigpond.comNorth America Steve Adams windi01@bigpond.comScandinavia UK Combined Colin Dallavanzi colin.dallavanzi@bigpond.comSouth America Steve Adams windi01@bigpond.com

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On Sunday 23rd February 2014, His Excellency the Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC accompanied by Mrs Chernov, opened “Lions House”.

Over 250 guests were in attendance to see His Excellency officially open the “House” and unveil the commemorative plaque.

The Governor of Victoria, the Hon Alex Chernov AC QC, Sir James Gobbo AC CVO and the Chairman of the Foundation PCC Tony Ben-

bow with the plaque unveiled by the Governor .

Those attending included the Foundation’s Patrons – the Hon Sir James Gobbo and Lady Gobbo, His Excellency the Consul General of the Sultanate of Oman - Dr Al-Alawi Hamed Ali, International Director Sheryl Jensen and Kevin representing our President Barry Palmer, Council Chairman Gary Parker and Lion Lois, Chairman of the Australian Lions Foundation PDG Glenn Herbert as well as the Member for Jagajaga- the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, Assistant Commissioner of Police Andrew Crisp, Executive from the Austin and Mercy Hospitals and the Mayor and members of the City of Banyule to mention a few.

There were many Lions and Lioness Clubs represented to share this very special day in the history of the Foundation.

The Trustees pictured with the Governor, Mrs Chernovand the Patrons of the Foundation

(L-R Garth Whitchurch, Lady Gobbo, Sir James Gobbo, Craig Langdon, Governor and Mrs Chernov, Tony Benbow, John Morgan, Pauline Harris,

Robert Winther, Margaret Sheriff, Arthur Uren)

The Chairman of the Foundation PCC Tony Benbow in his address to the guests acknowledged and thanked the support given by so many Lions and Lioness Clubs around the V Districts because without that, this project would not be here today.

The project has taken just over ten years to fund and build at a cost of $1.2 million. The Board of Trustees are so proud that the doors are now open for residents and by the end of the first week, the “House” is over 50% full with more to arrive in the first week of March.

During the opening address, the Foundation also unveiled its new Logo that can be seen at the top of this “Update” and on the plaque.

Following the official opening, guests enjoyed an afternoon tea and then a tour of the new “Lions House”.

The front wall of the new premises showing the new logo One of our past Trustees Margaret Heathorn OAM, a member of the Lions Club of Heidelberg Warringal passed away several weeks ago. Margaret was a driving force behind the set-up of the Foundation and the Trustees have recognised Margaret by naming the outdoor area “the Margaret Heathorn Courtyard”.

Please visit our site at www.lionshouse.com.auor contact us by e-mail at:- enquiries@lionshouse.com.au

Please send your donations to: Lions House Foundation Inc.

P.O. Box 30, Ivanhoe Victoria 3079.

March 2014 Update

Photo courtesy activities Instructor, Dom O’NealeDates for Lions Sponsored Camp 2014Camp 272: Monday 7th to Friday 11th April 2014Camp 273: Mon 22nd – Friday 26th September 2014All information can be found www.licola.org.au – Lionsdrop down menu – Lions Sponsored Camps.Please get your application forms processed early.

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

Next working Bee May 23 – May 30th 2014Only 2 months away and we do not have a lot of namesyet so it’s now time to plan for a great working and socialweek. Think of it as an all expenses paid working holiday(?) without having to pass the “Booze Bus” on the wayhome! Please let Adam or Sudge or Luke know if you willbe coming. Please discuss this with your club.Social MediaDon’t forget that we are now on social media and as at themiddle of February we have 500 “likes” on Facebook.Please tell your friendswww.facebook.com/pages/Licol-Wilderness-Village/142102602523025 and for Twitterhttps://twitter.com/licolaWVWe also have a QR code for our website but I am keepingthat for yet another month to confuse you with science.What’s Happening at LicolaA great start to the year. Lions Sponsored camps that wereamazing, as usual, and a start to the school camps thathas kept everyone on their toes.To the members of Churchill Lions Club, thank you forhelping out at the last minute.Lavalla College has made a welcome return to Licola thisyear and Maffra Primary School has reinforced the reasonwe have school camps with a small group of Grade 3 /4’sthat just couldn’t get enough of the activities.Welcome to Trudy Roberts; Trudy has stepped in to help inthe catering area until the end of March.Stop the Press.. it’s official that this March at Licola isshaping up to be the busiest in the 6 years Adam has beenthere and possibly our best ever. WOW.Water Purity / Potable WaterOnce again we have to thank Gippsland Water for theirunstinting support; they were up to replace our wateranalyzer and checked out other areas as well. The bottomline is that we will be having an independent audit of ourwater and this will ensure that we always will have safedrinking water at Licola.Climbing TowersThese have now been brushed and painted and given a

serious bodily excitement) Maybe you should add this toyour “bucket list” of things to do!Gas Hot Water ServicesThanks to Lion Reg Grisotto and “The Bear” whotemporarily resolved the immediate problems with the hotwater units until a new unit could be purchased. The oldunits were up to 17 years old and quite probably due to thecalcium content of the bore water had become cloggedwith calcium and had reached the end of their useful life.Guest Speakers-Adam & Sudge, and they are free.Both Adam and Sudge were invited to be guest speakersat Warragul Lions Club. This is something we, as Lions,have been slow to take advantage of, either at a club orDistrict convention level, to have a direct interaction withLicola.Please contact Licola to make a booking. Adam iscommitted to making every effort to attend.House 15 & 16 – Yes they are completed!To commemorate all the support given to the completion ofour “all access special accommodation” house we arehaving a special Gratitude Board made, there is still a littlefine tuning with some titles but they are on minoradjustments. A volunteer woodcraft group near Heyfield ismaking this for us.Adam specifically asked that the following be included inthis report and has invited everybody to come up and havea look for themselves.

“We are very happy to let you all know that our "all access"double accommodation unit (Cabins 15 and 16) have beenfinished and are a wonderful asset to our Camp. Thankyou to all clubs, organizations and individuals that havemade this possible. Please see the Honours Board thatwill soon be made up ready for the opening day (TBA).This is the last opportunity for you and your Lions Club tobe involved in this great project. We are short $17,500 forthis entire project to be covered by volunteers anddonations - all donations over $1000 will get thesponsoring Club’s name added to this list that will hang onthe wall of the main lounge room. It is also the lastopportunity to check that if you think you should be alreadyentered on this board that you are actually there. Finally ifthere is anyone out there that has a lounge suite that theywould like to donate to go in the lounge area, please senda picture to manager@licola.org.au. It should be as new.Thanks to you all.Warmest regards. Adam Wake.Details on the board: This “all Access” doubleaccommodation block was only made possible by thegenerous monetary and “In-kind” donations by thefollowing Clubs, Individuals & Organizations.Individual/OrganizationsDahlsen’s Manager Conference2010, Dahlsen’s Traralgon,Licola Ball Committee, Scope Victoria, Fulham CC “BushGangs”, Markham Industries, Latrobe Valley Recyclers,Lakes Drafting, Wellington Shire Council, Vision Australia,Prime Life, Rae Stockdale, Anchor Homes, PDG NoreenCarr, PDG Tony Carr, Anish Parekh- The Good Guys,Lions Clubs Wangarratta, Hamlyn Heights, Croydon,Churchill and District, Endeavour Hills, Toora, Warrandyte,Bairnsdale, Oakleigh, Yarram, Clarinda, Sandringham,Nunawading, Heyfield, Traralgon, Rowville, Mordialloc-Mentone, Waverley, Blackburn North, Vermont, Brown Hill& District, Lorne, Healesville, Box Hill, Whittesea, LaraLioness Clubs Churchill & District, BallanMemorial Funds David Carra, PDG Anthony Stockdale.

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April 2014 Update

Photo courtesy activities Instructor, Dom O’Neale

Chairman’s CommentsIt was a nice start today to a Monday morning: a bunchof excited kids (and some apprehensive ones) at AlbertPark to meet the bus to Licola for what will be a greatweek of fun and new experiences. Parents and Lionsmembers who delivered their charges were there too,and enjoyed the chance for a chat.Great to see Volunteer Kelli Burton there again, she’s areal trooper, attends most camps and does an amazingjob! We’re grateful to all of our volunteers, they bring somuch to the Lions Sponsored Camps, giving their timeunselfishly for the children’s benefits, and there’s no waywe could run the camps without them. If you’re fit andyoung at heart, why not give it a go – volunteer for aLions Sponsored Camp (contact Sudge or Luke at Licolafor more details – 5148 8791).It’s always uplifting to pick the kids up at the end of theweek and listen to their accounts of all they did, thefriendships they made, and the positive reports theybring back about all the activities they did and the greatfood they ate. It’s a real affirmation that we are doingsomething special at Licola!Thank you to everyone who is involved at any level whosupports Lions Sponsored Camps at Licola – it’s whatwe are there for, and we really do make a difference!

April Lions Sponsored Camp 2014After a slow start to have applications returned to ourCamps Co-ordinator Noelene Birnie, we have about 80children on this camp. This is up by about 20 on lastyear.Congratulations to all the clubs involved and please baskin the knowledge that your efforts will change some ofthese lives forever from their time at our Camps.

Camp 273: Mon 22nd – Friday 26th September 2014Guess what, it is already time to start preparing for thenext camp.All information and the Club Application Form can befound www.licola.org.au – Lions drop down menu –Lions Sponsored Camps. Please get your application forms processed early.

Dates for Special Needs Adventure Camps 2014

District 201N4 Special Needs Camp: Monday 14 AprilDistrict 201 V6 Special Needs Camp: Tuesday 22ndto Sunday 27th April, 2014District 201 V3 Special Needs Camp: Monday 12th –Wednesday 14th May 2014

HELP Next working Bee May 23 – May 30th 2014This is only 6 weeks away and it is disappointing to reportthat our numbers are down so it’s now time to plan for agreat working and social week. Apart from the fact thatthese are great weeks among friends the tasks achievedare so important to the efficient maintenance and running

of Licola. Please let Adam or Sudge or Luke know if youwill be coming. Please discuss this with your club.

Adam will be away for a few weeksSometimes it seems that we need a crowbar and a shovelto get Adam to take leave but he will be away for a coupleof weeks, not exactly a holiday. He and mates, Smither’sand Fraser are off to India where they have purchased two“TUK TUKS” or motorised (145cc) rickshaws and aremaking a 3500km voyage from South to North. They willbe raising funds for COOLEARTH. We want you to knowthat we are proud of Adam’s commitment to his causes.He’s also training for a very grueling challenge later in theyear. More information to follow.

What’s Happening at LicolaWe mentioned that March was a HUGE month at Licola,well April is also looking great, Lions Sponsored Campsbegan on 7 April, to be followed by the 201 N4 SpecialNeeds Camp from NSW, followed by District 201 V6 SpecialNeeds Camp. We also have a first time new primaryschool coming up.

All of the March school camps have rebooked for 2015, and you know we have it right when the schools send out congratulations.

We have commissioned an energy efficiency report on the Villageand its operations. It will cost money to implement, but willresult in significant savings of time and energy efficiency,particularly with regard to the operation of the generators andconsequent use of diesel fuel in the years to come.

Houses 15 & 16Our Special Needs Houses have been “signed off” and willbe used by the N4 Special Needs Camp this month. It hasbeen a ling time coming, but what a thrill to have thisfunctioning for those that need it most.

Wellington Shire Tourism AwardsWe have done it again and Adam and all the Licola teamwant to thank all the Lions and friends for voting for Licola.The actual award was BEST FAMILY ATTRACTION -LICOLA OPEN DAY.It is significant to note that new rules in these awardsdictate that an organisation can only win a single category each year…could it have been we would have made a clean sweep of all the awards? Will just have to win a different category in 2015.

Club DonationsIt is about this time of the year that we would ask Lions Clubs to remember Lions Village Licola when you make your end of the year disbursements, to the many Lions causes and bodies. We still have a lot of plans for the continuing upgrades at Licola and to make up the shortfall for costs on Houses 15 and 16. Please send donations to Lions Village Licola, Jamieson Road Licola Vic 3858Thank you again for your support of the Licola project – it comes in many ways, all of them valuable. Keep up the good work.