News
LIONS YOUTH FINALISTS CONGRATULATED
4 April 2024After several weeks of competition within Lions Clubs, four young people participated in the recent South Australian C2 district final of the Lions Public Speaking and Lions Youth of the Year Awards.
The competitors were Jorja Mules (sponsored by Kingston SE Lions), representing the Upper South East of SA; Callum Mcintyre (Lions Club of Mount Gambier), representing the Lower SE; Nikki Pfitzner (Berri), representing the Riverland; and Leo French (Brighton), representing the Adelaide Metropolitan region.
All four young people acquitted themselves admirably, handling the impromptu questions in their own style.
Questions included 'If society collapsed, which one person (real or fictional) would you want to team up with to survive?' and 'Why do you think that women’s sporting events, for example, AFL, cricket and the recent World Cup, are increasing in popularity?'
Each participant also presented a five-minute speech on a topic of their choice.
The Lions Public Speaking Award went to Callum Mcintyre. The Youth of the Year Award runner-up was Jorja Mules, and the winner was Leo French.
Jorja and Leo will now compete against two other young people from the C1 district, also in South Australia, at the State final in Nuriootpa on Saturday, April 13.
The winner will progress to the national final to be held at the Lions Multiple District Convention in Darwin in May.
LIONS ENCOURAGE OUTSTANDING YOUNG AUSTRALIANS
29 February 2024Students in the Lions Youth of the Year Mount Gambier club final spoke on subjects as varied as compulsory voting, sustainability and ‘age is no barrier.’
Anna Anbu, Callum Mcintyre and Alisha Cram were interviewed by judges earlier in the day and then gave impromptu and prepared speeches at a dinner attended by more than 40 people.
Anna was named overall winner while Callum won the public speaking section.
“This exceptional program has been supporting and promoting young Australians for more than 50 years,” said Lion Haydn McPherson who compered the evening.
“This is the first stage of that journey.
“There are Lions clubs all over Australia conducting club judging at the present time,” he said.
Interviews account for 70 percent of scores in Lions Youth of the Year which aims to encourage leadership skills in students approaching the end of high school.
The program focuses on qualities such as contribution to the community and school, public speaking, academic skills, sporting and cultural involvement.
The club final was hosted by the Lions Club of Mount Gambier which sponsored Callum.
Alisha was sponsored by the Lions Club of Blue Lake City Lioness and Anna by the Lions Club of Gambier City.
All three students are from Mount Gambier High School.
The judges were Erin Jones, Tracey Wanganeen and Barry Stafford.
Anna, Callum and Alisha will now compete in Wednesday night’s zone final in Mount Gambier, which will also involve Rochelle Crawford sponsored by the Lions Club of Penola.
SKIN CHECK COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
26 February 2024Residents in the Mount Gambier region can have a potentially life-saving free skin check thanks to Lions.
The Lions Skin Cancer Screening Unit will visit the city on March 19 and 20, hosted by the Lions Club of Mount Gambier and Lions Club of Blue Lake City Lioness.
Appointments will open on March 1.
The team will head to Mount Gambier after attending the SE Field Days at Lucindale, where one previous visit resulted in 75 out of almost 200 people being found to have suspicious lesions, with 51 lesions classed as potentially life-threatening.
“The earlier the cancer is detected, the higher the chance a patient is able to make a full recovery,” said Beccy Field, President of the Lions Club of Mount Gambier.
“Although Melanoma can be small on the surface it can spread quickly if left untreated.
“The screening only takes 15 minutes and could save your life,” she said.
Skin cancer risk factors include:
Personal or family history of skin cancer
Fair complexion, skin that tends to burn, presence of freckles, high numbers of moles
Blue or green eyes; light or red hair colour
People who suffered sunburn in childhood
Older age
Male
The purpose-built 19m long, 3.6m high Lions Skin Cancer Screening unit was funded by Lions Clubs across the organisation’s C2 district and has three cubicles which allows three screeners to work at the same time.
There is also a reception area where people can fill in the small amount of paperwork required.
The unit will be sited in the Mount Gambier Marketplace carpark.
People are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to their appointment.
The Lions Skin Cancer Screening Unit. Photo supplied.
SPECIAL PROJECT
LIONS TEAM UP WITH FOODBANK TO PUT FOOD ON TABLE
13 November 2023The Lions Club of Mount Gambier has launched an initiative to help put food on the table of people struggling with the increasing cost of living.
The project is using sheep sourced from a generous farmer and has so far resulted in about 400kg of meat being donated to Foodbank Mount Gambier.
The sheep are delivered to the Edenhope abattoir for processing, with the carcases then butchered in Mount Gambier.
“By no means do we expect them to do this for free,” said Lion Peter Pignotti, who is leading the project for the club.
“The cost to process the sheep is paid by the Lions Club of Mount Gambier which will continue the project until the allocated funds are exhausted,” he said.
The club has earmarked $5000 for the project.
“With the cost of living increasing, many families are struggling to put food on the table and turning to organisations such as Foodbank for assistance,” Mr Pignotti said.
“The Lions Club of Mount Gambier would like to continue this humanitarian project but is limited by the supply of sheep and funds.
“The club encourages other producers to donate a few eating-quality sheep that will be about 25-30kg dressed and would not return a profit or be saleable,” he said.
The project has been welcomed by Foodbank.
“We thank the farmers in our region and the Lions Club of Mount Gambier for supporting us with this initiative and look forward to being able to supply meat to our clients that would otherwise go without,” Foodbank Regional Manager Lynne Neshoda said.
To donate sheep please email the Lions Club of Mount Gambier: lionsclubmtgambier@gmail.com
Funds can be donated to the Foodbank and Lions Mount Gambier Meat Program:
https://shoutforgood.com/fundraisers/Foodbank-Lions-Club-Mt-Gambier-Meat-Project
Teaming up to battle cost of living pressures: Peter Pignotti from the Lions Club of Mount Gambier and Foodbank Limestone Coast Branch Manager Lynne Neshoda.
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS
LIONS CLUB GRANTS AWARDED AT MAJOR CELEBRATION
11 February 2023Three community organisations have been awarded grants totalling more than $13,500 as part of the Lions Club of Mount Gambier’s 60th charter anniversary celebration.
The grants jointly funded by the club and Australian Lions Foundation were announced at Saturday night’s anniversary dinner attended by about 130 people including SA Governor Frances Adamson AC who proposed the toast to the club.
Riding for the Disabled will use its $4200 grant to purchase a machine to level the composite sand and fibre surface at its indoor arena on Sunnybrae Road, while Boandik Lodge will use $4700 to purchase two sleeper chairs for use as night beds for family members.
The Mount Gambier Hospital will use its $4700 allocation to purchase two mobile shower commodes.
“One of the many joys of my role as Governor is learning about the service that goes on every single day across South Australia,” Her Excellency told the gathering.
“On my visit to the South East in December 2021 I observed a very active volunteer community, particularly in Mount Gambier.
“The regularity with which I see recipients in the Order of Australia with Mount Gambier as their address is remarkable.
“Tonight I think we are joined by at least six members of the Lions Club of Mount Gambier who have been recognised in the Order of Australia.
“That fact speaks to the strength of your community, your volunteer culture and importantly your Lions Club.
“For 60 years you have enhanced the vitality of your community through projects such as the restoration of Pioneer Park and Engelbrecht Cave, and the construction of lookouts including the Blue Lake Lookout.
“Through programs such as the Youth of the Year and Lions Mad Minute you provide Mount Gambier’s young people with opportunities to build confidence and share ideas.
“In times of disaster – fire, flood or pandemic – your club continues to bring new ideas and enthusiasm to recovery efforts, whether it be through funds or materials.
“All of this is only a small snapshot of significant work that your club has undertaken over many decades to make Mount Gambier and our nation a better place.
“Through your pre-loved prescription glasses drive you’ve helped give the gift of vision to thousands of people in developing countries,” she said.
The Governor’s husband Rod Bunten and daughter Sophie also attended the event.
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin thanked the Lions Club for the important role it has played in the community over 60 years and acknowledged the contribution of volunteers in enhancing the city’s social fabric.
“Our city is richer for your selfless service,” Mrs Martin said.
The evening also saw the presentation of a 60-year service chevron and distinguished service award to Eric Roughana AM, the club’s only surviving charter member.
Mr Roughana chaired the committee that organised the anniversary celebrations.
Australian Lions Foundation medals recognising 50 years’ service were presented to Allan Dowdell OAM and Robin Conboy OAM.
An updated 28-page booklet detailing the club’s history and activities was also released on the night.
2022-23 President Steve Bell and Charter Member Eric Roughana AM cut the anniversary cake.
SA Governor Frances Adamson AC pictured with Barb and Allan Dowdell OAM.