ACTIVITIES REPORT - Lions.stanthorpeclub

2nd Vice President’s ReportLion Adrian Green - 2010/2011Looking back in our clubs 50th anniversaryyear, I ask myself why would so many Stanthorperesidents join together to answer the call to helpour community and our nation. In 1961 whilePrime Minister Robert Menzies was announcingthe Vietnam War and Ray Charles telling us to “HitThe Road Jack” our charter members were hittingthe streets, putting together a club that now, 50years on, makes me proud of their vision and thecontinued achievements of our members.With Lions still being relatively new to myself,every function, working bee & meeting brings anew insight into what Lions brings to people theworld over. In the past year of natural disastersLions helping hands & finances were sent all overthe world including Christchurch in New Zealand,Japan following their tsunami and numerouspeople throughout Queensland, NSW and Victoriadevastated by floods.To enable funds to be distributed to our charities,first we need to earn the money. Our first majorfundraiser for the year was The Lions Outback Tour.Special thanks must go to the incredible devotionof Lion’s Mike and Joy Bonoguore who year afteryear put a tour together for their merry band oftag a-long tourists. Not only raising funds forStanthorpe Lions but spreading the joy to serviceclubs and communities along the many and variedroads around Australia and the later this year toNew Zealand.A Stanthorpe Lions summer is a busy time witha Santa Sack to stuff, tickets to sell and a winnerto be drawn. Christmas in Stanthorpe wouldn’tbe the same without the Lion’s Santa Sack, onceagain a strong fundraiser under Lion Des Day’sexpert direction. The Santa Sack was put togetherwith a drink and a laugh at Lion Len Rigg’s homewith the assistance of his wonderful wife Judy andother members and guests including our Danishvisitors Kis and Heinrich. The Santa Sacks strongsales each year shows the depth of support frommembers, partners and supporters to fulfill ticketsale rosters. Tickets were once again fully sold priorto the drawing date, with a very deserving Bonettofamily receiving a great prize. Following Christmas,manning of the Show Bar keeps club membersbusy over the last weekend of January, the majorityof members making themselves available to fill theroster. Threatening skies and memories of floodedcreeks & rivers had not dampened the spirit or thirstof show patrons. Great work from all involved.Autumn colours saw numerous visitors from farand wide meeting at the Civic Centre for the LionsCharity Ball. Full praise was given from our visitorsto Chairman Lion Kurt Empen and his committeefor the running of such a successful event. Thesuccess of the night matched financially with sizabledonations to RACQ Careflight and Granite BeltSupport Services. A huge thank you must go out toour Lion’s Ladies and St Joseph’s Leos for creatinga brilliant atmosphere with lovely decorations andthe supply and serving of a fantastic supper bothnights.Our Meat Barrow Raffle has been a regular onthe streets of Stanthorpe as long as I can remember.It’s a strong fundraising activity with a high profile.Getting out and meeting the people who help us to

2nd Vice President’s Report Continued.help the community both financially and socially isrewarding to our club members. I must thank JohnBowyer, lions ticket sellers and the managementand staff of Cec Mann &Co for their assistancethroughout the year with the Meat Barrow and all itsundertakings.Other fundraisers we were involved with includeLions Mints & Fudge, Lions Christmas Cakes,sausage sizzles such as Carols by Candlelight, theMother’s Day Classic Fun Run and other cateringactivities including the District Cabinet Meeting andthe Sharon Rowen Walk.The 2010-2011 Lions year has seen many highs& lows throughout the world and our little corner ofthe Granite Belt has not missed out. Transition fromdrought to flooding rain continue to bring tougheconomic conditions to our farmers, businessesand residents throughout the district, although theoptimism and generous support for Lions haveremained. Our fundraising totals are a fantasticreflection on how well our Club is respected andsupported in the community.Lion Adrian Green3RD Vice President’s ReportLion Ray Palmer - 2010/2011Memorial at Mt Marley tidying the memorial itself upas well as completed the fence work around it.The Lions Park at Donnelly’s Castle was givena couple of working bees to bring it back to formerglory after the storms and rain deluges. It continuesto be mowed and maintained throughout the yearand has been kept in a neat and tidy condition.A District Cabinet Meeting this year was held inStanthorpe. Our Club providing morning and afterteas throughout and also lunch on the Sunday.A special thanks must go to Lions and LionsLadies who tirelessly helped with all the above tasksand provided physical assistance as well as muchappreciated food and sweets where required.Barry Nielsen from Cherry Lane Nurseryvolunteered to work on the new BBQ trailer for ourClub and completed the stainless steel BBQ for thetrailer. Our Club is forever grateful for this valianteffort by Barry.As I look back at my year as third Vice Presidentit has been a rather busy year for our Club and itsmembers.We had a working bee at the Soldier’s WarLion Ray Palmer

Treasurer’s ReportLion Peter Jensen 2010/2011 Our Club has as usual contributed immenselyto our Community and charitable organisationsgenerally, as is shown in the annual donations listherein.One donation of particular note was a 5,000.00gift to Lions District 201Q1 from our Administrationaccount (Members funds – which had been investedand for use only in extreme emergency – whichoccurred in Queensland during the year.) (Note – ourCommunity Betterment account also contributed 5,000.00 to Floods/Disaster Relief)Major fundraisings over the year included: Meat Vouchers RafflesSales: 15,000.00 (up 2,300 on 2009/2010)Net Profit: 12,000.00 approx. Santa’s SackSales: 8,170.00Net Profit: 6,400.00Outback Tour (distributions to date) 5,000.00Charity Ball Net Profit: 3,000.00Christmas Cakes & Lions MintsSales: 6,800.00Net Profit: 1,200.00These sales figures again reflect not only theexcellent work carried out by our Members, butespecially the ever generous support of our Club byStanthorpe business houses and the community atlarge (We cannot thank them enough)One issue which remains of concern is in regardto Meat Voucher raffles – twice every month exceptover Christmas recess. It is sadly a recognisedfact that the same old few continue to carry theload in this project. Members who do not generallyparticipate are urged to put their hands up to ensurethat this project continues as a big winner.I believe our Club is held in high regard in ourcommunity and I offer my thanks and congratulationsto President Col Maher (and Lions Lady Robyn) andall our Members and Lions Ladies for their supportand friendship during the past year.A special thanks goes to Lion Mark andLions Lady Natalee McCosker for their instintingassistance to me and Lions Lady Neta over the pastmany years.With best wishes to incoming President Joyand her team, and to my fellow Lions and our LionsLadies.Lion Peter Jensen

Treasurer’s Report Donations 2010/2011From Administration Account(viz. Members funds)Special gift to District 201Q1 Floods/Disaster AppealFrom Community Betterment Account(viz. funds raised from community projects)Local Chaplaincy CommitteeLions 201Q1 Pakistan Disaster AppealStanthorpe State High School (Awards)Lions Capalaba “Hypodrive Appeal”“Running Pink Appeal”St Joseph’s High School (Awards)Australian Lions Drug Awareness FoundationGranite Belt Support CentreLions District 201Q1 Floods/Disaster AppealLions District 201Q1 Floods/Disaster AppealBorder District EisteddfodGranite Belt Support CentreCareflightAustralian Lions Drug Awareness Foundation Inc.Carramar (Stanthorpe) Home for Senior CitizensBlue Care (Stanthorpe)Mater Hospital Cord Blood BankLions Medical Research Foundation (P.A. Hospital)Royal Flying Doctor ServiceRed Shield AppealSt Vincent DePaul SocietyQueensland Heart FoundationCancer Council QueenslandLions Drug Awareness FoundationStanthorpe Scout GroupStanthorpe Girl GuidesEndeavour Homes (Stanthorpe)Haemophilia FoundationLions Eye Health ProgramStanthorpe State High SchoolSt Joseph’s High SchoolLeukaemia FoundationLocal Chaplaincy CommitteeAppliances for Lion Wayne Beecham ( 774.00) (in rehabilitation)Reduced by kind donations from Mr Graham King 200.00 andBallandean Hall & Sports Club 100.00)Committed for Ashley Parsons (Paraplegic)Committed for Granite Belt Support CentreTotal Donations Made - 2010/2011 Financial Year 5,000.00 500.00 1,000.00 150.00 200.00 200.00 150.00 70.00 284.00 5,000.00 826.00 150.00 1,000.00 3,000.00 75.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 1,000.00 2,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 500.00 500.00 500.00 250.00 250.00 500.00 250.00 300.00 350.00 350.00 500.00 1,000.00 474.00 750.00 1,500.00 37,579.00

Committee Reports - 2010/2011LEOS CLUBThe St Josephs Leo Club continues to make avaluable contribution to the school community, theirchosen charities and without quite realising it (I amsure), their own personal development.The club’s 10th anniversary will be celebratedby them this school year, and it marks a decadeof “youth in action” within the school environment.The current leaders are enthusiastic and intent onmaking a difference in their world. They have thesupport of the equally enthusiastic school liaison,Sandra Miiller - Thanks Sandra.Some highlights from the Leos since July lastyear include:- Their vital support of Lions at theCharity Ball; Sausage Sizzle at the Piazza to raiseover 300 for victims of the earthquake/tsunami inJapan & NZ; DG Lesley’s (with her cabinet members)visit to the Leo Club for a normal club meeting andgetting to show how busy and keen they are; a fulltable at the Lions DG Dinner meeting; participationby Charlie Boullier & Cecilia Campbell at the Youthof the Year; the “Bake Sale” raising more money;Easter raffle. Cecilia also achieved a Pierre DeCoubertin Award & CDS/ SDRC sponsored YouthWeek Award nominated by the Lions Club.As a sponsoring Lions Club this effort by someyoung spirited individuals who work as a tight groupis a wonderful thing to see, and we are quite proudof what they have achieved already. I wish JohnBowyer well as he takes over from me as Leo ClubChairman for the coming year.SANTA’S SACKAnother tremendous effort by all Lions & LionsLadies concerned (40 tickets sellers overall) resultingin net proceeds of 6,462.00 for the CommunityBetterment Account.The project commenced with an enjoyable socialat Riggs’ home, many thanks to Len and Judy onceagain.The lucky winner was Annette Keegan (theKeegan family of The Summit).Second and third prizes went to Bernice Steele& Nin Cosmo.In accordance with tradition the people ofStanthorpe and district fully supported the project,it is one that they look forward to each year, and onewhich always generates much goodwill towards ourClub.Thanks everyone! It’s on again this year, sellingto commence 1st November and I look forward toyour continuing participation.Lion Des Day(Coming to you from somewhere betweenLondon and Edinburgh)CHRISTMAS CAKESAfter getting off to a bit of a late start - we ordered a little less then last year (590 cakes 2009)with 450 cakes 2010 But due to fast sales and strong demand, andreceiving an email from district letting us know thata club on the Gold Coast had order 50 Cartonsrather then 50 cakes we increased our cakes by another 110 cakes taking 10 carton off their hands togive us a total of 560. It was a nice trip to the Coastto collect the extra 135kgs of fruit cake in the carride home was a long smelling journey.We didn’t sell out this year and still have around50 cakes in stock. Cakes have been available inour regular stores Hawker Bros and Cec Mann Unfortunately the long time support over the yearsgiven to us by Hawker Bros has end as they haveclosed business, so we are now on the look outfor a new stockist to sell cakes during the year We once again had outstanding support from localbusinesses stocked the cakes in over 25 locations.One of the interesting facts this year was thatmost people asked for the large sized cakes whereas in previous most wanted the small, must be thatpeople have the taste for the quality now and knowthe value in buying the large ones then again youcan never pick it and I guess this year the smallones will sell like HOT cakes, and at the end of theday thats what we want.Total Cake value of just over 6000.00.Lion Stuart Perrett

Committee ReportsOUTBACK TOURWhen Lions Mike & Joy Bonoguore joinedStanthorpe Lions Club in 2000 Mike bought withhim a lifelong love of the outback and an idea. In2001 Mike proposed a Club project in the form ofan annual 4x4 tag-a-long outback tour. As well asfundraising Mike hoped to introduce the outbackto people who probably would not normally travelthere.In September of the Year of the Outback 2002the first Stanthorpe Lions Outback Adventure Tourtravelled to Bourke and down the Darling River tothe Murray and back through central NSW.Since then the Outback Tours have travelledto places as far afield at The Flinders Ranges, MtKosciuszko, Innamincka, Birdsville, the SimpsonDesert, Lawn Hill Gorge, the Central Queenslandcoal field and the old gold fields of Charters Towers.This year we are going International with ourOutback Tour travelling to New Zealand.138 people have shared the tour experience overthe eight tours to date. 35 have been along on 4 ormore tours and of those 9 people have participatedin every one. The tours have camped in 72 smalloutback communities, sometimes doubling theirpopulation.The policy has always been to support local nonprofit groups in the towns where the tours camp byhaving such groups cater for the tour on the nightof arrival.Mike & Joy estimate each year they contributedabout 1100 man hours in planning and running of thetour. The return in funds raised and the satisfactionthey get is more than worth it according to Mike &Joy. In 2001 Mike offered to run the project for 3years to get it up and running – so far it’s the longest3 years ever.The 9 tours to date have raised about 70,000 forLions projects – Local, National and International.Local groups along the tour routes have benefitedby some 90,000 in catering and camping fees. Thetowns along the tour routes would have receiveda further 200,000 spent on fuel, food, touristactivities etc.Mike has always said “Everyone wins andhopefully some of my feeling for those isolatedplaces we have visited will rub off onto others alongthe way” plus some fine enduring friendships havebeen forged among the participants over the years.Tours travelled to date:2002 Darling River Run2003Far South West Queensland2004Coal Fields and Gold Fields2005Flinders Ranges2006Birdsville and the Desert2007The Great Divide Run2008Central New South Wales2009Lawn Hill Gorge2010North-East New South WalesOur tours have covered 32,000 kilometres. Ifthe definition of an outback town is a pub and astore with some houses then we have visited 226of them. There have been at least another 20 thatdon’t actually run or have a store. Of those towns,we have camped in 60 and camped on three cattleand sheep stations, one of which covered 1.2 millionacres.The interesting breakdowns have included rearwindows taken out by rocks bouncing off trailers, awheel falling off a trailer, a sump cracked on hittinga large rock, centre bearings seized by desertsand, and two vehicles have caught fire. On onememorable occasion our group arrived in Windorahneeding a total of seventeen puncture repairs.A few of those things people have enjoyed onthe tours are a paddle-wheeler trip on the MurrayRiver, gazing at the stars through radio astronomyat Parkes, exploring the caves in Wellington andvisiting mines in the Bowen Basin, Ravenswood,Mt Isa, Broken Hill and Lightning Ridge. We havevisited historic homesteads and woolsheds andfollowed the route of the last Cobb and Co coachservice in Australia.The Outback Tour remains a work in progressvery close to Mike & Joy’s heart.

Committee ReportsLIONS MINTS AND CARAMEL FUDGE PROGRAMOnce again I am pleased to submit this Reporton the activity of this fundraiser.Sales of the mints are slightly down on previousyears, however we have introduced a new productwhich is a caramel fudge. This is also gluten freeand has been very popular where it has beendistributed.In regards to the mints, we have lost someoutlets due to business closures but have gainedsome new ones.Lion Ron SonegoMEETINGS ATTENDANCEMEETINGS HELDStanthorpe International Club.Club Road, StanthorpeMEETINGS ON2nd and 4th Mondays of each month**Unless a long weekend/public holidayIMPORTANT NOTE – NO APOLOGYLions, it is very important that if you cannot makea dinner, that you ring your apology into MarkMcCosker by the required time. This applies forboth normal and mixed meetings. We are chargedfor the meals we say we are going to have.No apology, then you WILL get a bill for that meal.MEETING TIME6.30pm for Fellowship7.00pm Sharp Meeting Start9.00pm Approx Meeting CloseMEETING ATTENDANCEApologies and GuestsPlease advise Mark McCosker no later than4.00pm on the Friday before.Phone 4681 0400 (Work) or 0438 810 139 (Mobile)2011 is the year that we celebrated the50th year of the Stanthorpe Lions ClubIt was decided to mark the event by staging ananniversary dinner. A committee was formed andthe necessary arrangements put in place. Invitationswere sent out to all past Presidents and all pastLions as well as prominent Lions on Cabinet. Theresponse from past Lions was not good but on thenight 155 people attended the dinner which was avery successful occasion.A book was printed outlining the achievementsof the Club over the 50 years of service to thecommunity. A commemorative port wine was alsostruck to mark the occasion.The Club received good reports from those whoattended the dinner.Len Rigg was Master of Ceremonies for thenight and did a sterling job.Laurie HarveyChairman 50th Anniversary Committee.

Committee ReportsCATERING COMMITTEEOur Catering Committee has had a rather relaxedyear with no Apple and Grape Festival to organizeand conduct however while we celebrated our pastendeavours we have had to look to the future at thestart of President Col’s year to show our cateringexpertise at the functions that were to come up in histerm.Following previous successes early in SeptemberLion Mike Bonogoure once again called upon theCatering Committee to prepare a sit-down classic 3course dinner consisting of fellowship with wine orbeer, chargrilled fillet steak, rich beef sausage in laplate sauce and fresh garden salads followed by homecreamy ice cream and fresh a la tinne fruit salad. Tea orcoffee was available for those who were so desirous.My thanks go to the dedicated Lions and LionsLadies who worked so hard at the servery bench, thecook tops and the kitchen sink to make this eveningsuch a success and memorable evening.In December arrangements were well organised forthe sausage sizzle to be held in conjunction with theCarols by Candlelight to be held in Weeroona Park.However nature prevailed with a very rainy eveningwhich necessitated setting up our stall on the forecourtof the Civic Centre. Although attendance numberswere down on previous occasions members werekept busy serving our expertly sizzled sausages andhops-extract caramelised onions turned and cookedto perfection by Lion Vince. Our new stainless steelsausage serving rack worked perfectly with Lion MarkCarter showing his skills as a sizzled sausage server.In fact Lion Dan Cuthbert was so impressed by Mark’sproficiency I understand that he is going to recommendto incoming President Joy that he be presented atan appropriate function the Club’s SSS Award fordedicated community service and be elected as theClub’s Permanent Chief Sizzled Sausage Server. Mythanks also go to the other members who braved theweather that night to make the function a success.The District Cabinet Meeting was held at theInternational Club in February where the CateringCommittee was requested to provide morning tea,lunch and afternoon tea for the Cabinet membersattending the meeting. The organising of the cateringwas in the hands of Vice President Ray under thedirection of his Lions Lady Sandra who together withthe oth

from Australian Lions Foundation to add to a similar amount to be contributed by our club to purchase equipment for granite Belt Support Services. Of course our on- going projects Leos Club, Meat Barrow, Lions Mints, Lions Cakes, Santa Sack, Show bar, Outback Tour, Apple and gra