"Topical Matters" is published here, instead of the 'Lions Pride' monthly newsletter which was produced by Lion Sam Dalley for many years. Sam's Newsletters can not just be 'replaced ' so we've used the term 'instead of'.
2nd March 2025
Once again Moorabbin Lions Set up a Clean up Australia Event and Moorabbin Reserve.
Members together with Bailey Park Scouts and Joeys and local residents were able to gather quite a collection of 'trash' from what at first glance is a very clean and well maintained park.
A good job done - group photos taken and the BBQ fired up for a well deserved 'Lions Sausage'!
23rd February 2025
Our goal was to put books into the hands of young children to encourage early literacy and all the ensuing benefits. We succeeded with over 2,400 gently pre-loved books given away for free.
These were selected by the children themselves (or their parents). Thanks to the 123Read2Me children’s book charity for the supply of books.
The group photo shows Lion Members after a very rewarding day.
Delivering the goods at BayCISS
3rd July 2024
This collection of non-perishable food stuff was an initiative of our state representative Hon Nick Staikos. Moorabbin Lions members made a contribution , but when it came to the logistics of getting the goods to where they need to be, Moorabbin Lions were on the job.
Collections of toiletries and new toys are next - Keep checking our face book page for details.
19th June 2024
After the leadership of PDG David Blyth AO for the past three years, Marilyn Lissenburg has taken the helm (and not for the first time!)
Pictured at our Changeover Dinner are: (L to R). Secretary Gillian, President Marilyn, Sanjay, John, Malcom, Charlie, David and Gary. (missing is Guy who was unwell and could not attend and Jack who was driving his B-double to Adelaide)
Shirley Franklin and Cr Nick Stakos
at the dedication of the Shirley Franklin Room
Shirley Franklin was one of a group of local people who campaigned strongly to establish a community house at 9 Godfrey Street, rather than have the beautiful California Bungalow turned into a car park, which was Moorabbin Council’s intention. Shirley won the fight and thousands of people have benefited from it over the 40 years since.
Godfrey Houses' longest serving coordinator, Shirley ran the community house with a singular aim: to address social isolation. She would always say that the programs on offer were the excuse to get people through the front door. Once through the front door, lifelong friendships and social connections were made.
Shirley retired at the end of 2006, but made a comeback in 2011 when the community house needed her. She retired again later that year.
Sadly, Shirley passed away in November 2023
Lions Club of Moorabbin meet twice each month in the 'Shirley Franklin Room'
Lions Members and locals have made a difference - 15 bags of garbage and recyclable material collected.
3rd March 2024
Always a clean and safe park to take to family, but after our Clean-Up Australia event it gleaming. It's amazing how much litter was hidden among the bushes.
Not pictured are the Joeys from the Baily Reserve Scout Group who scoured the undergrowth and fence-lines gathering litter and leaving the park much healthier than they found it.
As always - the Lions Sausage Sizzle went down well!
25th February 2024
Lions members were up early this morning setting up the Lions Club Stall.
We had two objectives: the first was to get 2,500 books in the hands of children and encourage young parents to read to their pre-schoolers. Science has shown that this has many benefits, giving children a good start in life.
Our secondary objective was to talk to local residents who may be able to help us carry on the work of our Moorabbin Lions Club.
We were encouraged with several inquiries about membership and look forward to meeting these people again.
8th February 2024
After an approach from a local primary school to sponsor year six students to a 'GRIP Leadership Conference' we did some research and found that the organization had values very similar to Lions.
Members enthusiastically got behind the idea and the group of students will attend the conference on Monday 12th February! (and participate in the ongoing program throughout the year!)
We're looking forward to hearing a report on the event when a school representative will speak at out meeting in March.
1st December 2023
Indulge in the rich, fruity goodness of Lions Club Christmas Cakes while supporting local charities and projects in your community.
With every order, you become part of our mission to make a positive impact in our community. Your contribution directly benefits local initiatives, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around you.
Our Cakes have a shelf life of 2 years! So, whether you're planning ahead for upcoming festivities or looking for a delightful gift that lasts, Lions Club Christmas Cakes are the perfect choice.
Click here for more information and where to buy locally
WE'VE DONE IT !
🎉🎉2,500 KM !🎉🎉
We got out, Walked & Had Fun!
14th November 2023
Having Fun while we raise awareness of Diabetes and raise funds for research and prevention.
We all got out there, and walked - anywhere we liked.
We recorded the kilometers that we walked, pushing ourselves just a little, so as to gain a health benefit.
Moorabbin Lions will donate* 40 cents for every Km walked now that we have completed the Lap of Victoria (2,500 Kms) That's $1,000.00
Well done Moorabbin Lions and friends!
More detail on the Lap-the-Map page
Proceeds go to Australian Lions Diabetes Foundation
31th October 2023
120 Students from Tucker Rd Bentleigh Primary School have joined in with 600,000 children world wide to express their dreams of a peaceful world through art. One successful student will go on the District level contest, and subsequently state, national and international levels.
This year's theme, 'Dare to Dream' asks young people to show how they'll turn their dream of a peaceful world into reality.
More details on our 'Peace Poster' page
30th October 2023
Unfortunately Lion Jessie Brent has moved from the area and together with advancing age is not able to continue organizing this wonderful activity.
We pay tribute to Jessie and thank her for her tireless efforts over many years. The project not only brought joy to the hearts of many children but was enjoyed by Lions members and friends.
It was such a marvelous way to bring in the Christmas Season. We will miss it.
30 October 2023
Having Fun while we raise awareness of Diabetes and raise funds for research and prevention.
Let's all get out there, and walk - anywhere we like.
Record the kilometers that we walk, pushing ourselves just a little, so as to gain a health benefit.
Moorabbin Lions will donate* 40 cents for every Km walked until we've completed the Lap of Victoria (2,500 Kms)
Join us and help us 'Lap the Map' for Diabetes research and prevention.
More details on our 'Lap the Map' page.
19 October 2023
Thanks to the tireless work of Gary McInnes we're well on track for another very successful event.
At our last meeting Gary reported:
"As of today, we have 192 players. The AM field is full; even a little over-subscribed. I'm still confident of finding another 15 or so in the PM which would take our total to around 210. Our numbers are looking good. With a good array of auction items and donations I think we're on track".
Further Details can be found on the 'Charity Golf Day Page'
19th October 2023
Regular meetings of the Lions Club of Moorabbin will now be held at the Godfrey Street Community House.
For over sixty years the Club has met at licensed venues but these have become less welcoming to community service organizations such as ours. We have been warmly welcomed by the Godfrey House community and we are sure the we will soon realize the benefits of being more connected with our community.
Apart from that the facilities are excellent and the change from dinner meetings to supper meetings has been well received by members.
The Art Shed will celebrate their 18th Birthday with a "Big Birthday Bash". (Sat - Sun 6th & 7th May) Up to 50% off art supplies.
A weekend packed with fun, creativity and inspiration for young and old. Free popcorn, fairy floss, face painting art demos, giveaways and....
A Lions Sausage Sizzle (Not free!) will raise funds for Bayley House - providing services that actively support people living with an intellectual disability to realize and reach their goals and dreams.
Bring the Family!
Dingley Village Lions Club supplied 'Lions Sausages and Bacon & Egg Burgers' to the many excited pet owners at the City of Kingston Pet Expo.
Animal enthusiasts, pet owners and their four-legged friends were invited to join in for a day of pet competitions, kids’ activities, demonstrations, and interactive talks.
Funds Raised by the Dingley Village Lions will be donated to Ronald McDonald House - Clayton
(Dingley Village Lions are a Branch Club of Moorabbin Lions. You'll be hearing more of Dingley Village in coming months!)
A few members gathered to wish Sarah McAteer all the best for a very significant birthday at the St Kilda Football Social Club. Met up with Saints supporters down from the Gold Coast for Saturday evening’s match. Good time was had by all!
23rd March 2023
Members enjoyed a trip on the bay to Portarlington. Apart from a rain storm as some members made a dash for the boat at Docklands, the weather was fine and the seas calm. A comfortable trip, an opportunity for a chat rewarded by a stroll around this historic seaside town and a very nice meal at the Grand Hotel.
Being a Lion is not all meetings, bar-b-ques and hard work!
See some of the other things we get up to!
It's On ! Moorabbin Reserve, Linton St ( 9 am onward)
Clean Up Australia Day is a vital event that helps to raise awareness about the impact of littering on our environment. It's a day to reflect on our actions and to take action to protect our planet. By participating in events like the one we're hosting, we can make a difference in our local communities and inspire others to do the same.
So, mark your calendars for Sunday, March 5th, and join us at Moorabbin Reserve in Linton Street Moorabbin for a day of cleaning up, meeting new people, and making a difference. Let's work together to make Australia a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful place to live.
Join us for a sausage sizzle and a cold drink when to collecting is done!
Covid is all but behind us and restrictions are easing! Our Committee has been hard at work cleaning, dusting and upgrading the quality of books on the shelves.
Just once each month we'll be open so mark this on your calendar:
Third Saturday of each month.
Come along, browse the books and have a chat.
We'll be open Saturday 18th March
If you're not well - please stay home
Great preparations had been made for our Club level interviews and public speaking and presentation dinner when three of our four contestants withdrew. This was of course immensely disappointing but this great program continues. Our remaining contestant (Emma Downward ) will continue directly to the District Level (18th March, Kilsyth Club).
December 2022
Santa's Helpers have been busy helping him reply to letters from children.
Thank you to Santa's helpers: Margaret G, Robyn G, Judi M, Dianne T, Di F, Bretta, Gerty, Denise M, John and Marilyn, Debbie B, Gillian L, Peta, Evie, Harry, Jake, Shelby and Dylan for replying to about
930 letters from 10 schools!
Thanks to the tireless Jessie B for liaising with Santa
as well as primary schools and keeping our members as busy as a bunch of red and green elves at Christmas time!
Earlier this year Moorabbin Lions provided funding for the 'Edible Garden Project' at Oakwood School. It seems our investment has produced some good results.
Fresh food but more than that. A sense of achievement by young lives paying dividends for decades to come.
Kingston Heath was in great shape after the Australian Open. A little shower in the morning to slow the greens was followed by a brilliant day.
Full details on the 'golf' page on this web site
Moorabbin Lions have backed their members who are assisting the Lions District 201V5 Reading Action Project.
Operating under the banner of the 123Read2Me ( a registered charity, run entirely by Lions members) John and Marilyn regularly help with book sorting as well as the logistics of picking up and delivering children's book far and wide.
The children are our future and investing in early childhood literacy pays dividends in every aspect of that future.
Book sorting happens every Thursday and Saturday morning, 10 am 'til 1pm. All Welcome. (but we're having a break for Christmas!)
Lions Cerise, Margaret and Di (not pictured but holding the camera) have got to work to renew the Lions Little Library which has stood outside number 4 Margaret Street for over two years now, and looking rather sad.
The Lions Little Library has been a popular attraction in the area with children eagerly exchanging books as well as mums and dads.
As you can see, the new construction is sturdy, weather proof and expertly painted in happy colors and features a proud Lions Clubs International Emblem.
Feel free to take a book or to leave a book.
Moorabbin lions raised $1,281 for the local Charity 'Pets Of The Homeless'.
It was a lot of fun and we probable ate more sausages than we sold. Thank you to all our lovely customers many of whom were very generous with cash donations.
Thanks to all those who donated goods. Most of all, thank you to Di and Sarah each of whom donated their homes for collecting and storing the goodies and their common driveway for the garage sale itself.
Thank God (whoever or whatever you perceive he/she to be) for the glorious weekend weather
(Maybe Craig put in a good word for us).
A Memorial service will be held for Craig on Friday 9th September - 1:30 pm at the Renowden Chapel Springvale Botanical Cemetery,
Members are saddened at the news of the passing of their esteemed member: Lion Craig Scarth Walker in the early hours of Tuesday 30th August.
Craig was a Lion to the last. He had recently been recognized as a 60 Year Monarch of Lions Clubs International, having completed six decades of continuous service to his community.
Craig became a Lion on the 25th July 1962 with the Lions Club of Ballarat. At that time he was the manager of the iconic music store "Brashes'. When asked to manage the Brashes store in Geelong, he transferred to Corio Bay Lions then not long after was appointed manager of the Flagship store in Elizabeth St Melbourne. Craig's service with Lions continued with the Lions Club of Melbourne Host where he held positions including president and chairman of the Moomba Committee which managed the fairground on the Moomba weekend. On retirement he moved to Moorabbin, transferring to Moorabbin Lions where he was an active member, serving on committees and as president in 2001/2002.
We farewell a highly esteemed member and a much loved friend.
President David and Members of the Lions Club of Moorabbin send their condolences to Craig's daughter Jacqueline and their extended family.
Lions Cerise, Margaret and Di (not pictured but holding the camera) have got to work to renew the Lions Little Library which has stood outside number 4 for over two years now, and looking rather sad.
The Lions Little Library has been a popular attraction in the area with children eagerly exchanging books as well as mums and dads.
As you can see, the new construction will be sturdy, weather proof and expertly painted in happy colors. The finished Item will feature a proud Lions Clubs International Emblem.
A little while before its put in place - we'll keep you posted,
The Community came together to create a new forest at Karkarook Park. Joining the throng, were Lions Gary, Cerise, Marilyn. Di and Gillian. Moorabbin Lions provided a well earned sausage sizzle for volunteers. Thanks to the catering crew Robin and Tony , also to Di and Marilyn who did the shopping.
(You can read more on the Friends of Karkarook Park web site)
This 'Mini-Convention' was a substitute for the full convention that was to have been held in Perth. (canceled due to covid). The format was much the same but two things were missing. The major absence were the business sessions. These happened on-line at a different time, and place, resulting in a more enjoyable experience.
Links and more ...
Project stalls and displays were also absent, but we didn't seem to miss them. Meeting new people, discovering things in common, sharing experiences and making friends is what its is all about. From that perspective, this was one of the best conventions that we've attended.
With the wonders of technology
we can share some of our memories via these links
Keynote Speaker Stefan Romaniw OAM - Humanitarian Support in the Ukraine
Leo of The Year - Presentations by five State Winners Winner Announcement
Lions Youth of the Year Multiple District (National) Final 2022
Lions Youth of the Year 2022 - winner announcement
Acceptance Speech of ID elect Tim Irvine
Keynote Speaker Geoff Evans - Australian Disaster Relief
Keynote Speaker Brad Langdon - CEO Doing Good Rewards
More to come (Just a bit more) - watch this space!
Moorabbin Lions recently donated $1,000 to the 'Displaced Persons Fund' of the Lions Clubs International Foundation.
Details of LCIF Donations (specifically for humanitarian assistance in eastern Europe) can be found here
There are 19 Lions Clubs in Ukraine with 470 members many of which are still active and receiving LCIF assistance to help their communities. You can view an address by the President of the Lions Club of Kyiv here
Once again, thanks to Bunnings for the opportunity raise funds for this worthy cause. And thanks for the support from Bunnings customers!
All proceeds from the sausage sizzle on Saturday 17th September will go to those doing it tough in flood ravaged areas.
This will be in addition to the funds donated in March 2022, when the Club donated $1,500 to the Australian Lions Foundation (ALF) Appeal to assist those in need due to Queensland and NSW Floods Members of the public can make donations directly to the Foundation. 100% of every donation received by ALF will go directly to where it is needed. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Click here for more...
The Australian Lions Foundation is part of Lions Clubs International in Australia. The Foundation is supported by the 1400 Lions Clubs within Australia.
It provides direct financial assistance to individuals and organisations through the Lions Clubs in the local areas of need including:
Emergency and Disaster relief (Fires, Floods, Cyclone and Drought).
Compassionate Grants for people in need.
Funds are distributed in partnership with our local Lion Clubs, who work with the beneficiaries to manage projects, ensuring that every cent is used in the way that it should be. The Foundation is committed to using the funds quickly and efficiently to help those people in their time of need.
$3m has been distributed through the Australian Lions Clubs network in recent years.
The Australian Lions Foundation does not charge any administration costs and your total donation will be used to support the relief that you have nominated or may be used in cases of humanitarian or compassionate need.
16th March 2022
The Club has welcomed new members Christine Paxinos and Diane Thomas,. Both ladies have a lot to offer the club in energy and enthusiasm so we'll be putting them to work ASAP!
Also pictured (center) is Di Fensham, Sponsor for Diane and proxying for Cerise de Gelder, sponsor for Christine. (Cerise had another Lions engagement as District Environment Chair)
13th March 2022
Participants in the Zone 9 Final together with the Judging panel.
Pictured (2nd from left) is 'Emma' from Parkdale Secondary College, was declared 'Overall Winner' at Zone level. Emma will go forward to the District level on 26th March 2022.
(Emma is sponsored by the Lions Club of Moorabbin )
11th March 2022
Just an impromptu picnic in the park! Longtime members Sam and June together with Gillian, Michael, Margaret and Di (not pictured - she had the camera!) enjoy a little autumnal weather., a sausage and a good chat. Its just what we do.
Sunday 6th March 2022
The first Sunday in March is traditionally Clean-Up Australia Day and Moorabbin Lions hosted a site at Moorabbin Reserve in Linton St Moorabbin. Full marks to KCC for a well kept park. On first inspection very little rubbish, but if you open your eyes and really look, there is plenty (see photo)! Our community still has a way to go before we're all 'Doing the Right Thing'.
A worthwhile effort all up, followed by the traditional Sausage Sizzle, Black Forest Cake and Portuguese tarts! (don't you wish you were there!)
Thanks to all who joined in to help.
Public Speaking
and Presentation Afternoon
Sunday 13th March 12:45 pm (for a 1:00 pm commencement)
Buckingham International Hotel -1130 Nepean Highway, Highett
Moorabbin Lions are pleased to host our Zone Final of the Lions Youth of the Year program.
Come and support our candidates and be inspired by at the caliber of the leading students in our region. Hope to see you at the Zone Final (Zone 9)
$15 pp RSVP essential to: johnlissenburg@gmail.com by 10/03/2022
All is ready to showcase some of the top students in our area.
Lions Youth of the Year - 28th February 2022
February 2022
Encouraging the leaders of tomorrow.
To accommodate the numbers of attendees at a Youth of the Year presentation night, our March 2022 Dinner meeting will be brought forward two days to Monday 28th February, and we've fully booked the restaurant for the event.
Last year we supported Ben to go directly to the Zone level, as the previous year he qualified for the District level of competition which was canceled due to the pandemic.. Ben won the public speaking section but did not go through to District level, Anastasia
Bearsley (Mentone Grammar) went on to win the district, then state level and compete at the National final in Canberra.
December 2021
...so Santa's Helpers busily answered 722 letters from children.
Thanks to the tireless Jessie Brent for liaising with ten primary schools and delivering the letters to-and-fro. Thank you to Santa's helpers:
Debbie Ball, Michael & Margaret Greenwood, Lyn Mather, Cerise de Gelder, Judi Morgan, Di Fensham, John & Marilyn Lissenburg and The family of elves from Patterson Lakes
Thank you also to David from Blue Fire Systems who provided paper and printing.
Time now for the elves and helpers to put their feet up !
December 2021
Well it's all over for another year and what a successful day we had on 7 December. Treasurer John has finished counting the pennies and has determined we raised around $23,795 on the day. A great job by a great team! Thanks to all those from our Club and the Sandringham Lions Club who helped on the day.
Gary McInnes
Chair - Golf Committee
December 2021
Our meetings at the Buckingham International Hotel have been particularly enjoyable and Christmas dinner was no exception!
Good company (Lions), good food (roast turkey, ham and roast vegetables follow by traditional plum pudding and brandy sauce). Who could ask for more!
Lovely to see Georgina after a long absence, as well as Charlie Smith.
