Lions Club of Torquay
Victoria, Australia, District 201V2
we serve... service to the community... learning new skills... building lasting friendships...
Lions Cook Sausages for Hungry Cyclists as They Finish the Great Ocean and Otway Classic Bike Ride
Torquay Lions provided another sausage sizzle for hungry cyclists (this time) as they completed the Great Ocean and Otway Classic Bike Ride on Saturday 12 April. This was the second weekend in a row that we had cooked our sausages and onion in bread for hungry finishers at the Elephant Walk in Torquay. Again they went down a treat.
Not to be outdone by the BBQ crew another group of Lions were up at 6 am to help marshal the cyclists as they headed up Anderson Street.
And this was the morning after the Charity Bowls Day!
Billy Ryan Charity Bowls Day
The Torquay Bowls Day was again the venue for the Billy Ryan Charity Bowls Day on Friday April 11. A full quota of bowlers had entered this popular event again and came ready to open their wallets to support the 3 raffles and the silent auctions. Torquay businesses had once again generously donated the prizes to be raffled and other businesses had given cash donations. In all, the event raised $12,000 for the VICSES Torquay Unit.
Lions Cook Sausages for Hungry Walkers as They Finish the Surf Coast Trek
Torquay Lions provided a sausage sizzle for hungry walkers as they completed the Surf Coast Trek on Saturday 5 April. The walk began at Aireys Inlet and finished at the Elephant Walk in Torquay. So it was understandable that our sausages and onion in bread were in great demand.
Torquay Lions Host Youth of the Year State Final
The Lions Youth of the Year Victorian State Final was held in Torquay on Saturday, March 29th at Kithbrooke Country Club.
The overall winner was Sebastian Lunn, from Melbourne and he will go onto the National Final – 2025 at Traralgon on May 5th.
Amelia Hulonce from Portland won the award for public speaking.
Other finalists competing included Grace Boehnke from Dromana, Olivia Woodhouse from Waverley and Oakley Tarrant from Rochester.
There were 80 Lions, judges, contestants and friends at the state final, and all enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining evening.
The standard of these young adults was incredibly high.
The contest is open to students entering their final years(yrs10-12) of schooling.
The final had students from 5 districts within Victoria, each of whom had won their district final.
The journey for the finalists was worthwhile and fulfilling with many friendships made over the last few months.
For 61 years students have been participating in the Lions Youth of the Year program, the aim of which is to provide an opportunity for young people to achieve success.
Students who participate invariably find the experience rewarding and develop their skills associated with interview technique, personal interaction, and public speaking.
The judges were Danny Vriens, Robyn O’Loughlin, Pam Hacking, Emma Jones and Stewart Miller. Theirs was a difficult task.
Sebastian received a medal, a plaque and $1,000 as winner, as well as a wonderful experience.
Tricia Blane is Presented with a Melvin Jones Fellowship
Torquay Lions Club President Colin Bellis presented Lion Tricia Blane with a Lions Clubs International Melvin Jones Fellowship at the recent February Dinner Meeting. Tricia a two time President of the Torquay Lions Club and was instrumental in forming the Friends of Torquay Lions group. A Melvin Jones Fellowship is the most prestigious award that can be presented to a Lion in recognition of their service to the Lions movement.
Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal Local Ambassador Speaks to Torquay Lions
Surf Coast’s local Good Friday Appeal (GFA) ambassador Belle Strahan and her Mum Karen recently (27/2) joined the Torquay Lions Club dinner meeting to encourage its members to donate to the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) annual appeal.
Lion Brian Keane facilitated a question-and-answer interview of 16-year-old Belle and her mother. Their story stunned the attentive audience.
Belle’s relationship with the RCH began before she was born and has continued all her life. (A full story of Belle’s medical history is attached).
Because of the life-saving support of the RCH and its staff over the years, Belle has grown to be an active, competitive sportsperson and student.
She is in Year 11 at Geelong Lutheran College. Belle and leads a physically active life and enjoys taekwondo and swimming. She’s also a volunteer lifeguard patroller with Torquay Surf Lifesaving Club (after being Bronze Medallion certified in 2023).
Belle and her family are forever thankful to the Children’s Hospital and each year get involved in fundraising for the Good Friday Appeal.
Belle has fundraised more than $20,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal and HeartKids Australia over the past 15 years, including $2,139 for the 2024 Good Friday Appeal.
Her fundraising campaign page can be found in the GFA website under the Find a Fundraiser tab or https://fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com.au/fundraisers/Torquay
Lions Hold Their Annual Presidents Dinner
Torquay Lions Club President Colin Bellis hosted our annual President’s Dinner on the 24th of January. It was great to get together to socialise and relax after what has been a very busy holiday period. Everyone enjoyed the evening and for once the weather behaved itself. Many thanks to President Colin and partner Veronika for hosting us and to those members and their partners who provided salads and desserts to share.
Lions Hold Their Second Caravan Park Meat Raffle for the Summer
Torquay Lions held their second caravan park meat tray raffle on Saturday 11 January on a balmy Summer's evening. A big thank you to all the campers who supported the raffle. It is quite amazing how generous members of our community are.
Lions Summer Caravan Park Meat Tray Raffles Begin
The first of the three summer caravan park meat tray raffles was held on Saturday 4th January in the Torquay Foreshore Reserve. The 1st prize was a $60 meat tray and 2nd prize was a $30 meat tray both supplied by Surfcoast Quality Meats. The next two raffles will be on the 11th and 25th of January.
Photographs
The happy winners are presented with their meat trays by Lion Brain Keane
Lions Clean up After New Years Eve Celebrations
Torquay Lions were up early on New Year's Day to clean up the grassed areas at the local surf beach after the previous night's celebrations. The ten local Lions were joined by a visiting Lion and family at 6:30am to make the area clean and safe for early morning beach goers. The good news is that the amount of rubbish left behind was considerably less than in previous years.
Graduating Students Receive Citizenship Awards
Torquay Lions Club this week presented Citizenship Awards to the value of $2850 to two graduating Year 6 students from each of Torquay's Primary Schools. Each student received a $250 voucher to help with their transition to Secondary School next year. A Matt Clay Citizenship Award was also presented to a Surf Coast Secondary Student, who received a $350 voucher. The selected students were chosen by their teachers according to the Lions Code of Ethics.
Lions Hold Their Annual Christmas Party
Members of the Torquay Lions Club and their partners held their annual Christmas Party on Monday 16th December at the Lions Village in Torquay. We came together to celebrate another successful year of serving our community. To add to the festivities we had a visit from Santa.
Lap the Map 31st October 2024
Torquay Lions participated in the "Lap the Map for Diabetes" on Thursday 31st October. We met at the Torquay Angling Club for an easy walk above Fisherman’s Beach to raise awareness of diabetes. Funds raised will go to the Australian Lions Hearing Dogs District 201V2. After the walk we finished with some refreshments back at the Torquay Angling Club.
Cowrie Market 20th October 2024
Sunday saw the second Cowrie Market for this season. It was a lovely day with brilliant weather and terrific crowds. The Lions Club were there as usual with our BBQ Trailer and Children's Train. We also had a display of the Lions Peace Poster Competition entries from the local Primary Schools. The BBQ crew were nearly run off their feet serving our delicious sausage and onion offerings. And the Train crew was keep busy all day with a constant stream of excited children wanting a ride around the Elephant Walk area. Thank you to all our sausage sizzle customers and to our train passengers for supporting us. We managed to raise an amazing $2864 for the day. As usual every dollar and cent we raised will be donated back to the community.
Youth of the Year Competition
Two Surf Coast Secondary College students participated in the 2024 Torquay Lions Club’s Youth of the Year Competition at the Torquay Senior Citizen's Club on Thursday 17th October.
The Lions Youth of the Year has a proud history in encouraging and fostering leadership skills in Australian students approaching the end of their high school years.
By emphasising qualities such as contribution to the community and school, public speaking, academic skills, sporting and cultural involvement, YOTY aims to bring forth the next generation of outstanding young Australians.
The Torquay competition this year was between Surf Coast Secondary College's Year 11 students Madeleine Boswell and Shinay Grobler.
Shinay was successful in the Public Speaking section of the competition, while Madeleine took out the overall Youth of the Year Award.
Both Year 11 students were praised by the judges for their excellent performances on the night.
Many thanks to the two students, their families and school and to the three judges, Martin Duke, Michael Brugman and Erin Krusic-Golub, for participating in this year's competition.
Shinay will go onto the V2 (Southwest Victoria) District competition, and if successful, on to the state and national competitions.
Torquay Lions Club Receives Two Awards at the Lions V2 District Change Over Dinner
At the Lions V2 District Change Over Dinner in Warrnambool on Saturday 29 June the Lions Club of Torquay received two awards.
The Club received the District Website/Social Media Award and the Bank of Ideas Award.
The Website/Social Media Award was in recognition of the positive way in which Lions is being promoted in our community. The Bank of Ideas Award is in recognition of the Club's 3 year $12,750 sponsorship of the Art of the Minds Song Contest, supporting Mental Health in our Community.
Torquay Lions Club Change Over Dinner 27 June 2024
The Lions Club of Torquay held their Change Over Dinner at the Torquay Lions Village on Thursday 27 June with 42 Members, Partners and Guests in attendance. It was a busy evening! A new member, Anne Sullivan, was inducted and welcomed into the Club by Zone Chair Allen Osman. Outgoing President Brian Keane presented Bill Ferguson with the club "Lion of the Year Award" for his Social Media work. Then to his surprise, Allen Osman was presented with the Lions top award, a Melvin Jones Fellowship by President Brian, for his outstanding work in the community.
After Dinner the Outgoing President Brian gave his report on the lions year just ended and the President's Banner was unfurled.
John Mitchell then installed the Incoming President, Colin Bellis. John then proceeded to install the rest of the Office Bearers for the 2024-2025 Lions Year.
Veronika Bellis presented Joan Keane with flowers in appreciation for her support of Outgoing President Brian during his year as President.
Finally newly installed President Colin then addressed the Club for the first time as President and outlined his theme for the year - ‘Building Communities.’ He outlined that a priority continues that we build our Lions Club community (membership), and work with others to build a cohesive Torquay community generally. We will also take steps to build the impact of our club in some of the new estates around Torquay and - with other Lions Clubs - in the growth areas to our north.
Billy Ryan Charity Bowls Day Friday 5 April 2024
Torquay Lions raised over $12,000 for the Torquay and Bellbrae CFA Brigades on Friday's Billy Ryan Torquay Lions Charity Bowls Day. Torquay Lions and Friends of Lions were on deck for the day, catering and organising raffles. There were 120 bowlers from the Torquay Bowls Club and other local clubs. In the weeks leading up to the event, Torquay Lions collected donations from over 90 local businesses. We received cash donations from our long-term major supporters Champion Blinds and McCartney Real Estate and Roy Morris & Co. Lawyers. In total we collected over $18,000 in cash donations, goods and services. The non-cash donations were used as prizes for the 3 Raffles and the Silent Auctions. The bowlers had a great day and together we helped to raise over $12,000 for our local CFA Brigades. The Bowls Charity Day is named after Billy Ryan who was a Lion and a Bowler, and was well loved in Torquay. He passed away in July 2022. Also supporting us on the day, as usual, was local councillor Rose Hodge.
Lions Awareness Week
Did You Know This!
Did you know that Torquay Lions were instrumental in establishing the Elephant Walk Play Ground, The Deep Creek Walking Track, The first Medical Centre in Torquay and the recent installation of nesting boxes in Taylor Park?
We don't just cook sausages!
Click on the Activities & Projects tab to see what else Torquay Lions get up to.
Torquay Lions aim to make a difference in our community.
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Lions Take Part in the Taylor Park Centenary Celebrations
On Saturday 24 February Torquay Lions Club took part in the Centenary Celebrations of Torquay's Taylor Park. Community groups were invited by the Friends of Taylor Park to set up information booths to showcase their groups activities. Torquay Lions Club recently donated funds to the FOTP for nesting boxes to to established in the park.
Torquay Lions Club Lose Two Stalwarts
Jean Young OAM, wife of Lion Alan Young, died on the 16/11/2023 at the age of 90. Jean was a Lions Lady, and her life of service to the community is an inspiration to us all. Jean was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in January 2023 for Services to the Community. Jean’s funeral was held at St Lukes Anglican Church Torquay on 8/12/2023.
Alan Young died on the 4/01/2024 at the age of 93. Alan was a Lion for 48 years, was Club President in 1992 and was Torquay Lion of the Year in 1990, 1994 and 1996. Alan was awarded an Alan Holding Award in 1998 and a Melvin Jones Fellowship in 2001. Alan received a 40 year Monarch Letter signed by the International President in 2015. His funeral will be held at St Lukes Anglican Church Torquay on 19/01/2024.
Torquay Lions Have a Busy Weekend
On Friday night two Torquay Lions sold tickets for our usual Meat Tray Raffle at the Torquay Hotel. Then on Saturday, at short notice, we held a Sausage Sizzle at Bunnings in North Torquay, while another team of Lions were also selling Lions Christmas Cakes and Puddings at the Farmer’s Market. Finally, on a beautiful sparkling Sunday, at Torquay's Cowrie Market we held another Sausage Sizzle while a second team of Lions ran our Children's Train. All told, we raised over $4,300 for the weekend. Every dollar of which will go back to the community. It was a great result! Thanks to everyone who bought a ticket, or a sausage, or a cake, or had a ride on the train. We also managed to talk Santa into coming to the market to spread some Christmas cheer . 🎅
Youth of the Year Competition
Three Surf Coast Secondary College students competed in the public speaking phase of a comprehensive contest for Torquay Lions Club’s Youth of the Year for 2023 at the August Dinner Meeting.
After a COVID three-year hiatus, Torquay’s Youth of the Year competition made a welcome return.
The Lions Youth of the Year has a proud history in encouraging and fostering leadership skills in Australian students approaching the end of their high school years.
By emphasising qualities such as contribution to the community and school, public speaking, academic skills, sporting and cultural involvement, YOTY aims to bring forth the next generation of outstanding young Australians.
This year’s Torquay final was between Surf Coast Secondary College Year 11 students Jetaime Liberatore, Annabel Dean and Tobias Kingston-Brown.
Annabel Dean took off both the top prize of YOTY and the Public Speaking Award, closely pursued by Jetaime Liberatore.
Fellow Year 11 student Tobias Kingston-Brown was praised by the judges for his performance on the night.
The judging was held at the Lions Village Community Centre in Kooringa Place Torquay.
Annabel Dean will go forward to the V2 (Southwest Victoria) District competition, and if successful, on to the national competition.
Bellbrae Cemetery Working Bee
Torquay Lions held another working bee at the Bellbrae Cemetery on Tuesday 15th August. The club regularly helps maintain the Cemetery grounds by mowing, weeding and raking the gumtree litter. The club is paid by the cemetery trust for its efforts, with the funds going into the Administration Account. This helps subsidise the costs of running the club.
Pictured are John Bell, Allen Osman and Richard Kelly.
Torquay Lions Club Change Over
After a successful year as President of Torquay Lions Club, Lion Colin Bellis has passed the role to Lion Brian Keane.
“During 2022 – 2023, Torquay Lions have done a wonderful job in raising a memorable $96,616 to be gifted to many local, national and international causes,” Lion Colin said.
According to the outgoing President, success of the year was based on the strong support of club members and our local community.
“Monies distributed this year have helped a considerable number of groups or individuals achieve a better way of life for themselves or others.
“Some of our larger donations went to supporting organisations determined to make the world a better place,” Lion Colin said.
“The greatest amount raised was through Lion Peter McMahon who organised the Good Friday Appeal in Torquay enabling us to pass $41,848 to the Royal Children’s Hospital,” Lion Colin declared.
“Various Lions Foundations, created to assist communities in need, received $13,177 from Torquay Lions, and $10,000 is being given this year to Foundation 61’s new House of Hope to support women confronting life-controlling issues.
“Last week, (22/6) Lions presented a donation of $12,500 to Art of the Minds which has evolved into a powerful community conversation centred on mental wellbeing,” Lion Colin concluded.
Preparing for the year ahead, incoming President, Lion Brian Keane, declared his vision is to make a difference in the Community, and the Club’s purpose is to see a need and do something about it.
“We will do this by Strengthening Lions and our Club locally, through developing New models for growth by looking for new service opportunities, reaching out for new members of a younger generation and building partnerships with businesses and other not for profit organisations,” he said.
“The club will align goals, governance and operational support by ensuring we continue to have strong financial management, concise safety protocols, robust maintenance programs and a culture of looking after each other.
“I am looking forward to a year full of activity, interest and fun. I know that I will have the support of our Members, Friends of Lions and our partners,” Lion Brian acknowledged.
Art of the Minds Donation
Last week, Lions presented a donation of $12,500 to Art of the Minds at the Lions Village.
Art of The Minds has evolved into a powerful community conversation centred on mental wellbeing.
The local charity showcases the brilliant talents of Surf Coast and regional artists, individuals and groups in a festival week full of community-based activities each year.
Founder and President of Art of the Minds, Jules Haddock, is proud of her project and was most grateful for Torquay Lions contribution to the Mental Health Week festival.
“The project forges connections with all community members from young to old”, she said.
“Through creative art-based conversations, ranging from theatre, song, visual arts, music, yoga, sound, sport events with a twist, and an exciting education event, this festival gives our community the right to talk about mental illness, and the responsibility to support one another.
“Art of the Minds aims to activate, educate and engage the Surf Coast and wider community to creatively manage mental health and wellbeing.
Wildlife Nesting Boxes Installed in Torquay's Taylor Park
Torquay Lions teamed up with the Friends of Taylor Park and the Torquay Men's Shed to build wildlife nesting boxes in Taylor Park. Lions provided the funds to purchase the materials, the Men's Shed built the boxes and GORCAPA funded their installation. Great things happen when local organisations work together.
Surf Coast Trek 13 May 2023
Lions help Kids! Torquay Lions ran a BBQ for the 2023 Surf Coast Trek. Over 800 took part in the 26km or 40km fundraising walk from Anglesea or Aireys Inlet to Torquay. Each receiving a medal as they crossed the line at a sunny Elephant Walk. Money raised is for Kids+ and the Give Where You Live Foundation. There were a lot ready for a sausage after their trek.
Great Ocean & Otway Classic Ride 29 April
Great Ocean & Otway Classic Ride was held with around 3,000 riders completing the 60 km, 145km, and 204km rides. Torquay Lions were there assisting O2 Events with marshalling from 6 am as each of the races started from Torquay. We also ran a BBQ at the finish line at Point Danger. It was very busy, with around 900 sausages cooked and served as the riders returned. We raised $2,200 which will go back into the local community. Lion Allen Osman can be seen on the winner’s podium after hours of cooking, doing a Shoey!
April 27 Dinner Meeting
Guest speaker at our April Dinner Meeting was Richard Riordan, State Member for Polwarth, in his capacity as President of Parliament Lions Club. Richard spoke of his background, his involvement with Lions and some of the issues facing our local community. It was fascinating to learn that his stay in Russia as an exchange student was a life changing experience which helped form his views on life, politics and service to the community. What an interesting life he’s led. Torquay Lions President Colin Bellis presented Parliament Lions President Richard Riordan with a Torquay Lions bannerette.
ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Torquay
Torquay Lions were at Point Danger to help with traffic, directions and crowd control. Our Torquay Lions President Colin Bellis laid a wreath on behalf of our club. It was a superb morning; clear and crisp, without wind or rain! Police estimated that there were around 10,000 at Point Danger, and it was pleasing to see lots of children. As we know, Point Danger is an ideal place for the Dawn Service, but our secret is out. The Channel Nine Today Show were there, with weatherman Tim Davies doing the weather report every half an hour, with glorious shots of the Point, the Front Beach and the RSL Service and 2 Up at the Torquay Bowls Club. Tim interviewed Torquay RSL President Bob Brackin, Past President Bob Tyler and Secretary Daryll Topp.
Never see a need without doing something about it
Torquay Lion Brian Keane is on a quest. Lion Brian follows the Lions motto of “we serve”, but as Chair of MacKillop Family Services, Chair Keane follows the Mary MacKillop motto of “Never see a need without doing something about it.” Either way, Brian wants to help others. MacKillop Family Services was established in 1997. But its history dates to the 1800s and was founded on a deep commitment to caring for the most marginalised children, young people and families in our community. Its mission is inspired by Mary MacKillop (Sisters of St Joseph), Catherine McAuley (Sisters of Mercy) and Edmund Rice (Christian Brothers). Next week, Brian leaves for Ireland with four others from MacKillop Family Services to investigate and understand how these groups began helping children who are orphaned, destitute or neglected, and helping families in need of care and support, and how this is relevant to providing services in Australia today.
Pictured are MacKillop CEO Robyn Miller with MacKillop’s Aboriginal Service Development Director, Esmai Manahan and Chair of MacKillop Family Services Board, Brian Keane.
Torquay Lions Raise $41,382 for 2023 Good Friday Appeal
Torquay Lions and their many local helpers raised $41,382 dollars for the Royal Children’s Hospital 2023 Good Friday Appeal.
The local appeal shattered last year’s record of $13,000.
“We not only achieved our target, which initially was $20,000, but we finished the day with $41,382 for this year’s Appeal,” Regional Co-ordinator, Lion Peter McMahon, enthused.
An elated McMahon declared community generosity, small projects by children, a Lions bowls day and many other donations has led to the new record.
“More than tripling last year’s figure almost leaves me speechless,” McMahon stated.
“Volunteer highway collectors from Deakin University, Torquay Lions Club, with help from Grovedale Fire Brigade and various other volunteers, all helped us achieve the $41,382”.
“I thank all who supported the appeal so generously.”
According to McMahon, the Good Friday Appeal resonates with many local families who have had some contact or contacts with the Royal Children’s Hospital over the years.
“Almost every family has been touched as the Children’s Hospital has helped so many youngsters,” McMahon stated.
He said he expected a few more donations would be forthcoming to add to Torquay’s figure.
‘The Lions Club, which donated $11,000 raised at their Billy Ryan charity bowls day, promised a few more hundred dollars would be directed to the Appeal from money raised at a small online auction for a gymnasium membership voucher,” he concluded.
Photograph: Torquay Lion Peter Mc Mahon, Co-ordinator of the Torquay Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, hands over his final collection of cash to Armaguard for banking. Torquay raised $41,382 for the Appeal.
Billy Ryan Torquay Lions Charity Bowls Day
Torquay Lions raised $11,000 for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal at yesterday’s Billy Ryan Torquay Lions Charity Bowls Day. All Lions were on deck, and there were 110 bowlers from Torquay Bowls Club, Anglesea Bowls, OceanOcean Grove Bowls and Leopold Bowls. We ended up with a winning team with cash prizes awarded. In the weeks up to the event, Lions collected donations from just over 90 local businesses. We received cash donations from our long-term major supporter Champion Blinds and our new supporter Surfside Dental. In total we collected over $18,000 in cash donations, goods and services. All these donations were used as prizes for 5 raffles, and a silent auction. The bowlers all had a great day, and the $11,000 is going to a wonderful cause. Billy Ryan was a Lion and a Bowler, and well loved in Torquay. He passed away in July last year, and the Bowls Charity Day is named after him. His wife, Pam, was there to present the winning bowlers with their prizes. Also there supporting us was councillor Rose Hodge.
