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Lions Clubs International District 201V6
DISTRICT CONVENTION REPORT
18th – 20th October 2013
Hosted by Lions Club of Rochester Inc.
District Governor Lynn Fredericks
Friday 18thOctober 2013
4.00pm – 7.00pm:
Registration and Accreditation: At the Campaspe Valley Community Centre Rochester.
5.00pm – 6.00pm:
Civic Reception held at the Campaspe Golf Club. DG Lynn Fredericks thanked those concerned for extending their hospitality to the Lions of 201V6.
6.00pm –7.30pm: B.B.Q. Dinner at CVCC.
8.00pm:Introduction of Official Party.
Flag Ceremony: Conducted byLion Glenn Anderson with members of the newly formed Rochester Leos Club.
Welcomes:Rochester Club President, Lion Clyde Vise
Campaspe Shire Mayor: Cr Ian Maddison
International Director PCC Sheryl Jensen
Member for Rodney, Mr Paul Weller (State member for Rodney)
Honourable Dr Sharman Stone, (Federal member for Murray)
Official Opening: Hon. Dr Sharman Stone
Response:District Governor Lynn Fredericks
8.45pm: Entertainment: IPDG Greg Dunn 201N5
9.15pm:Announcements
Supper & Fellowship
Official party:The Official Party was introduced by Convention Chairman, PDG Hedley Moon.
Convention Chairman PDG Hedley Moon paid tribute and acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land upon which we meet and paid respect to their elders, both present and past.
Flag Raising Ceremony: Lion Glen Anderson, Lion John Prigg and members of newly formed Rochester Leos Club.
Convention Chairman PDG Hedley Moon:presented Guests who were to present opening Speeches.
Rochester Club President, Lion Clyde Vise
Lion Clyde welcomed all on behalf of his Club members and newly formed Rochester Leos, noting that they are feel very privileged to host Conventioneers from District 201V6, guests from other Districts, International President Sheryl Jenson and invited guests. Lions is all about fellowship and making new friends, getting together to share in the Lions March, Dinner Dance, Memorial Service for past Lions, Guest Speakers, all these will make for a memorable convention. He invited everyone to enjoy the weekend and go home with great memories.
Deputising for the Campaspe Shire Mayor: Cr Leigh Wilson:
Leigh also acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land, and welcomed all to the Shire of Campaspe, he invited us to enjoy the facility, and the surrounding town especially the Town Hall that has been refurbished after the floods. Leigh acknowledged the work of Lions in this community and surrounding communities, in the way they work, plan, build facilities for all to enjoy, and thanked all for being Lions and performing these duties. Leigh also thanked the Major Sponsor, Elmore/Lockington/Rochester Community Bank for their involvement with the communities in the Shire, for without support from the Community Bank & Lions many projects in and around all Shires would not be possible. The Campaspe Shire helped launch the new Rochester Leos, which has been a wonderful achievement. Leigh ended with some Trivia regarding the naming of the Campaspe River. And he quoted: (In 1836 Major Mitchell, while travelling the Murray River, came upon the (Campaspe) and named it after the “Famous Mistress of Alexander the Great”), what significance, Leigh was unsure, however there it is.Leighwished all a successful Convention and enjoyment over the weekend.
International Director PCC Sheryl Jensen – New Zealand:
Sheryl thanked all for welcoming Kevin and her and expressed their great pleasurein attending District 201V6 Convention. Lions are special, and are gathered here this weekend to acknowledge and celebrate the success of collective efforts of members serving our communities, each of us has an opportunity to learn, to make choices, to enjoy fellowship and to show that we can work as one and together we shall excel in our quest “To Serve”. We, as an International Organisation are making this world a better place, we are so proud to be Lions, the best days of Lions are still ahead, men and women striving together,quietly and determined to go on with work that is needed in the community helping, supporting, guiding where it is most needed. Lions, is a family, a family that provides this service,if we reach out a hand then we are helping, support local challenges, supporting Australian and Internationalchallenges beyond our immediate communities. We ask!! How can we help? How can we reach out to others? We are doing thisbecause we decided to join Lions.We meet challenges by “Serving”. We give time, give help, give support, with our hearts and our souls when we joined Lions Clubs International, We care, because we hear the calls, this weekend let us all celebrate Lions in this “Little Town with a Big Heart”.
Member for Rodney, Mr Paul Weller:
Paul Weller accepted with pleasure the invitation from Hedley Moon to attend this Convention because he knew Lions are always there to support communities. When disasters such as fires, floods, whenever help and support is needed, the Lions are there and that is why he came here this evening instead of attending other functions that were in the offering. Lions organising Australia Day functions, sausage sizzles, supporting the youth of all communities across the Campaspe region, and especially the formation of the Rochester Leos, however it does not stop there as Youth of the Year Competition and the personal development & confidence it builds in young people, has been a special part of this area for many years and he commended the Lions for that as well. Paul was extremely pleased to welcome all to his old High School, because this is where he and many in the Auditorium tonight attended school. He recalled at the end of Form 5 he Graduated, in 1975, his reports read, “We wish you all the best, a good year” but don’t come back, or not quite that bad, but yes, he did leave to pursue a career. The Rochester District is a very diverse Agricultural district, with a very good cropping industry, and in the early 1900’s Irrigation came to the area and has helped industry, with one outstanding landmark, the Murray Goulburn Factory, being a co-operative owned by the local farmersin the community. This factory was developed some 34 years ago, cheese from this factory is sourced today, from all over Japan. The Japanese demand that this factory remain viable as they now have a taste for good quality Murray Goulburn Cheeses. He wished all attending this Convention, a wonderful time and to take the time to enjoy all that the district has to offer.
Honourable Dr Sharman Stone, (Federal member for Murray)
Sharman thanked Hedley for the invitation to attend this evening, however is not able to lay claim to attending the Rochester Schools, however Sharman and Hedley both attended school at Pyramid Hill boasting a population the of roughly 400 people, where people are all related. Small communities are like Lions, caring, sharing, helping and supporting each other. Sharman remarked that our International President Australia’s own Barry Palmer noted that Lions help support Micro Financing, a few dollars that helps a Vietnamese women buy a bike to help transport her duck eggs to a market to sell and make money to help her children go to school, a Sewing Machine to help a woman become commercial with the things she makes to support her family. Barry Palmer is also looking at having an equal ratio of 50/50 men & women by 2017, this is one of Barry’s goals. Rural communities are declining in numbers and that is when we need organisations like Lions, Rotary, Apex to be there to help, support, work for,not asking for thanks, just doing. To all in Lions, keep going, reach out your hand in friendship supportcommunities, locally, Nationally and Internationally, I thank you.Many peoplethroughout the world know little or nothing aboutvolunteering;it is not common inmanycountries around our world. Australia is unique in the way we help, support, share and care, just because we are Lions. Dr Sharman Stone thenwished all attendeeswell in their Lions life, to enjoy the friendship of all at thisconvention she then declared the 36thDistrict 201V6 Convention officially open.
DG Lynn Fredericks addressed the Convention and thanked the Official Guests for their kind words of wisdom. Lynn acknowledged our 1st Conventioneers, also those who have travelled from 400km down the line to locals. DG Lynn welcomed all, encouraged then to enjoy the wide range of activities, displays around the hall, meals that we share, reports we listen to, and our business sessions, enjoy the Dinner Dance on Saturday evening, take time to appreciate the restoration of this Town Hall, because it, like many other business and homes suffered devastation during the floods. Lynn acknowledged the Host Clubs Rochester, and thanked them for the hard work they have put into arranging all that we are to enjoy over the weekend. Lions were asked to stand, and welcome each and every one with a handshake, this evening, this we did and did well. DG Lynn passed his Bannerette and Lapel Pin to Dr Sharman Stone. Lynn wished all well at the Convention, and asked all to enjoy themselves and have fun along the way.
At this stage Convention Chairman Hedley Moon, mentioned the wonderful support from the Elmore/Lockington/Rochester Community Bank, having omitted to acknowledge them prior to now. Hedley also asked Delegates if they had their Voting cards ready, as he wished to “Move a Motion” that all attending this evening that, over the weekend we all share a b…..y good time in friendship and fun. This motion was duly moved with acclamation and laughter.
The Conventioneers were entertained by Entertainer: IPDG Greg Dunn 201N5who sung, recited poetry, and told us some great jokes as we shared in the FUN of our Convention.
Convention Chairman PDG Hedley Moon then invited all in attendance to enjoy supper and fellowship.
Saturday 19thOctober 2013.
7.00am – 8.15am: Breakfast at the Bowling Club Rochester, for Life Members, Melvin Jones Fellows, Key Members,Chris August Award Members and Partners who were entertained by Mr Mark Ward, who spoke on Underground Constructions.
8.30am – 9.00am:Registration and Accreditation at the CVCC.
9.00am: Call to Order: Convention Chairman Hedley Moon.
Invocation: Zone Chairman Peter Poels.
Lions Purposes: Zone Chairman Norm Walkington
Lioness Pledge: Lioness Josie Munro
Leos Pledge: Leo Jacob Doering
Leos from “Cobram on the Murray” and “Tungamah & District” both sent their apologies or non-attendance and both clubs wish all attending a wonderful weekend.
Opening Remarks: DG Lynn Fredericks.
Welcomed all this morning, he thanked the Leos of our District for their attendance and thanked other Leos for their apologies. Lynn also mentioned the Displays of Club Projects that are around the walls of this building, and asked that at intervals in the program, those attending check out these posters to gain an insight into what our District Clubs are achieving, as there will be winners announced later in the Convention. Thanks to Colin Myers for producing the DVD on display in the hall, depicting work we all doing within our communities, within Austrlaia and Internationally. Congratulations to those clubs who have succeeded in sponsoring new Leo Clubs, we have gone from 3 and hopefully to 8 before the end of DG Lynn’s year.
Credentials Report was presented by Cabinet SecretaryJulie Simpson(Rutherglen LC) with 71Delegates, 15Alternates, PDG’s and V.I.P.’s and Official Guests with the balance consisting of other Lions, Lionesses, Partners, visiting Lions and visitors. Total184.
A quorum was established.
Cabinet Treasurer’s Report.
Lion Allan Dixon (Berrigan) presented District Annual Reportfor the year 2012-2013. In accordance with Article 8 Section 10 all District Books and Accounts plus auditing report of the year 2012-2013 were presented to DG Tom Little on time. In accordance with Article 8 Section 11 of the Constitution copies of the audited statements of accounts of the District have been submitted to all clubs of our District and some copies are here today for those who have not had access to these accounts. On behalf of the 2012-2013 District 201V6 Cabinet under the control of IPDG Tom Little, Allan was pleased to report that the District Financial position is sound, to comply with our Constitution he hereby submittedthe Audited Financial Statements of accounts for ratification and ask for a delegate to second this motion. SO Moved: PDG Charles Leaney (Lavington LC) Seconded: Charlie Parkinson (Wangaratta LC) Carried
In Accordance with Article 10, Section 7 of our Constitution the Finley Convention Organising Committee, submitted to the District Governor, Audited statements of Convention Accounts, on behalf of the (LC of Finley)Allan DixonMoved: the Audited statement of Accounts be submitted for ratification and asked for a delegate to second the motion. Seconded: Carol Kennedy ( Finley LC)Carried
Regarding Bank Accountsfor 2013-2014: Moved: Allan Dixon (Finley LC) that all accounts be held at the Westpac Bank, Deniliquin and signatories be District Governor Lynn Fredericks, Cabinet Secretary Julie Simpson and Cabinet Treasurer Allan Dixon, and ask for a delegate to Second the Motion. Seconded: IPDG Tom Little (Wangaratta LC) Carried
Resolutions& Procedures Committee Report:
CBL Chairman PCC David Skinner OAM presented the Resolutions and Procedures Committee.
The proposed Rules of Debates have been printed and circulated to all delegates in the Convention Handbook.
Five (5) Notices of Motionsubmitted to the consideration of delegates, three (3) Notices seek to amend our Constitution, one (1) relates to the proposed extension of the term of an existing District Projectand one (1) seeks this conventions approval to an amendment of the constitution ofthe Victorian Lions Foundation.
There are to be two (2) late Notices of Motion to be tabled at the request of the Victorian Lions Foundation.
It is pleasing to see the submissions of Notices of Motion for consideration and each is worthy of Debate.
PCC David Skinner (Culcairn LC) thenMoved that the Rules of Procedure and Debatebe adopted by this Convention. Seconded: John Loader (Nathalia LC) Carried
PCC David also submitted a report of the Nominations and Elections Committee:
1st Vice District Governor Peter Niall has been nominated for District Governor2014-2015.2nd Vice District Governor Stephen Kazenwadel has been nominated for 1st Vice District Governor 2014-2015. Unfortunately no nomination has been received for 2nd Vice District Governor for 2014-2015.
A call is now made for a nomination in writing from any qualified candidate wishing to stand. Nomination supported by the club of which the candidate is a member should be handed to PCC David Skinner as soon as possible. David at that time heldone (1) nomination, a Ballot will be held in respect of all nominations later on in the day.
Two (2) Nominations have been received for the positions of Directors for 201V6 Foundation,delegates will be asked to endorse the nominations of PDG Lionel Gillman and PDG Les Harrison. One (1) Vacancy exists on the Board of Management for the Victorian Lions Foundation to serve for a period of three (3) years and PDG John Beale has been nominated. There is a further vacancy to serve for one (1) year and no nomination has been received and again nominations has been called from the floor for that position. One (1) vacancy exists for a position on the Lions Village Licola Board of managementfor a period from the 1st July 2014 – 30th June 2016, and no nomination has been received and a call for a nomination from the floor is asked. PCC David Skinner had one nomination on hand.
Moved: PCC David Skinner (Culcairn LC) Seconded:Ern Walder (Wangaratta LC) that the report of the Nominations and Elections Committeebe adopted by this Convention. Carried.
PCC David Skinnerthen mentioned about the Elections that will be conducted. For all these nominations Ballot papers will be handed to all delegates for their voting rights. Two (2) candidates have been nominated PDG Lionel Gillman & PDG Les Harrison for the Board of Directors 201V6 Foundation. PDG John Beale is the sole nominee for the position on the Board of Management of the Australian Lions Foundation. There is a further vacancy for the term of one (1) year also on the Australian Lions Foundation. Lion Ross White has been nominated from the floor of the Convention to serve for a term of two (2) years on the Board of Management of the Licola Village. Lion Peter Poels has been nominated for the office of 2nd Vice District Governor from the floor of this Convention, for the term 2014-2015, and PDG Tom Little (Wangaratta LC) on behalf of the Benalla LC, addressed the convention in support of this nomination.
IPDG Tom Little (Wangaratta LC). It was with great pleasure that IPDG Tom Little could speak for the nomination of Lion Peter Poels (Benalla LC) for the position of DG Elect. Peter, with his parents arrived in Australia from Holland and settled in Benalla. In 1970 Peter joined the Benalla LC, after some years he transferred into the Mornington LC, owing to moves with his occupation Peter left Lions, however he re-joined the Benalla LC in 2008, holding different positions within the club. Peter is currently President of Benalla LC as well as Zone 8 Chairman, Peter’s leadership skills are exceptional, and recently was responsible for inducing 10 new members, into the BenallaLC. Lion Peter and Lion Margaret Poels, are both great lions and it gave PDG Tom great pleasure in introducing Peter to members of the Convention.