From the Newsroom

Clarence Valley council is the key sponsor of the Lions District 201N1 Convention. (l-r) Clarence Valley’s mayor, Ian Tiley, district governor, Robin Parker, and convention chair, Brian Grieve. Mr Grieve thanked the major sponsors – Maclean Bowling Club, Maclean Hotel, SPAR Maclean, Waterview Motel, and Botero – as well as the numerous Maclean businesses that are supporting the convention. Image contributed

All welcome at the Lions convention

Geoff Helisma

Maclean Lions is inviting members of the public to attend the Lions District Convention at Maclean showground this weekend, February 18 to 20.

Maclean Lion Brian Grieve, who is the convention’s chair, is excited by the people who have been invited to speak at the convention.

“We have one of the best keynote speaker line-ups I have seen outside of a national event,” he said.

Mr Grieve said he was looking forward to the talk by Dr Gregory Smith, “whose overriding theme is how you can change your life for the better”.

District Governor Robin Parker’s theme is outlined ‘loosely” in her welcome in the convention program, “Change, but not for the sake of change, bringing in new ideas and fresh approaches, as noted in her motto – Vibrant Splashes, Vigorous Growth.”

Excerpts from the program regarding the keynote speakers.

Dr Gregory Smith: “For ten years a man calling himself Will Power lived in near total isolation in northern New South Wales, foraging for food, eating bats, and occasionally trading for produce.

“But who was this mysterious man who roamed the forest and knew all of its secrets and riddles?

“Some people thought he might be Jesus; others feared he was a more sinister figure.”

Deborah Tabart OAM, “aka ‘the Koala Woman’, is Australian Koala Foundation’s (AKF) fearless leader.

“Recognised around the world as the koala’s most passionate advocate, she works with government, individuals and the community to deliver on AKF’s vision for a future where humans live in harmony with koalas and their habitat.

“Deborah has transformed the Australian Koala Foundation into an internationally recognised scientific organisation and a leading voice for koala conservation.”

Ann Eldridge: “I have been a Lion for 20 years, joining the Chelsea District Lions Club in District 201V5 and District Governor in 2015 – 2016.

“[I am] currently the Australian Global Membership National Co-Ordinator, an extremely challenging role, [which] gives me the opportunity to see the great work that Lions are doing to help the community.

“I look forward to continually promoting and welcoming new clubs to our organisation.”

Local speaker, Bob McPherson OAM: “Bob’s name is synonymous with the preservation and advancement of the Scottish culture in the Clarence Valley and beyond.

“He has been instrumental in the establishing the Maclean Highland Gathering as a national and internationally recognised event.”

Mr Grieve said people interested in attending must register online at https://201n1.lions.org.au/convention#SpecialConv2021