North Lakes Lions highlights

By Lion Chris Doyle

Sorry for the gap in the articles, but rest assured we’ve been kept busy with our contribution to the welfare of members of our North Lakes community.

In this column, I’m going to highlight two exceptional guest speakers who joined us in July and August at our monthly dinner meetings, and preview our September guest speaker.

July:

We had the pleasure of hearing from Paul Szep from Blind Bats Inc. He is legally blind and has developed an electronic device to insert into specially designed cricket and soccer balls, which emits a high-pitched sound that allows those with vision impairments to play. Paul spoke of his long career in design and manufacturing in his company both in Australia and overseas. He also challenged our club to a game of cricket against his top 11. Stay tuned for details of where and when.

August:

Vision Australia’s Mark Wilczynski gave us an informative presentation on the puppy development programs he conducts with his team. He’s a K9 training specialist with extensive operational and training experience predominately within the detector dog industry both in Australia and overseas (including UK, US, Iraq, Afghanistan, Japan, and Saudi Arabia). He’s had many years of experience working in government and commercial sectors, including non-profit organisations. He has also supported humanitarian de-mining efforts in Afghanistan (mine detection program) and now is working within the seeing eye/Guide Dog industry.

September:

I have scheduled Chris Devine from Redbusbar Pty Ltd in Albion to come along and highlight the importance of smoke alarms in fire safety and saving lives.

Chris will explain Queensland regulations governing the installation of smoke alarms introduced in 2017. Additionally, the latest advancements in smoke alarm technology will be highlighted, including new features that prevent false alarms and reduce the maintenance burden. The presentation will emphasize the need for everyone to take fire safety seriously and ensure quality smoke alarms are installed and maintained properly to minimize the risks and prevent tragedies.

Next:

Our Social Outing Organiser Lion Carolyn and her committee outdid themselves recently, with a Mystery Destination Car Rally and picnic they put together for our members. It was a lot of fun and a great time was had by all who attended. We do have innovative and interesting group adventure outings occasionally, for those who may be interested in joining our club.

Up the road:

On Sunday, September 10, our members will staff the Bunning’s North Lakes barbecue. Please come along and support us and grab yourself a sizzling sausage sanga and a drink from one of our friendly Lions members.

On October 14, we’ll be staging our annual Children of Courage Awards Day at The Lakes College. Details will be posted closer to the event.

Lastly, we’ll be selling Lions Christmas cakes and puddings again this year on a daily roster at Bunning’s North Lakes from December 10-23, and at another stand at Westfield North Lakes from the December 12-19.

Become a member:

You can join the North Lakes Lions Club by phoning our Membership Officer Lion Glenda on 0439 824 924. Glenda will answer any initial questions and invite you to a dinner meeting. Joining our club, you’ll instantly experience our ‘many hands make light work ethic’ and new residents can make friends, integrate into our community, and help others with your personal individual skill set.