Luke Hartsuyker (Cowper, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

On Saturday I had the honour of opening the Lions 201N1 District Convention at South West Rocks. Over 150 Lions gathered to plan the future of what is a great community organisation. The theme of the conference was 'The future starts here'. The conference was hosted by South West Rocks Lions Club. But such an event does not just happen. I would like to commend the convention chair, Iris McKelligott, for her hard work to bring the convention together, ably assisted by Paul Dickenson and other members of the South West Rocks Lions Club. Also lending a hand were Peter and Jo Brotherton of Urunga Lions. At the conference there was a presentation on Lions eye health. Lions donate around $100,000 a year to the Save Sight program, a great example of Lions not only delivering at a local level but also at a national level.

As local member, I have been assisted by Lions on a number of occasion. Every year I have been supported by Valla Lions on my charity bike ride. The Valla Lions fire up the barbecue and have been a great donor for the ride over many years. Valla Lions is a great little club, like so many Lions clubs, doing great work in the community. Last year I held a motorcycle ride from Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie to raise awareness of the need for more people to register as organ donors. Lions clubs from Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie provided invaluable assistance, staffing stalls across the electorate, spreading the important message on organ donation.

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