Events
Here you will find details of recent events involving Figtree Lions - service, fundraising, dinner meetings, BBQs..
Figtree Lions Learn About the Flagstaff ‘We Belong’ program
(Dinner Meeting - 2 June '26)
Flagstaff Group’s ‘We Belong’ program helps people with disability build confidence, share their stories, and participate more fully in community life. Co-designed with people who have lived experience, the initiative addresses barriers to joining clubs, social groups, sports and other activities. Through storytelling, workshops and practical supports, the program also helps organisations become more inclusive and accessible. Real-life examples show how participants have gained independence, developed new skills and pursued personal goals, from learning to drive to joining creative and public speaking groups. With around fifty participants, We Belong continues to grow while working to overcome challenges such as transport and funding. Read the full story HERE.
Photo: Rebecca Lachlan (Flagstaff ‘We Belong’ program) & Mark Dandridge (Figtree Lions)
Illawarra Lions Deliver e-Bike to Help Sophia’s Mobility
(Fundraising / Supporting Youth - 29 May '26)
Sophia Jans, an 11-year-old from Bulli born with fibula hemimelia, has undergone multiple overseas surgeries after her family raised over $250,000 to avoid amputation of her right leg.
Despite great progress, Sophia suffers from ongoing pain, weakness and balance issues that prevent her from riding a standard bike.
In response, four local Lions Clubs donated $4,365 for a modified electric bike with adult stabilisers, giving Sophia greater mobility, independence, exercise opportunities and improved wellbeing. Read the full story HERE.
Photo: Sophia (on her e-Bike), supported by Mum Carley and Lions Club representatives. L-R Howard Whitesmith (Austinmer/Thirroul President), Mark Dandridge (Figtree & Zone President), Lyza Kyriacou (Woonona President), and Neil Cranny (Corrimal President).
Not in photo John Penney (Dapto Lions President).
Figtree Lions Commemorate Past Members
(Dinner Meeting - 19 May '26)
Each year, Figtree Lions gather at a Commemorative Dinner to celebrate the contribution of members who are no longer with us. Sadly, in just over a year, Figtree Lions has suffered the death of three members who made a huge contribution to the club and the local community. They join other former members whose names were celebrated at this year’s Commemorative Dinner. Ian Mackay OAM detailed the contribution from each of the departed Lions and added some personal insights into each of them. They leave a legacy of service, camaraderie and a sense of fun that endures in the Figtree Lions and makes it such a successful club. Read the full story HERE.
Figtree Lions Charity Golf Day another Great Success
(Fundraising - 5 May '26)
“The good weather was never in doubt!” said a relieved-looking Lion Rod Brown – coordinator of the Figtree Lions Annual Charity Golf Day. It really could not have been a better day for a fun round of golf at the beautiful Calderwood Valley Golf Course. The seventy registered players not only enjoyed the golf, but also a big Aussie Breakfast to set them up for the day, followed by a great Aussie BBQ on completion. Tall tales were told over food and drinks whilst the scores were tallied and the prizes awarded – along with the Raffle draw.
The two-person Ambrose event offered separate competitions for social golfers and those with GA handicaps, with great prizes being offered in both, thanks to our generous sponsors. Overall, the annual event was a great success and has raised nearly $4,500 towards providing a play area for children at the Salvation Army’s Carinya refuge for victims of domestic violence.
Click HERE to read the full story and see a list of the winners.
Lions Shine a Spotlight on Skin Cancer (Melanoma)
(Dinner Meeting - 7 April '26)
Figtree Lions welcomed Jo Pye and Michelle Khlos from the Melanoma Institute of Australia as our guest speakers this week. The Melanoma Institute of Australia is a leading centre dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Jo explained about the work of the Institute and the personal connection that drives her passion for that work. The fact that survival rates from this deadly disease have improved so much, so quickly, has a lot to do with the immunotherapy treatment developed with researchers from the Institute.
She also talked about the annual Melanoma March, held in major metro and regional towns and cities, which is raising funds for the Institute. Through their efforts in providing a BBQ on the day of the march, Figtree Lions have been able to donate $1,000 to the Institute fundraising appeal.
Read the FULL STORY ... HERE.
'Shellie' the Food Van on the Road - thanks to some help from Figtree Lions
(Dinner Meeting - 17 March '26)
Last year Figtree Lions donated over $14,000 towards the purchase of ‘Shellie’ the Need a Feed food van. So, it was great to welcome back Shaz and KP from Need a Feed as our guest speakers with an update on the official launch and impact on Need a Feed operations. Now based at Berkeley Community Centre, their dream of operating a food van has become a reality after a 12-month fundraising effort. Shaz & KP explained how ‘Shellie’ is allowing Need a Feed to expand operations and service more locations, as well as extending into local schools. Named as Community Group of the Year in 2025, Need a Feed values their partnerships and remain grateful for the ongoing support of Figtree Lions. In October 2026, Figtree Lions will once again donate the proceeds of their Swim Challenge to support the operation of ‘Shellie’. Oh, and click HERE to find out how that name came about.
Figtree Lions Hear about Kind Hearts in the Illawarra
(Dinner Meeting - 3 March '26)
At its first March Dinner Meeting, Figtree Lions welcomed Stephanie McLeod, co-founder of
Kind Hearts Illawarra, as their guest speaker.
Stephanie shared how she and her son established the outreach organisation to provide meals, hampers, and essential support to people in need at MacCabe Park, Wollongong, twice a week.
With the help of volunteers, the group serves up to one hundred people per night, offering not just food but also companionship and information about available services. Stephanie emphasised the importance of consistency and community in supporting vulnerable individuals, and told of the hardships and successes experienced through her work.
Read the full story HERE.
Figtree Lions Service Delivers Community Impact
(Service Activity Update - March '26)
Figtree Lions have donated nearly 2,500 hours in service of local communities since last July.
This is a combination of meetings, planning sessions, attending events, fundraising and delivering service activities.
This achievement has raised over $46,000, most of which has been donated to a variety of local charities, non-for-profit organizations or endeavours aligned to Lions core causes.
Bunnings BBQs have amassed the biggest single workload total in the July-February period and have also been the biggest regular fundraiser; thank you Bunnings for your continued support. Other key fundraisers include the Swim Challenge and Wine & Canape evening – both of which required many hours of planning and delivery.
Want to know details of the community impact? Read the full story HERE.
Lions 'Clean Up Australia' - well, some of it!
(Service Activity - 17 February '26)
Figtree Lions continued their longstanding annual commitment to ‘Clean Up Australia’ with another successful event. This year, fourteen Lions braved the heat and humidity to clean an area around Unanderra Pool, Sid Parrish Park, Lindsay Maynes Park and the area surrounding the Illawarra Criterium Track at Unanderra. Whilst the area around MacDonalds’ contributed greatly to the collection, there was also bags of rubbish, spare tyres, wrecked furniture, old picture frames, and cigarette butts by the thousand. Overall, though, a sweaty and successful day! Read the FULL STORY HERE.
Lions Get a History Lesson on the Old Wollongong Courthouse.
(Dinner Meeting - 17 February '26)
Our guest speaker this week, Harry Anneveld, has been a great supporter of Figtree Lions Club in his role as Manager of the Old Wollongong Courthouse facilities. Figtree Lions have held many events at or within the Old Courthouse and the club has benefited from some great social occasions, and has also raised considerable funds for local charities.
But how many know the history of this great old building?
This evening Harry revealed that history and the various uses that he building has had since its opening in 1858. It has been a courthouse, a customs house, a drill hall, a training facility for Naval Cadets and a community centre. It now stands as the oldest civic building in Wollongong.
Read the full story HERE.
Lions Wine and Canape Night a Great Success.
(Social / Fundraising - 7 February '26)
Once upon a Saturday, the Figtree Lions threw a shindig at Shamrock’s Rugby Club…and what a night it was!!
With canapés and buckets of Tyrrell’s wine, over a hundred lively guests nearly doubled last year’s Old Courthouse crowd. The Lions Ladies got a break this year — outside help did the catering, providing a procession of delicious canapés.
Wine flowed, spirits soared, bottles vanished (936 were bought on the night), and the event generated $6,732 for a great cause. The organising committee, coordinated by Greg, are to be congratulated on two wins: a fundraising triumph and a cracking night out. Feedback (and hangover cures) welcomed! Read more HERE – and see more photos from the night.
Lions Learn About 'Living Well, Ageing Well'.
(Dinner Meeting - 3 February '26)
Figtree Lions welcomed aged care advocate Jo Brown as guest speaker at our first February meeting. She updated club members on the recent changes to aged care funding and highlighted that this is a complex and confusing environment to navigate.
Each person has specific circumstances and different requirements for care as they age. Jo’s advice is to plan early and get financial advice from someone who specialises in aged care. Changes to funding mean that an increased financial burden is placed on the user – especially self-funded retirees.
There are reportedly 3,700 elderly people in hospitals who could have home-based care if their home was suitably modified, a situation that Jo believes could be alleviated by planning ahead; “Conversations when you arrive at the hospital car park are too late,” she added. Her comments and case studies made sobering listening but emphasise the need for good advice and planning.
Read the full story HERE.
Lions Continue Green Canopy Commitment
(Service Activity - 2 February '26)
Figtree Lions have continued their association with the Wollongong City Council (WCC) Natural Areas Team by completing some maintenance on the Tiny Forest area planted in October 2025.
Recent rains, humidity and sunshine have combined to accelerate growth of the plantings – and the weeds. So, ten Club Members joined with Tanita and Alex from the WCC Natural Areas Team to carry out some maintenance of the 100m2 Tiny Forest area and the section along the bank of American Creek that was planted at the same time.
It was great to revisit the site and see how much growth has taken place in less than six months; and how many of the plants had survived recent heatwave conditions – and the deer!
Read the full story HERE.
Lions Get Eye-Opening Presentation about Guide Dogs
(Dinner Meeting - 20 January '26)
Figtree Lions were delighted to welcome Jo Failes as our latest guest speaker – especially as she is daughter to Lion Geoff and Penny Failes. Jo is an Orientation and Mobility specialist with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and – as she put it – “We’re about more than Guide Dogs.” Her presentation ranged from the types of eye disease that can affect sight, through the importance of markers in the environment that can assist people with low vision, and the use of various aids from canes to more technolgically advanced artificially intelligent (AI) glasses. Finally, Jo stressed the importance of regular eye tests ,which should be carried out at least evey twelve months. So, if you’re overdue for a discussion with your optometrist – book in now.
Read more HERE.
Lions Support Domestic Violence Refuge
(Dinner Meeting - 2 December '25)
Guest speakers Sonya Button and Rachie from the Salvation Army presented the vision for redevelopment of Carinya Domestic Violence refuge, and a background as to why it is necessary. Domestic & family violence is one of the main drivers of homelessness in Australia. Carinya Women and Children Service has provided crisis accommodation for women and children on the same site for twenty-five years; but accommodation that was fit for purpose then is no longer considered best practice. The vision for a redeveloped ‘cluster and core’ site combines the benefits of independent living with access to essential support services. However, rising building costs mean that – at an estimated cost of $95,000 - the children's playground and landscaping is no longer a viable inclusion. This is where Lions might be able to help...
Read more HERE.
Figtree Annual Golf Adventure
(Fun & Friendship - 16-19 November '25)
The thirty-fifth Annual Figtree Lions Golf trip took place between 16 and 19th November on the scenic South Coast, with the group of sixteen players staying at Mariners on the Waterfront Hotel at Batemans Bay. The excellent weather allowed uninterrupted play at three different courses, as well as some long evenings with dinner and “just one one or two” drinks. This lack of alcohol apparently led to some rowdiness, but a great time was still had by all! Unfortunately a wounded Dave Berry was unable to play the final round, even so, he did take out the John White Trophy for most balls lost and a wild story about why he threw his club! The prizes were shared around but the main winners were Allan Riches, Fritz Debusch, Graham Pemberton, and David Shepherd. A special mention to Fritz Debusch who had
45 Stableford points, and won the Single Event for the second successive year (he loves Worrigee golf club!). Read the full report – and Dave Berry’s wild story – HERE
Figtree Lions get that Sinking Feeling
(Dinner Meeting - 18 November '25)
The band played on as the Titanic sank, and went down with the ship; but did you know their families were sent a bill for the uniforms they were wearing? Or that the baker was saved by the copious amonts of whiskey he had consumed after trying to save passengers? When RMS Titanic hit an iceberg at 11:40pm on 14th April 1912, efforts to save the ship, passengers and crew degenerated into ‘3 Hours of Chaos’ described by guest speaker Barbara Street. No life boat drills, no crew training, insufficient lifeboats, a rigid class system and icy water resulted in the death of 1,502 passengers and crew. Barbara focused her talk on the crew, rather than the passengers, and gave some fascinating insights about life on board and their heroic actions during the sinking. Whilst a terrible disaster, it did result in compulsory lifeboat drills and travel insurance!
Read more HERE.
Figtree Lions Learn their Fête
(Service: Youth - 1 November '25)
Figtree Lions were invited to run the barbecue at the Nareena Hills Public School Fete, as part of our support to Youth.
It was a great service day coordinated by Andy Blakey with Phil Kilah providing logistics support for the BBQ and site establishment for the seven Lions who volunteered for the event.
The BBQ was a great success, with sales of over 150 sausage sandwiches, forty-odd steak sandiches and more than 220 cold drinks – which were very popular on a hot afternoon.
Read the full story HERE.