Festival of Cairns 2009

Saturday 22 August brought perfect weather for  Festival of Cairns 2009 which exploded onto the streets of the city with the Festival Parade's colourful collection of floats and people dancing, singing and cheering their way along the Esplanade. For the first time in many years local Lions Clubs decided to enter the event and what a time we had! With Gordonvale's popular chip van decorated in true carnival fashion the profile of Lions was difficult to miss. 

Thirty people, representing five local Lions Clubs and Cairns Lioness Club proudly took their places either carrying their Club banner, donning sandwich boards advertising the many Lions projects or handing out Lions Mints to eager people in the crowd.

Club President Thelma's grandson Jake and Zone Chair Irene, both wearing Lion costumes, brought smiles and laughter to the hundreds of children and many more adults lining the route. It seemed everyone wanted to either 'high five' them or take their photo. I'm not sure who enjoyed the evening more - Irene or the children!

MOBILE AGAIN

Local artist Lilla Benigno was thrilled to receive her new 'wheels' from the Lions Club of Cairns through local medical and rehabilitation company Out and About Australia.

Lilla, who contracted polio as a small child, had been struggling to attend her TAFE courses after her second hand scooter eventually gave up the ghost. Now, with a new mobility scooter she is eager to continue her studies. 

Out and About loaned Lilla a scooter until a donor could be found to buy her one and, when approached by Lions Club of Cairns, generously waived the freight and delivery costs on the new vehicle.

An accomplished artist, Lilla has successfully exhibited her distinctive paintings over the years and at our September dinner meeting, donated one of her art works to the Club as a token of appreciation.

(left) Lilla proudly poses with her new scooter and Out and About Australia's managing director Barry Corner, and (right) Lilla's donation creates a fitting backdrop for John Paterson of Out and About Australia Cairns to receive a certificate of appreciation from Club President Thelma Spelta.