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World
first with Westralia Lions
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HMAS
Westralia’s Commanding Officer CMDR John Alexander
and Lions Vice District Governor Mr Bushe-Jones.
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HMAS
Westralia (CMDR John Alexander) has become the first ship in the
world, either military or merchant, to have a Lions Club established
on board.
At a ceremony on October 18, Lions International launched Lions
Club HMAS Westralia aboard the oiler, with a membership of 20.
The idea of forming an onboard club occurred several months ago,
when CMDR Alexander approached the Lions Clubs District Governor
of the day with an idea of supporting Lions in the ship’s fundraising
activities.
This led to a meeting onboard Westralia with a presentation about
the community service Lions members perform. A good relationship
was forged and support given to form a Lions Club onboard. Approval
was subsequently gained from Lions International for the launch
of the new club.
The onboard club’s objectives are to carry out community service
work with other Lions Clubs during deployment port visits. This
includes assisting the disadvantaged, as well as providing a social
outlet for the crew.
The formation of this new Lions Club will help build on relations
between the ship and the countries it visits on behalf
of Australia.
With the new club onboard, HMAS Westralia can rightfully be called
the ‘Pride of the Fleet’.
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