General News
3 January, 2026
Service club roars at beach
‘MISSION Possible’ was the theme and play on the location and aims of Lions club as more than 150 members gathered at Mission Beach Resort for their international district 201Q2 convention hosted by the clubs of Tully, Mission Beach and Innisfail.
Convention committee chairwoman Irene Braddick said they had worked tirelessly for two years to bring the convention together.
She said the gathering celebrated service, leadership and fellowship, while providing inspiration and practical tools to take back to individual clubs.
Members listened to inspirational guest speakers, workshops, shared ideas, recognised outstanding achievements of Lions clubs and members, connected with fellow members, explored new service initiatives, as well as celebrated the spirit of ‘we serve.’
In her address, district governor Toni Lanphier said the weekend’s theme ‘Mission Possible,’ was a play on the location and the mission of Lions.
“This convention provides opportunities for discussion, to share ideas and ask questions. Then, I hope you members will take latest ideas back to share with your respective clubs and return with renewed enthusiasm to serve your community and grow the Lions movement.”
On the day, those who attended their first ever convention, received special badges, while past district governor Rod Bradley from Tully Lions Club received a special medal for 50 years of dedicated service.
The colourful flag ceremony led by Mission Beach Lions featured members from Mission Beach Scouts, Mission Beach State School, Mission Beach Outrigger Canoe Club and Mission Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.
Mark Evans from Paronella Park delivered an inspiring presentation of the highs and lows of the multi-award-winning venue at Mena Creek with an emphasis on ignoring the dream-dashers in the pursuit of one’s goals.
On the Friday, 30 members enjoyed a tourist tour of the region which included the Fruit Forrest Farm, Charley’s chocolate farm, lunch at Bingil Bay Cafe with a final stop at Bingil Bay Distillery. In the evening, a meet and greet took place at the resort with a ‘tropical bliss’ theme, where members kicked up their heels to the music of Andy G.
During the ‘Saints and Sinners’ themed gala dinner on Saturday, members embraced the spirit and dressed up as nuns, priests, police officers and robbers and danced the night away to live music by Infinity Duo, which featured Sean O’Brien and Jim Breakwell.
District 201Q2 covers Lions clubs from Sarina in the south to Weipa, including Papua New Guinea in the north and Mount Isa in the west.
Next year’s Lions International District 201Q2 convention will take place in Ingham from 13-15 November 2026.
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