The Lions 201C1 District Governor Handover Dinner was held Saturday 17 July 2021, celebrating the year just past and welcoming new District Governor John Barnes.
Getting straight on with the task, DG John then hosted his first Cabinet meeting the following day Sunday 18 July 2021.
In what is to become a Lions year for celebrating 75 years of serving our community, and an ethos from DG John of “Fidelity, Integrity, and Service” he believes we are well placed to compliment and serve under incoming Lions Club International President Douglas X. Alexander, who has set the tone with his 2021 Lions International Presidential Theme: Service from the Heart
President Douglas says, “We serve with love and compassion in communities around the world. The selfless giving of our time and effort is precisely what makes Lions so special. When we give, we expect nothing in return. Yet we gain so much. Our service offers hope and connection in the face of great need and also extends an invitation to the world to join us. We embrace the joy that comes with “Service from the Heart”.”
From the city to the regions, the new cabinet begins…
The District baton has been passed from city (Immediate Past District Governor Tony Pederick is a City of Adelaide Lion) to the regional area of Kadina… where our new District Governor is a member.
- This District 201C1 covers most of the state, from as far north as Port Lincoln, into city metro areas and on to Coober Pedy. In total, 57 clubs.
- It is part of Lions International, the largest service organisation in the world, with 100% of funds raised from the community going back into the community.
And this just goes to demonstrate how far, vast and diverse our District is.
District Governor John Barnes…
John grew up in Port Augusta and following an electrical apprenticeship he moved with his wife to the Northern Territory. Living in both Darwin and Alice Springs he was fortunate to travel to most remote Aboriginal communities in the 25 years he lived and worked in the Territory, developing a love for camping and Four-Wheel Driving. He returned to South Australia to support aging parents and settled in the Copper Coast.
John has volunteered in community-based service organisations sine the early 80’s including Kiwanis, Moonta Progress Association, Copper Coast Road Safety Group and the Lions club of Wallaroo Rail. When he joined the Kadina Lions club he served as President and secretary for several terms each, before taking on district roles and beginning on the path to Governorship.
As Governor he says he wants to support all members across the district use the various development tools that Lions International provide.
He has appointed several Service ambassadors to have a focus on clubs returning to community service in line with the Lions Motto We Serve.