We extend a warm welcome to all members of the public to join us in celebrating hope, courage, and community. Whether you're a Lions member or a member of the public, this event is open to everyone who wants to connect, be inspired, and enjoy a wonderful evening with friends and neighbours.

Prepare for an extraordinary day of inspiration and an evening of fun in the breathtaking coastal ambiance of the South Coast of NSW. Join us at the prestigious Kiama Pavilion for the Kiama District Convention!

During the day there will be an opportunity to find out a little more about what the Lions Foundations are all about. There will be several booths highlighting the many Projects Lions are involved in and you are welcome to come along to enhance your knowledge of how we help ordinary people every day. To name just a couple, we have Lions Eye Health program; Disaster Relief Australia; Need for Feed; Lions Alzheimer’s Foundation; Childhood Cancer Research Foundation and many others.

Prepare to be moved and inspired by an exceptional lineup of speakers: Please be seated prior to 1:15pm to hear their wonderful stories.

1. Duncan Wallace: As the Executive Director at Spinal Cure, Duncan brings insights into groundbreaking medical advancements. His talk promises to be enlightening and

uplifting.

Almost 40 years ago, while managing a coffee plantation in the Papua New Guinea highlands, Duncan was hit by a drunk driver, which left him a C4/5 quadriplegic. After his injury, Duncan was transported to Sydney, where he has lived ever since. He refocused his energies on the emergent IT industry receiving recognition for the development of multimedia literacy programs and Australia’s first major travel website. Duncan joined Spinal Cure in 2011 as CEO and was elected to the Board in 2016. Since handing the CEO reins to Kathryn Borkovic in 2022, Duncan has focussed on guiding Spinal Cure’s research aims and promoting the cause through speaking engagements—using his slightly irreverent sense of humour and lived experience to shine a light on the very real prospects for a cure. Outside his work life, Duncan lives with his wife and her two young sons. They leave precious little time for hobbies other than a glass of fine wine with a good meal.

2. Sam and Cameron Bloom: The real-life inspiration behind the heartwarming book "Penguin Bloom", Sam and Cameron will share their incredible journey of hope and courage that has touched hearts around the world. Samantha Bloom is a three-time World Para Surfing champion, bestselling author and inspiration behind the #1 Australian box-office, and international global Netflix hit movie, Penguin Bloom starring Naomi Watts. The movie is adapted from the international bestselling book, Penguin Bloom: The Odd Little Bird Who Saved a Family. Published in 14 languages, Penguin Bloom is a collaboration between Sam’s husband Cameron, a professional photographer, and New York Times bestselling author Bradley Trevor Greive. Paralysed in an accident in Thailand in 2013, Sam has since won two Oceania KL1 paracanoe championships, and is the two times Australian and World Para Surfing champion. In 2019, Sam was nominated for the Surfing Australia Female Surfer of the Year Award, and in 2022 was awarded the Surfing Australia Female Para Surfer of the Year. Sam works with numerous spinal cord injury charities around the world and is a global ambassador for Wings For Life. She is an adventure traveller, former neurology nurse and mother of three boys.

All members of the public are also invited to join us for an evening of culinary delights and entertainment by the talented Doux Ame.

When: Saturday, October 28th, 2023

Where: The Kiama Pavilion, South Coast NSW

Program: Guest Speakers during the day. Gold Coin Donation appreciated – all proceeds going to Spinal Cure | Seating at 1.00pm for 1.30 commencement

Saturday Night Dinner - 7:00 PM onwards ($60.00pp)

For further information please contact: Ray Redgrave Email: [email protected] or 0418-224461