August 24, 2012
Simone Kucyk represented the Nanango Lions Club in the recent Lions Medical Research Personality Quest.
For 12 months she has been working hard raising funds for medical research, and her efforts have paid off as she was sashed “Personality” winner at the Q4 District Finals, competing against entrants from a wide area of Queensland.
“During the past year Nanango Lions Club members and I have sold raffle tickets, held sausage sizzles and hosted an Open Mike Jam Session to raise money for Lions Medical Research,” Simone said.
The Lions Medical Research Foundation is a non-profit organisation which funds medical researchers, especially those at the start of their careers.
It has been operating for almost 50 years.
Some of its success stories include Ian Frazer, who developed the cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil which is now used internationally.
In 1985, a bright new molecular biologist Dr Ian Frazer was funded to research drugs used in the treatment of AIDS. Dr Frazer had planned to return to Scotland but with this funding was able to move from Melbourne to Brisbane to continue his research. Dr Frazer also had ideas on how immunology might provide a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer.
In 2008, the Foundation assisted Dr Ingrid Hickman who is researching chronic liver disease. Last year’s recipient was Dr Tracey Bjorkman, who is investigating hypoxic injury in newborns.
“In the past 12 months I have had the opportunities to meet these three amazing doctors,” Simone said.
“Also other like-minded women, their Lions Clubs and the people behind the quest.
“It has been an amazing experience and I encourage any young women looking to grow as a person, gain more confidence or have an interest in Lions and Lions Medical Research to approach their local Lions Club and get some information about the Quest and what is involved.”
Simone represented Nanango Lions at the Q4 District Finals held on May 19.
“Q4 District covers a wide area of Queensland, there were girls from Yeppoon, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Theodore,” she said.
“I was lucky enough to be sashed the Personality winner and represented Q4 at the Grand Finals in Brisbane.
“I would like to thank the Nanango Lions Club for all their support through out the past 12 months and to all the local buisnesses in Nanango who donated items to be raffled. Your support has been much appreciated.”
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Three members of Kingaroy Lions Club received well-earned service awards at a recent meeting.
Yvonne Dowling, who is currently club secretary was awarded for 10 years of service.
Malcolm Clifford, who has twice been a past president, was awarded for 25 years of service.
Ralph Argue, who has also been a past president, was awarded for a mighty 40 years of service to the club.
