Regional and Community Partnerships continue to evolve with exciting new opportunities being developed and planned Australia-wide. Nowra Lions Club is a shining example and is willing to share its processes to all inquirers. Now in its twelfth consecutive year, this outstanding community initiative has an even longer history.
In 1976 Bruce Spender, a young Naval Officer, was assigned by his Commanding Officer, a former UK Outward Bound participant, to examine Outward Bound methodology. After 26 grueling days of Standard Challenge Course, Bruce returned totally sold on the personal changes he experienced and witnessed in others. He recalls the lasting impression of leadership skills emerging, as disparate groups bonded into effective teams focused on supporting one another. His report resulted in the implementation of Expedition Training for the RAN, based on the Outward Bound model. Thirteen years later, as President of Nowra Lions, he suggested sponsoring a youngster to attend an Outward Bound Course. The project was born. The first few years were bumpy but the spark of initiative needs little to ignite the flame of potential, sometimes just an idea. To grow into an enduring blaze of achievement however, the fuel of perseverance and commitment is essential. This project needed a champion with the enthusiasm to drive it forward. Enter Geoff Stanton, ex-Club President and “champion-in-waiting”. That was 1994 and Geoff is still going strong! The number of young people to benefit from the Nowra Lions Project passed the sixty mark in April when a record seven attended the 12-day Navigator Course. Bomaderry Lions, Bomaderry Bowling Club and Nowra High School have joined as co-sponsors, responding to the hugely positive vibe of the returning participants. Geoff remains super-keen to continue as Project Coordinator, acknowledging the total support of his wife Janelle as a major factor. With shared enthusiasm that increases every time the kids come back to front the assembled Lions, his dream of a perpetual Outward Bound partnership gains momentum. An experience, a memory, an idea, an action plan, a champion and… Hey Presto! Dozens of young lives changed forever! There are over 1200 Lions Clubs in Australia and more than 300,000 Australians who have an Outward Bound memory. Would you share your experience with a disadvantaged teenager? Could you be the catalyst to a Community Partnership? Why not? Lions Clubs can contact Geoff Stanton or Lloyd Worthy, Outward Bound’s Community Partnership Officer on freecall 1800 267 999, who are both champing at the bit to get you started. 
Geoff and Janelle
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