From Speaking Anxiety to Community Leader: Sydney Man's Inspiring Lions Club Journey
Suben Subenthiran has transformed from someone struggling with public speaking anxiety into the respected president of Sydney Ceylon Lions Club, now nominated for a local legends award for his outstanding community contributions.
Overcoming Personal Challenges Through Service
When initially invited to join a Lions club, Subenthiran felt uncertain about the role and whether it would suit him. "I was a member of Toast Masters because I have speaking anxiety and public speaking issues," he explains. "I was there for 20 years, my heart would beat fast and I couldn't think anything." Despite these challenges, he served as Toast Masters president three times before his friend's invitation to join the Lions club proved transformative.
"It was an eye-opener for me," Subenthiran reflects. "I can't believe how it has transformed my thinking to make a difference in our community. I still have this imposter syndrome, there are so many people worthy of being nominated as a community legend and I am still coming to terms with being nominated."
Expanding Community Impact Through Strategic Partnerships
The Sydney Ceylon Lions Club, while relatively young, has established meaningful community programs both in Australia and Sri Lanka. "In Australia, we are mostly focused on environmental and clean-up projects," says Subenthiran. The club organizes fundraising activities and environmental cleanups while learning from more established Lions clubs.
Their community work includes:
- Traditional sausage sizzle fundraisers with Bunnings Warehouse
- Environmental cleanup initiatives throughout Sydney
- Funding support for the Bill Crews Foundation's Ashfield centre
- Planning food drives to collect perishable items from supermarkets
The partnership with Bill Crews Foundation represents a significant expansion of their humanitarian work. "They not only serve meals, they have a safe space in the facility where people can come and take a shower and then they can get a free haircut and they can get free dental service including medical surgery," Subenthiran explains. "This is more than just freedom from hunger."
Sustainable Fundraising Through Community Engagement
The club has developed effective fundraising strategies that benefit both the community and local businesses. "We do barbecues with Bunnings so people come there just for the sausage sizzles and then they go shopping, so it is a win-win from both sides," Subenthiran notes with enthusiasm.
Their approach demonstrates how community organizations can create mutually beneficial relationships with corporate partners while addressing genuine community needs. The club's evolution from environmental projects to comprehensive social support services illustrates their growing capacity to make meaningful differences in people's lives.
Recognizing Community Champions Across Australia
Subenthiran's nomination as a local legend coincides with recognition of other community champions like Katrina Pastourmoglou, who has served as volunteer director of Swansea/Belmont SLSC for nine years. Pastourmoglou organizes the Timberlina breast cancer fundraiser and supports the Mark Hughes Foundation's brain cancer initiatives, raising significant funds through beanie sales and community events.
These community leaders exemplify how personal challenges can transform into powerful motivations for service. Through organizations like Lions clubs and partnerships with businesses like Bunnings, they create sustainable models for community support that address diverse needs from environmental conservation to homelessness services and healthcare support.
