Community
24 July, 2026
Strong uptake for skin checks
CAMPERDOWN Lions Club is marking the success of its skin check program after 118 checks were performed over the weekend.
A joint program with the Lions of Victoria Cancer Foundation, the club hosted screenings on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19 at the Girl Guides hall.
Club member Maree Belyea said the program aims to provide access to skin check facilities in regional areas, where facilities are not readily available.
“The hosting club arranges a suitable location, accommodation and meals for the visiting screening staff, takes bookings, catering, support and administration,” she said.
“The unit’s four staff (all Lions club members and volunteers) included the truck driver, support worker and demoscopists.
“The Guide Hall was used and proved to be an excellent location, especially due to very chilly mornings.
“Over the two days, the three qualified demoscopists conducted a total of 118 checks in the purpose-built van consisting of three inspection rooms.”
Out of those that were checked, 32 were referred to health professionals – fortunately, none of those lesions were life-threatening.
In providing this free service, it ensures a greater number of people were able to be easily checked, being 42 people’s first time having a skin check.
Ms Belyea said this was the third visit to Camperdown for the skin check service, having previously held sessions in January 2022 and September 2024.
“Appointments for the 102 slots were filled in advance and some on a wait list, with an extra 16 people managing to be slotted in over the two days,” she said.
“The truck and van are owned by the Lions Clubs of Victoria with annual running costs of around $120,000.
“Camperdown Lions donated $500 towards this cost recently and $547 was donated by appreciative members of the public.
“Due to the high demand for hostings of the Lions V Districts Mobile Skin Check and Awareness Unit, the unit is not expected to return to south-west Victoria until mid-2028.
“Many who had the screens complimented the team for their friendly and professional manner.”
The visiting team members were appreciative of the convenience of the Guide Hall, the assistance from Camperdown Lions and the accommodation and meals provided.
This story was written by our work experience journalist Elisha Boyd.
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