As a National President of Apex in 1946, Bill had
unsuccessfully proposed the establishment of the Past
Apexian Association, but being a determined fellow, he
decided to establish one of the American Service Clubs in
Australia. Whilst in the USA in 1947 to attend the World
Conference of Young Men's Service Clubs, in which Apex was
affiliated, he met first of all with the Executive Officers
of the Kiwanis Association, then later with Past President
Fred Smith and Melvin Jones of Lions Clubs International.
From them he gained a contract to establish Lions Clubs in
Australia. With the title of the Provisional District
Governor, and financial support, he returned to Australia
and formed the Lions Club of Lismore on July 12th, 1947. The
Lions Club of Murwillumbah followed in August 1948, but it
was not until March 19th, 1952 that the third Club, the
Lions Club of Melbourne, was established.
Bill, who was in the timber hardware business, was active in
politics, particularly at local government level. His
eloquence and charm left an indelible impression on all with
whom he came into contact. He served as District Governor in
1962 - 63. William R Tresise is recognised as the Founder of Lions in Australia.
James D Richardson BEM
Jim Richardson was one of the most beloved and respected
members of Lions in the formative years of the Association
in Australia. He served in the Royal Australian Air Force
during the 1939-45 World War before establishing himself in
the Brunswick - Mullumbimby area of New South Wales. Jim was
second District Governor to be elected in Australia in 1956
- 57 and the first Australian to serve as a Director on the
International Board of Directors in 1958. He was recognised
internationally for his magnificent oratory which held
people spellbound at conventions and gathering of Lions. The
growth of new clubs during his year as District Governor,
fifty two, was never approached again by any District
Governor.
The demands he
placed upon himself meant that he travelled enormous distances by road, so that
he could visit all his Clubs, attend to Association and other business, as well
as run his hotel with the great support of his wife Pam. The strains caused him
to have a Cerebral Thrombosis whilst attending, the International Board meeting
in New Orleans in 1959. He recovered after a long convalescence, but without his
capacity to speak. He was never again capable of carrying on a conversation or
making a speech but continued to work for Lions at club level and attend
conventions. James D Richardson BEM was one of the most dedicated and respected
early leaders of Lions in Australia.
Raymond J Ware MBE
Sydney J.Packham
