History of Lions in Australia

The first Australian Lions Club was formed in the northern NSW town of Lismore on July 1st, 1947, largely through the efforts of William R.Tresise. While serving as National President of Apex, and nearing 40, the compulsory retirement age of that organisation, Bill Tresise unsuccessfully urged the formation of a senior Apex movement.

A chance 1946 meeting in the US with a past International President of Lions (Fred Smith, from California) led quickly to interviews with Lions Past International President Ed Barry, of Arkansas, and then with the Secretary-General and Founder of the Lions Association, Melvin Jones, in Chicago. Tresise was appointed a provisional District Governor, with power to form Lions Clubs in his home country.

He called a meeting of the business and professional men in his home town of Lismore, where he operated a plaster and hardware business, to hear the Lions story. An eloquent speaker, Bill Tresise soon convinced enough members to form the club. The first President, Jim Brown, proudly received the Club's official Charter in September of the same year. Melvin Jones cabled: " Congratulations to the 18th country to enter the International Association of Lions Clubs."

The second club, Murwillumbah, was formed on August 3rd, 1948, but it was after the formation of the third club, Melbourne, on March 19th, 1952 that the rapid development of Lions Clubs, throughout Australia began, by 1976, there were 1,000 Clubs. Much of the credit for this expansion is due to the professional officers appointed by Lions Clubs International during this period.

Gordon Smith served a one year term from 1952, during which a number of clubs were formed in northern NSW, as well as in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Terry Fairburn, an ex-army officer and Vice President of Sydney Lions Club, served from 1953 to 1960, followed by James McLardie from 1960 to 1987. During this period Joe Mason, another tireless worker, was employed in extension work. The energy and dedication of these men was an essential factor in our expansion. This tradition has been continued by the current International appointment, Bob Allen, who has served since 1973.

Of course they could not succeed alone. The early Lions Club members themselves played an enormous role, at a time when the one Lions Club District took in all of Australia. To list their names is to risk offending those who are not mentioned, something our pioneering Lions would not countenance.

Bill Tresise was made a Member of the British Empire for his services to the Community. He died in Lismore on June 15th, 1975. His widow Fonnie was presented with his Melvin Jones Plaque in August 1977.