50 Years of Lionism in AustraliaPrint Page 
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."
Location
| Address: | High Street, Pilot Hill Lookout, Harrington, 2427 |
|---|---|
| State: | NSW |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -31.871824 Long: 152.691073 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Flagpole |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Culture |
| Sub-Theme: | Community |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 01-July-1947 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 01-July-1997 |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Sunday 21st September, 1997 |
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This Flagstaff was erected
on the site of the original Pilot Station flagpole
by
THE LIONS CLUB OF HARRINGTON
with the support of
GREATER TAREE CITY COUNCIL
and THE HARRINGTON COMMUNITY
To Commemorate 50 Years Of Lionism In Australia
Dedicated 21st September 1997
