The International Association of Lions Clubs is an incorporated, non-profit organisation. The International Board of Directors, elec ted by official delegates in secret ballot at the International Convention, is composed of the International President, the Immediate P ast President, the first and second Vice-Presidents and Directors from various parts of the world - all serving in their official posit ion for one year.

Lions Clubs International is sectioned into Districts, practically all of which are established along national, state or provincial boundaries. Where there is more than one District in an area, the total of such sub-Districts is called a MULTIPLE DISTRICT. Australia, consisting of twenty-one such sub-districts, is called MULTIPLE DISTRICT 201, whilst OUR District of eighty Lions Clubs, seventeen Lio ness Clubs and ten Leo Clubs is named 201Q3. Next to Brazil we have the largest Multiple District in the world.

Each District has its own Executive Officer - The DISTRICT GOVERNOR - elected at the annual convent ion of the District, and directly responsible to the International Board. The Governors of the sub-districts come together to form a COUNCIL, which has the responsibility to administer all Multiple District affairs. The District Governors use this Council as a forum for mutual understanding and co-operation. The chairman - an Immediate Past District Governor - is selected by the Governors el ect at their first meeting.

With the formation of Multiple District 201, the first National Convention was held in Coolangatta in 1953, under the chairmanship o f the late BILL TRESISE, with thirteen clubs participating.

Our Multiple District has its own office at Newcastle. This office which is responsible for Multiple District 201 liaison and admini stration, controls the sale of merchandise and collects dues on behalf of Lions Clubs International. The Executive Officer is the fi scal agent representing Lions Clubs International, in control of the Lion Emblem copyright.

Our direct link with Lions Clubs International headquarters at Oak Brook Illinois is the International Representative for Extension and Membership.

LIONS DISTRICT ORGANISATION :

The District Governor serves for one year and is responsible to carry out the duties as set out in the International Constitution and B y-Laws. The Governor is to ensure that the image of the Association is maintained at the highest level, and that the clubs function as effectively as possible. During the term of office, not only is the Governor to visit each Lions Club and special Club and District fun ctions, but also is expected to preside at the Annual District Convention and District Meetings, and to attend meetings of the Multiple District Council.