Welcome to the Website of the
Lions & Leo Clubs of Sydney & Norfolk Island
The first Lions Club in Australia was started by William Tresise in Lismore in 1947.
As a member of Apex, he dreaded leaving his club that served his community at the upper age limit of Apes - 35. Hearing of the largest Community Service Club in the World - Lions International - in Chicago, USA, and in 1947, he journeyed there to learn how to bring Lions Clubs to Australia. 5 years later when the first Lions Clubs came to Sydney in 1952, Bill Tresise was still District Governor of District 201- the whole of Australia.
In 1957-58 we were split Australia into District A & B with William Burge-Phillips as District Governor of District 201B which then stretched from Coffs Harbour south to cover the rest of Australia including Sydney.
But we didn’t stop there. Lions Clubs grew. We were up to District G in the 60’s and in 1977-78 when we were up to X, Districts were re-distributed based around States. Sydney became District 201N5.
We are the largest District in members, we are the smallest District in area - so small our name won’t fit on the map! Plus Norfolk Is. (8kmx5km) is 1680km north west of Sydney.
Our Lions and Leo members here in District 201N5 create miracles through service, undertaking a variety of projects and fundraising activities that change the lives of those who need us right here where we live and around the world.
Our District is all in Sydney though all Sydney is not in 201N5.
It comprises over 80 Lions Clubs along with a dozen or so Leo Clubs
- Alpha Clubs aged 12-18 – school base.
- Omega Clubs aged 18-30 – community based.
We cover approximately 70% of Sydney along with our 2 Lions Clubs on Norfolk Island.
We have a membership base fluctuating around 1,900/2000 and are always seeking the talents and ideas of new members to enhance our service and raise our profile in the communities we proudly serve.
Lions have been the backbone of many wonderful projects which you may know.
We were heavily involved with the initial implementation and funding of Bear Cottage which provides support, respite and end-of-life care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
We provided vital funding to research of Gardasil Vaccine for cervical cancer vaccine to protect from HPV - human papillomavirus by Lion Prof Ian Frazer
Australian of the Year Lion Prof Frank Billson - Founding Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the University of Sydney and the Lions Eye Bank. Lion Frank is now working on the Bionic Eye.
Did you know, if not for Lions financial support, the Cochlear Implant – Bionic Ear – would not now be part of so many people’s daily life.
Our Clubs support our Global Cause of Hunger by organizing local food collections from supermarkets to distribute for community kitchens, hamper distribution, school breakfasts and or lunches etc
We provide walkers for our children not covered by NDIS. Released from a wheelchair, their organs and bones grow and strengthen as the child is now vertical.
Lions offers a comprehensive Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program through Lions Quest that supports the development of happy young people who are engaged members of their families, schools and communities.
International President 2023-2024
We conduct hearing and sight screening for children young enough to have the opportunity from the referrals of the screening to have the benefits from corrections at an early age.
So many other things in which you can become involved.

As a Lion of District 201N5
You will experience a number of personal benefits including developing skills such as achieving leadership abilities, purpose, speaking proficiencies, organisational capacities, networking opportunities and lifelong friendships and best of all self-satisfaction at a child’s smile and a sense of self-worth at what you achieve.
But you don’t have to do it alone. We have training programmes – online and face to face - if you wish to take on a Club officer position. And perhaps, on to furthering your organisational and communication skills – all there for you to choose.
What are you waiting for?
Look at our club locations for your local club, contact them and come along when they are doing a project to find out who we are and what we are up to and how you can get involved.
Check out our “Sydney News” and see our facebook and other Social Media entries see what our clubs are doing in the focus area that interest you.