Aussie Elected Lions International President
11 July 2013 at 3:49 pm
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An Australian has been elected as President of Lions Club International – the world’s largest humanitarian and community service club organisation.
Barry Palmer, a retired real estate company director from Berowra, NSW is the first Australian to hold the top job.
Palmer elected President of Lions Clubs International this week at the 96th International Lions Convention in Hamburg Germany. The election means Palmer will lead 1.35 million members in more than 46,000 clubs in 207 countries and geographic areas around the globe.
He will also oversee Lions Clubs International Foundation’s Sight First Program to rid the world of preventable and reversible blindness.
“We are first and foremost a humanitarian organisation – members join because they want to help improve their community at a local, national or global level,” Palmer said.
“We are in the business of making humanitarian dreams a reality. When you explore our organisation, you can see thousands of examples of how everyday Lions recognise a problem then work with others to find a solution. I’m a part of this organisation because I want our members to follow their dreams for a better world.”
Since joining Hornsby Lions Club in 1976, Barry Palmer has held many offices within Lions, including Club President, Multiple District LCIF (Lions Club International Foundation) chairperson, and Coordinating Lion and Host Chairperson for the 2010 Lions Clubs International Convention in Sydney.
His many awards include the Friend of Humanity Award, Life Membership in the Association and the Ambassador of Good Will Award. He is also a recipient of the Australian Medal (AM) for services to the community, particularly in the area of disadvantaged children, the Australian Childhood Cancer Research Award and the Spastic Centre of NSW Award.
The Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation (ALCMF) created the Barry J. Palmer Recognition Award to honour his involvement with the Hart Walker Program in Australia.
He was a Pioneer Volunteer at the Sydney Olympics, a member of the New South Wales Paralympic Committee and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.
Barry’s theme as President of Lions Clubs International is “Follow Your Dream”.
Dear Mr President.
I am writing to congratulate you, Sir, for being elected as President of the largest service organisation in the world, the LIONS Club International. I am a proud LION and I wish you the best in your endeavours.
With you in the service.
Tembi