Our Story
More than 60 years of Lions serving
South Australia & the Northern Territory
From one club in Adelaide in 1961 to communities across SA and the NT, discover the people, milestones and service that shaped
Lions District 201 C2.
A legacy of service
For more than six decades, Lions have been part of communities across South Australia and the Northern Territory - volunteering, fundraising, supporting local causes and helping people when it matters most.
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What began with the chartering of the Lions Club of the City of Adeliade in 1961 grew rapidly across the region, eventually leading to the formation of District 201 C2.
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Explore some of the people, moments and milestones that helped shape the District we know today.
Our Journey
1961
The Beginning of Lions in South Australia
Due to the determined efforts of Jim McLardie OAM, Australian Secretary for Lions Clubs International, Lions officially formed in South Australia in 1961.
The Lions Club of City of Adelaide became the state’s first Lions Club, chartered on 1 July 1961 by District Governor Dr Howard Waters of District 201C. Bevan Rutt OBE served as Charter President, supported by Charter First Vice President Colonel Ron Hone and Charter Secretary John Minks.
The new club wasted no time putting “We Serve” into action. Its first major project was the printing and distribution of 111,000 pamphlets designed to educate children about the threat of molestation—an ambitious community awareness initiative that marked the beginning of Lions service in South Australia.​​
1962
Lions Begins to Grow
Following another visit by Australian Secretary Jim McLardie, and with the support of pioneering charter members Bevan Rutt, Colonel Ron Hone and John Minks, Lions continued to expand across South Australia.
In April 1962, the Lions Club of Adelaide Light became the state’s second club. That same year, clubs were also established in Burnside, Edwardstown and Marion, with their charters presented by District Governor William R. Tresise MBE, recognised as the founder of Lions in Australia.
This was a period of rapid growth for Lions, with around 50 new clubs forming across Australia each year. In South Australia, Colonel Ron Hone and Bevan Rutt played leading roles in this expansion, helping establish the foundations for the strong network of Lions clubs that would follow.
ACC Councillor and Charter President, Bevan Rutt
1964
The Formation of a South Australian District
In the early years, South Australian Lions Clubs were part of District 201C, which also included clubs from Victoria. At the time, Lions Australia was divided into just five districts.
As the Lions movement grew rapidly across Australia, new districts were established to support the increasing number of clubs. By 1964, the number of districts had grown to nine, with South Australian clubs becoming part of District 201J.
This was also a significant year for the region. Bevan Rutt became the first South Australian District Governor, while the Lions Club of Alice Springs was formed as the first Lions Club in the Northern Territory.
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1965
The Beginning of Save Sight
In July 1965, Dr David Tonkin AO chaired a committee, which included Dr Bob Coulthard AM, to conduct South Australia’s first Save Sight Week. The initiative quickly gained momentum, and in 1966 District Governor Ralph Knox appointed Dr Tonkin as South Australia’s first Save Sight Chairman.
The glaucoma screening program continued to expand under Dr John Slade AM, who became Save Sight Chairman in 1967. Under his leadership, the program achieved greater glaucoma screening coverage than any comparable population in the world at the time.
South Australia’s contribution to the initiative extended nationally, with Lindsay McNamara of the Lions Club of Unley becoming the first National Save Sight Committee Chairman.
1971 - 1977
A Growing District Structure​
By 1971, Lions had grown to 80 chartered clubs across South Australia, leading to the state being divided into two districts — 201J and 201N.
Growth continued throughout the decade and, by 1977, Australia had expanded to 21 Lions districts. With South Australia now home to 124 clubs, a third district was established as part of a major restructuring of the national district numbering system. The state’s three districts became 201S1, 201S2 and 201S3.
The final District Governors to serve these districts were Don Currie (201S1), George Rajkovic (201S2) and Bob Rowell (201S3).
2001 - 2002
The Formation of Districts C1 and C2
In 2001–2002, Lions in the region underwent another significant restructure, forming the two districts we recognise today — District 201C1 and District 201C2.
The newly formed districts were led by their inaugural District Governors, with Joan Ceely serving as the first District Governor of 201C1 and Bob Radford as the first District Governor of 201C2.
Lions Firsts in South Australia
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First Club: Lions Club of City of Adelaide 1 July 1961
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First Club President Bevan Rutt, OBE
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First Club Vice President Colonel Ron Hone
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First Club Secretary John Minks
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First Club Project Printing of Pamphlets re avoiding children molestation
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First District 201J 1964
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First District Governor Bevan Rutt, OBE 1964
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First District Convention Glenelg 1964
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First Multiple District Convention Adelaide 1965
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First Multiple District Chairman John LeCornu 1966
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First International Director Colin Ringer 1972
Our History. Our Legacy.
Honoring the pioneers, milestones and
stories that shaped Lions in our communities
and continue to inspire our future.
