J. D. Richardson Award

This Award is named after James D Richardson, who in 1958 was the first Australian to serve as a Director on the International Board of Directors.

Jim Richardson was one of the most beloved and respected members of Lions in the formative years of the Association in Australia. He served in the Royal Australian Air Force during the 1939-45 World War before establishing himself in the Brunswick – Mullumbimby area of New South Wales. Jim was second District Governor to be elected in Australia in 1956 ‑ 57 and the first Australian to serve as a Director on the International Board of Directors in 1958. He was recognised internationally for his magnificent oratory which held people spellbound at conventions and gathering of Lions. The growth of new clubs during his year as District Governor, fifty-two, was never approached again by any District Governor.

The demands he placed upon himself meant that he travelled enormous distances by road, so that he could visit all his Clubs, attend to Association and other business, as well as run his hotel with the great support of his wife Pam. The strains caused him to have a Cerebral Thrombosis whilst attending, the International Board meeting in New Orleans in 1959. He recovered after a long convalescence, but without his capacity to speak. He was never again capable of carrying on a conversation or making a speech but continued to work for Lions at club level and attend conventions. James D Richardson BEM was one of the most dedicated and respected early leaders of Lions in Australia. In recognition of him being our first Australian International Director, the Australian Lions Foundation has instituted the James D Richardson honour award in return for a donation of $500.00 to

The award is achieved through making an undesignated gift to the Australian Lions Foundation of $500, from a Club, Zone, District or other Lions Group who wishes to honour a Lion, Lioness, Leo or a Non – Lion or Group. The gift must be denoted as a” James D Richardson Honour Award” at the time it is made.

The James D Richardson Honour Award can be paid for in two equal payments over two years. Each payment must specify this award. Payments may be made for recipients yet unnamed. Upon final donation and submission of the Application Form, the Award will be prepared and forwarded.

The nominated recipient will receive a framed and appropriately inscribed certificate and a lapel badge.

Click here for previous winners of the J.D. Richardson Award