The district encompasses Collarenebri, Moree, Ashford and Iluka to the north, then down the east coast to Forster Tuncurry, across to Murrurundi and as far as Premer in the west. 

There are 64 Lions Clubs, four Lioness Clubs and six Leo Clubs in the district representing more than 1500 members.

This year’s convention is hosted by five Lions Clubs – Hallidays Point, Harrington, Manning River, Old Bar and Taree.

A total of 260 Lions, partners and guests will be attending.

The convention kicks off with a welcome function at the Manning River Sailing Club on Friday evening.

The formal convention starts at 9am on Saturday at Club Taree.

Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead, the president of the NSW Parliamentary Lions Club, will open the convention.

“We are delighted to have a number of eminent people presenting throughout the weekend including Dr Con Petsoglou, deputy director of the NSW Lions Eye Bank, Eric Carter, the immediate past international director from New Zealand and Rob Oerlemans, executive officer of Lions Australia,’’  district governor Malcolm Peters said.

The convention provides an important forum for members to decide the direction of the district. It also provides an opportunity to find out what is happening in Lions locally and see how Lions are working to make a difference throughout the world.

The convention committee, chaired by Michael Diessel, is very pleased with the response from Lions to attend this year’s convention.

“The hosting of the convention is a great way to showcase the Manning Valley and highlight the work Lions are doing throughout our communities,” Michael said.

The convention concludes on Sunday with a farewell barbecue to be held  at Queen Elizabeth Park on the foreshore of the Manning River.