“As Lions members, we often under-estimate the scope and strength of the organisation,” Mr Mangan said.

“It all develops from the power of one.”

He said Ireland’s 120 Lions clubs had contributed more than $US100 million to victims of the Pacific region’s Boxing Day Tsunami and more than $15,000 to Victoria’s Black Saturday Bushfire Appeal.

“The power of one, one cent per day per member ... think about it,” Mr Mangan said.

“Lions is a great international brand with 1.3 million members, a brand with humanitarism at its core.

“Lions are ordinary people, like you, like me, doing extraordinary things.”

Friday night’s opening ceremony began with a spectacular flag ceremony, led by Matthew Stopp wearing his State Indigenous cricket shirt and carrying the Aboriginal flag.

He was followed by a procession of local Student Representative Council members and Army Cadets carrying the flag of each nation where Lions is represented.

The procession, coordinated by Lions Peter Stopp and Trevor Sims, finished on stage and was followed by local school teacher Dan Bradley playing the didgeridoo and Lion Graham Hore leading the singing of the National Anthem.

Clare and Gilbert Valleys Mayor Allan Aughey welcomed delegates to Clare by paying tribute to the cost effectiveness of Lions International.

“What would you have to pay someone in the corporate world to run this organization,” he said. “The cost would be massive.”

He went on to tell delegates about the ruins of a cottage near Sevenhill known as “Kelly’s Hut”, where bushranger Ned Kelly was reputed to have spent some time hiding while on the run from the law.

“Whenever you want to reward yourself and get away from it all, do as Ned Kelly did and come to the Clare Valley,” Mr Aughey said.

Convention activities had begun on Friday with the official opening of the Clare Lions Park by Minister for Urban Development and Planning Paul Holloway.

Delegates were involved in a range of business meetings on Saturday, which culminated in the District Governors Banquet in the Clare Town Hall that night.

Crowns and Tiaras were mandatory for the 244 dinner guests who represented 48 clubs from the zone as well as visitors.

Local Apex Club members were in charge of liquid refreshments, while the kitchen team was led by John Koch and Larrelle Fenner, assisted by volunteers of the Mintaro Tennis Club.