Bird, who joined the APC Board in 1993 and is its longest serving member, was elected by international representatives from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas at a meeting at IPC headquarters in Bonn.

The Regions' Council provides advice to the IPC Governing Board in relevant regional matters and assists in developing IPC policies and its strategic plan.

It also helps to protect and deliver the IPC vision and mission and protect the diversity of the Paralympic Movement.

"I am delighted with the passion and commitment of the members of the new Regions' Council," said Bird.

"We have a great opportunity to now contribute more effectively to building a stronger global IPC brand through capacity building of our Regions."

Bird was recently awarded with one of the APC's highest honours, the Australian Paralympic Medal, for his roles within Australian Paralympic teams and his contribution to the development of the APC over the past 30 years.

He represented Australia at the 1980 and 1984 Paralympic Games where he won a gold and silver medal in swimming.

He was the Australian team Chef de Mission at the Sydney and Athens Paralympic Games, and assistant Chef de Mission at the Barcelona, Atlanta and Beijing Games.

"I am looking forward to working together with Paul and the other members of the Regions' Council in the future to ensure that the Regions' voice is heard within the IPC," said Xavier Gonzalez, the chief executive of the IPC.

"A close cooperation is key for raising awareness of the Paralympic movement in all parts of the world."