Warragul Rotary Club has installed Lyn Bennett as president to lead the club for the next 12 months.
Lyn was inducted by District Governor Peter Behm and takes over from outgoing president Tony Carson.
The club's 87th annual changeover dinner was held at Black Tie in Warragul on July 5, with Rotarian Greg King emcee for the night.
Past president Tony spoke about his year and how he provided guidance to the club, its members and worked with the community to improve the community and its facilities.
His achievements included finalisation of the Christmas Tree Project which had been a mainstay project for the club for more than 40 years.
The Rotary Park Indigenous Garden was progressed significantly and is now nearing completion. The garden provides an insight into local indigenous culture and environment.
Other continuing projects included the Art Sales project conducted with Baw Baw Arts Alliance, staffing the Farm World gates, the Warragul Regional College breakfast program, Longwarry Food Relief, projects in Vanuatu and more.
Tony presented Paul Harris Fellow sapphire pins to Rotarians Bob Lewis, Chris Wilkinson and Geoff Chilver. The sapphire pin shows the recipient had previously been recognised with a Paul Harris fellow.
District governor Peter Behm spoke of the trust the club placed in Lyn and the need to work together to build friendships, purpose and growth through shared success and purpose.
As new president Lyn thanked all who attended the function, past Rotarians, Peter and his wife Gail, Member for Monash Mary Aldred, family and friends.
Lyn's first duty as president was presenting a Paul Harris fellow recognition to Tony for his contributions to the club and community as a member of Warragul Rotary.
Lyn said her main focus as president was local projects and building community relationships. If we have projects that reflect all members interests and have enjoyable relationships membership of the club would grow, she said.
The club will continue to build its relationship with Warragul RSL as the club's project to equip and furnish the new Wellness Centre at Warragul RSL is finalised.
A new partnership with the Palliative Care unit at Warragul Hospital is beginning. This partnership will see Warragul Rotary contribute to the purchase of technology for Memory Making.
Palliative care Warragul has seen a significant increase in the number of patients who wish to leave memories for their children and other family members.
The club will assist by purchasing technology to produce videos, slideshows and other types of memories.
Lyn said the club also would build a stronger relationship with Warragul Community House which is an extremely valuable resource in the community.
Warragul Rotary plans to start some new projects in the coming year including a Collectables Fair at Darnum Memorial Hall on Saturday September 6. This event has already attracted interest with all vendor tables already booked and community members enthusiastic about attending.