A FOCUS on younger representation among its ranks is on the cards for the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West after its new president was welcomed into the ranks earlier this month.
Joining Rotary around 30 years ago, new president Matthew Dixon hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the role with an aim to entice the region’s youth to join the service club.
Taking over the job from outgoing president Greg Appleyard, Mr Dixon said he was ready for a term as president after many years with the club.
Mr Dixon said joining Rotary as a young businessman new to the Limestone Coast was an incredible tool for his career, as well as a way to serve his new community.
“Joining Rotary when I first moved to Mount Gambier was an excellent way for me to network,” he said.
“I have always been passionate about giving back to my community as well so I think Rotary gave the best of both worlds.
“I spent a lot of time building my business and did not have the spare time available to serve as president, but since retiring recently I thought now was the best time to give it a go.”
With a host of different items on the agenda for his year in office including community grants, scholarships and the Christmas Party in the Park, Mr Dixon said he hoped a younger demographic would see the benefits of joining the club.
“The problem facing a lot of service clubs is we are an ageing group,” he said.
“It would be great to get some young people in with fresh ideas and a different perspective to help move us forward.
“Joining a service club can open up a world of opportunities to a young person if they just give it a go.”
Over his many years of service, Mr Dixon has seen presidents come and go and said he hoped to draw on some of their key leadership skills during his term.
“There is no one in particular that I want to single out over my time in Rotary, they have all given me a little something to work with,” he said.
“We are a well-oiled machine and have specific practices that we like to keep in place so I do not think I will want to change too much, just do my best for the club.
“I would maybe like to see an informal meeting every now and then where our members can just catch up for an outing or a coffee or whatever, more for the camaraderie than anything.”
Mr Dixon will serve as the Rotary Club of Gambier West president until this time next year when another member is sworn in.
