THE Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West welcomed new president Greg Appleyard at its recent changeover dinner.
A Rotary member for more than 24 years, Mr Appleyard said he enjoyed every aspect of being part of the club.
“It is something I have done for a very long time,” he said.
“Even when I moved to the Northern Territory for five years I was still an active member in a club up there.
“I really love the work that Rotary does and do not see myself stepping back anytime soon.”
Having already served a term as president of the Rotary Club of Litchfield Palmerston, Mr Appleyard said he thought it was time he took on the role in Mount Gambier.
“I have spent almost 20 years with the Westies so I thought it must have been my turn to be president,” he said.
“As I was previously a president in Darwin, I knew a little about what the role would entail, but things have definitely changed in the years since I was in charge.
“The world is always changing and we at Rotary have to change with it.”
Mr Appleyard said he hoped for big changes in his year as president.
“The most important thing I will focus on this year is recruiting more members,” he said.
“As with most community volunteer groups, we are an ageing club and with that comes less ability to get out in the community.
“I want to recruit younger members who are able to do the things some of our 80 and 90 year old members can not.”
In addition to being more active, Mr Appleyard believes young minds will bring new ideas to the club.
“We have been doing the same kinds of functions for the same kinds of causes for years on end,” he said.
“I hope this year we might be able to get some fresh ideas that will hopefully change things for the better.”
Mr Appleyard said he was excited about the year ahead and eager to continue supporting the South East community.
