NEWLY appointed Rotary District 9780 governor Anthony Ohlsen has been touring the region this week to meet with Limestone Coast clubs.
Mr Ohlsen will spend weeks travelling throughout his district to learn about individual clubs’ programs and share his knowledge.
This week he met with Mount Gambier, Mount Gambier Lakes, Mount Gambier West and Millicent Rotary clubs, with plans to head to Naracoorte and Bordertown later this month.
A member of the Rotary Club of Maryborough since 1994, Mr Ohlsen was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 2010 and has held various roles with the service organisation.
Mr Ohlsen said he was proud of the work he witnessed being undertaken by Rotary in the South East.
“It has been a really exciting journey to become the district governor,” he said.
“But the best part is getting out into the clubs in my district and seeing everything they are accomplishing in their communities.
“Mount Gambier is really lucky to have the three clubs working so hard to give back to the region – it is amazing to see.”
Mr Ohlsen spent time talking to the clubs about some of Rotary’s current major projects, which include the End Polio program and drought relief fund for Australian farmers.
Meanwhile, he expressed his hope of creating a Rotaract Club in the region to include the younger generation in Rotary services.
“With three clubs in the area, it would be great to have a Rotaract Club here as well, which will help get the youth excited about what we do,” Mr Ohlsen said.
“Some people see Rotary as a club for aging community members, but that is just not the case – anyone can join us and give back to the region they love.
“Rotaract is a club specific for those under 30 who want to build on their community with like-minded individuals.”
