By Jessica Micallef
Geoff Phillips is the new president of Kyneton Rotary.
Mr Phillips said it was an honour to lead a group of 40 men and women who are dedicated to supporting the community.
“It’s a real privilege,” he said.
“Social activity and enjoyment is part of rotary which welcomes new members to be involved in an organisation that has 1.2 million members in over 200 countries.”
Mr Phillips moved to Kyneton with his wife Fay three years ago. One of the first things he did was make contact with the local rotary club.
“I thought it was one way to make a quick connection with the community and it works very well,” he said.
“All of a sudden, you’ve got 40 people you run into down the street and at the shops.
“One of the best things about rotary is the hidden benefits. Not only do we help many people throughout the world that are underprivileged but we also help ourselves with better physical, social and psychological wellbeing.
“The social aspect of rotary is incredibly important. We have members whose families have been in Kyneton for generations.”
Mr Phillips said he was looking forward to continuing the work of the rotary.
“Kyneton Rotary will continue with its current local and international projects and investigate new ways of making the world a better place,” he said. “Examples of Kyneton Rotary’s work include supporting the re-establishment of Kyneton Scouts, assisting with running the Daffodil Festival, providing a weekly fresh fruit Friday at the Malmsbury School … supporting the rejuvenation of Kyneton’s river front, organising an alternative schoolies week in Vietnam and providing fresh water tanks to a Kenyan village.”
Kyneton rotarians share a weekly meal at the Shamrock Hotel in Mollison Street.
