New club president Peter Smith said an increase in membership was high on his to-do list.

"The club is in a strong position at the moment and is very active in the community," Mr Smith said.

"But like most organisations we are keen to grow our numbers .

"Being part of Rotary is very rewarding, the club makes a difference at a local and international level."

This is Mr Smith's first tenure as club president.

He has been a member of Rotary for five years, the last three of those as secretary.

He replaces Sue Robertson in the lead role.

Ms Robertson oversaw a busy 2018-19 for the club, which included $32,000 in donations to international and local projects.

These contributions included $10,000 to Moyne Health Services, $3000 to the Belfast Aquatics and $2500 for motor neurone disease research.

During this time, the club also honoured the service of three members with John Clue, Geoff Coxell and Hester Woodrup all receiving Paul Harris Fellowships.

The club raised funds for the campaign to end polio and Mr Smith said it would again take up that cause this year.

He said environmental projects would be a focus locally.

"There are a couple of environmental initiatives happening around Port Fairy that we are keen to be involved in," Mr Smith said.

"We will be working with the South West Community Energy Program which will be exciting.

"Rotary has always been active on the environmental front and we are keen to continue that."

Mr Smith said Rotary will be re-visiting its tried and true fundraising activities to fund its community projects.

These will include holding barbecues, tours of the Port Fairy Lighthouse and open garden days.

"We have also started raffle ticket sales this week for a Wilma Preston painting in Sackville Street," Mr Smith said.

"We will also be helping with meals on wheels and playing a part in the successful staging of events such as the folk festival."