In his role as a Rotary board member, Mr Bawden has already been involved with discussions with other community organisations and is keen to grow this dialogue.

"We have spoken to Moyne Shire Council, Moyne Health Services, Port Fairy Community House, the Lions club and a lot of the festivals in the town," Mr Bawden said.

"I think the town can always achieve so much if everyone is working together and sharing our resources.

"Relationships are very important and I think all the groups have the best interests of the town in mind.

"Port Fairy is known for its community spirit and that has come through during the COVID-19 period, with people really throwing their support behind local businesses."

Mr Bawden takes over the Rotary presidency from Sue Robertson, who he thanked in his acceptance speech on Monday night for navigating the club through what had been a challenging year.

Mr Bawden will lead a club that has a membership of 18, a number he would like to see increase.

"The membership has fallen slightly and there are a number of factors behind that," Mr Bawden said.

"For some members who had done their bit over many years it was time to step away.

"Also, Port Fairy is a pretty competitive place when it comes to volunteering opportunities, people have so many options to chose from. And of course each one of those options are very worthy so it is a case of Rotary keeping on doing what we do well, I think that is the best way to attract people."

Mr Bawden brings plenty of experience to the role of club president.

He joined the Horsham East Rotary Club in 2006, where he went on to serve on the board. When he moved to Port Fairy in 2016, Mr Bawden transferred his Rotary club membership.

Over the past four years, Mr Bawden has served Port Fairy Rotary Club in a public relations role and also on some youth projects.

He said his time on the board in recent years had prepared him for the leadership role.

"The timing feels right to step up," he said. "I'm looking forward to working closely with our members."