Friendship and a meaningful contribution to the community are the two driving forces behind Jill French's climb to the leadership of the Koroit Lions Club.
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Ms French has been sworn in as the Lions new president.
Sue Frost is club secretary while Blake Allan is treasurer.
It has been a steady rise for Ms French, who first joined Lions in Camperdown, where she was a member for six years.
Following a move to live in Koroit, she transferred her membership to her new town's club where she has been on board for the past three years.
Ms French said being part of the Lions club had been a great way to feel at home in Koroit.
"I really enjoy the friendship side of it and getting to know new people," Ms French said.
"It's a very supportive club and there is a strong bond among members."
The Lions club has established itself as one of the most active and community-mind organisations in Koroit.
The club's annual events include its art show in June, a swap meet in March and Carols by the Railway in December, which it runs in partnership with the Koroit Irish Festival.
The club also operates its op shop in High Street, a hugely successful venture.
The op shop is currently closed down due to COVID-19 restrictions, with no clear timeline yet on its re-opening.
The Lions also actively pursue projects in the town, including the installation of gym equipment on the rail trail at the Koroit Railway Station.
The club has a number of projects on the go and Ms French is keen to have them completed.
"My main goal for the year is to tie up the projects we have active at the moment," Ms French said.
"They include a new shed at the op shop and renovations to our clubrooms."
Ms French's appointment continues the rise to leadership roles for women in the club.
She replaces Jan Rissman, who was the club's first female president.
"Back in the early days of Lions clubs leadership roles were male dominated, most groups were the same back then," Ms French said.
"It's nice to know women are now very welcome in these roles and very supported by all club members."
