Over 60 people celebrated the Rotary Club of Bomaderry changeover for 2018-2019 where president Allan Chidziva presented the chain of office to Karen Trigg.

Karen is Bomaderry Rotary Club's first woman president in the club's 50 year history.

Past president Allan outlined Bomaderry Rotary's main achievements for the year.

He talked about the start of U Turn the Wheel, annual driver training for Year 11 students, the international project in Nepal, sponsoring a Goat Farming Project targeted at empowering women after the devastating earthquake of 2015, hosting exchange student Sylvia Huang from Taiwan and donations to Farmer's Relief.

New federal member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips and Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findlay were among the dignitaries present at the celebration.

Recently Brian Kenny, a Bomaderry Rotarian of long standing and well respected member in both in Bomaderry Rotary Club, and the community, passed away and be remembered by the club's annual Brian Kenny Community Service Award.

Mary Richter, by any definition, has over many years been an exceptional volunteer.

Mary, for more than 40 years, worked at the Bomaderry Op Shop, where she was held in very high regard.

Mary also for over 30 years was a volunteer, delivering meals for Meals on Wheels.

For decades Mary has knitted clothes for premature babies and also countless squares which she joined making colourful blankets for the homeless.

John and Violet Lord were the very worthy recipients of the Bernie Johnson Community Services Award which was created in remembrance of Bernie a longstanding Rotarian and resident of Bomaderry.

During their long years of marriage John and Violet have fostered over 100 children. They still have two foster children living them.

Many decades ago they saw the need to start the Breakfast Club at East Nowra Public School, recognising the need to provide needy children with a healthy breakfast.

This effort was sponsored by the Red Cross.

Rebecca Gallagher who could not be present was the recipient of the John Christmas Vocational Award.

Rebecca a teacher at Bomaderry Public School has a strong commitment to helping young people.

She has been extensively involved in the Shine program in the Shoalhaven that empowers young girls to value their own potential and capabilities.

Using the guiding principles of Shine she spends two to three weeks in Cambodia each year helping girls stay out of the sex trafficking industry.

Exchange student Sylvia Huang entertained the gathering with a beautiful rendition of the Elvis Presley song "Can't Help Falling in Love".

Donations were presented by President Allan to Mike Arthur representing the program "Strength" that helps students understand their value, Shoalhaven Education Fund represented by President Linda Marquis, Dr Alfred Chidembo of Aussie Books for Zim that seeks to promote education and improve literacy in the remote rural communities of Zimbabwe and FLTLT Doug DeCean and Cadet Warrant Officer Jayme Purcell of the Australian Air-force cadets of 330 squadron.

This was a wonderful evening that showed what volunteers can achieve in our community.