Karen Trigg now has her own special place in Shoalhaven community history.
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Mrs Trigg is the first female president in the Rotary Club of Bomaderry's 50-year existence. She knows being president will sometimes be a hard task but she is ready for the challenge.
"I can only try my best and we will go from there," she said.
The new president, as someone who appreciates traditions, won't be making any radical changes.
"Small changes can turn out to be big changes in the long run," she said.
"The club is a whole and it's not just one person and all the members need to have a say. They all need to be happy and if they are not happy then the club disintegrates."
Mrs Trigg's leadership abilities were recognised and a male club member nominated her for the role.
She has not received or heard any negative comments since her appointment.
"It's going to be a little daunting and there is only one other female at the club and she was there before I came and the rest are all males," she said.
Mrs Trigg does hope to be a role model for others to follow.
"If I have a problem with anything with Rotary or anything, in general, I can just pick up a phone to someone and they will give me their wisdom."
- Karen Trigg
"I have had wonderful role models from other clubs where women have been presidents of their clubs and so it can be done," she said
"Hopefully there will be more females coming along."
She has been a member Bomaderry Rotary for four years and has been a Shoalhaven Heads resident since 2010 after moving from Jindabyne.
She first got involved with the Shoalhaven Head Lawn Bowls Club while looking for ways she could support the greater community.
"I was looking for a way I could give back to the community," she said.
Karen also likes helping others.
"There are so many people out there who don't get to appreciate things in life like I do and I feel I have been very privileged. I just like to make sure everyone just better chances," she said.
She thinks Australians in general like helping others in need.
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Mrs Trigg, during her time with Bomaderry Rotary, has been involved with the Youth Exchange Program.
In recent years the club has hosted two overseas students, one from Hungry and one from Taiwan. Mrs Trigg was the home host for the Taiwanese student.
"We called her Sylvia and she was such a delight," the Rotary president said.
The club hosts exchange students every two years. She describes Bomaderry Rotary as a small but vibrant club.
"I would also describe our members as being very community-minded and they are there all the time to help people out. Nothing is a problem for them," she said.
The Rotary president would like to see more people joining the club.
"It's a rewarding experience and I have gotten so much out of it," she said.
"I have met so many interesting people and not just from here in Australia but overseas as well. I have learnt so much - Rotarians are very giving of their knowledge and very sharing.
"If I have a problem with anything with Rotary or anything, in general, I can just pick up a phone to someone and they will give me their wisdom."
She added joining Rotary was a great way to make friends. Mrs Trigg also thinks Rotary still has an important role to play in today's society.
Email bomaderryrotary1@gmail.com for more information about becoming a member.
The beauty of Rotary is that anyone can join and they have different clubs for different ages.
The club is also looking forward to marking its 50th anniversary which will be in Mrs Trigg's term.
Snapshot on Karen Trigg
Member of the Youth Exchange Program District 9710 Committee
District Liaison for the Inbound and Outbound Exchange Students
Member of Bomaderry Rotary Club holding positions of the Youth Director and Club Counsellor President Elect , Club Service , Club Protection Officer well as a mentor for the new Youth Director and now President
Hosted Exchange Students for a short time off and on in my home for over 13 years and was a full time Host Parent this year.
Career of over 22 years has been working and assisting with High School Students in Outdoor Education. Held positions of -Kitchen Manager -Head Chef -Head Of Housekeeping -Campsite Coordinator in Jindabyne(current)
Head Cook for Coach Tours traveling up the centre of Australia (current)
Member have held various committee positions within Shoalhaven Heads Women's Bowling Club
BBeen a Scouts Australia volunteer helping with camping activities and on the committee when her daughter was a scout member
Started a Junior Golf Club at Jindabyne where I taught 45 children on Saturday mornings
Have been a committee member for Jindabyne Public School Parents and Citizens
In Muswellbrook belonged to Neighbour Aid and volunteered to help the elderly with various jobs so they where able to stay in their homes longer.