Ashleigh was installed by district governor Ken Hall and outgoing president Sam de Witte.

Ashleigh joined Rotary in 2001, the first female to join the local Rotary Club. Since then she has been joined by a number of other women, two of whom are serving on the club’s board this year.

At the changeover dinner, the achievements of the club in the past 12 months were recognised with a presidential citation presented to the club from Mr Hall from Rotary International, recognising the club’s growth in membership and its commitment to the five principles of Rotary.

In the last year the club has turned over more than $100,000 and donated more than $54,000 to local charities and Rotary projects.

Among the major beneficiaries, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service which received $23,000, the proceeds of the Rotary Club Regatta on Lake Macquarie; the Helping Hands of Hillcrest group received$3,500; the club has donated $4,000 towards motorcycle safety initiatives on Thunderbolts Way (the proceeds of their inaugural Motorcyle Muster) and $2,200 to Gloucester Charities.

Outgoing president Sam de Witte said the year had been very rewarding.

As one of his final duties as president Mr de Witte presented Heather Beesley with a Paul Harris Fellow award, one of Rotary’s highest honours, in recognition of her work in the community and as a Rotary partner.

One hundred percent attendance awards were presented to Brian Dixon, Brian Beesley and John Walton.

The 2009-10 leadership team for Gloucester Rotary is, Ashleigh Hickman president, club services Aznive Beesley, community services John Faull, international services Valda Baron, vocational services John Hopkins, youth services John Walton, treasurer Ray Martin, secretary Don McLeod and president elect John Dale.

Ashleigh said she joined Rotary because she said she is very community minded and getting in and “doing” is part of her nature.

Ashleigh said her aims for the year are to focus on