Outgoing president Brenda Lyon – who received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award in recognition of her service to Oberon Rotary – spoke of the achievements of the past 12 months.

"For a small group, we have been working hard,” she said. “In July 2017, James Baxter received the surprise of his life on his 22nd birthday when he was presented with a brand new Toyota van which was fitted out to accommodate his wheelchair.

"Mr Baxter, who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a muscle degeneration disease, was not able to go to many places because of his old vehicle. Under the umbrella of Oberon Rotary, family, friends and the Oberon community rallied to raise more than $80,000 for James.

"During 2017, we celebrated Oberon Rotary's 50th birthday and we welcomed past members Neville Kurtz, Peter Dale, John Brien and Keith Sullivan to this memorable event.

"Our major project, which is still ongoing, is the work at the Oberon Rotary Lookout. We have planted trees and daffodils with the help from inmates from Oberon Correctional Centre and the next step is the installation of the viewing platform with funding received from the state government.”

Incoming president Glen Stewart wants to continue all Rotary’s current projects.

"I want to introduce a Rotary Lifeskills Program for the youth of Oberon. We already have sponsorship for this program," he said.

More than 50 people attended the dinner.

The new committee includes treasurer Lyn Boswell, secretary Kay Jones, youth director Belinda Massey, membership director Patrick Breen and technology director James Baxter.

Oberon Rotary meets on Tuesdays at the Oberon RSL Club at 6.30pm.