The Rotary Club of Casey welcomed their new President on Saturday 8 July.
Ben Plunkett marked his one year anniversary with the Rotary Club by accepting the presidency, during his induction at an event held in the Jack Rae Pavillion of Akoonah Park.
In his year-long dedication to the Rotary Club, Mr Plunkett has shown his capacity for community service time and time again.
“I have become a regular team member at our monthly barbecue at the Berwick farmers market,” he said.
“I participated in the Leadership Institute training, I acted as Entertainment Manager at this year’s Holland Festival, myself and Jean have headed the initiative to start an Interact club at Foundation Learning Centre in Narre Warren.
“I participated in PETs – which was a very informative and inspiring/motivating weekend, I submitted our club and participated at the Casey Volunteer Expo and attended an incredibly inspiring few days at the RI Convention in Melbourne and contributing my services to filming the intro shot to the Zone 8 Rotary People of Influence film.”
Mr Plunkett joined the club through Friends of Business, a business networking group that happened to house quite a number of “Rotarians”.
“They invited me along to a meeting and the rest is history,” Mr Plunkett said.
Mr Plunkett said he felt his place within the club was a matter of fate.
“Fifteen years ago when graduating Primary School I was awarded Junior Citizen Award sponsored by Rotary Club of Horsham,” Mr Plunkett said.
“As far as I remember I didn’t have anything to do with Rotary after that but maybe it was just destiny leading to today.”
For Mr Plunkett, the Rotary Club is all about community.
“Community provides a sense of belonging and support,” Mr Plunkett said.
“It allows people to connect with others and Rotary helps with this at club level by being part of a team and then further out to the community with all of the incredible programs, events and sponsorships.”
For the year ahead, Mr PLunkett said his presidency will have three key focus areas which he believes will be of the greatest benefit to the wider Casey community.
“As President I plan to lead our club with passion and purpose,” Mr Plunkett said.
“I have 3 focuses for the year: mental health, family violence and disadvantaged youth.
“I plan to draw passion out of our members and work together to implement service projects or fundraising activities to support these causes.”
