Mr Schultz is a well-known ecologist is Leeton, the chairman of the Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands Trust and has recently been appointed to the stakeholder reference panel by Federal Minister for Climate Change and Water Penny Wong.

The annual dinner was held in the RAPPS room at the Leeton Soldiers Club with about 90 people attending.

Mr Schultz has taken over the chains of leadership from Steve Pauling.

Mr Schultz said there was a number of things he would like to do during his time as president of the club.

"I thought the dinner went really well and was very well supported," he said.

"In the coming year I would like to see the club get involved with palliative care in the community.

"That is something I'm very passionate about and I would like to see us get more involved in this area."

As part of the dinner more than $19,000 worth of cheques were handed out to various organisations and community groups, including Leeton Pre-School and the Spastic Council.

Mr Schultz said the main aim for 2009 was to keep helping the community where necessary.

"We would like to continue to provide our services to the community," he said.

"We would also be encouraging new members to join the club so that we can continue this work.

"At the changeover dinner we inducted one new member, which was pleasing to see."

For more information about joining the club contact Mike Schultz on 0427 535 914.