Outgoing chairwoman Sarah Andrew said 2009 started well, with the third annual Big River Festival.
"It seems there is definitely a need for this event in Balclutha. It attracts people of all ages from all over the Clutha district."
More than 1500 attended this year's festival, with a lot of interest in the public wedding of Balclutha couple Mandy Brown and Steven Shearer, organised by the group and conducted by Clutha Mayor Juno Hayes.
The meeting also confirmed the date of the 2010 festival: Saturday, February 13, to again coincide with the Otago Shearing and New Zealand Woolhandling Championships at Balclutha's War Memorial Hall.
The group's first community project was completed over the last year - the redevelopment of the town hall gardens, with new plants, landscaping, installation of a Clutha Country sculpture and flags.
"The gardens are all completed and look fantastic. They will look even better in the summer when the cherry tree flowers," Miss Andrew said.
Other community projects included the South Otago Festival Trust Christmas variety concert and the Clutha Challenge, which featured as part of the South Otago A and P Show.
After the meeting, the group listened to two presentations on possible projects. One involved the process needed to introduce a free wireless internet service in central Balclutha; the other was a proposal to install baby-changing facilities in local cafes.
The group's new chairwoman is Balclutha-based insurance broker Donna Carline. Miss Andrew continues her involvement with the group, as secretary.
