TONY Fleming has been the public face of Promoting Portland since it was launched six years ago, but the organisation now has a new president.

Doreen Symes, an original committee member and more recently membership officer, was elected to the role at a meeting on Wednesday, October 26.

She is one of six new committee members, the others being Matt Jowett, Nikki Hudson, Amy Silvester, April Hawker and Gerri Torpy.

Existing committee member Andrew Bryant was elected vice-president, while Mr Fleming, Marcus Walsh, Michael Hunter, Mark McIntyre and Allan Barrett also remain on the committee.

“I did it for six years and I thought it was time to step aside and give someone else a shot at it,” Mr Fleming said.

Unlike other groups, Promoting Portland does not venture into advocacy – its sole role, as the name suggests, is to promote the city and surrounds to both visitors and potential residents.

Ms Symes said it would be more of the same.

“Tony has done a fabulous job, he is Promoting Portland,” she said.

“I’m just helping him out really. I just see it as part of my role.

“I’m a strong believer in Portland.”

Promoting Portland had to put some of its activities on hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns but is back out in force again, but Ms Symes said it was back to business with the new committee.

“There’s a really good vibe and we’ve all got the same intention which is to support each other and grow Portland,” she said.

“I think (members) see the authenticity in what we’re doing. We’re a great group of people and that’s how we’ve stood strong.

“We’re brainstorming ideas, which is fabulous, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.

“We’re very fortunate to have good people (on the committee) that are like-minded.

“We’re all driving to that destination to make Portland self-sufficient so our kids have something to come back to.”

Among Promoting Portland initiatives over the years have been the semi-trailer wrapped in Portland signage, television advertisements (featuring the likes of St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall and Glenelg Shire Council chief executive Greg Burgoyne), wheel covers which are still going strong, refurbishing the exterior of the public toilets at the intersection of Bentinck and Julia Sts, giving away visiting tourists 900 coffees as a ‘warm and fuzzy’ welcome to Portland and buses showcasing Portland on their exteriors when travelling elsewhere.

For more information on Promoting Portland visit www.promotingportland.com.au.

To join – membership is $10/week – email membership@promotingportland.com.au, contact one of the committee members or Doreen Symes on 0403 603 428.