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Phegans Bay resident, Mr Fritz Baumung, is looking for new members for the Central Coast Australian-German Friendship and Welfare Society.

Fritz is a founding member of the group which started in 1996 and is managed by a committee of volunteers who are interested in assisting the German-speaking community.

There are about 5000 German-speaking people on the Central Coast while many more have chosen to learn the language.

The group provides a service that supports the aged, sick, fragile or poverty-stricken, visit the ill and lonely in their homes and provide food and clothing where funds permit.

The group also gives a referral service, provides emotional support and assists overseas visitors, among other services.

Another purpose of the group, said Fritz, was to encourage friendly contacts between members and the population at large.

"We have many functions to which we invite all those who are interested in the German language, music, literature and culture," he said.

"Our activities and social gatherings are open to all who like to speak German and have a good time.

Fritz's community work over the last 30 years has involved working on prison ministries, as a Lifeline counsellor and Meals on Wheels.

"I see the Central Coast as a loving community and I am proud to be part of it," he said.

Fritz was raised in Stuttgart, moved to Sydney with a job transfer and since then Australia has been his home.

He was selected as an Olympic Torchbearer last year.

Carl Spears, February 1