Cr Paul Jarman and Citizen of the Year Ken Hocking. Photos: Emily Donohoe
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Ken Hocking was bestowed the prestigious Citizen of the Year honour at the Rochester Australia Day ceremony on Sunday, January 26.
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A true community man, Mr Hocking was chuffed to be recognised with the award.
“It’s fantastic,” he said.
“Now, with speaking to the people, I feel very proud because over many years, I’ve given so much to the town.
“I’m a Rochy person through and through.”
Mr Hocking brings smiles to thousands of kids’ faces each festive season with his incredible Kenny’s Kingdom Christmas light display.
In 2024, about 6000 people visited his kingdom over four days, with Mr Hocking handing out thousands of lolly bags and working with the Salvation Army to provide hundreds of presents.
His ambitions are not slowing down, either.
“I’m very proud of the fact that I’m going to do more this year,” he said.
“I’ve got more equipment, I’ve got more stuff.
“I’m just going to do more things for it.”
Citizen of the Year Ken Hocking with his sister Chris Gaps, who visited from St Arnaud for the occasion.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
For almost two decades, Mr Hocking has volunteered with the Rochester Lions Club, including as president.
This role saw him help guide the town during the COVID-19 pandemic and the floods, providing support wherever he could, even while facing his own battles.
“I was going to people’s houses and to actually sit in their house after the flood and watch their belongings being thrown out, it was heartbreaking,” Mr Hocking said.
“I had to rebuild my own place ... I was probably spending ninety per cent of my time away from home.
“We’re all doing the same thing.”
At the heart of his passion, whether through his volunteer work or his day-to-day actions, is supporting Rochester.
Mr Hocking’s beliefs align with his behaviours. He walks the talk.
“I’m very much a person who spends my money in town,” he said.
“If you don’t support the town, you’re killing it.”
Among the long list of Mr Hocking’s contributions to the region is timekeeping at the Elmore Football Netball Club, volunteering at Elmore Field Days and care-taking at the 4Rs.
He truly enjoys working in the community, not asking for recognition or accolades.
His service is a testament to his character: equal parts caring, dedicated and tenacious.
“I don’t give up, I’m a very determined person,” he said.
“That’s why I’ve done so many things, like at the 4Rs.
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