Australia Day recognises Rochy’s best

By Emily Donohoe

Jan 27, 2025

Campaspe Shire Councillor Paul Jarman and Citizen of the Year Ken Hocking, who was recognised for his community contributions at the Rochester Australia Day event. Photos: Emily Donohoe Photo by Emily Donohoe

The hard work of the Rochester community was celebrated on Australia Day, with a ceremony and barbecue breakfast widely attended.

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Rochester Australia Day Celebrations Committee, headed by Heather Watson, hosted hundreds of guests at Lions Park from 7am.

Crowds packed out Lions Park for the morning. Photo by Emily Donohoe

Beginning with a breakfast catered by the Rochester Lions Club, singer and musician Amelia Day entertained crowds before official proceedings began.

The Echuca Aero Club flew over town as part of their Australia Day tour, while the Rochester 1st Scouts Group participated in the breaking the flag ritual.

Rochester 1st Scouts Group were tasked with breaking the Australian flag. Photo by Emily Donohoe

Councillor Paul Jarman began with an Acknowledgement of Country and welcomed the event on behalf of Campaspe Shire Council.

Rochy local Barbie Walker was the event’s guest speaker, sharing stories about her time in the Diamantina Shire in outback Queensland.

Australia Day award winners, nominees and appreciation award recipients. Photo by Emily Donohoe

Australia Day award winners were presented, including Citizen of the Year Ken Hocking, Young Citizen of the Year Oakley Tarrant, Sportsperson of the Year Col Pearse, Young Sportsperson of the Year Cooper Jenkins, Community Group of the Year Rochester Lions Club and Arts Group of the Year Rochester Secondary College.

All nominees were also acknowledged, as well as the appreciation award winners, with 26 individuals and groups recognised for their contributions in and around Rochester.