The Rochester Australia Day award winners have been named ahead of Sunday’s celebration.
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Nominated by members of the community, the Rochester Australia Day Committee has assessed the applications, narrowing down a winner from each of the six categories.
The 2025 Citizen of the Year is Ken Hocking, a legend of the Rochester Lions Club and Rochy’s own Father Christmas.
Mr Hocking was nominated for his numerous community contributions made through his involvement with the Lions Club, Elmore Football Netball Club, 4Rs and his incredible Christmas display.
“Kenny is a person that flies under the radar, always offering to help without the need for any recognition,” his citation said.
“He never discriminates towards any other groups or committees and is always willing to contribute even if he isn’t on that committee.
“Kenny has a very big heart for everyone and is always such a positive person.
“The town needs more Kennys!”
For the Young Citizen of the Year, Rochester Secondary College school captain Oakley Tarrant has been named.
Oakley’s leadership and community-focused values drove his nomination, including as a 2025 student leader, creating a kindness-based program for local schools, coaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu, while also balancing a part-time job at Major’s and playing football.
“Oakley Tarrant embodies the qualities of a true young leader,” his citation said.
“His unwavering commitment to his school, community and personal development makes him a deserving candidate for the Young Citizen of the Year award.
“We believe that Oakley’s contributions will continue to have a lasting positive impact on the Rochester community.”
Paralympic medallist Col Pearse is the sportsperson of the year, while Cooper Jenkins is the junior sportsperson.
Col has represented the country on the world stage at two Paralympic games, most recently returning to Bamawm with a silver medal in the SM10 men's 200m individual medley from the Paris games.
“An internationally awarded sportsman in 2024, Col is the perfect winner of this award,” his citation said.
“Col also allowed some of his memorabilia to be on display at the Rochester Sports Museum, has visited local schools and even put the cricket whites on to help his hometown’s cricket team.”
A passionate equestrian, Cooper has balanced his school and high-level sports commitments, including representing the Northern Zone at State Pony Club dressage and show jumping championships and the Top Teams Trophy 3PE in 2024, while also supporting his community through the floods.
“Cooper demonstrates that it’s not about winning or losing, it’s about having a go and supporting other people,” his citation said.
“It’s a testament to Cooper’s nature that he thinks of others, offering to help with the elderly, with assistance of jobs they can no longer manage, to supporting and encouraging participants at events, to students and the young.”
Rochester Lions Club has been named as the Community Group of the Year, providing many fundraising, volunteering and catering services year-round.
Their contributions include supporting the Rochester Sports Museum and tourist information centre, the 2024 John Forbes gala night, and the Shane Warne Legacy Heart Machine, and providing countless barbecues and breakfasts.
“The Rochester Lions Club have continually engaged in many activities with their current and new members,” their citation said.
“Showing growth in their membership with more women and a variety of age membership has seen new activities along with old programs continue.”
Rochester Secondary College is the Arts Group of the Year, recognised for its First Nations mural project, supported by Wollithica elder Neva Takele.
The piece was designed and created by students with the support of Aunty Neva, along with a grant from Campaspe Shire Council.
“The students were dedicated and passionate throughout the process, and their pride in the finished mural was evident,” their citation said.
“This artwork will serve as a lasting testament to their hard work and collaboration.”
Major award winners, along with appreciation and achievement recognition awards, will be presented on Sunday, January 26 at the Rochester Australia Day event.
From 7am, the Rochester Lions Club will be on-hand to provide bacon and egg sandwiches, alongside tea and coffee before official proceedings begin.
The event will be held at the Lions Park, with the whole community invited to partake.
Cadet Journalist