Celebrating Australia Day with breakfast in Rochester

A sentiment shared by many of the attendees was the importance of supporting local events and turning up when the community needs it.

At 8.30am, the ceremony began, starting with an opening speech by the event’s MC, Heather Watson, who welcomed Campaspe Shire Councillor Paul Jarman.

The national anthem was sung by Rochester local Kim Ritchie and the flag was raised by former citizen of the year John Glover.

Following the speech and anthem, the much anticipated Citizen of the Year award was announced as Leigh Wilson.

Mrs Watson said that Mr Wilson “stepped up after Rochester suffered incredible loss and damage as a result of the October 2022 floods”.

“His nominator outlined his role in the continuing aftermath of this event, it is obvious that he contributed a lot and sacrificed a lot for the community”.

Denvah Matthews was announced as Young Citizen of the Year.

Mrs Watson described Ms Matthews as “a young person any community would be proud to have as a member”.

She said Ms Matthews received the award due to her nomination “reflecting a young person who took on a role that demonstrated to others that it was important to keep moving forward after the tragic October (2022 floods)”.

The Community Group of the Year award went to the Rochester Community House.

Mrs Watson said “since October 2022 so many groups have come together to support this community, over that time the one consistent has been the work carried out by the Community House”.

Other awards presented at the breakfast included Rochester recognition awards which were presented to Amanda Logie, Russell Stehn, Russell Griffiths and the Rochy Red Robins.

Below is a list of recipients of the Rochester appreciation awards.

To close off the ceremony, Kim Ritchie performed music while attendees continued to mingle.