40 years ago, 1982
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– Julie Anthony was locked in to perform at the Rochester Lions Club event. The year before it was Kamahl and Johnny Chester at the Lions fundraising concert.
– Charles Wood retired from Rochester council and was replaced by General Motors dealer, John Jackson.
The death of Helen Clarke meant Russell Anderson was elected unopposed. Alex Fraser and Frank Dullard were returned unopposed and Cr Dullard was named the next shire president.
– Pam Fry won a St John Ambulance award after 11 years of service.
– Gardening personality Kevin Heinz paid a visit to Rochester after speaking at a Kyabram seminar.
– Rochester Fire Brigade was one of eight brigades in a statewide competition.
The award was made to brigades for service excellence and was accepted by Rochester Fire Brigade secretary Andrew Howlett and Urban Fire Brigade captain Vaughan Thomas.
– Two Rochester men, Ian Lees and George Watson, received Lands Department awards from Member for Rodney, Eddie Hann, for their work with noxious weeds.
– John McNair was elected as president of Lockington Lions Club by district governor, Graeme Gledhill.
He replaced Ron Main in the presidential role
– Rochester kicked 24.11 to win by 39 points in a high-scoring match with Kyabram.
It was an $800 gate for the match and Peter Fuller kicked five goals. It was Rochester’s fourth win of the season, but they remain second bottom.
30 years ago, 1992
There were only two nominations for the three positions on Rochester council at the close of nominations.
Keith Gell and Joy Weller were the two new councillors, while Reg Manzel’s retirement did not attract a third nominee.
CEO Kevin Jackel said the council would re-advertise for candidates.
– Brent Gowlett was appointed the new facilitator of the Campaspe Enterprise Development Organisation.
The former Elmore businessman was to work with Rural Enterprise Victoria to assist rural communities in stimulating growth in tourism, industry and services.
– District scout commissioner Frank Chugg presented Rochester’s Mandy Reid with her Queen’s Scout award.
John Wolfe, venturer leader, and assistant Carmel McDonald were also involved in the ceremony. Peter Carr, scout group committee president, also presented Mandy with a plaque for her achievement.
– Maria and Nick Rasfellis of Rochester’s Central Cafe celebrated their first birthday at the site.
Tasmanian scallops were the order of the day, along with the usual array of potato cakes, fish and chips.
– Barry Cuttriss and Brian Gledhill parred the course at Rochester Golf Club in the first round of the championships.
Murray Shier had a three-shot lead in B-grade, while Tom Jess had the best C-grade round. Nigel Van der Veer led D-grade, with Bill Fry in front at E-grade level.
– Rochester’s netballers lose to Tatura in A-grade GVL netball, with Jenny Quinlan and Andrea Brooks the team’s best players in the 51-26 defeat.
20 years ago, 2002
Moore Street was awarded $80,000 for streetscape works between Hillies and Fraser Streets.
Cr Murray McDonald said Rochester had been waiting for improvements for Moore Street since the days of the old Rochester Shire.
– Lockington Lions Club member Frank Dullard was awarded the top honour from Lions International.
He joined the club in 1974 and became a Melvyn Jones Fellowship member.
– Four nominations were received for the three available seats on the Rochester and Elmore District Health Service board.
Two were from board members Robyn Lucas and Derek Shotton.
Acting CEO Bob Skinner said no nominations were received from Elmore.
– Some 16 applications were received for the new position of REDHS administration manager.
– Dr Jason Gill, son of Rochester’s Doug and Irene, was leading groundbreaking stem cell research in Melbourne.
The former St Joseph’s school student graduated from Monash University and was based at the Alfred Hospital.
– Rochester lost by five points to Echuca and after 13 rounds was second on the ladder.
Rhys Archard was the hero for Echuca, kicking two goals in the final term.
10 years ago, 2012
A Rochester family of six escaped a lethal dose of carbon monoxide from a leaking gas heater.
Ken and Jo Ellis, their two children and two grandchildren were suffering from symptoms of poisoning when they called plumber and gas fitter Geoff Moroney to check the appliance.
He found levels of carbon monoxide in the house were 10 times the acceptable level. As a result the family invested in a $50 carbon monoxide alarm.
Kyabram Free Press and Campaspe Valley News editor