Campaspe councillor catch-ups

Among them was John Oakley, who had questions about the future of the Rochester and District War Memorial Pool.

“The co-contribution I think is an excellent idea,” he said.

“We put some money in ourselves, I’m certain we can do that.”

After discussing the future of the pool at the session, some of Mr Oakley’s worries were put to bed.

“(I feel) much better,” he said.

“I’ve met the mayor and the deputy mayor, it wouldn’t be easy doing that.

“It is important that we have the facility.”

Also concerned about the pool, Fiona Colenso and Shelley Nichol attended the catch-up.

“Rochy people are sensible,” Ms Nichol said.

“I’m a teacher and I worry about youth crime in this town.

“If those kids don’t have that pool in summer time, the town’s going to cop it.

“Like Fiona said, ‘it’s a symbol of hope’. It’s a symbol for the future.”

Ms Nichol feels that sometimes Rochester is left behind, being a small town.

While she was glad to see councillors dropping in for the session, she hopes they can hold a town meeting, so more voices can be heard.

“We just want to be treated with respect, and get an equal go,” Ms Nichol said.

“This is good that (Cr Mackrell) is here today, I think they’re trying.

“Let us get together in the shire hall ... we need to come together as a community.”

An underlying theme, despite Ms Nichol and Ms Colenso’s concerns, was a deep love for their town.

“I’m from Geelong and there’s not a chance in hell I would leave this town,” Ms Colenso said.

“After the flood ... the people have been amazing, but we’re getting in the state now that people are getting tired of getting disillusioned.

“We’ve gotta keep people.”

Along with Rochy, Cr Mackrell and Cr Mitchell visited cafés, bakeries and business centres shire-wide to speak with residents over a cuppa.

Cr Mackrell said the catch-up initiative showed the council was willing to listen and respond to all constructive feedback from community members.

“We took a lot on board, and that’ll filter back through the organisation,” he said.

“We actually took certain requests, and they will be actioned upon as required as well, which is excellent — real feedback from real issues.”

Cr Mackrell said it was an opportunity to share the Draft Council Wellbeing Plan 2025-29 with community members to receive feedback on it and other issues.

“The more feedback we can get, the better,” he said.

“That’s why we’ve been out to each of the towns. To get more information, more touchpoints, is really important for the council plan.”

The plan is integral to the council’s decision-making process over the next four years, laying out priorities and commitments to the community.

For community members who missed out on the sessions, the council plan will be open for feedback until Friday, August 22.

Cr Mackrell encouraged residents to reach out and have their say on the plan before it was too late.

“We’re only a phone call or email away, but it’s about being proactive in both ways, for them and us,” he said.

“It’s a two-way street. If you don’t come to us, we don’t know the issues. But our community and our councillors, we want to connect.”

To view the plan and provide feedback, visit campaspe.vic.gov.au/Our-council/Now-open