News

Help honour local veterans

By Bree Lambert

Jan 24, 2026

Rochester Historical and Pioneer Society volunteers Kaye Speers (president), Jeff Pappin, Ruth O’Connor, John Foster (secretary), Janine Watson (treasurer) and Murray Phipps. Photo by Bree Lambert

Do you know a veteran who served in Vietnam, Korea or Afghanistan?

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The Rochester Historical and Pioneer Society is seeking photos, records and any information from local Vietnam, Korea and Afghanistan veterans and any World War II onwards service members to honour their service and preserve their stories.

“We just want them acknowledged,” society president Kaye Speers said.

Ms Speers said people could provide a photo with a brief story about their service, or about half a page of information for the group's records.

The group asks that the veteran photos and information provided are local to Rochester and surrounding towns such as Lockington.

“If people moved to Rochy and they’re ex-servicemen we include them or if they’re living in Rochy or, you know, a surrounding district,” Ms Speers said.

The group also plans to create a display using the veterans’ photos, similar to last year's Christmas tree at the Shire Hall that featured World War II veterans' photographs and poppies.

Rochester Historical and Pioneer Society Christmas tree decorated with World War II veteran photos and poppies. Photo by Bree Lambert

For more information or to share a photo and veteran story, drop in to the Rochester Historical and Pioneer Society during opening hours from 9am until noon on Wednesday and Friday and speak to the volunteers located at 96-98 High St, Rochester.