50 years ago, October 1975
After only nine days in Australia, Mr Deming Navarro, of Bacolod City in the Philippines, spent 24 hours in Rochester, as the guest of the Rochester Apex Club.
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Deming is District Governor of Apex District 4, which incorporates the Philippines.
Deming arrived in Rochester on Tuesday morning in company with the Apexian zone president, Mr Bruce Tuhan from Tongala, and left on Wednesday for Swan Hill, as he moves around the eastern states on his 59-day tour.
During these 59 days, which includes 14 days in New Zealand, Deming will be hosted by Apexians and shown the various ways of living in Australia.
An architect, Deming has recently been engaged in constructional consultation with local government in his home land, and is married with four children.
He has come to Australia as the guest of his fellow Apexians to learn about Apex in Australia.
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The ambling policeman from Kyabram, Barry Williams, was a popular winner with the large crowd at the Rochester Football Club’s presentation cabaret on Friday night at the Shire Hall, when he was announced as the club’s best and fairest for the 1975 season.
Williams took out the big double, by also winning the Shamrock Hotel award on votes given by writers of the Campaspe Valley News during the Goulburn Valley season.
The top awards in the lower grades were won by Mick Bell, a winger with the seconds, and Peter Pearson, a rover with the thirds, who showed great promise in several games with the seniors late this season.
Williams, a member of a well-known Ballendella sporting family, gave his best season to Rochester, and was regularly in the best three players for Rochester.
Playing as ruck rover and defender, Williams was a Rock of Gibraltar for the Tigers, and his win on Friday night was loudly acclaimed.
25 years ago, October 2000
Rochester and District Child Care Centre has secured a Federal Government Disadvantaged Area subsidy for the second time, thus meeting long day care needs of parents and carers for a further two years.
The subsidy is available to services located in rural or remote areas which are the sole providers of centre-based care in a town.
Rochester and District Child Care Centre will receive $41,488 in 2000-01 and an additional $41,488 in the 2001-02 financial year.
While the special funding is essential to keep the centre running as a viable operation, usage has increased since the introduction on July 1 of childcare benefits to all parents using childcare facilities.
Rochester centre acting co-ordinator Jacinta Shanahan said the benefit had made childcare more affordable for parents and the centre had noted a marked increase in numbers since July 1.
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Rebuilding Rochester’s historic calf yards is essential for the successful continuation of calf sales, Elders VP branch manager Tony Hooppell has said.
Mr Hooppell met with Campaspe Shire Council contracts manager Bill Carrolan, finance manager Mick Jaensch, Central Ward councillor Murray McDonald and Citizens Advisory Group member Barry Moon on Thursday to discuss the yards’ future.
Between 6000 and 10,000 calves per year are auctioned through the Rochester yards.
At current average prices of $50 to $60 per calf, the impact on Rochester’s economy is quite substantial, Mr Hooppell said.
‘’You could then add in the number of people that come for the sales, the petrol they buy, food, drinks and so on, and it would add up to quite a bit.’’
10 years ago, October 2015
Ten models wearing an outstanding collection of garments created for the Elmore Field Days will take to the catwalk this week.
The Ag Art Wear section at the field days attracts huge crowds to the auditorium and this year’s collection promises to be the best ever.
The fashion show with a difference stipulates entrants use agricultural materials to craft their designs.
‘‘Every garment is worthy of being on the platform,’’ field days executive officer Sam Watkins said.
‘‘This year’s quality is the highest we have seen since Ag Art’s inception.’’
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Elmore Bakery was thrilled to be recognised as a leader in the pie industry when its meat pie was officially named third best in Australia last week.
Bakers and pie makers from all over Australia converge alternately in Sydney and Melbourne each September to compete for the most sought after award in their industry, the official great Aussie pie competition.
Ten categories of pies are appraised, including plain meat, chunky and a host of gourmet varieties.
Proprietor Nathan Bowes said the result recognised the hard work that went into creating and baking their pies.
‘‘The early starts and long days are worth it when something like this happens,’’ he said.
‘‘We know we make good pies but it’s great that people across the country now know,’’ partner Dee Bowes said.