Health expo a success

By Emily Donohoe

Sep 2, 2024

Master of ceremonies Narelle Fraser addresses the crowd during one of the Campaspe Health Expo panel sessions. Photos: Emily Donohoe Photo by Emily Donohoe

All facets of health were the focus of discussions at last week’s Campaspe Health Expo, which has been deemed a “great success”.

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The expo was held at Rochester Town Hall on Wednesday, August 28, offering stalls and panel discussions on a range of topics.

The Campaspe Shire Council recovery team facilitated the event, which featured about 15 exhibitors lending their expertise to the community, along with Rochester Lions Club catering for the event with its new barbecue trailer.

Intereach team members (from left) Sue Devereaux, Mary Parker and Amber Murphy. Photo by Emily Donohoe

Campaspe Shire Council Mayor Rob Amos was thrilled by the event’s reception.

“The Campaspe Health Expo was a great success,” he said.

“It was well attended and received by the community, who noted that the day was filled with valuable insights and resources.”

Services covered at the event included physical health, mental wellbeing, legal and financial assistance, nutrition and home health.

Throughout the afternoon, panel discussions were hosted by master of ceremonies Narelle Fraser, a former Victoria Police detective, true crime podcaster, mental health advocate and Rochester resident.

District professionals shared their knowledge across the afternoon through conversations and questions on the topics of wellbeing and legal, physical health and financial health.

Master of ceremonies Narelle Fraser speaks with wellbeing panel members Anglicare's Tiffany Komiyama, Rochester Community House mental health support worker Bernadette Wright, Rural Aid's Marg McKay, Dawes and Vary Riordan Lawyers' Jessica Moyle and headspace Echuca's Jayden Howe. Photo by Emily Donohoe

“The success of the expo is a testament to the importance of community health initiatives and the collective efforts of all involved,” Cr Amos said.

“Master of ceremonies Narelle Fraser did a great job of chairing the panels and we extend our sincere thanks to all of the organisations who exhibited at the event to make it a success.

“The expo was further enhanced by the Rochester Lions Club providing delicious souvlakis from their new barbecue trailer.”

Stalls covered topics like physical and mental wellbeing, nutrition, finances and emotional health. Photo by Emily Donohoe

The event marked the end of Active August in Rochester and brought the community together to focus on improving all aspects of health.

“It was a great opportunity to support the Rochester community and was held in conjunction with Rochy’s Active August, an initiative of REDHS and Rochester Community House, with support from RBN,” Cr Amos said.

“We recognise the fatigue and ongoing mental health challenges faced by our Rochester residents who were particularly impacted by the floods and acknowledge the need for continued support and attention to these issues.”