Mr Jim Ellett, of Rochester, who has been made a Serving Brother of the Order of St John.
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Campaspe News
50 years ago January 1975
The officer in charge of the Rochester Ambulance Station, Mr K.W. (Jim) Ellett, has been awarded the Order of St John as a reward for his long service in lecturing on first aid.
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Mr Ellett will be a serving brother of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem.
Mr Ellett has taught first aid in Rochester and the surrounding districts for the past 15 years, the time which he has been resident here, as the officer in charge of the ambulance station.
He said the award was an order of chivalry, and was a rare honour.
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Roy Perks of Lockington and Bill Hart of Echuca have won the master pairs bowls championship at St Kilda after a thrilling final.
Hart, 54, an interior decorator, won the country master pairs at Kyabram two years ago.
It was the first masters win for Perks, 41, a contract shearer.
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Lois Bickley, the district’s champion 17-year-old runner, heads west this week with the Victorian team for the West End Shield in Adelaide.
Lois will have her first run on Friday when she competes in the 1500m event.
At the Victorian titles, Lois had a mixed result, following her great win in the open Victorian 1500m title the previous weekend.
25 years ago January 2000
Involvement in a large number of community projects over many years has led to Graeme Watson being named as Rochester and District’s Citizen of the Year for 1999.
The Rochester Fire Brigade, Cemetery Trust, Show Society and district tennis association are just a few of the groups that have benefited from Mr Watson’s input.
Described in his nomination as “a most responsible and caring individual, as well as a capable and self-motivated, efficient organiser’’, he has managed to give time to voluntary organisations which still operating the family farm with his brother Ian and son Timothy.
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Campaspe Shire’s draft 20-year strategy will come under scrutiny at a series of public meetings to he held across the shire.
Residents are invited to comment on the ideas in the draft plan and put forward their own ideas and suggestions for their town’s future.
The draft plan is described by council as a “discussion starter” to assist a joint approach to the desired future and development plans for the municipality.
In 2000, 160 district children are improving their water safety skills at the annual swimming lessons held by Rochester Swimming Club. Organiser Jeanette Moroney said the club was very happy with this year’s response to the lessons — as well as being delighted by the weather. Pictured is Trent Carr in the beginners’ class.
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Campaspe News
10 years ago January 2015
Greg Walkley has been awarded Rochester’s Citizen of the Year.
Ahead of district Australia Day activities, the Rochester Australia Day committee has also named Maggie Trewin the young citizen of the year and Georgia Mundie junior sportsperson of the year.
2015 Citizen of the year Greg Walkey.
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Submitted
The event of the year was awarded to Ballendella Red Cross branch celebration for Red Cross Australia’s 100th birthday, and the art group of the year went to Rochester and Elmore District Health Service’s Sing Out Loud Choir.
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Lockington’s Broad family will this week compete in International Dairy Week — taking eight Holstein and Jersey cattle to the Tatura event.
Gavin Broad, 21, who has been going to the event longer than he can remember, said he was most looking forward to the social side of the week.
‘‘It’s a great chance to catch up with farmers from all over Australia who we only really see once a year,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s fun to compete, but I don’t think that’s the main objective.’’
Gavin’s father Lynton said this year the event attracted more than 1000 cattle and it was always a great family-oriented week.
‘‘The kids have always loved going out so we’ve made sure to go each year,’’ he said.
