Rotarians catch up at barbecue

“The idea was to bring all the local organisations together for a low-key social event and hopefully put a few smiles on people’s faces after a difficult 12 months,” Mr Griffiths said.

While the organisations celebrated a moment of joy as they got together and chatted about the past year, they also talked about upcoming projects.

“The Rochester Rotary group was able to buy a new trailer, which will be used to help with the recovery of gardens in the local community,” Mr Griffiths said.

“The trailer will house two lawnmowers and whipper-snippers along with all the necessary equipment to safely and efficiently mow a lawn, including Rotary volunteers ensuring lawns and gardens are presentable.

“Local businesses Mitre 10 Rochester and Rochester Motorcycles were happy to support us in this venture and will continue to support us with ongoing business support.”

Fellow Rotary member Henry Rasmussen from Bendigo kindly donated the club’s barbecue for the afternoon along with the sausages, beef patties and desserts.

“Bendigo Rotary was able to come to the assistance of Rochester Rotary when Rochester was experiencing flooding,” Mr Rasmussen said.

“And if Bendigo residents were to experience a similar fate, we know that members from here would only be too happy to help.”

“Over the past few months, Bendigo and Rochester Rotary groups have gotten together to assist isolated community members enjoy a day out in Shepparton.”

Many of the men had isolated themselves from the community for the past six months, and it became clear to the community-based organisations that they needed to be reconnected with the district.

Former District Governor and long-time Lions member, for 49 years in total, Hedley Moon was also on hand to discuss the initiatives his club could provide over the coming months.

“Rotary asked if we could work together. And we said we sure can work together. When local organisations work together, it benefits the local community,” Mr Moon said.

“One of our main projects is splitting wood and selling it during the winter months to people with open fires.

While winter is a productive year for the Rochester Lions, they also have ongoing projects that help keep the organisation in the public’s conscience.

“We also have a catering van that attends markets and raises funds for various projects that benefit the community,” Mr Moon said.

Mr Griffiths wanted to express his heartfelt gratitude to the local businesses who supported the club’s plan to maintain Rochester gardens.

“I’d like to thank all the associated organisations that have been able to make this happen and especially the local clubs, their help has been invaluable. It’s great to have a team work for the sake of the community of Rochester,” Mr Griffiths said.

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mitre 10 Rochester and Rochester Motorcycles for the ongoing support.”