Rochester born and bred Campaspe Shire councillor Paul Jarman has predicted the “best is yet to come” for his beloved community after a night of song and dance at the Campaspe Valley Community Centre.
Toe-tapping and hand-clapping members of Rochester’s business community can expect more functions like last week’s co-sponsored networking event, backed by the Campaspe Shire and run in conjunction with Rochester’s Rotary and business network organisations.
“This has really given us a reason to get out of the caravan and have a catch-up,” Cr Jarman said.
“I don’t think Rochester can have enough of these events. Places where we can have a laugh, have a cry and come together as a community.”
He also took the opportunity to congratulate Campaspe economic development boss Astrid O’Farrell, who was the key organising figure behind the event.
“Tonight recognises the outstanding work of Astrid and also acknowledges groups that add a lot to our community,” Cr Jarman said.
He described the event, which was kick-started by Rochester Secondary College student Evie Scoble, backed by Campaspe Shire musicians Paul Colyvan, Glenda Bancell and Mat Anderson as a celebration of the resolve, resilience, energy and patience of the Rochester people.
“It is another step for us to bring some fun back into our lives,” Cr Jarman said.
“Council is committed to do the best it can for this community.”
He said the RBN had gone above and beyond and its Love Rochy campaign had been fantastic for the town.
“Things don’t just happen in the community, groups like this make them happen. I probably didn’t understand the work of the Rochester Rotary Club either,” he said.
“They have been outstanding. Their Thursday breakfasts have become a very important part of the community, vital in the sharing of information.
“And I don’t think I’ve been to a community event since being on council where the Lions club hasn’t been a major player.”
He also acknowledged the work of Rochester Community House as the central point of information and support during the flood recovery.
“They’ve been at the coalface since day one,” he said.
Cr Jarman then handed the microphone to Matt Hetherington and Nina Ferro, the two stars of the show who shared a spectacular on-stage chemistry.
The pair share more in common than the fact they were both contestants on The Voice, having known each other since they were teenagers and appeared in several stage shows.
They produced an interactive and highly entertaining show for the 100-plus people at the Wednesday evening event.
Hetherington was on the first season of The Voice and Ferro the fifth, with Hetherington on team Delta (Goodrem) and Ferro on team Ronan (Keating).
She has supported some of the world’s biggest acts, including as a back-up singer for Ricky Martin in Melbourne — the final show of a two-year world tour.
Ferro played the lead in a production celebrating the life of Judy Garland and the pair had only recently performed together in a St Kilda concert.
She also opened for the acclaimed Tony Bennett on his Australia tour and her voice will be heard in the background during the new series of Dancing with the Stars.