A symbol of resilience, the Australian flag flown over Canberra’s Parliament House on the one-year anniversary of the October 2022 flood events has been lovingly displayed in a custom-made frame by members of the Rochester Men’s Shed.
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell hosted a community barbecue on Tuesday, December 3 to celebrate the occasion.
Rochester Community House welcomed Mr Birrell, former federal Member for Murray and Nicholls Damian Drum, state Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh and locals, including members of the Men’s Shed.
“Australia’s hearts were with you with what you went through, and parliament’s heart was with you,” Mr Birrell said.
“It was our idea that we took one that was flying above the House of Representatives 12 months to the day after the floods that Rochester endured and gift it to the community of Rochester.
“It was just a flag, but (it was) handed over to the Men’s Shed, and it’s become so much more than that.
“It’s a beautiful piece of carpentry and work that’s been done by the Men’s Shed.”
Mr Birrell reflected on the movement of Rochester from his electorate of Nicholls to Bendigo for the 2025 Federal Election.
He also acknowledged the work of organisations such as Rochester Community House to support the recovery.
“What an honour and a privilege it’s been to serve a community like this,” he said.
“It’s one of my favourite places in the electorate.
“The resilience it has shown ... has been inspiring, not just to me, but to many people across Australia.
“Thank you for our hosts, Community House, and thank you Amanda (Logie) for being here and for all that you’ve done for the community.”
Leigh Wilson presented a framed photograph of the Rochester GrainCorp Silos, taken by Mr Birrell, to Mr Drum, who helped support the lighting of the site.
“There are quite a lot of amazing community leaders in this community,” Mr Drum said.
“I congratulate you for what you do.
“The concept of bringing an MP back and thanking him for what he might have done in a couple of projects, is very, very nice.
“It reflects nicely on me, but it reflects so much more on the community itself.”
The Rochester Lions Club also provided the snags for the event, bringing out its new custom-built trailer.
Rochester Men’s Shed members meet every Monday, Thursday and Friday at their space at 1 Pascoe St, Rochester.