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Just A Farmer connects community

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Joy Lyons and Sheryn Martin share a cuppa before the morning screening of Just A Farmer at Rochester Shire Hall. Photos: Jordan Townrow.

The Rochester Shire Hall transformed into a cinema on Wednesday, March 26, and Thursday, March 27.

Community members gathered to watch Just A Farmer, centred around Alison (Leila McDougall), a widow tasked with caring for a failing farm and an alcoholic father-in-law.

The film, released in 2024, has been screened across the country at community events.

Just A Farmer community screening liaison manager Kelly Wandel highlighted the value of watching the film in a communal setting, like a town hall.

“(It’s about) making that time to connect to your community to check everyone else is okay,” she said.

“But it also helps you realise that you’re not alone.

“The joy of the community doing it together is great.”

A night-time screening was held on Wednesday, March 26, with attendees also enjoying a barbecue together.

On Thursday, March 27, a morning session saw guests from across the region, including Elmore, fill the hall.

To learn more about Just A Farmer, head to justafarmermovie.com

Joyce Corcoran, Corina Else (standing), Bev Hoffman and Elaine Whiteford. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW
Marie Maccartney, Sandra Fabbri, Rosie Aschenbrenner and Cathie Powell. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW
Rochester Community House manager Amanda Logie introduces the film. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW
Guests packed out the Rochester Shire Hall on Thursday, March 26. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW
Grace and Ron Weeks. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW
Mary McHugo, Fran O’Sullivan and Annette Holmes. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW
Nadine Taylor, Allison Connelly and Liz Wells. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW
Lyn Hall, Denise Acocks, Cor Holmberg and Helen O’Sullivan. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW