Rochester Secondary College school captain Tara Atley addressed the Victorian Legislative Council on Thursday when it conducted a regional sitting for the first time at Echuca Library.
The meeting on April 18 brought together MPs from across the state to discuss issues and topics concerning communities in northern and regional Victoria.
Ms Atley was chosen to address the council before it began and she highlighted Rochester’s fighting spirit, telling her own story of living through the 2022 flood crisis that devastated the community.
Unfortunately, the disaster destroyed Ms Atley’s property, and she and her family were displaced and had to live in a caravan from late January to Christmas 2023.
She appreciated the Legislative Council taking the time to visit Campaspe Shire and discussed the significant impact the floods had on all communities in the area.
“The presence of the members of Parliament (Thursday) holds a significant value for me,” she said.
“I would like to express my gratitude to them, as their response demonstrates a genuine interest in our community and their willingness to listen.”
Ms Atley reflected on the experience and how much she enjoyed being a representative for Rochester.
“It was such a good experience, I wasn't expecting to be asked to address the Legislative Council,” she said.
“It was such a good thing for me to do and I actually found it really fun, I met lots of people.
“It means a lot to me to be able to talk to leaders, tell them my story and speak on behalf of Rochester.”
Throughout her speech, Ms Atley revisited the events of the flood and the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
She recounted her feelings of dread and sadness about seeing her home destroyed.
“I remember the day before the floods, a normal school day before the warnings came. The rain pelted on our classroom roof and the grass overflowed with water,” she said.
“We were given instructions to sandbag as much of our property as possible, pack light and leave our pets behind.
“The emotions of confusion, grief and sadness hit as we looked at the muddy floorboards and the watermarks on our walls.”
Luckily, Ms Atley and her family have returned to their home, yet she reflected on the people who hadn’t been as fortunate and how the town was still recovering two years on.
“Many people in Rochester have yet to begin renovating their homes or, similarly to my family, are still in the process of completion,” she said.
“Whether you live in a house, a caravan or a shed, whether enduring losses of pets, livestock or property, Rochester collectively continues its recovery process.”
Ms Atley reiterated the strength of Campaspe Shire residents and was hopeful about the future of the region, particularly Rochester, and called upon its population to do what it did best: unify in the face of adversity.
“In the future of the Rochester community, I am optimistic, and today I encourage you to share the hope. I cherish where I live and appreciate how it fosters a sense of unity,” she said.
“I would like Rochester and its residents to remain one in the hope that everyone can still enjoy the thrills and opportunities Rochester has to offer despite facing hardships.”
Ms Atley reflected on what it meant for the Campaspe Shire community to have the councillors here and to have them listen and take note of what the area had gone through.
“It’s such a special thing to have the Legislative Council here. I think it meant a lot to the community for the MPs to recognise that we’re still recovering,” she said.
“It was really great to have them there engaging with the community.”