After a week of speaking to students in the area, The Resilience Project delivered a community presentation at Campaspe Valley Community Centre on Thursday, September 12.
Co-ordinated by the Rochester Community House team, the event was one aspect of a three-year partnership between The Resilience Project and the region, with the organisation facilitating a school wellbeing program until the end of 2027.
This program is working with Rochester Secondary College, Rochester Primary School, St Joseph’s Primary School Rochester, Nanneella Estate Primary School, Lockington Consolidated School, Goornong Primary School and St Joseph’s College Echuca.
Thursday evening’s presentation gave parents, teachers, leaders and the wider community an opportunity to engage with the program.
Lead facilitator Martin Heppell led the event, providing insight into his background and sharing anecdotes with the crowd.
Filled with videos, laughter and plenty of energy, his presentation gave tips and non-judgmental advice.
The three key values The Resilience Project drives home are gratitude, empathy and mindfulness, with Mr Heppell working in stories and wisdom to accompany them.
He is impressed with the spirit he had seen through his interactions with staff, students and the residents of Rochy and Echuca.
“What I’ve seen this week ... you’ve got a wonderful community,” he said.
“You do. You’ve got people who’ve got each other’s backs.”
At the end of the session, Mr Heppell shared a video of strangers embracing one another on the street in the name of ‘free hugs’.
He then encouraged the audience to hug each other, finding people in the room who have helped them over the past two years.
Mr Heppell also sang the praises of the students he had met over the three-day workshop hosted at St Joseph’s College.
“I hope you know, I’m sure you do, but they are unreal,” he said.
“I’ve been absolutely privileged to hang out with them this week.”
The three-year program, along with the community presentation, has been funded by Campaspe Shire Council, Anglicare Victoria, Lockmore Financial Service, Bendigo Bank’s Community Enterprise Foundation, Rochester Community House and the federal and Victorian governments.
Students from the participating schools will continue to join workshops and events at St Joseph’s College.
Rochester Community House manager Amanda Logie used the opportunity to thank the funders, her staff and the attendees.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my staff,” she said.
“And say a special thank you in particular to Jenna Harvey. She’s worked extremely hard to bring this project to life and this three-year program to our region’s students.
“I’m so incredibly proud of her and our organisation.
“Thank you all for being here. Together, we are stronger, and together we will continue to rebuild and thrive.”