Shake it up: Georgi Smith and Harmony Murphy are all smiles as they enjoy a milkshake as part of the Health Expo event, which doubled up as the school fair after last year’s event was cancelled due to the impending floods.
Not a lot of good has come out of the horrible events of October last year, but one thing the community of Rochester has learned to do particularly well is pool their resources to provide its children with an escape from the reality of caravan living and daily interruptions to otherwise reasonable expectations.
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Students from Rochester Priamary School, St Joseph’s Primary and Nanneella enjoyed a day of activities at the Health Expo event, which doubled as the school fair for Rochester Primary after the event was cancelled in 2022.
Talented musician Jessica Lorraine set a relaxing scene with her music and was typically generous with her time to the town’s youngsters — as described by Rochester teacher and event organiser Sarah Mangan.
With strong connections to the Kyabram and Nanneella communities, she was responsible for last year’s Colour Run for Rochester that saw thousands of dollars poured into the flood recovery efforts through the generosity of participants.
“Jessica volunteered her time, and talent, creating the perfect atmosphere.
“A huge shout-out to all the teachers, ES, parents, secondary college students and community groups that contributed to making our Health Expo Day a huge success,” Mrs Mangan said.
“There are too many people who contributed to name you all.”
Duet: Jessica Lorraine and Emily Mays at the Health Expo last week. The Echuca-based entertainer volunteered to perform at the event, which drew a large crowd to the primary school.
She gave a special mention to Jenna Harvey and the Rochester Community House for engaging with, and organising, so many of the fantastic guests including Echuca Regional Health (Oral Health presentation and education stand), Shire of Campaspe (Boogie Bounce and the Book Walk), Rochester and Elmore District Health (Exercise Physiologist and Kids Yoga instructor), TimTim The Bubble Man and our fabulous face painter.
“They all combined to make it a really memorable day,” she said.
Colourful crew: Ariah Mundie, Mackenzie Harvey, Maya Mangan, Georgie Acocks, Alva Acocks, Ava Rasmussen and Remi Rasmussen after completing the Colour Run course at the school, which ended the Health Expo event.
Mrs Mangan thanked all clubs, some who staged clinics and all provided valuable information in showbags on ways to be involved.
They included Rochester Basketball Club, Rochester Netball Association, Rochester Little Athletics, Rochester Junior Football Club and AFL Victoria, Rochester Cricket Club and Rochester Lawn Tennis Club.
“We are so lucky to have so many fantastic opportunities for our children to enjoy the benefits of being involved in a club or team sport,” Mrs Mangan said.
Eyes wide shut: Milli Syers tackles the balance beam challenge that was put before students as part of the various forms of entertainment.
“Staff from St Joseph’s, Rochy Primary and Nanneella also worked hard to provide exciting activities and stalls for the students to participate in.
“Milkshakes were very popular as were the slinky apples. We also had a busy beading table and friendship bracelet making. Nerf gun bottle challenge, the Gaga pit and ultimate frisbee were also a hit.
“There was also a lot of ‘crazy hair’ which looked great with all the painted faces.”
Students from Rochester Primary also received a “showbag” of free goodies and information about local opportunities to engage in community clubs and activities. MIND Australia donated the bags and the special ‘“Worry Worms’’ for students.
“Thanks to Mrs Whitford (school principal) for driving this idea, chasing up donations and getting a team together to create them,” Mrs Mangan said.
“Finally, the Colour Run to top off what was a fabulous day,” she said
Funny faces: Grayce Fitzgerald and Charlotte Evans take on the alter egos of their favourite scary characters after having their faces painted.
Twist and shout: Charlie Collins with his healthy eating option at the expo.
Finish line: Penny Macmillan approaches the finish line of the colour run which involved students making their way around a course which had strategically placed spray points to turn their white uniforms into multi-coloured garments.
Cross “court’’ skiing: Ralph Murray, Indi Kennedy and Jordan Moroney attempt to work in unison as they tackle the challenge of getting across the basketball court.
