RCH received the prestigious Coolabah Turf Connecting Communities Award at the gala dinner at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.
RCH manager Amanda Logie said it was an honour to win the prize.
“This award is very much for the Rochester community, which is still so broken, even now 12 months after the October 2022 flood event,” Mrs Logie said.
“Hearing our name read out as the winner ... with the calibre of finalists was humbling.
“The staff at RCH do the work because we are so passionate about our community and how far we have come. There is still a long way to go until we can say that everyone is back in their homes, but we will be here for as long as it takes and beyond.”
Coolabah Turf founder Suzi Shearer was equally impressed with the applicants at this year’s awards, saying it was heart-warming seeing so much good work done by volunteers and not-for-profit organisations.
“Rochester Community Hub is the best example we have, locally and statewide — for leading the way in genuine community connection, and they should be very proud of the work they’ve done, and continue to do, in the Rochester community,” Mrs Shearer said.
“The Rochester Community House, under the leadership of the formidable Amanda Logie, was such a deserving winner for this category.
“We have seen first-hand, even pre-flood clean-up, the critical role this organisation plays in connecting this community.
“As a sponsor of the Community Achievement Awards, Coolabah Turf works hard to foster an infectious, energetic and passionate love for life for our Coolabah Team, so it’s rewarding to witness the Connecting Communities Award celebrate those making that philosophy a reality in their community.”
The Victorian Community Achievement Awards, held since 2002, are designed to foster and reward the valuable contributions of individuals, communities and businesses across the state.
The Connecting Communities Award category celebrates initiatives that may meet a specific need or offer a ‘fun’ way of celebrating a solid sense of community spirit, supporting how community members connect socially.
It was a night to remember for Rochester Community House, also announced as the People’s Choice Award winner.
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