Rochester Business Network - Love Rochy

24/05/2026

Wrapping up National Volunteer Week, we would like to say a huge THANK YOU to our current 2025/2026 Rochester Business Network Executive Committee - Sanjay, Kate, Donna and Edie.

Your dedication, time and commitment to supporting our town, local businesses and community does not go unnoticed.

Committees like the RBN simply wouldn’t happen without volunteers willing to step up, give back and help make Rochester stronger.

Thank you for everything you do behind the scenes and out in the community.

23/05/2026

Coming up this week:
Guest speaker Amy from Bush Biz Boost joins us at our general meeting to talk all things business growth and improvement and to answer any questions about the current Business Victoria program available!

See you there!

22/05/2026

🌟 National Volunteer Week 🌟

Thank you to all the volunteers that make the events and projects under the RBN happen!

Whether you’ve been involved in one, many or working on one now we appreciate all that you do!

Without the teams who work tirelessly to bring projects and events to life our town wouldn’t look like and have the buzz it does today!

🧡 🧡

21/05/2026

It’s time to recognise and celebrate the wonderful volunteers within our community!

Without these volunteers committees, community groups, events, clubs and organisations would not be possible!

For a small town Rochester does amazing, whether you’ve volunteered for years, just jumped in a committee, or helped out for 5 minutes here and there we appreciate you!

20/05/2026

Today we spent time with Matt and the crew from ACRE - Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship learning and understanding social enterprises, entrepreneurship and what it could mean for Rochy!

This video gives great insight to understanding social enterprises!

If you’ve got an idea or want to learn more head to the 4R’s from 6-8pm tonight, catch Matt at tomorrows community breakfast or drop in to 60 Mackay St (old SR health, opposite mitre 10) from 10-12 tomorrow to find out more or share your idea!

6.5K likes, 347 comments. "Why is Michael Sheen holding a spanner and what are social enterprises?! Chris Addison explains all."

17/05/2026

✨ Meet Matt Pfahlert ✨

Matt is a well-known social entrepreneur with a huge passion for helping rural and regional communities thrive.

Starting his first social enterprise at just 23 years old, Matt has spent decades creating opportunities for young people and communities across Australia. His work even saw him awarded Young Australian of the Year in 1996.

As co-founder and CEO of ACRE – Thriving Rural Futures, Matt helped lead the incredible $2.5 million community buy-back of the historic Old Beechworth Gaol — transforming it into a community-owned space focused on social enterprise, impact investment and rural rejuvenation.

Behind the scenes, the Rochester Business Network and Rochester Community House have been chatting with Matt and the ACRE team… and we think they could help bring something pretty special to Rochy.

One of the best things about ACRE? They don’t just tell communities what to do — they work WITH and ALONGSIDE communities throughout the journey.

Curious to learn more? Come along on to one or all sessions Wednesday and hear from Matt firsthand. This could be the beginning of some exciting possibilities for Rochester.

Register for catering purposes here: https://forms.gle/NTUet4JwMjudcKos9

15/05/2026

🌿 Rochester’s Love Our River Day 🌿

Join us for a fantastic community morning along the Campaspe River as we come together to care for, explore and celebrate one of Rochester’s most loved spaces.

📅 Saturday 6th June 2026
⏰ 10am – 1pm

There’ll be something for everyone!

Bring the family, wear comfy shoes and help us show some love to our beautiful Campaspe River 🌿

This event and signage replacement has been made possible by funding from North Central CMA 💚

14/05/2026

Last minute information… workshop on in Kyabram today!

Don't miss out on our Stock Handling Workshop at Kyabram this week! 🐄🐏

Register today HERE: https://zfrmz.com/N5CahThzfW2Sc5sPg70R

13/05/2026

Join us for a relaxed breakfast and conversation bringing together local
business owners, community leaders and agency representatives to explore
how social enterprise and community ownership could unlock new
opportunities for Rochester.

Wednesday 20th May
7am - 8:30
4R's

For catering please RSVP via the link or send us an email.
https://forms.gle/JpN9sfDsBdq1xhfw7