Jim rewarded for community service
More than 200 people attended the 2018 Neerim District Australia Day celebrations.
Jim Rochford was presented with an Australia Day Award for his long and outstanding contribution to the community and a cheque for $3400 was presented to the Neerim District Secondary College to support students participating in the 2018 Victorian Young Leaders to China Program.
Jim Rochford is a lifelong resident of Neerim. He has been a prominent farmer in the district and for
30 years has supported schools, sporting and service clubs. Jim is a life member of the Neerim Show
committee after service for 25 years membership and six years as president.
Jim has been a member of the local Lions Club for 27 years and served as president three times. In that time Lions have raised and distributed more than $400,000 to community projects.
“I’m both humbled and honoured to be recognised by my local community on Australia Day,” Mr Rochford said.
“You get involved with community work to help build a vibrant community not to get awards.
“When it does happen it is recognition of the support of many people who are committed to make a difference.”
The Victorian Young Leaders to China Program is a world-class, six-week in-country immersion program for year nine students. It is designed to introduce and prepare them to live and work as citizens and future leaders in an inter-connected global community.
The program combines language and cultural learning with personal development and leadership skills, and focuses on one of Australia’s main trading partners, China.
Neerim District Secondary College principal Vaya Dauphin said the College are delighted to have been supported by the community to send four of its students to China this year.
“The program gives our emerging leaders a global perspective, connecting our community internationally,” she said.
“In the past students who have participated in this program returned to and stepped up to key leadership roles in the school.
“Not all families can fund funds immediately to support their child’s participation in the program.
“This donation helps support emerging leaders who would not otherwise be able to participate.”
Chair of the Community House and Men’s Shed Paul Ford, who was MC for the celebrations said Neerim District is a great place to live and work.
“It has stunning natural beauty and the success of Australia Day is due to collaboration of many of the Districts’ community groups working together to deliver an outstanding event,” he said.
“We also thank Baw Baw Shire for their support.”