The contribution was announced last week, aimed at assisting the Rochester community as it recovers from the devastating floods that occurred in October this year.
Many of the gold mine’s employees at the announcement also provided assistance to the Rochester community prior to, during and immediately following the floods.
The funding — which has been awarded through the Agnico Eagle Community Partnership Program — will not only be put towards repairs and upgrades at the Recreation Reserve, but also assist the Rochester Community House to create a new home and fully resource their team, so they can continue to provide vital support services to the community.
Rochester Recreation Reserve serves as a social hub for the community where people gather to enjoy shared interests and one another’s company, something which is so important in times like these.
It is home to Rochester Riverside Caravan Park, Rochester Football and Netball Club, Rochester Netball Association, Rochester Cricket Club, Rochester Show Society, Rochester Junior Football Club, Rochester Fishing Club, Rochester Pony Club and Rochester Little Athletics.
“The reserve’s facilities sustained substantial damage from the recent floods, but were also due for some upgrades, so Agnico Eagle’s support has come at a perfect time,” Rochester Recreation Reserve Committee of Management chair Brendan Martin said.
The Rochester Community House runs community programs, such as Food Share, a community kitchen, health and wellbeing, financial wellbeing and social programs for all ages.
The organisation also builds community spirit through organising and running a range of community events throughout the year.
The Community House has been providing critical support and communication to the entire community since the flooding crisis began.
“We have a very dedicated team of staff and volunteers at the Rochester Community House who have been stretched to the limits due to Covid and now the floods,” Rochester Community House manager Amanda Logie said.
“This support from Agnico Eagle will make a world of difference to our team, making it possible for us to get more staff, which will give us a real boost as we head into 2023.”
Agnico Eagle’s Australian operations vice-president Ion Hann said: “As a business operating near Rochester, we have many friends and family who live in the area and have witnessed first-hand the devastation that has been caused by the floods, which is why we felt it important to find a way to support the community’s recovery efforts.
“As an active member of the Central Victorian community, we look forward to seeing Rochester come back from this stronger and better than it was before and we, at Agnico Eagle, plan to be there supporting you, every step of the way.”
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