The event committee will enjoy $20,000 in funding from Community Bank, helping ease concerns over its future.
Lockmore Financial Services Limited operates Community Bank, Elmore Lockington and Rochester in partnership with Bendigo Bank, and executive officer Lauren Ross highlighted the value of the event for the Rochester community.
“Our Community Bank was established to help our region thrive, and community events like the Rochester Mural Festival do exactly that,” she said.
“The festival brings so many benefits; increased tourism, economic activity and town beautification, but most importantly, it’s a fun and engaging way for the community to come together.”
After the majority of the original festival committee stepped away in May, the Rochester Business Network took it on as a subcommittee with support from local service groups.
A new leadership team was also chosen, including secretary Kate Lee, who has enjoyed seeing such a positive reception to the festival’s future.
“The support from our locals to ensure the festival continues shows the strength of our community spirit and just how important this event is to our town,” she said.
“We are so grateful to the locals who have put their hands up to help, and to community groups such as Lions, Rotary and Probus who have stepped in with their time and resources.”
Rochester Mural Festival treasurer Tracie Kyne said she was delighted to see the support given by Community Bank, largely through its local customers.
“Importantly, we can’t thank our Community Bank enough,” she said.
“Their generous contribution gives our new committee a head start and ensures the festival can continue well into the future
“We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the customers of the bank, as they’re the reason the Community Bank can continue supporting events like ours.
“Here are 20,000 reasons why you should bank with Elmore, Lockington and Rochester Community Bank branches.”
Mrs Ross echoed Mrs Kyne’s sentiments and said Lockmore’s sponsorship of the festival aligned with the Community Bank model.
“The fact that we can help make it happen is thanks entirely to our customers,” she said.
“The more people who bank with us, the more we can give back to initiatives, projects and events like this right here in Rochester.”
The 2026 Rochester Mural Festival is set for Saturday, March 21 to Saturday, March 28 with the theme ‘The Power of Small Moments’.
A range of community activities is planned for the week, with artists and visitors expected from near and far to enjoy the spectacle.
To learn more about the festival and how to enter, head to rochestermuralfest.com.au
9°C