Here are some of the key topics that were discussed.
People around the community are being urged to look out for one another and prioritise their mental wellbeing over the festive season.
Residents have been urged to talk to family and friends and reach out for support, if needed.
Campaspe Shire Council provided a flyer with advice on what to do if you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed and need help.
The flyer, as well as a list of resources available, can be found at https://www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/Our-services/Emergency-management/Flood-event-2022/Keeping-mentally-well.
A mountain of waste
The floods that swept across Rochester had a devastating impact on the community, with hundreds of homes and businesses inundated.
Speaking on Thursday morning, Councillor Paul Jarman from Campaspe Shire Council highlighted how large the scale of destruction was.
Cr Jarman said 18,500 metric tonnes of rubbish had been collected in the aftermath of the floods.
Waste disposal centres are still open, except on public holidays, and are accepting rubbish.
Rochester swimming pool
Cr Jarman also provided an update on the situation at Rochester swimming pool.
Despite the dirty water currently sitting in the pool, Cr Jarman said it could not be emptied just yet as the floods had caused structural damage to the pool shell.
In the meantime, Cr Jarman said work was being done on how to combat the mosquitoes at the pool.
Donations and support
Amanda Logie from the Rochester Community House said the organisation had received more than $200,000 in donations to help with the recovery from the flood crisis.
Residents can apply to receive a portion of the funds, which will be available in the new year.
Ms Logie said the money could be used for a variety of different reasons to help with flood recovery, depending on each applicant’s needs.
Rochester Primary School
The class of 2022 officially said farewell to Rochester Primary School last week, while a bumper number of preps are set to arrive in 2023.
This year’s Grade 6s farewelled the school at a graduation ceremony at Windridge Oval on Wednesday, December 14.
Family members were there as the students received their special graduation certificates.
At the community breakfast on Thursday, Rochester Primary principal Kate Whitford said the school would welcome 20 new preps in 2023.
She also said that only 12 students had left the school following the flood crisis.
Fire danger
People at the breakfast were given a reminder that, even with the flooding still at the forefront, bushfire season is now upon us.
Fire restrictions are currently in place in Campaspe, after coming into effect on Monday, December 12.
Rochester, Elmore, Echuca, Lockington, Bamawm, Heathcote, Corop, Shepparton and Bendigo are all located in the Northern Country Fire District.
Rochester show
Organisers from the Rochester Show told the breakfast that the plan is for the event to go ahead in 2023.
The show is set to be held on Friday and Saturday, February 24 and 25, 2023.
Entry to the event will be free.
Christmas Eve event
The Rochester Uniting Church is holding a special event on Christmas Eve.
The family-friendly happy hour will run from 5.30-6.30pm, with the night to feature nibbles, drinks, small gifts and a visit from Santa.
Following that, worship will commence at 6.30pm.
The church is located on Elizabeth St.
Calendars for sale
The Rochester Historical Society is now selling its calendars for the upcoming year.
The 2023 calendars are available for purchase at Parsons Rochester, Bruce Hocking Motors and the historical society itself.
The calendars cost $12.
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