Since stepping into their new roles at their annual general meeting, the Rochester Business Network 2025-26 committee members kicked their leadership off with a coffee catch-up and heart testing on Friday, August 8.

The new committee was selected on Wednesday, July 30, with Sanjay Ranchhod named president, Kate Taylor vice-president, Donna Campbell treasurer and Edie May secretary, supported by administration assistant Hannah Taylor.

Mr Ranchhod was drawn to the position through his passion for supporting the people and businesses around him.

“I always wanted to do something for the community,” he said.

“I think, coming from a business aspect and running my own clinic (SR Health) for the last 16 months, it inspired me to do more for the Rochester community.”

In his 12-month term, Mr Ranchhod aims to see trade continue to grow and show that Rochy is a good place to base your business.

Since joining RBN as a business owner himself, he has found it to be helpful on a professional and personal level.

“I think after the floods ... (some) businesses haven’t come back,” he said.

“(It’s about) getting that confidence into your business people and business owners that it is the place to be and is a busy town.

“It’s nice to relate to people and the familiar faces you meet and just talk about business, like ‘how did you do this and how did you do that?’.”

Outgoing RBN president Tracie Kyne took time to reflect on her time in the role as she stepped away at the annual meeting.

She will remain connected to the group through the Rochester Mural Festival subcommittee, where Mrs Kyne took on the role of treasurer earlier this year.

“I've enjoyed my two years working with businesses,” she said.

“I’m proud of the connections we've built, the advocacy we've led and the initiatives we’ve delivered.

“I have no doubts this will continue in the future.”

One of the initiatives that has passed from the former to current committee is the Shane Warne Legacy Heart Test, in collaboration with the Rochester Lions Club and Rochester Sports Museum.

The first event run by the new team encouraged visitors to the museum for a check-up and Mum & Me coffee together.

The machine will remain in town until the end of the month, so there is still time to do the four-minute test.

Rochester Sports Museum is open from Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 3.30pm, but visits on other days can be arranged by phoning Bob Knight on 0438 843 444.

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