Last year, a significant piece of Australia’s history—a flag that once hung in the House of Representatives in Canberra—was presented to the Rochester Men’s Shed by the Honorable David Littleproud MP.
The Men’s Shed was entrusted with the task of crafting a frame for this flag, which was then donated to the Rochester Community House. Now proudly displayed, the flag serves as a symbol of support from the Australian Government in the wake of the devastating 2022 flood that impacted the town.
Among the shed’s dedicated members is Mr. Alan Campbell, a retired builder with decades of experience. Given his expertise, Alan was asked to create the frame, a request he gladly accepted.
Alan’s story is deeply rooted in craftsmanship. Originally from Heathcote in Central Victoria, he spent years farming, tending to sheep, fencing, and operating a sawmill alongside his brother. Their sawmill, powered by an early 1900s Foden Steam Traction engine, processed Ironbark timber from their farm—timber that Alan carefully set aside for future use.
After leaving the farm, Alan pursued a career in building, becoming a fully qualified tradesman. He spent over forty years working in the Bendigo region before retiring. With his passion for woodworking still strong, he began crafting furniture from the Ironbark timber he had milled decades earlier. His craftsmanship has been widely admired, with many praising the quality and beauty of his work.
When the Men’s Shed members proposed using some of Alan’s Ironbark timber for the flag frame, he was more than happy to contribute both his materials and skills. The result was a stunning frame, finished with four coats of clear gloss to enhance the rich natural grain of the timber.
The project not only produced a beautiful display piece but also fostered camaraderie among the shed members, instilling a sense of pride in their collective effort. Today, the framed Australian flag stands as a lasting tribute at the Rochester Community House, a meaningful reminder of resilience and community spirit.
Here we have Alan holding a certificate of the flags origin, with Amanda Logie, Manager Rochester Community House and Jodi Dobson, Community Support Officer Rochester Community House.