Whats On

Dance frocks hit Rochester

By Jaci Hicken

Oct 1, 2026

The RandK Rock 'n' Roll competition is coming to Rochester Shire Hall, 45 Mackay St, Rochester, on Saturday, October 24, with the competition starting at 11am.

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A social dance open to everyone will follow in the evening, with doors opening at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

RandK Rock ‘n’ Roll competition organiser Kyrewyn Alley said the idea for the event emerged from her wedding.

“My husband Rodney and I got married in October 2025 at the Rochester Hall and we had a band over from South Australia called Working Overtime, and they were amazing.

“After the wedding, the band rang back and said we had such an amazing time in country Victoria, we want to come back.”

The couple are both rock ‘n’ roll dancers.

Mrs Alley said regional rock 'n' roll competitions had dwindled since COVID-19.

“They used to be in Ararat, Shepparton, Ballarat, all over the place, but since COVID they have all closed down,” she said.

“To be in a competition, you either have to go to Gippsland, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth.”

World champion rock ‘n’ roller Johnny Phung from Albury and local coach Dave Tarrant will judge the event.

Competition categories include adult newcomers, beginners, intermediate, advanced, lifts, masters 45+, a feature track dance-off and the RandK championship dance.

“The competition then leads into the night time, which will be 140 people all dressed up with petticoats, full skirts, waistcoats and fun,” Mrs Alley said.

“Locals are welcome; you don't have to be a dancer to come.”