Come and celebrate 140 years since the Roche family arrived in Australia with a fun-filled, heartwarming one-day reunion in Warwick! This special gathering is timed to coincide with the Warwick Celtic Festival weekend, making it a perfect time to connect with family and heritage.
Our day begins with a delicious morning tea, followed by a rich program of entertainment and storytelling. Enjoy live Irish folk music from Sïantí, soulful songs from Nick McPhee - great, great-grandson of Richard.
Merkara
There will also be a performance by renowned Australian poet Rupert McCall — great-grandson of Cornelius Roche — who will share his work and family reflections.
In addition we will hear a tribute to the Roche family by Jo Host.
Jo's great grandfather is Michael Roche arrived in Australia in 1889 with his sister Margaret Mary Roche. His son William Joseph Roche, called Joe, who farmed at Junabee near Warwick, is Jo's grandfather. Jo's mother is Mavis Roche (now Host) who has recently completed the Roche family history book at age 80 - a work Jo is very proud of, and which will be officially launched on the weekend.
Born in Papua New Guinea and raised in Shailer Park, Jo studied Pharmacy at the University of Queensland and now lives on the Sunshine Coast with her partner and three children. Jo owns and manages the Mooloolaba Beach Pharmacy.
A sumptuous lunch will be served (dietary needs catered for), and the afternoon will feature more live music and time to mingle, relax, and reconnect.
Highlights of the day include:
• Cash bar – perhaps even a Guinness!
• Book launches and sales – including Mavis Host’s Roche Family History and Rupert McCall’s latest collection
• Family merchandise – take home a memento of the day
• Exhibit space – bring your family photos, letters, or memorabilia to share with others ( Note: doors open at 9.30am so you can set up on our exhibit tables).The event will conclude at 4pm. Go and enjoy the Celtic Festival.A special blessing for the Roche family will be offered during the 6:30pm Saturday Mass at the Catholic Church next door ( to be confirmed).
PLUS: For those arriving early, a scenic train ride is available on Friday, 3 October as part of the Warwick festivities. Tickets for the train must be booked separately through Downs Explorer (https://downsexplorer.org.au/)
Whether you’re a direct descendant or a proud member of the extended Roche family, this will be a day to remember.
Join us for food, music, stories, and connection as we celebrate our incredible shared heritage.Important: After selecting your tickets, click the delivery method and choose 'E-delivery' to avoid the default postage fee.There is parking available in the church carpark.