Local nod for Lobster Pot

VOLUNTEERS of a Barwon Heads historical institution have won earned local recognition as residents eagerly await the centre’s reopening.

Barwon Estuary Heritage Centre, known as the “Lobster Pot”, has been commended for keeping locals and its volunteers engaged in its history activities despite pandemic challenges of the past two years.

The club’s president Rob Kuebler won the Barwon Heads-Ocean Grove Lions Club’s John Brady community service award this month for his monthly write-ups for the local Talking Heads magazine.

A history centre is the latest use of the Jetty Road beach shack, which has previously been used as a dance hall, classroom, to house defence forces during wartimes, and a Barwon Coast workshop.

Lions judges commended Mr Huebler for unwavering positivity even as COVID forced the closure of the local treasure.

“I like to think that the award really belongs to the friends of the Lobster Pot,” Mr Huebler said.

“What’s amazing is the group of volunteers, that is still exists and they have an enthusiasm to the local area and its history.

“The Barwon Heads community is very closely tied with the natural environment around us, and the heritage centre illustrates and interprets a story of that marine environment.”

BEHC is presently closed for winter and is undergoing heritage asbestos removal. Volunteers are optimistic it will reopen in time for the peak summer season.

Mr Huebler said the centre had remained generously supported from local businesses and organisations despite its recent interruptions.

The Lions award is in honour of late club member and dedicated community stalwart John Brady, and recognises an exceptional volunteer or organisation.