Win big with Lorne stay promotion

A generous gesture from the world’s best cyclists is backing a competition designed to promote visitation and spending in Lorne.

Launching this Thursday, the Surf Coast Shire’s Lorne Stay & Win competition is open to people who book a getaway in the coastal town, with $33,000 of local spend cards up for grabs.

Entrants need to spend $150 or more on accommodation in Lorne between 16 April and 26 June, and upload the receipt before or during their stay.

Prize draws will take place each Thursday and Friday, with 10 lucky people randomly selected to win a local spend card ranging from $200 to $500.

January is typically peak season in Lorne but there was a considerable drop in trade as a result of flash flooding, bushfires and several emergency warnings.

The shire surveyed 68 businesses in Lorne in February following the overlapping emergency events.

Of these, 31 per cent said they had lost the equivalent of a month of income, and 47 per cent reported loss of at least a week’s income.

Funding for Lorne Stay & Win comes from the winning teams in the 2026 Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, which donated all prizemoney from the Surf Coast Classic.

The men’s and women’s races, which start in Lorne, were cancelled in January due to bushfire risk.

Race founder and Tour de France winner Cadel Evans visited Lorne on Thursday last week to help get the promotion started.

He also added some dollars to the local economy, making purchases at Mountjoy Parade businesses Fruits of the Forest, Lorne Surf Shop and Moon’s Espresso Bar.

“It was a tough summer for Lorne businesses, which were impacted by both flooding and high fire risk on what would usually be their busiest weekends of the year,” Evans said.

“We were excited to throw our support behind the town by hosting the start of the Surf Coast Classic races there. However we had to cancel the event due to the Otway fires and the weather conditions. It was unfortunate but it was the right call – safety for the riders and affected communities is always our highest priority.

“A huge thank you to the cycling teams for donating their prizemoney to help Lorne’s recovery efforts. It is an incredibly generous gesture.”

Cr Leon Walker, who also operates HAH Lorne Beach cafe, said the downturn in local business was severe.

“One day lost in January is a week lost in the offseason,” Cr Walker said.

“It’s really hard when it’s out of your control.”

He encouraged people to take part in Lorne Stay & Win, with the majority of Lorne’s businesses taking part in the promotion.

“We’ve got over 40 hospitality businesses in Lorne, so there’s plenty to pick from. It’s a great package.

“We know Lorne is beautiful in summer, but it’s even more beautiful in winter.”

The first Lorne Stay & Win draw will take place on 16 April, while the final draw will be 26 June.

For full competition details and the receipt submission form , head to https://iamlorne.com.au from Thursday.