COMMUNITY PROFILE

There’s no doubt Graham and Evelyn are passionate about life and coming to Lorne. Even Charlie, their eleven year old spoodle, adores it.

Graham’s grandmother’s sister had three houses here when he was growing up and coming for holidays.

He remembers it well because it was about the time The Arab started up.

Graham’s parents bought a house in Mt Martha when he was in his mid teens.

In later years he realised how much he missed Lorne and after twenty years, his hankering for the region became so strong, he returned, first renting various places before buying his own holiday house in 1975. “In 1986, coinciding with my divorce, I sold that house. “ Eventually he remarried, introduced his new wife, Evelyn, to Lorne and began visiting regularly again. Two years ago they bought their own place.

Graham lived and went to school in Melbourne before studying Pharmacy. He married, had three children and worked in Melbourne until he retired in 2002. Finally having time to read the paper and have breakfast was attractive but he took on volunteer work with Vision Australia and “donated my body and mind to research”. He also helps his four children and grandchildren weekly.

Both Evelyn and Graham are lithe and fit. They go to gym four or five times a week and Graham walks two hours a day whatever the weather. Evelyn enjoys kick boxing. “If she stands on one foot she can kick my head” Graham proudly stated. She has done volunteer work with various organisations over many years, currently with Vision Australia. She has volunteered her proofreading skills to many organisations.

They are culturally active subscribing to theatre and opera companies, regularly attending The Melbourne Recital Centre and enjoy visiting galleries.

Every winter they go to Noosa for two weeks where they list their activities as walking, shopping and coffee. “Don’t forget the cakes“ Evelyn adds quickly.

Life looks pretty good from the Blashki/ Firstenberg perspective!