Committee for Lorne: A word from the Chairman – June 7, 2018

Hello, winter! And what a start it’s been.

Last weekend’s cloudless skies and still conditions have helped usher in a comfortable start to what is historically our coolest time of the year. To see people in shorts and tee shirts through the first weekend of June was a welcome site and a gentle reminder that winter in Lorne can deliver some absolute beauties for outdoor enjoyment. This weekend’s Queens Birthday celebration and public holiday on Monday is certain to bring continuing good numbers to town.

And it’s not only the land based numbers that are likely to continue as we embark on another Whale migration season. From now until October is the time when humpback and southern right whales migrate from Antarctica along the Victorian coastline to warmer northern waters of Australia for calving, before returning south to Antartica in Spring. More than 60 percent of the world’s whale population can be found in Australian waters, where numbers have grown steadily over the last 20 years.

If you’re coming to the coast over the coming weeks keep a lookout for these amazing big mammals of the ocean. If you’re looking to plan your journey around the movements of the whales go to visitgreatoceanroad.org.au where they record and highlight the whale sightings along the Great Ocean Road.

The Committee for Lorne last week hosted the Great Ocean Road Coast Committees new CEO Vanessa Schernickau, communication engagement manager David Petty and members of the appointed Architectural team that were successful in the design competition for the Point Grey Precinct. In bringing together members from Friends of Lorne, Lorne Business and Tourism Association and Lorne Angling and Aquatic Club, it was enlightening to hear visions of the architects as they listened to community feedback and input to the project.

It was a great forum that enabled different views to be tabled and where appropriate, robust discussions that resulted in positive outcomes. I’m sure most are now familiar with the 10-year journey that preceded where we at today and I continue to promote the belief that we are closer now than ever before to delivering an outcome, subject of course to securing project funding. The continuing community advocacy and engagement is vital to the successful delivery of this project and the foundations are strong for these relationships to further strengthen and move forward.

A big shout out to Carly Enticott who once again hosted the Cancer Council of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea to help raise funds for cancer research. Along with jointly running her local business, overseeing the Lorne Football/Netball Club Netball department, mother to two children and husband to Wes – Carly’s efforts are outstanding!

Ian Stewart
Chairman – Committee for Lorne