Centenary seat unveiled in time for tourist’s return

AN EYE-CATCHING tribute to the Great Ocean Road’s history has finally been unveiled, more than two years after the road celebrated its 100th anniversary.

A decorative bench seat at RACV Torquay had its ribbon cut this week after landing at its new home in early 2020.

The centenary seat is one of six architecturally designed pieces that Great Ocean Road Tourism (GORT) commissioned to mark the start of the road’s construction by returned First World War soldiers in September 1919.

The seats now rest along the length of the road, from Torquay to Warrnambool, encouraging visitors to explore the region and complete the set during their journeys.

Torquay’s landmark features original work from local artist and Kurnai-Wotjabaluk man Norm Jurrawaa Stanley.

Commerce Torquay president and local businessman Jeff Crow answered a call from GORT in February 2020 for a permanent home for the centenary seats, which at that time were on temporary display at local foreshores.

 

 

Mr Crow collaborated with the resort, which bears the address 1 Great Ocean Road, to display the seat in front of sweeping views of the golf course, ocean and horizon as a premium photo opportunity for visitors kicking off their voyage.

“I didn’t want to see this leave our town, and it had to be somewhere publicly accessible,” Mr Crow said.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said she was pleased the seat and the history it represented had pride of place in Torquay, and expected it would be a popular photo stop for years to come.

“Torquay is the place most people start, and it’s fitting to have the seat here at number 1, Great Ocean Road,” Cr Stapleton said.

“From Surf Coast locals to international visitors, I’m sure this’ll be a place to reflect on the journey they’re about to embark on.”

GORT industry development manager Jo Birley said the seat trail would add a new dimension to the region’s visitor experience.

“This is the first chair on the trail of a another five, going all the way to Warrnambool, including across the region to Mount Elephant,” she said.

“We’re sure that these are going to help people slow down and explore the area a bit more.”