Committee For Lorne: A word from the Chairman – July 5, 2018

The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) in its ongoing design consultation process, is hosting a series of open houses, online surveys and listening posts to gather further input, discuss and test elements of the winning design for the Point Grey Precinct. In looking to leave no stone unturned Ken Northwood and his team will be facilitating the listening posts both in Lorne (on two occasions) and Melbourne through July and August (Lorne Sat Jul – 14 9am to 3pm and Sat August 11 – 9am to 12 noon at the Lorne Community house, Melbourne Wednesday July 18 – 4pm to 6pm at 8 Nicholson St, East Melbourne.

Furthermore, GORCC, in consultation with Lorne Community Groups, have initiated a piece of work to complement the design which centres around how the space can be activated with historic interpretation and linked back to the township. As a result, GORRC have formed a small Creative Community Council with representatives from the Lorne Sculpture Biennale, Committee for Lorne, Lorne Business and Tourism Association and the Lorne Historical Society.

“Continuing Community feedback is sought on elements of the design to ensure that we are respecting the beautiful landscape and its heritage, and delivering the best possible outcome for the community, which complements the Great Ocean Road experience. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Lorne” Mr Ken Northwood Chairman of GORCC said.

GORCC have allocated an extra $500,000 towards construction in its 2018-19 budget, which is in addition to the $1.5m already allocated. For further and ongoing information visit www.gorcc.com.au.

It’s great to see the “new look” Lorne Business and Tourism Association (LBTA) rolling up their sleeves and building on the work of their predecessors to re-establish Lorne’s Festival of the Performing Arts (FOPA). The festival weekend is scheduled from August 30 to September 2 and features a star studded line up of cabaret, magic and music with something for all ages – shows for kids (that grown-ups will love) to shows for adults and a late night piano bar.

Sammy J is set to host the opening Gala night on the 30th. Comedian, author and songbird Sammy J has toured the world, won multiple awards and can currently be seen every Thursday night on ABC TV and will be in Lorne to host the night of nights at the opening Gala night and present his acclaimed solo show – The Sammy J Songbook.

For the opening night, he’ll preside over an extravaganza of music, magic, cabaret and comedy, with many acts from across the festival being featured. With 50 per cent of the tickets having sold in the first week of release, make sure you jump onto www.fopa.com.au and reserve your tickets now. Not only will it be a weekend of entertainment seldom seen in Lorne, but a great chance to throw your support behind hard work being done behind the scenes by the new look LBTA.

Ian Stewart
Chairman – Committee for Lorne