Committee For Lorne: A word from the Chairman – May 3, 2018

The Point Grey – Lorne Redevelopment Project is entering an exciting phase following the jury selection of the winner of the Architectural Design Competition for the Precinct. The five person jury that assessed the submissions included the award winning Victorian architects John Wardle and Kristin Green, Richard Davies Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) former CEO, Bronwyn Hamilton Office of the Victorian Government and Jocelyn Chiew Monash University.

The winning design selected by the jury will be presented by the successful architects to key stakeholders on the 11th of May 2018 prior to public release immediately thereafter. It is certainly one of the most awaited and anticipated presentations in the history of Lorne. It is so pleasing to think that having been involved in such a lengthy, exhaustive process, a milestone is about to be achieved. This is an outcome that can largely be attributed to the decisive leadership of GORCC’s Chairman, Ken Northwood and his team!

I thought I’d share with you a snap shot of the diversities of where we live and I know that many already know that I am a great supporter and subscriber to the 5am Club and this is how the first day of May unfolded. Leaving Lorne at 5.30am bound for a fitness session in Geelong, darkness on the Great Ocean Road was only interrupted by the occasional tradies or cyclists head lights. As the silhouette of the Aireys Inlet lighthouse was the first sign of the morning light so was the lingering after burn smoke from the previous day’s work of Forest Fire Management crews behind the township.

Descending down into Highton off the Geelong Ring Road the backdrop dramatically changed from the Aireys lighthouse to the towering “Gillette” light towers of GMHBA Stadium and Corio Bay in the background. The next 45 minutes I won’t describe as its not on my excitement list but I’m told I need to keep the 15 year discipline continuing as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With an hour to spare before my first appointment I parked on the edge of Corio Bay to complete a number of administrative tasks from my mobile office.

The sun was rising for the day, masts of the yachts were now casting shadows, joggers, walkers and early risers were out preparing for what lay ahead. The environment and backdrop was stunning as the first of May was preparing to deliver a 23 degree cloudless sky day. I thought, “how lucky are we” and things couldn’t be much better and having completed my Geelong work commitment returned for my 11.30 Lorne meeting. Upon return and opening our meeting room blinds to expose the Lorne Foreshore in all her glory my immediate reaction, “The Geelong Waterfront is great – But!!! How lucky are we?

Don’t forget to put in your diary our next scheduled luncheon for Friday the 8th of June and remember you must RSVP to [email protected].

Ian Stewart
Chairman – Committee for Lorne