Committee For Lorne: A word from the Chairman – September 6, 2018

Lorne Festival of the Performing Arts – what a huge weekend it was and the strong message around town was how well the festival went and the high standard of entertainment that was on show. Excellent numbers over the weekend to support the endeavours and efforts of the Lorne Business and Tourism Association’s (LBTA) enthusiastic fresh faces, and some older ones, too

The Gala event on Friday evening showcased an array of talent that was on display throughout the weekend and this entrée certainly didn’t disappoint. In front of a sell-out crowd at the Cumberland, VIPs and guests were treated to a magnificent cross section of entertainment. The LBTA executive went out of their way to host guests from the Surf Coast Shire, Great Ocean Road Coast Committee and Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism as our relationship with our Agency partners continues to build.

There were many highlights throughout the weekend but to me there was one which stood out above all others and that was the camaraderie that existed between festival organisers who pulled together to work as one. In the hours following the opening, as the entertainment continued at the “Piano Bar” at Lorne Central to stand at the “refreshment station” to be served by a smiling team member who was clearly identifiable by either a Lorne Central or Lorne Hotel work shirt was such a great example of all working as one. Congratulations to all involved!

While the compliments are flowing, it can’t go unnoticed and without praise to the team at Great Ocean Road Cottages who took out the very prestigious “Hotels Combined Recognition of Excellence 2018”’ for achieving highest standards of Customer Satisfaction worldwide! Hotels Combined is a worldwide accommodation comparison website based in Sydney and used by over 30 million travellers each month. The Lorne team scored a remarkable 9.3 out of 10 from 262 opinions based on customer service – brilliant!

Just to cap off what has been a big week in Lorne, it is unfortunate to report that the Lorne Football and Netball Club senior football team were demolished by Birregurra last weekend but retain the double chance and play South Colac in the preliminary final on Saturday at Colac’s Central Reserve Oval. The huge positive of the weekend of football was the achievements which followed on the Sunday when the Under 14.5’s, Under 17s and Reserves have great wins and also proceed to the 2018 penultimate game.

Gotta say that living in Lorne for a lifetime I have never know a bigger Preliminary Final Day for the Dolphins who have all four sides playing for the cut throat right to advance in the contest for premiership glory – good luck and GO DOLPHINS!

Ian Stewart
Chairman – Committee for Lorne