Committee For Lorne: Community Profile - April 12, 2018

48 years ago, Nola’s girlfriend and flatmate organised a blind date to take her to a Ballarat Teachers College Ball. It was John, who lived on the family farm at nearby Mt Mercer. The date was a success and he asked her out the very next week. Although she turned him down that time, he persisted. “We fell in love – and still are – and six months later we married.”

John was born and educated in Ballarat. He was under no pressure to return to the farm but it was and is still, his passion. His own son has carried on the tradition and after Agricultural College has also returned, albeit with a “different” approach. John and Nola have moved into Ballarat but John says “I don’t really want to be out of it yet”.

After the Freemans were married, they set up their own business. They created Freeman’s Transport, a grain trading and transport company which their son has taken over. Nola runs the office with her daughter–in-law (a nurse) and their accountant who Nola taught in grade six.

When the children were in school, Nola served on committees, did heaps of fund raising and worked for charities, in particular SIDS. Not only was she part of setting up the organisation but with her own tragic personal experience became a vital member counselling other parents who had suffered the same sadness.

John’s not really into sport. “I played a bit of tennis and golf and I support Geelong Footy Club. Nola follows Essendon but we never go together when they play each other.” Nola played squash and had a go at golf. John has been part of his local CFA for as long as he can remember.

Nola’s passion is her home, garden and their grandchildren. “I am a grandmother and I love it”. To celebrate her 70th birthday, she is taking her two eldest grandchildren to Disneyland. She believes the travel they did with their children proved inspirational. Their daughter gave up a legal career, went to London, married an Englishman and created a chain of coffee shops which become bars at night.

The Freemans have travelled widely, love cruises and are happy to have family in London, an excuse to visit Europe more.

They bought in Lorne 10 years ago and come for weekends regularly, usually with family or friends. They are party people. Their entertainment includes Qdos and The Aquatic Club.