Committee For Lorne: Community Profile - May 3, 2018

It is amazing how many visitors to Lorne arrive with no intention of buying a house but leave having paid a deposit on one. Fifteen years ago, Jill and Paul were staying with friends one weekend, went for a walk down the street, passed a ‘For Sale’ sign on a house and bought it. After some necessary maintenance and some cosmetic changes, it has been their holiday house ever since.

Jill was born and educated in NSW. While training as a teacher in Newcastle, she met Paul on a blind date, a mutual friend had arranged. They married in 1974 and lived in Newcastle until 1991 when BHP Shipping moved them to Melbourne. They have three children and so far, one grandson.

Jill always wanted to teach and spent most of her career in Newcastle secondary schools. When the family moved to Melbourne, she took a break before taking on a job as an integration aide working with children. Many other BHP Shipping families they had known were also moved down, meaning Jill not only was able continue friendships but membership of a special craft group she enjoys. She loves her garden in Melbourne and Lorne, helps at the local Op Shop and The Information Centre. In Melbourne, Jill door knocks for the Salvos and for the Heart Foundation.

Paul was born in Port Moresby where he completed his primary education before going to boarding school in Brisbane. He had dreams of becoming a marine biologist, “but in those times, it was not possible to follow your heart because employment opportunities were rare; now it’s a different story”. Instead he started his career as a trainee marine engineer with BHP in Newcastle. After six years as a ship’s engineer, Paul came ashore to study mechanical engineering at university. That led to him working on a wide range of projects in the shipping industry, from tug boats to large bulk carriers. In 1990, Paul and Jill spent a year in Singapore and again in 1999 where Paul was Superintendent Marine Engineer for the construction and conversion of large ships for off shore oil production.

Paul and Jill are now spending half their lives in Lorne. Paul is an active member of the SES and has a passion for cycling and “fixing things”. He bought a 1975 Land Rover, (Jill adds quickly …”he means a derelict”) which he is finding a much greater challenge to restore than he expected.

To me they looked pretty happy in the house they never intended to buy!