Fireworks on New Year’s Eve

(As long as we get your support)

Over the past two years, Committee for Lorne arranged to stage fireworks off the pier on New Year’s Eve after a lapse of several years.

Everyone had been missing the Fireworks, but it wasn’t until the Chairman of Committee for Lorne, John Higgins published his ‘wish list’ in his column back in August 2023 with one of his Christmas wishes being the return of the Fireworks, that people started to ask the question, “how do we make this happen?”

So, with the help of local businesses, local community organisations and the wider community, Committee for Lorne worked together to stage fireworks on New Year’s Eve.  We called out to the businesses in Lorne and the community to raise the necessary funds.  Many Lorne businesses were very generous supporters of the project and through a GoFundMe campaign, we raised in excess of $12,000 from the general community.  The fireworks were regarded as a great celebration for New Year’s Eve and then the questions came, “will you do it again next year?”

Last year we raised a little bit more than we needed for the event and we committed to our supporters that if that was the case, we would reserve the excess funds for another event.  In the belief that we can raise the necessary funds, we have booked the licensed company again for December 31.  We have approached GORCAPA for the necessary permits, and like previous years, they have not only granted permission for us to use the pier, they have waived permit fees and offered resources to cordon off the pier on the night.

In order to fund the event 2025, we are reaching out to businesses and community in Lorne.  We want to have two sets of fireworks, one at 9.30pm for the younger members of our community and other members who are unlikely to be playing on till midnight and another event at midnight for those celebrating the “ticking over” to the New Year.

To have enough funds for two fireworks events of about 12 minutes each, we need about $25,000.  We will be approaching local businesses and like last year, we have set up a GoFundMe project so that everyone in the community, if they wish, can contribute to make this plan for Fireworks on New Year’s Eve a reality.

You can visit the GoFundMe page directly with the following link – https://www.gofundme.com/f/lorne-fireworks-new-years-eve-2025

If you wish, we can send you an invoice. Just email [email protected] and let us know to whom we make out the invoice and for how much.

So, if you want New Year’s Eve to be like the good old days, with a major spectacle of fireworks and lots of “oooh’s and aaah’s”, please support this fundraising project.  Lorne always digs deep for a good cause and hopefully this project will continue the tradition.

 

A word from the chairman

Hello
By the time you read this column, Christmas will be barely a month away. How does that happen? One minute it’s the Grand Final, then the Melbourne Cup, and now we are trying to fit in everything that needs to be done, and everyone that needs to be seen, before Christmas.
While Christmas has lost its religious significance for many in our increasingly secular society, it is still an important traditional and special time to catch up with family and friends, and to remember those who are no longer with us and those suffering recent loss or separation. It is also a time for us to take a breather from the busyness of life, to reflect on what is important (and what is not) in our lives, and to make plans to focus on our priorities.
And who is not moved by the sheer delight of young children when they receive presents on Christmas morning or see a Christmas tree or decorations. While I am not a fan of the commercialisation of Christmas, the Myer Christmas windows have always played a special role in Melbourne’s celebration of Christmas, and you know Santa is not far away when the windows open. On a local level, watch out for the Surf Coast Shire Christmas Tree next to the Information Centre, and make a note that Surfy Santa will be at the Information Centre for photos between 10am and 1pm on Saturday, December 13. Meanwhile, many of our community organisations and clubs have their plans in place for Christmas celebrations, and hospitality outlets are quickly booking out for pre-Christmas and New Year’s Eve functions. And yes, the community-funded New Year’s Eve fireworks are happening again this year. Please see the adjacent article for details and how you can contribute to this special Lorne event.
*****
Our Lorne Cricket Club players finally took the field after 3 weeks of no play, and they came to play with an emphatic victory over Irrewarra. Notable performances were Eddie Erftemeyer with 50 not out and Xavier Hollmer with bowling figures of 3/17 (and 25 runs!), a great start to the season. The Dolphins take on West Warrion at Stribling Reserve from 11am this Saturday. Come along and support our boys.
*****
The Aquatic Club is holding its AGM on Saturday November 22 at 5pm, all members are welcome.
*****
This week’s riddle “What do you call a swimming pool with no water?” Best response gets a free bottle of water. How lucky are we that we have the Louttit Bay pool on our doorstep, open year-round, free and solar heated!
Cheers

Lorne Ward Events Calendar

November

22 Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club AGM, All members are invited to attend, sponsored by FoodWorks, followed by our Fishing Competition Trophy Presentations.

December

5 Lorne FNC Annual General Meeting, 5pm at Stribling Reserve, Nomination and Proxy Forms – www.lornefnc.com.au

13 Take a photo with Santa, at Lorne Visitor Info Centre Kids Face Painting 10-1pm

20 Carols Lorne, St Cuthberts Church – 6.30pm Sausage sizzle 7.30pm Carols