At the recent award ceremony and luncheon to acknowledge the recipient[s] of the biennial Doug Stirling Community Cup, the more than worthy successful nominees were Clive and Lesley [aka Lu} Goldsworthy—two people who, in 2011, moved from their previous home in Hong Kong to enjoy their retirement in Lorne. It goes beyond saying that the avalanche of benefits that flowed to Lorne following this fortuitous relocation will remain as lasting testaments to their extraordinary community work. It was as if Lorne had been touched by the fairy wand of good fortune, for every corner of the community has gained from their commitment. Some retirement!

On the day, both spoke of the uncertainty that accompanies retirement—especially such a momentous [read seismic] shift from a life in the financial markets of Hong Kong to the seaside township of Lorne. They stressed their gratitude to the Lorne community for its wide-armed welcome, though Lorne’s easy acceptance of the newcomers was more than equalled by Clive and Lu’s resolve to meet and greet their new town without holding back. ‘We must immerse …’ was their shared mantra. Meet and greet they certainly did, and, in the process, managed to add a whole new layer to the meaning of integration.

That said, it can be difficult to immerse in or, better still, be absorbed by a new town—especially for those who may feel tentative or anxious when downsizing, relocating, or ‘re-lifing’ into retirement.

Anxieties may include:
• ‘Have we made the right decision?’
• ‘Should we burn the bridges of our careers and city life to face potential detachment in a small town?’
• Will we lose our friends [and family] by disengagement?’

These concerns are very real and can be disorienting.

The ups and downs of a coastal retirement were brought into sharp focus for the boomer brigade by that fantastic 90s TV show “SeaChange”, starring Sigrid Thornton, William McInnes, David Wenham, and the non-prime-ministerial John Howard. It triggered a subliminal itch for some future-time scratching in many a boomer breast.

But that was twenty-five years ago when careers were soaring, and the kids were still at school. Now that the then-distant dream of retirement has arrived for all of that generation, many lucky enough to have a coastal holiday home are selling their metropolitan pads and using part of the proceeds to convert their family weekenders into permanent residences. Relocation is ‘on’, and in a big way. But coastal life is more than comfortable bricks and mortar. A fulfilling and supported retirement means ‘doing a Clive and Lu’ and engaging in and with the local community.

On the face of it, this might seem easy. ‘We’ve been going to Lorne [or Apollo Bay, Wye River, Anglesea, Airey, or any of a myriad of enticing places] for a couple of weeks each summer … ‘We know them well so, what’s the problem?’ But, for many, the problem may remain unrecognised until the move is made, and ‘knowing’ the town through its restaurants, the beach, or 5.00pm drinks on the deck is not always really knowing.

Suddenly, realisation dawns: oops—our summer friends were weekenders or part-timers, too. Suddenly, they are no longer ‘on deck’ to help us pass the long winter weekdays and quiet weekends. Maybe we didn’t quite think this through.

Having treated the town as a summer getaway or for occasional winter weekend respite, many who make the move find the sudden disconnection from their city friends unsettling. The summer golf course is soggy underfoot, bitterly cold, swept by winter drizzle, and permanently wind-blown … or so it has been for much of this winter. The beach, while wonderful for a bracing daily walk with the dog into the teeth of the wind, no longer beguiles with the warmth of summer … and, by the by, many restaurants are closed or downsize in winter.

Moreover, newcomer permanent residents may fear a subliminal barrier between the long-term residents [aka – the locals] and themselves—though this is a psychological apprehension and not a lived-in reality. Nevertheless, it is a misgiving that must be overcome or dismissed. I have yet to meet a single soul who has regretted their decision, who has not found friendship and welcome at every turn, and who has not immersed in one of the many clubs, societies, and organisations in town … and there are many indeed. A couple of years ago, Clive and I sat down for a pot in the sun at the A-Team [aka the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club (LAAC), the Aquatic, or the Anglers … take your pick as all are variously recognised]. Based on the premise that Lorne caters for egalitarian tastes, be they sports, indoor and outdoor pursuits, or hobbies, we tried to compile a list of community interest groups. Giving up when we had amassed forty-three, we remained certain that we might have still missed some.

For those coming to the town ‘cold turkey’—like Clive and Lu did—it will mean taking a big breath, introducing yourself at the Country Club, the Footy Club, or [in my view, the best option] to Hutch, the manager at the A-Team. Then, once you have joined the A-Team [at minimal cost], drop in for a low-cost drop on any afternoon—maybe a Friday is best for the first visit. But … leave your baggage at the door … no-one here cares for or talks much about past careers, achievements, or plaudits. Ask Hutch to point out a local identity [perhaps someone like Keith M, Pete S, Clive G, or Tony E], and they will help you start to feel at home. If you make one of your first questions … how can I best get involved in the Lorne community? … you may be surprised how easy it all is.

For those ‘regulars’ from holiday periods or occasional weekends, it can even seem more difficult … for faces half-known—yet not really known—can prove a challenge. Overcoming the barriers of a long-time nodding recognition without actual engagement can be tricky. Again, take a big breath, plonk down [or stop to chat in the street or at a restaurant], properly [re]introduce yourself, say you have newly taken up permanent residency, and ask for any suggestions about how you might best integrate with the town. Just as pack ice, once broken, splits quickly into many enticing and navigable sea lanes, so too will the community of Lorne open itself up to your new incursion.

The Doug Stirling Community Cup award luncheon was charged with two-way emotion between our deserving winners and those from the community who came to honour them. It proved a fitting expression of the mutual warmth and pleasure that can be gained when a united town gives thanks to those who are prepared to ‘immerse’.

John Agar
Feature Writer

A word from the chairman

Hello

On our first long weekend for a while, the crowds thronged to Lorne despite some ordinary weather. With our hospitality operators almost back to full strength, the main street was jumping, and parking spots and seats were at a premium. While the big game was over by half-time, that did not stop our locals and visitors enjoying company without the distraction of a close contest.

With the reopening of the glamorous Grand Pacific Hotel this week, our town will be at full-speed and ready to welcome our summer visitors. And just in case you think I am “getting ahead of myself”, we are into the last quarter and the clock is ticking, eleven weeks to Christmas!

Speaking of weather, what is going on? After a brief burst of early spring in August, September was pretty ordinary, and the long term forecast for the next month is not looking too exciting, so I thought it might be time for a prayer to the weather gods, but which one?

My research shows that there are many, the Greeks have Zeus, the Italians (Latin) have Jupiter, the Indians have Indra, the Irish have the Cailleach and the Celts have Taranis. Just pick whichever one you fancy, but let’s cover them all and get this weather sorted out.

*****

Last week, the Committee for Lorne held a special meeting to discuss our ongoing concerns regarding the availability of affordable accommodation in Lorne for essential workers and seasonal hospitality workers.

While this problem is not unique to Lorne, our situation is unique with the inability to create new housing allotments due to bushfire risk, and our geographic isolation from surrounding towns. We were pleased to have in attendance our retiring councillor, Gary Allen, and the four candidates for the Otway Range ward in the upcoming election.

Unfortunately no Surf Coast Shire officers were able to attend due to the upcoming election, however we were assured that the incoming council will continue to support us and will honour the previous commitment of human and financial support to assist in tackling this issue.

Matters discussed included the creation of new seasonal worker accommodation, the registration and regulation of short term holiday rentals, the potential for co-equity home purchase schemes for essential workers, the establishment of a community land trust and a review of minimum lot sizes. Each of these issues requires substantial further investigation and working groups are being formed to address them. If you are interested in being involved, please contact the Committee for Lorne for further details.

In the coming week you should receive your ballot pack for the Surf Coast Shire election. If you have not received your pack by October 17, please contact the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) on 131832. Please complete your ballot asap so you don’t forget, it must be returned by October 25, and make sure that you put a number in every box otherwise your vote will not count. And most importantly vote Leon Walker 1.

Cheers

Lorne Ward Events Calendar

October

29 Run the Marsh, 3km walk, 2km & 5km fun run at 9am Frogwood Arboretum, Deans Marsh. Register at https://www.active.com/orgs/deans-marsh-community-cottage

November

2 – Lorne Market, 9-3pm https://www.lornemarkets.com/