Committee For Lorne: Who is Lilian?

Lillian’s page, The Louttit Loop, in The Lorne Independent is certainly a source of information for those of us choosing not to use Facebook. It’s the first page I turn to every month and each time I wonder how she has acquired such a strong connection to the bush telegraph. Where does she get her news? “Firstly, I love people. I listen everywhere I go. If I’m running short of copy I comb the Lorne Facebook notice board site, The Surf Coast Times and The Echo for relevant bits.”

Lillian actually came to Lorne with the idea of writing, but in 2006 was asked by Jo Vondra, editor of The Lorne Independent, to write a regular half page article about Lorne people. Under his mentorship her association with the publication evolved. Her pseudonym and the current logo of the diving lady, designed by Elizabeth Rickey, are a tribute to the legendary local, Lillian Beaurepaire. In no time her half page became a full page and soon after, the recipient of a Community Newspaper Award.

It’s obvious immediately Lillian writes exactly as she speaks. “I try to keep the page light, bubbly and harmless. I want to make people happy. I do my very best to ensure I don’t offend anyone and mostly I have succeeded. If I am in doubt I will always ask permission”. Why the anonymity I ask. “It’s just a bit of fun.” Well, there is no doubt Lillian is a fun person so that makes immediate sense.

She goes north for the winter. One year she sent down an article with a comparison of her destination and our town… mainly referring to the importance of friendly service. One or two locals took it personally and gave her a bit of ‘flack’ so she‘s not in a hurry to try that again… bit unfair when everything she does is, as a volunteer. It looks like we will miss her June report this year when she escapes again.

Thank you Lillian for your generous, regular commitment to our community. Your page adds to the ésprit de corps in town, a plus for us all. It especially provides part time residents with an insight into local happenings and an understanding and deeper connection to the place we love so much.

The Louttit Loop not only has a special place in The Lorne Independent but is firmly woven into the fabric of the town.