Committee For Lorne: Community Profile – March 29, 2018

There’s a glint in John’s eye when I asked about his first memories of Lorne. It seems he spent holidays down here with his mates in the late ‘50s at the Pacific Hotel. I’m sure there were plenty of memories made there. John married Barb in 1976 and has two children. Lorne holidays changed to include family, first in various rented accommodation then in their own house built 20 years ago.

John was born and educated in Melbourne. He had planned to study law but instead worked with the Victorian Crown Solicitor for two years before becoming a cadet with ACI and studying accountancy part-time. Deciding he didn’t want to be an accountant, he completed his cadetship and worked for four years as state manager of ACI Fibreglass. In 1972, the company sent him to the UK for 18 months, followed by six months in the USA. On his return to Australia he met and married Barb.

He continued working with ACI Fibreglass until he was moved to their Packaging Division. In 1992 he changed to Smorgon Steel and was there when the firm was taken over by One Steel. He stayed for two years and retired in 2009. John has been permanent in town since 2016.

He wasted no time becoming part of the community. John is a member of the Golf Club, Bowls Club, Aquatic Club and inaugural treasurer of the Men’s Shed. He has been a volunteer for the Lorne Sculpture Biennale. He also joined the bridge group.

Travel is a passion. He and Barb have been on several cruises and tours around the world. Since retirement they have driven long road trips to Perth, Uluru and North West Queensland. He loves the garden. He has been a serious tennis player and spent five years on the council of Kooyong Tennis Club. He’s a family man and loves to spend time with their two grandchildren.

CW