Committee for Lorne: A word from the Chairman – March 15, 2018

Over last weekend’s Labour Day celebration, we continued to experience the constant stream of visitors and holiday makers to our coastline and with the forecast of another upcoming warm weekend, is appears certain that this current trend will continue. On Saturday, we have the official launch of Landfall – Lorne Sculpture Biennale 2018. ‘Landfall’ is the curatorial theme for 2018 and is devoted to pressing global issues explored though specific curatorial themes.

You will experience Artists using the medium of sculpture (including light, sound, performance and projection) to explore these themes and the intersection of nature, humanity and art. In 2018 the state of the world’s natural assets is one of the most topical international subjects around. ‘Landfall’ is a word that describes time and place where ocean meets land, and also describes a sense of collapse, as in ‘landslide’. The term is an open-minded word-play that invites deeper contemplation.

And of course it goes without saying that backdrop to works and performances of the artists is the world class backdrop of the Lorne foreshore and Louttit Bay. The spectacular Sculpture trail is a 4km track extending from the Lorne Swing Bridge over the Erskine River to just beyond the pier. Featuring 25 artists with world wide backgrounds, many of the pieces are site specific are a must see for those who are visiting Lorne. And of course the “local” emerging favourite is the Tony Wolfenden and Lorne Men’s Shred project – “Couta Memories”, designed to evoke the historical practice of Couta boat fishing.

Last week I reported on the briefing being provided by the Lorne Angling and Aquatic Club (LAAC) to interested community members on where things at with the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee’s plans for the redevelopment of Point Grey and how that affects the Aquatic and Angling Club and their plans for the future. It was a well-attended discussion that included members from Friends of Lorne, Lorne Businesses and Tourism Association and Committee for Lorne.

One thing that was very clear to me is that all stakeholders hold the common thread of the importance of this precinct to the whole of Lorne and the need to ensure that we get it right. The LAAC initiative proved to be invaluable for those in attendance as there were a number of points of explanation and clarification regarding the proposed project. It was so good to be part of a passionate Lorne gathering with all concerned for the outcomes but prepared to give up their time, and respectfully share concerns together and plan a pathway forward.

So happy to read, hear and share that Lorne’s “Robbo” Crossland’s encounter with a large resident of our local ocean had a safe ending. In a Mick Fanning-type incident, Robbo’s quick thinking and “pink shorts” kept him safe – a story for Robbo to dine out on. Well done!

Ian Stewart
Chairman – Committee for Lorne