Community Profile – March 1, 2018

Over 50 years ago, Toni was camping at Anglesea with a group of girls at the same time as John and his mates were renting a house. The girls were invited to the house for a dinner party and that’s where Toni met John. They married, set up in Melbourne and had two children.

Toni, originally from Queensland, finished her education in Melbourne. Although she harboured thoughts of being a nurse she instead studied occupational therapy, practising for three years at Kew Cottages and 20 years at Bayley House. She also taught piano there and every year prepared her students for a concert where they acted and sang.

John was born and educated in Melbourne. Completing his law degree he began his career with Arthur Robinson and Co., remaining with them through their restructure and stayed until he retired.

Fifteen years ago, following a brief spell doing some consultancy work, he became a full time retiree.

The Waites are long time Lorne holiday makers. John first came with family friends, aged 11, and stayed at The Lorne Hotel many times. Before Toni and John bought their own house 30 years ago, they rented houses, apartments and motel units. When they are not away, “We or the family come down most weekends and regularly for holidays. We think of ourselves as temporary locals”.

A passion shared in winter is barramundi fishing in the Kimberley and Arnhem Land. They also have a place at 1770 (Qld) where they spent 15 weeks last year. They are travellers and every two years go to Europe. Toni takes Italian lessons weekly, for Italy is of special interest. “We took our ‘maiden’ voyage on a cruise ship in 2017. We probably won’t do another but at least we know what people are talking about now”.

The Waites are very keen to support the community, eat regularly at local restaurants and are members of the Aquatic Club.

They are avid readers, enjoy gardening and time with their grandchildren. John still plays golf twice a week in Melbourne and surfs in Lorne. Toni loves the ballet.

CW