Committee for Lorne: Community Profile – March 8, 2018

Anna grew up in Hamilton, the eldest of seven children, and went to a small local school until she joined the Macarthur Post Office as a part time telephonist. “In those days you did everything else as well – from washing the floors to serving at the counter.” She was transferred to Hamilton to a full time position but was still asked to do some relief work around the Western District. In 1969 she was moved to the Geelong Telephone Exchange.

In the summer of 1972, Anna came to Lorne as a relief telephonist. She and four other girls boarded with Meryl and Len Fulton. “I remember it so well. She had five small daughters, a husband operating a fishing boat and still the time to care for us so well, and of course that’s when I met Leon.” They were married in 1973.

Anna and Leon’s three children were born in the Lorne Hospital at the time Mary Stirling was a nurse. The Armisteads owned and operated the Caltex Service Station on Mountjoy Parade and lived on-site for 12 years before building their own home. Apart from the 12 years they lived in Geelong where they had a video shop, they have lived in it ever since.

Anna has a long list of community involvement. She is a life member of the Kindergarten, has served on the School Mothers Club and the Footy and Netball Club. She has been president of the reinstated Lorne Girl Guides years ago. She was a Lions Club lady for many years.

“I’ve never been really into sport but I believe I am the only winner of the Goanna Award from Badminton days but I attend the weekly exercises at the hospital and sometimes walk the dog.”

What Anna loves is craft. She knits and sews – mainly for their six grandchildren – and is a member of the Ladies Craft Group in Lorne which meets every week. She also loves the movies. Names like Michael Caine, Donald Sutherland and Kevin Costner roll easily off her tongue.

CW