Fireworks to return to Lorne after three year hiatus

THE popular Lorne fireworks will be back in town at New Years Eve, providing a huge boost for the local community as they bring in 2024.

The Committee for Lorne and Lorne Business and Tourism Association have teamed up to raise the funds to put the fireworks show back on at the Lorne Pier after a three-year hiatus.

The Surf Coast Shire Council chose not to renew the Lorne fireworks in 2022 after a two-year pandemic related absence.

The Shire’s general manager of place making and environment Chris Pike, flagged the cost of outlay for the one-off spectacle could be better allocated to other priorities within the town at the time.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has been “very supportive” of the return of the fireworks and has agreed to finance the structure and safety and security around the Lorne Pier.

Committee for Lorne chair, John Higgins said the fireworks were a “real important feature of New Years Eve in Lorne.”

“Fireworks was one of the things the community had flagged on their Christmas wish-list.

“People really look forward to them.

“The last few years, people have taken matters into their own hands and lit fireworks themselves, which is certainly a health and safety issue.

“We wanted to find a way to bring it back in a safe way.

“The pier will be locked off, the fireworks will be lit at the end of it, and it will be done by professionals, helping to inhibit the risk.

“It’s a sign off and celebration of the year, but also a symbol of hope and expectation and enthusiasm for the new year.

“It’s very exciting.”

Mr Higgins said the Committee for Lorne and Lorne Business and Tourism Association have launched a GoFundMe to give the opportunity to offset some of the costs

“We’ve seen some really good support from the local community and businesses.

“We are encouraging people who want to see the fireworks to put their money where their mouth is and contribute however big or small.”

The Lorne fireworks will be held across two shows, one at 9pm and the other at midnight.

To donate towards the GoFundMe, head to gofund.me/2725a04a