Lorne duo receive prestigious community award

COMMITTED Lorne residents Clive and Lesley Goldsworthy have been recognised for their efforts in the community, announced as the latest recipients of the prestigious Doug and Mary Stirling Cup.

The pair were congratulated at a special ceremony at Stribling Reserve on Friday last week in front of more than 140 people including friends, family and other community representatives.

Mr Goldsworthy said he and his wife were honoured to receive the award.

“We were quite humbled by the award, but then as some people said, we’ve just got to look back at our track record the past 12 years and have said we deserve it.

“It was a great day, having everyone there, and in my acceptance speech I noted it wasn’t just the volunteering we did that made Lorne a great place, there are so many others that volunteer as well.

“That’s what makes Lorne such a great place, people are always willing to get together and help each other.”

The cup is awarded every two years, recognising outstanding community service.

 

 

It is named after the initial recipients of the award, Doug and Mary Stirling.

Doug, one of Lorne’s oldest residents at 102 years old, met with Clive and Lesley to congratulate them on receiving the award.

As part of their selection, the Committee for Lorne noted the impact of Clive and Lesley in sectors such as education, community, business, culture and the arts, health, environment and sport.

 

 

Mr Goldsworthy, who moved to Lorne permanently in 2010, said he is very lucky to be a part of the Lorne community and will continue to look for new ways to help the town alongside his wife.

“We’re incredibly lucky to be here, we feel extremely privileged to have live here for so long.

“It was lovely speaking to Doug, too; he has an incredible mind and attitude on so many things, he’s such a character and no one other Lorne residents than he and Mary should have their names attached to the award.”

 

 

Clive and Lesley’s accomplishments locally are wide-ranging.

Clive served as a councillor in the Lorne Ward in the Surf Coast Shire for eight years, was president of the Lorne Country Club for a decade and was treasurer of the Lorne Football Netball Club for 11 years.

Lesley also helped revitalise and save Lorne Seniors Citizens (now Lorne Community Connect), instigated the Snappers group at the LAAC and has been a major advocate in welcoming new residents.

The Goldsworthys are the third couple presented jointly with the cup out of the six awarded to date.