Torquay Library to celebrate local business stories

THE Torquay Library will champion local entrepreneurs who started, grew and thrived on the Surf Coast at their new Local Business Profile event series, which begins on August 24.

The first event in the series ‘Surfing World with Sean Doherty’ features world famous surf writer Sean Doherty.

Mr Doherty took over Surfing World Magazine during the depths of the pandemic in early 2020 and has carried on the rich history of the world’s longest running surfing magazine right from his spare room in Jan Juc.

Balancing his love for surf writing with several of his own day jobs, Mr Doherty’s story is one of courage, determination, and vision.

Mr Doherty said he was looking forward to chatting about the trials and tribulations of managing the magazine for the last three years.

“Surfing World has always felt like a bit of a community project.

“It’s been produced in my back room in Jan Juc and the first year of running it particularly felt very local because we all couldn’t go anywhere.

“We were telling local stories from Torquay, but now everyone is out and about again travelling, it’s changed once again and is evolving.

“This little business runs as a bit of a side hustle for me with my current day job, so maybe the conversations and questions from the audience might head towards passion projects and fitting them in.

“I love libraries and it feels like Surfing World is a bit of a community project so to go in the library and chat about it is pretty cool.”

Geelong Regional Libraries chief executive officer Vanessa Schernickau said she looked forward to celebrating local business stories and successes like Surfing World Magazine.

“At Geelong Regional Libraries part of our purpose is to support local businesses and start-ups and help to create resilient local economies and communities.

“The Local Business Profile series is a great chance for anyone thinking about starting a small business to be inspired by local success stories in a familiar and welcoming setting.

“The Surf Coast community is renowned for supporting local endeavours and this series at Torquay Library showcases the collaborative local spirit and will provide some practical tips.”

The Surfing World with Sean Doherty event is free to attend, however bookings are recommended.

The hour-long seminar will kick off at 6:30pm.

To book, visit https://events.grlc.vic.gov.au/event/8858489