A word from the Chairman – January 11, 2018

What a great start to summer in Lorne as the huge numbers of residents and visitors alike experience the summer vibe of the coast. Sun, beach, ice cream, cold refreshments, live music and outdoor living/exercise are all such an integral part of what makes Lorne so special at this time of the year, but there’s also another dimension that many will experience this year – “migration of our children”.

This year, I have experienced such a wide diversity of what our young ones are doing and no matter which direction our children are heading it is such a big step, such a life changing moment for so many and a time when a tear, or two, will be shed by loving parents. There are some that are travelling solo overseas to start a “gap year” at an international school, some are heading off for a year of work, others beginning trade careers and many continuing their education journey.

One of our adventurous young locals is about to enter the Australian Defence Forces, where she will complete her “gap year” and embark on an adventure so few have ever been tempted to experience – “you’re an inspiration, Dixie!” How good is it that our youth of today have such great opportunities to widen their horizons and be exposed to such varied life experiences and are so motivated to pursue their goals?

This weekend the world’s largest open water swim, Lorne’s very own Pier to Pub, takes centre stage in what is sure to be another absolute bumper of a weekend for the 37th running of the event, and for me, like so many others, it will be different. My youngest instead of competing, as she done every year since she was 12, will be completing her first week of university life on the Gold Coast. As the 5,000 swimmers charge down the 1.2 km course on Saturday afternoon I, like many, will be viewing the event full of emotions of a different kind, and awakening on Sunday morning with one less under our roof – my thoughts are with all who will be experiencing similar!

Whilst on the subject of water, I couldn’t not comment on the super achievements of our local law enforcers, Michael Atkinson and Russell Harrup, over the past week. While conducting patrols around the Cumberland River area they noticed two children being pulled out to sea by a rip. What unfolded in front them prompted action on their behalf to pull two children and their mother out of the ocean and back to the safety of the sand. An incredible feat for our mostly land-based officers and following the example set by Sergeant David Cooper a couple of years back with his St George River ocean rescues – great work by all.

Ian Stewart
Chairman – Committee for Lorne