Lorne Historical Society

Lorne Historical Society Timeline

  • 1900, Early meetings of Lorne Historical Society were held in the Library Hall.
  • 1968, LHS reformed, held a display in The Wild Colonial Club.
  • 1970, Winchelsea Shire support, exhibition in old Barber Shop and Billard Room.
  • 1989, Moved to the old Water Board building at 59 Mountjoy Parade.
  • 1998, Surf Coast Shire support, moved to Community House to 16 Mountjoy Parade.
  • 2014, Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre opened at Lorne Visitor Information Centre
  • 2019, Fishy Tales Exhibition opened in the old fish shop of the Co-op
  • 2020, Work began to build a modern facade LHS.
  • 2026, New facade officially opened.

The Lorne Historical Society had its origins in the old Library Hall on the corner of Smith and William streets, the site of the current police station.  Unfortunately, the collection of artefacts and memorabilia vanished, perhaps into a private collection.

The reformed historical society held its first meeting at the Lorne School on Tuesday, August 5, 1968, Mr Paul Birch president and secretary Mr Ian Gribble. The 16 members began the documentation of our current historical records, photographs and memorabilia.  Their work and research can be found in our publications, including the information published by Keith Cecil, Graham and Joan Wheal, Jean and Malcolm Graham.  The society was housed in the old Barber Shop and Billards Snooker next to the old Cumberland guesthouse.

Dorothy Smith watering the garden at LHS exhibition (LHS photo 3265)

In 1989 the LHS moved to the old Water Board building at 59 Mountjoy Parade (on ocean side of Mountjoy Parade). Jean and Malcolm Graham worked hard to record important Lorne events and stories, featured in the Geelong Advertiser until Malcolm sadly died in 2001.  This amazing volume of work was then recorded digitally and is available through the society.  It is a lasting testimony to his dedication, hard work and love of Lorne and its history.

1998, Lorne Historical Society Rooms. (LHS photo 63 L)

In 1998, the Surf Coast Shire asked the LHS to move from 59 Mountjoy Parade to its current location in the Community House. The LHS rooms at 59 Mountjoy Parade was formerly Lorne Water Board, when Lorne was part of Winchelsea Shire. The building originally believed to be Howard’s Bakery was demolished July 1999 to become The Ivy Baldry Walk.

LHS building (LHS photo B 389)

In 1999 the society moved to its current location at the Fig Tree Community House, 16 Mountjoy Parade.

New Façade for Lorne Historical Society

The LHS room in the Community House was felt to be dark and uninviting for visitors. The low-profile building greets Lorne visitors when they arrive in Lorne, after crossing the Erskine River Bridge, and looking up. Many people felt the building needed an upgrade to become a striking piece of architecture.

A community-led project of design and construction of a new façade with external cladding and a bay window was recommended after completing an investigation in May 2017 and were granted funding in the Surf Coast Shire 2017/2018 budget.

The project kicked off in early 2019 with confirmation of the required matching cash and in-kind support from the Lorne Historical Society and Lorne Mens Shed. The total project cost was $119,216 consisting of local community contributions $55.133 ($12,273 cash and $42,860 in-kind) and Council $64,083, including project management.

The end result proved to be an extremely positive and successful collaboration project with the local Lorne community. The façade was designed by co-architects Bob Sinclair and Chris Wood, members of the Men’s Shed. The modern design is intended to showcase the Historical Society, make the most ot the high-profile location and refresh the tired looking facility. The local community secured the timber material via a generous donation from Barwon Timber and members of the Men’s Shed worked together tirelessly to create the panels.

Located at the entry to Lorne the facility is in an extremely prominent location. welcoming all locals and visitors to the township as they travel the Great Ocean Road. In 2020, president of the Lorne Historical Society, Gary Allen, described the project as “wonderful”, noting the large bay window as a feature and an architectural highlight within the landscape. The Historical Society received much positive feedback, contributing to raising their profile. Congratulations and thanks to the Lorne Men’s shed and Kane Rogozik (Project Manager) on a very successful partnership. Thanks to the hard working community members, Peter Spring, Gary Allen, Bob Sinclair, Chris Wood, Cr Clive Goldsworthy and the Lorne Men’s Shed.

The Lorne Historical Society would like to thank the great contribution financially and in-kind support from many donors including:

  • Surf Coast Shire
  • Barwon Timber
  • Lorne & District Men’s Shed
  • John Orr & Sons
  • Bob Sinclair
  • Chris Wood
  • Ron Billard and Sally Payne
  • Paul and Maxine Spizzica
  • Paul and Jane Upton
  • Allan and Auden Walls

 

2026, Lorne Historical Society new facade

 

 

 

Historical Society Committee

Committee 2025 to 2026
President: Jan Spring
Vice President: Linton Ferguson
Secretary: Vicki Norton
Treasurer: Clive Goldsworthy
Heritage Committee Representative: Gary Allen
Casual Member: Marilyn Mackenzie
Casual Member: Janet Higgins

Committee 2024 to 2025
President: Jan Spring
Vice President: Linton Ferguson
Secretary: Vicki Norton
Treasurer: Clive Goldsworthy
Heritage Committee Representative: Gary Allen

Committee 2023 to 2024
President: Kevin Diviny
Vice President: Jan Spring
Secretary: Vicki Norton
Treasurer: Clive Goldsworthy

Sources:

  • Lorne Historical Society Collections
  • Surf Coast Shire Councillor Update (4 May 2020) D20/70572